Visiting Compton Abbas - Routing?

[TotalBeginner]

I'm hoping to visit Compton Abbas from Duxford soon, but not sure what routing would be best.

So far I have....

DCT BKY DCT BPK DCT EGTB

and then I'm stuck. I'm just not sure of the best way to route through the mish-mash of danger areas, ATZ's and parachute dropping sites :{ :{

Any suggestions?

[ThePirateKing]

You don't say if it's a week day or a weekend.

If you can get above 3407 feet, you can just go over the top of the Boscombe CMATZ. If you route TB->Thruxton->Boscombe, you will remain clear of the danger areas.

If it's a week day, Boscombe will provide a DACS if appropriate, and probably a MATZ penetration, though they may not let you into their ATZ.

I did a similar routing yesterday. Blackbushe->Thruxton->Boscombe Down->westward. I was actually at FL60 once clear of Basingstoke, so didn't have to talk to anyone. But had a nice chat with a chappy in a helicopter operating somewhere close to Boscombe! :-)

[pulse1]

I've done EGHA to EGSU and back several times during the week and usually route Chilbolton, CPT, WCO, Woburn to Duxford. It requires MATZ penetration at Middle Wallop and Benson but this is not usually a problem.

At a weekend I would route direct over Boscombe and Thruxton to cut the corner a bit.

[DaveW]

If you want to make it even simpler, go North of the Salisbury Plain Danger Areas (via CPT if you want) and hang a left at the Westbury White Horse.

Admittedly that puts about 10nm on your PLOG, and the training/experience benefit is reduced, but the route has slightly fewer complications.

How about going one way and returning the other?

[SFCC]

If you are indeed a 'total beginner', what is the fascination with going beacon to beacon?:confused:

[Knight Paladin]

SFCC - Because people can show off how cool they are by listing a route as if they're filling in a flight plan, it makes them look big and clever.....

Be aware that Boscombe Down is generally still active at the weekends, and although you'll probably be given a blanket MATZ penetration (although remaining clear of the ATZ), you will still find a relatively high traffic density around that area - Tutors from the UAS/AEF at Boscombe and GA from Old Sarum, Thruxton, and Boscombe, as well as all the other people en-route to Compton Abbas!

If it's your first time visiting Compton Abbas I'd definately recommend approaching from the North, as it's notoriously difficult to identify from the South, despite the strobe!

[Contacttower]

I would steer clear of the two beacons. That gap between Heathrow, Luton and Stansted can be very congested and I rather suspect that a lot of people hop VOR to VOR...with the low class A ceiling above you it is potentially a collision point. Ask Luton for a zone transit...it means you don't have to worry about infringing and you'll be safer inside CAS.

If the weather is good enough to go over Boscombe MATZ then do...then just route direct to Compton Abbas from there. If you can't go through the overhead of either Boscombe or Middle Wallop then most people route via Chilbolton...which is easy to identify because there is a satellite dish there.

There is a lot traffic in the Boscombe area...from the four busy airfields inside the CMATZ but Boscombe (126.7) are used to dealing with it.

Just watch out for Apaches hiding behind hills! :eek:

If at the weekend route through Thruxton overhead, remain above Boscombe ATZ because it might be active.

[TotalBeginner]

Because people can show off how cool they are by listing a route as if they're filling in a flight plan, it makes them look big and clever.....

Wrong!

If you are indeed a 'total beginner', what is the fascination with going beacon to beacon?

I'm not about to enter a whole debate about RAD NAV/GPS bla bla etc etc. Lets just say that I find it a useful back-up. Tracking a VOR isn't rocket science, It's part of the JAR PPL(A) syllabus and there's no reason why radio nav shouldn't be used in conjunction with DR. I do however appreciate the "honey-pot" theory which is very valid.

Thanks for the advice about Chilbolton! Just looked on Google Earth and looks like it would make a good turning point.

If you want to make it even simpler, go North of the Salisbury Plain Danger Areas (via CPT if you want) and hang a left at the Westbury White Horse.

Doesn't this bring you a bit close to Keevil?

