Flying out of Gamston I am also affected by the Donny CTR or should I say not affected by the Donny CTR. There is plenty of room to go round it at below 2000ft/1500ft and there is a "listening watch" squawk (6170 ) so the work load is not necessarily increased for the GA pilot. If a Basic (or higher) Service is required the controllers are usually very helpful even when dealing with many transiting GA aircraft plus the occasional Commercial arrival/departure.
On balance I find Doncaster an extra tool in the provision of assistance if and when required along with Waddington, Humberside and East Mids in our local area. We are are very lucky to have these facilities available for free.You don't have to talk to them unless you need to. I find you can glean traffic information, pressure settings, restrictions etc by just listening to the frequencies, especially when they are busy with transiting GA aircraft and can't get a word in edge-ways. I often listen to 2 frequencies just to maintain my situational awareness.
Last edited by funflier44; 21st August 2010 at 07:20.