EGQA Tain weapons range
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EGQA Tain weapons range
The ICAO code EGQA is mentioned in the AIP - section GEN 2.4. This confuses me: there is no longer an active aerodrome, or is there? Could it be that the code indicates a weather station or reporting point?
I don't think you actually have to be an airfield to have an ICAO code, although I may be wrong. I'm sure the old LTCC at West Drayton had an ICAO code as they are used for flight planning purposes so those requiring flight plan information need an ICAO designator. Standing by to be corrected however.........
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As far as I can see, weapons firing ranges in U.K. with an ICAO code publish a METAR, but not a TAF.
If a METAR is sent from an accredited observer (but not necessarily from an automated source*), the Met Office at Exeter generates a TAF automatically.
First METAR of the day the computer will analyze the result and PREPARE a TAF and when the next one comes in it will be distributed.
*An automated source which does not have a human observer present MAY not be 'approved' for distribution; you'll have check this with the Met Office and likewise if the METAR comes from another company such at Netweather or WeatherPro.
First METAR of the day the computer will analyze the result and PREPARE a TAF and when the next one comes in it will be distributed.
*An automated source which does not have a human observer present MAY not be 'approved' for distribution; you'll have check this with the Met Office and likewise if the METAR comes from another company such at Netweather or WeatherPro.
I don't recollect seeing Tain EGQA on the Northern England, Ireland, Scotland Metars and Tafs. Range is often active.
Kinloss has Metar but not Taf.
Tain is long closed as a military airfield but is used by local microlights
Kinloss is now Army.
Kinloss has Metar but not Taf.
Tain is long closed as a military airfield but is used by local microlights
Kinloss is now Army.
If you are correct someone needs to tell the RAF.
They list Tain as an air Danger Area covered by EG D703; Surface up to 15,000 sometimes 22,OOO. If you search for the danger area on your chart you will find it, then refer to its associated notes
They list Tain as an air Danger Area covered by EG D703; Surface up to 15,000 sometimes 22,OOO. If you search for the danger area on your chart you will find it, then refer to its associated notes
I had made it clear that the RAF still listed TAIN as active and also gave the reference. Below, additionally, is the entry in the UK AIP. Both these sources can be taken as more accurate and reliable than "I think" or "I thought":
EG D703 TAIN
575224N 0033030W - 575054N 0034630W - 574500N 0035500W - 574500N 0040254W - 575136N 0040812W - 580324N 0034436W - 580700N 0033700W - 580300N 0033000W - 575224N 0033000W - 575224N 0033030W
Vertical Limits: OCNL notification to ALT 22000.
Activity: Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives / Unmanned Aircraft System (VLOS/BVLOS) / High Energy Manoeuvres / Para Dropping / Electronic/Optical Hazards.
Service: DACS: Tain Range on 122.750 MHz when open. DAAIS: Tain Range on 122.750 MHz when open; at other times Scottish Information on 134.850 MHz.
Contact: Pre-flight information / Booking: Range ATC, Tel: 01862-892185 Ext 4945.
Remarks: Aircraft wishing to use Dornoch or Easter Aerodromes during range opening hours are to contact Tain Range on 122.750 MHz prior to entering the range. Associated aircraft operations outside area boundary. SI 1940/684. UAS BVLOS will not be conducted above 2000 FT ALT.
Danger Area Authority: DIO.
Hours: Mon-Thu 0900-2200 (0800-2100), Fri 0900-1400 (0800-1300); and as activated by NOTAM
EG D703 TAIN
575224N 0033030W - 575054N 0034630W - 574500N 0035500W - 574500N 0040254W - 575136N 0040812W - 580324N 0034436W - 580700N 0033700W - 580300N 0033000W - 575224N 0033000W - 575224N 0033030W
Vertical Limits: OCNL notification to ALT 22000.
Activity: Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives / Unmanned Aircraft System (VLOS/BVLOS) / High Energy Manoeuvres / Para Dropping / Electronic/Optical Hazards.
Service: DACS: Tain Range on 122.750 MHz when open. DAAIS: Tain Range on 122.750 MHz when open; at other times Scottish Information on 134.850 MHz.
Contact: Pre-flight information / Booking: Range ATC, Tel: 01862-892185 Ext 4945.
Remarks: Aircraft wishing to use Dornoch or Easter Aerodromes during range opening hours are to contact Tain Range on 122.750 MHz prior to entering the range. Associated aircraft operations outside area boundary. SI 1940/684. UAS BVLOS will not be conducted above 2000 FT ALT.
Danger Area Authority: DIO.
Hours: Mon-Thu 0900-2200 (0800-2100), Fri 0900-1400 (0800-1300); and as activated by NOTAM
Tain Airfield is long closed. My post also said: Range is often active." When flying, I always check the NOTAMs for weekdays when it is inactive (seldom) and weekends when it is active (a few times per decade). I have found the Range radio very helpful during active hours, but with an hour or so with nothing booked.
But Tain Airfield is not as available for your Airbus/Boeing as Gimli now.
But Tain Airfield is not as available for your Airbus/Boeing as Gimli now.