[Knight Paladin]

So why not just say Duxford - Barkway - Brookman's Park - Booker ?

Easier to understand AND you don't end up looking like a tool. Everyone wins!

[Contacttower]

Doesn't this bring you a bit close to Keevil?

It does...if you want a good landmark Keevil is great, a nice triangular asphalt airfield that is difficult to miss. But it is often active with gliders.

Routing north of Salisbury plain isn't necessary, it would be much quicker to go through the Boscombe MATZ.

[TotalBeginner]

So why not just say Duxford - Barkway - Brookman's Park - Booker ?

1) It saves time.

2) I think everyone realises that BKY is the VOR - BRAVO KILO YANKEE and don't need it spelled out to them. It also makes it clear that my intended route is via the radio aid "Barkway" and not the place "Barkway".

I think your remarks are rather frivolous. It explained clearly what my intention was. And considering that this is the "Professional Pilots Rumour Network", anyone with a valid contribution to this thread would know exactly what it meant.

Thanks for your help everyone :ok: I think this thread is done now!

[Knight Paladin]

:ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh:

Yes, most people reading this will know what you mean (although may have to look up the ICAO identifier for Booker), but there's no need. Especially for the 'DCT' malarkey. Be honest - you were trying to show off your aeronautical jargon, which just wasn't called for. Flightplan - yes, here - no. Tool.

If you're that much of a professional pilot you should be easily capable of coming up with your own damn route. If you really wanted to save time you'd just pick your own route, hardly rocket science me old.

[TotalBeginner]

If you're that much of a professional pilot you should be easily capable of coming up with your own damn route.

The word "professional" doesn't mean "know it all" and you don't have to hold a professional license to be a professional pilot.

Be honest - you were trying to show off your aeronautical jargon, which just wasn't called for.

Again, hardly jargon in a pilots forum. :ugh::ugh::ugh: Why do you have such a bee in your bonnet about this. Quite funny really! :E

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Jetscream 32]

ok - so when you have got in the circuit at compton - prepare yourself for a grass strip landing, in that, expect a few bounces, expect a little curlover from the tree's but nothing at all to worry about and expect to see some very lovely young ladies and a very, very busy restaurant..... and whilst your down here why not grab one of us, to show you round down on the jurassic coast - including lulworth cove, old harry rocks and brownsea island etc....

it would be rude to come all the way from dux down to compers and not do the local sights on the coast...... :E - but dont ask for me unless you want to do it low level - within rule 5 of course - (just - ish) :=

[englishal]

SFCC - Because people can show off how cool they are by listing a route as if they're filling in a flight plan, it makes them look big and clever.....
Umm....no, because when squeezing between airspace etc., it is good airmanship to backup VFR with navaids, probably nothing to do with "looking cool" (what an odd thing to say?:rolleyes:)...

I'd go through Boscombe, they always give a Matz penetration in my experience, and at the weekend there is no MATZ. Watch out for GA north of Old Sarum on the weekend, and probably aerobatic up to 5k or so...During the week traffic arriving at OS join at Alderbury VRP at about 1000'. Chilbolton is an easy VRP due to the big radio telescope there.

If you're going to look at Lulworth cove give Plymouth Ops a call before you go (number on the chart) and simply ask them if D026 and the one next to it (Else you may get an SBS bullet through your wing :E) are hot or cold - can also ask them about the Lyme Bay DA's if you want to go all the way around Portland. If they are cold, which they normally will be on the weekend and often during the week - (hint, Thursdays they are often hot) you can fly right along the Jurrasic Coast at 500'....Good fun, but watch for the SAR chopper from Portland which is sometimes doing the same (but lower) and paragliders off "White Nothe" (stay a little bit offshore).

Compton Abbas is great, good food, though the runway can occasionally be like a plowed field (or it used to be). Nice airfield though, and a great stop for lunch. Some nice pubs in Shaftsbury too ;)

[Knight Paladin]

Al - Wasn't objecting to him backing up his nav with navaids (although I'd still say it smacks of pretty poor basic teaching if you're doing it on a ginners day), my issue was with listing the route like a flightplan - beacon idents, ICAO codes, and 'DCT's. Just seems rather pathetic to me!

