Out of interest, what could a radio service (such as Stapleford) be able to offer?
Originally Posted by
alex90
Please correct me if I am wrong - but I am pretty sure that Stapleford only has Air-Ground. The only service they are able to provide is an "Air-Ground Communication Service". This means that they are able to talk to you from a ground based radio, pass airfield information, tell you about any traffic that is known to them, along with any other information they feel appropriate for your flight. It is important however, that Air-Ground operators are not generally allowed to "clear" anyone to do "anything", although they may tell you to do something, it is at the pilot's discretion to follow any instructions given by an air-ground operator. (although generally, they have a pretty good idea what's going on, are pilots themselves, and actually do a very good job at helping you)
In other words, a BASIC service - i.e., no traffic information, no clearance, just information which may or may not be of assistance for your flight - (e.g.) weather conditions....