For the leg to Norwich:
1 - As already said, call as early as possible, radar coverage is out to 40nm Radius of Norwich, so anywhere between 40 - 30 miles is fine. ATC will not give you navigational assistance unless you ask for it, but if you're having problems let them know
straight away. Providing you've shown that you're using all the facilities available to you to get yourself out of pickle, they very rarely put it on the QXC form or tell anyone else.
2 -
Do not ask for an overhead join - they're very rarely permitted due to the complexity of the traffic situation with Coltishall.
3 - Unless the wind is a strong NE'ly or SW'ly, expect to be told that runway 27 or 09 is in use. On weekday's runway 22 is rarely used for landing because of the proximity of the approach path to the Coltishall runway 22 climb out lane. (If you think you may not be able to accept 27/09, let atc know when you ring before setting off, and they'll do their utmost to fit you in on runway 22).
Departures on runway 22 are rarely a problem.
4 - For runway 27, expect to join direct to left base rather than downwind. For runway 09, expect to join downwind right hand. ATC do their best to fit QXC flights in with no delay, but sometimes delays are required.
5 - Once you've landed, don't vacate the runway until instructed, as has been previously mentioned there are several taxi routes and you may be sent via an alternative route due to opposite direction taxying a/c. If you're parked on a remote stand, a marshaller and transport will always meet you, and take you back again.
6 - If it's a nice day, expect the world and their dog to be out between Harwich and Norwich, civvies, military and others.
7 - Expect the R/T to be very busy, but try not let this spook you, I know it can be a bit intimidating, but try and stay cool, and if in doubt ask for the message to be repeated - ATC don't expect perfection.
8 - Enjoy.