TB - Agree with you about professionalism, but I don't think listing a VFR route as if you're filling in a flightplan makes you 'professional'!

[Contacttower]

Just seems rather pathetic to me!



Actually had TotalBeginner not listed the three letter codes for each VOR I wouldn't have understood. I don't know the full names of the three VORs that sit between Luton, Stansted and Heathrow...but I recognise their codes because they are all so similar. Also as he says it means there is no confusion between the beacon itself and the general area.

Honestly Knight Paladin I don't really see your point.

[Knight Paladin]

Evidently I'm in the minority. Probably better get back to kicking small animals and bullying children.....

[TotalBeginner]

Just out of interest, does anyone know if there are any camping facilities near the airfield (within walking distance)?

[SFCC]

Camping?

Blimey...you are made of sterner stuff than the rest of us.

My motor is covered in frost as I sit and type this!:eek:

[Knight Paladin]

If you camp next to a beacon the radiation might help you keep warm.......

[TotalBeginner]

Camping? My motor is covered in frost as I sit and type this!

Not for this time of year. :eek::eek: I was just thinking of destinations for the summer.

Although there are SOME (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-4m8kUCEiQ) brave enough for it. :uhoh:

[SpeedbirdXK8]

Not as far as I am aware but Shaftesbury is only a five minute taxi drive away, plenty of hotels and pubs and the home of the Hovis Ad or Two Ronnies. Great field to visit, fantastic views and great people running the show. The Yak Display Team are based there and often out and about so watch out!. Also look out for events this year. I understand they are hosting two Piper open days, the Jungmann Tea Party (fly-in) and a Big Boys Toys Day (i.e. Sunseaker, Aston Martin, Piper etc will be there to show off their hardware). Found the details at www.insuring.aero:ok:

[pulse1]

Not to mention the "French Connection" Fly in if you operate anything appropriate like a Robin, Emeraude, Condor or Jodel.

[TotalBeginner]

Thanks everyone, great stuff!

[SpeedbirdXK8]

TB - just remember why your learnt to fly and to enjoy your flying. Compton is not difficult to find and if you are unsure of anything then call ops and they will be very happy to answer any questions.

[ThePirateKing]

Crikey. The bloke only asked for help on a routing.

I for one applaud the precision and accuracy of his communication. Better than all this long-winded stuff that leads to confusion. BPK, BKY, BNN - these mean one thing and one thing only.

And, if I were navigating around that particular airspace, I'd make damned sure I was following a VOR radial and not tracking to some mis-identified lake inside someone's zone.

Now, how about we all calm down and focus on more important things like world hunger and global warming (or, heaven forbid, answering a fellow pilot's question and helping pass on our infinite wisdom) instead of bashing a bloke because he said "BNN" instead of "Bovingdon".

Jesus Christ, what is the ******* world coming to?

By the way, "Duncan", I'm sorry to see you were so traumatised by this use of an abbreviation that you felt the need to sign up to the site purely to criticise. You and your buddy "Knight Paladin" really need to get out more.

[TotalBeginner]

Makes me sad when i see guys or girls brush off GA like it is a means to an end

In my case your assumption is wrong. GA is not some stepping stone to be completed ASAP. It's my hobby, my passion and I work all the hours god sends to keep it going. You shouldn't assume that all GA pilots are heading for the airlines/commercial route. :rolleyes:

[Woodenwonder]

At weekends and public hols, listen on 122.75 (Salisbury Plain Ops), and a continuous tape will tell you if you can cross the Plain without collecting howitzer shells on the way!

[Mike Cross]

My 2c worth.

I'm based at Popham and tend to avoid CAS when going to either Duxford or CA.

From Duxford I'd go Woburn, Oxford (aim for Cowley which is on the eastern edge and easy to spot) Newbury, Chilbolton (Radio telescope, easy to spot) Alderbury VRP, Compton Abbas

That's a low level VFR route with nothing complicated about it and good ground features.

At a weekend you're unlikely to get an answer from Boscombe so it will be blind calls inside the CMATZ to let their flying club know what you're up to.

