Blackpool (again!)

[MyData]

Hi all.

I'm looking to take a couple of friends flying in the coming weekends. Blackpool looks like a good destination as there is something recognisable for them to see (the tower of course!). This would be a great opportunity for me to get another land away logged.

However, having read the comments posted here recently it looks like landing at Blackpool could be more hassle than its worth...

Reading Pooley's there are various landing fees based on weight, then a statement of 'Min invoice £35.25' - mmm... looks pricey.

I'd also want to stop for the regulation burger and tea - I guess this means going into the terminal. How or what would I then need for me and the passengers to get back airside (photo ID + PPL licence?).

Is Warton active on Sundays? What is the typical procedure for approach - do I call Warton and state intentions and then do they hand over to Blackpool App or Radar?

Finally - are all runways generally in use or is 10/28 the main attraction regardless of wind?

If I decide not to land at Blackpool are there any other local customs to be aware of if I just want to fly past the tower and locality?

Thanks in anticipation for your replies.

[denhamflyer]

They are quite helpful, but, you will probaly want to park by fylde park.

You then walk around the hangar and exit at the fire station gate. You collect your "ticket" - essential if you want to get back in. Then walk around the front and go back into the terminal. The Info desk will talk you fee, probably around that amount - I think I paid a little less recently...

Your ticket will then get you airside - you WILL probably need to remove shoes belts etc. and contrary to other opinion be polite and there will be no hassle. You can then gain access to the cafe before boarding :O . You will then be escorted outside.

Most of the beach in inside their ATZ so plan on landing or asking.

[MichaelJP59]

I've flown Sheffield->Blackpool a few times, no problems, always found it welcoming.

I've only been in the week where I usually get a service across the moors from Leeds, then switch to Warton, who then as you pass abeam will usually hand you over to Blackpool Tower. Not sure about weekends but I guess try Warton first.

I think the landing fee was around 20UKP. You have to go back through security when you return airside so that means the usual rules apply (photo-ID) and you have to take your shoes off etc. It's usually very quiet so should be OK unless 100 pax turn up just as you do!

I've used 10/28 and 07/25, depends on ATC. Leaving eastbound they always seem to give me the instruction "remain north of the M55".

[Jinkster]

michealjp59 is correct.

regards to id - i would take passports as they generally work around airports :p

[MyData]

would take passports

I'd be happy to take my own, but would I need my passengers to do the same? Its a serious question, it might become more hassle than it is worth.

Compare and contrast with GA access to / from Leeds Bradford which is so much easier...

[maxdrypower]

Mydata , I have flown to blackpool on a number of occasions both for sightseeing and landing trips. I have always found wharton to be spot on even when their launching EFA's and hawks at you like scud s. If you give Blackpool aring prior to coming in wharton will be waiting for your call , they will then tell you when to qsy to blackpool tower rather than you tell them . For sighsteeing purposes the best plan of attack is skirt north of wharton to fleetwood and then follow the beach right down the golden mile past the tower when you see the plesasure beach keep it on your left and that is almost a final approach assunimg they are on that runway . The A/F is clearly visible all the way down the golden mile the land curves left where the estuary is and the A/F is stuck in corner. Wharton can be active at weekends but in the main it isnt , however woodvale is south of blackpool and the UAS and air cadets do fly out of it most weekends . I have always found blackpool very accomodating and pleasant if not a bit costly , but havent been there since the security scrares . Beter still give blackpool a miss and head west and land at caernarfon much more scenic and lovely , cheaper landing fees and nicer food

[MyData]

maxdrypower (and others!) thanks for the comments so far.

Caernarfon sounds like a good option - that was next on my list if Blackpool is too much hassle (although at the moment it doesn't seem insurmountable). Now the next question, if flying to Caernarfon is: to fly over Snowdonia or to skirt around the north coast? I guess if it is a CAVOK day then over the tops must be breathtaking.

BTW I'll be flying from Sheffield FWIW.

[Microfright]

You could land at Knott End for free on Pilling sands (tides permitting) and have a nice cuppa at the seafront cafe. :)

A google search for pilling sands brings up some good photos.

[cessna l plate]

I have to agree about the hassle at Blackpool. I went back seating with some freinds a while back, and it was just a pain, pure and simple. If you are adamant that you want to go to Blackpool, then I am led to believe that there is a discount on landing fees for training flights (If you know what I mean), but I still think a good lump of £20 for landing a tad steep.

CAE is probably the best alternative. Sam that runs the place is a top guy, the food is good, landing fees reasonable, and as for your passengers looking at something tangible, from Sheffield, over the moors to the coast, get a FIS from LPL and track down the coast, no other navigation required, and you can quite easily make out the Sun Centre at Rhyl, the cable Cars at Llandudno, and at the Menai Bridge call CAE. Simple. Depending on the runway in use, there is a great approach over the beach!!!!

[MichaelJP59]

Caernarfon also has a nice little aviation museum, which I visited earlier this year, much better than I expected.

As usual though, I reckon you'll have to wait for the weather then decide which point of the compass to head for:)

[denhamflyer]

Not sure why people are saying blackpool is a pain re id. Last two trips (post scare) I had no id - no problem - just the ticket you are given upon exit. With 3 pax.

Second time round they did notice I had less passangers than I arrived with - but no hassle! Just the usual security scan - I even had a usual toiletries etc in my bags. However you could get a bad day and I would suggest leaving any potentially controversial items on board and just take the minimum through security.

They really were helpful - and people should not be put off going there.

[maggioneato]

I suppose it must depend on who is on duty. I don't go to Blackpool any more after the last visit, there are nicer places to go. The photo ID I had with me was not acceptable, they wanted my PPL, which I don't carry, and am not obliged to carry on a domestic flight, yet in the end they accepted a drivers licence which we had to be escorted airside to get, with no photo, it could really have belonged to anyone. We didn't give them any aggro, no point. I don't mind them X-raying my stick of rock or having to empty my pockets, but they don't seem to be very consistant with security, and after all we could have got up to all sorts of mischief on the way in from the Fylde park. Caernarfon is a much better option, and the scenery on a nice day is fantastic. Lovely friendly airfield.