WR
I'm just a simple soul who has tried to get a word in on the Solent frequency when inbound or outbound to/from SOU.
With the advent of Flybe's operation at SOU, IFR traffic inside controlled airspace has increased to unprecedented levels. I just don't want someone, who doesn't need to talk to Solent blocking the frequency when I'm downwind for runway 20 at 2000 FT in IMC, with 90 plus other souls, ending up outside controlled airspace because the controller cannot get the base leg heading change in. It has happened, fortunately with the controller getting through just in time to stop me mixing it with the microlights and the other multitude of traffic at Popham.
It might have appeared in the past to be a good idea to make a courtesy call to Solent, it is no longer. Remember that you may at some time be one of those souls strapped in with me doing 160+ kts downwind, via the Popham circuit onto the ILS.
Unless you need emergency assistance, if you plan to remain outside controlled airspace, stay outside and enjoy the freedom that Class G airspace gives you.
If you are operating under the base of the Solent CTA, get the current Southampton QNH from the ATIS (VOR 113.350), please do not go scooting along at 100 FT below the base on the Regional Pressure setting, using it you can invariably end up in side and on the wrong end of an Airprox or airspace violation report.
PS PA7, assume that you are a Vagabond?