If the weather's good you can then start trying to cut some of the corners to shorten the route.

Try to be approaching CA from the Northern side. There is a large dark wood running along the south side of the a/d and a strobe beacon which shows up well against it.

[Mariner9]

From Duxford I'd go Woburn, Oxford (aim for Cowley which is on the eastern edge and easy to spot) Newbury, Chilbolton (Radio telescope, easy to spot) Alderbury VRP, Compton Abbas

That's a low level VFR route with nothing complicated about it and good ground features.

At a weekend you're unlikely to get an answer from Boscombe so it will be blind calls inside the CMATZ to let their flying club know what you're up to.

Careful Mike, you'll annoy the jargon police :ok:

[TotalBeginner]

Thanks Mike, quite like the sound of that route :ok:

[TractorBoy]

I haven't been through that VOR-VOR corridor under Stansted yet, but I'd thought simply following the A10 from Royston - M25 junction (remembering to duck under the 1500 zone) would be safer - much better visual clues and avoids everyone else who will be using the beacons.

I'd also have thought it was safer than tracking the VORs - personally, I'd be wary of relying on using VORs as turning points unless equipped with a DME.

Just my two'penneth worth anyway.....

[englishal]

Alderbury VRP
My only comment about this is that unless you know what you are looking for, it is a bugger to find. Use the roads to find it (there is a sort of junction there) or use GPS.....

[TheOddOne]

I did a load of training at Compton Abbas a few years ago and reckon to have approached it from most angles and weather conditions. It is notoriously difficult to find, especially from the South (coming back from Bournemouth).

Actually, I reckon the easiest is directly from the East, round the SE corner of the Boscombe zone, then past Salisbury. If you follow the gently rising ridge, you'll find Compton Abbas at the top of it.

The GPS of course washes all these issues away. I guess all the posters above (and me!) just like to do it the old-fashioned way, looking out of the window and feeling some sense of achievement when you find your goal. Any mug can punch in the co-ordinates and hit 'go to'.

TheOddOne

[Mike Cross]

Alderbury VRP is easy to spot if you know what to look for.

Approaching from Chilbolton you'll be flying along a shallow valley. On your left will be an ammunition depot. It has a narrow-gauge railway loop running round it with sidings disappearing into the base of the ridge on your left. To your right is another ridge. Salisbury Cathedral will be readily visible in your 2 o'clock.

Crossing the end of the valley in front of you is the main Southampton-Salisbury road and there is a very distinctive road bridge crossing it. That bridge is at the southern end of Alderbury village.

[gyrotyro]

Sorry, but it appears to me as if people have lost the ability to read a chart !

Not wishing to sound arrogant but it is not that difficult to plan a trip, the info is all on the chart and if the pilot needs a little help about negotiating a zone then a quick call to London info would suffice.

Part of the joy of aviation is the pre flight planning. Get the chart out on the floor and find a green chinagraph to mark the route. (Green is the only colour not used by the map makers for lines)

Ten minutes and you should have your route.

Back to basics and improve those map reading skills.

Now where was I ? Oh yes, temporarily unsure of my position.

Hello Croyden , Hello Croyden.

[ThePirateKing]

Not wishing to sound arrogant

Well, that didn't work out as well as you'd planned, eh?

To the OP (whoever the hell you are, I've lost track now)... just point your aeroplane straight at Compton from Duxford. Seems like asking for help is verboten together with using abbreviations. When the CAA ring you up for a chat you can just tell them that your map reading wasn't up to skill and people on the internet were too up their own arses to help.

How shameful of you to ask for a little help! I can't believe everyone's not perfect at everything.

:ugh::yuk:

[Mike Cross]

Hello Croyden , Hello Croyden.

Where's Croyden then?

[englishal]

pilot needs a little help about negotiating a zone then a quick call to London info would suffice.
Cool, I didn't realise that London Info provided Zone Transits...Must give them a call on a busy saturday afternoon and ask them ;)

[gyrotyro]

Probably in the same place as your sense of humour.

Ask your grand dad.