Flight from The Netherlands into Blackbushe

[ArcherIII]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum, and have already read some usefull in formation using the search function.

I'm planning to fly VFR from Hilversum, the Netherlands to Blackbushe within a few weeks.

To get things straight, I would like to be sure on the procedures, as EGLK is in a pretty busy piece of airspace!

My routing will be pretty straightforward, from DVR to DET, BIG and OCK VOR's. If I understand correctly, Farnborough Radar is the unit to talk to from DET onwards, and they will also give the clearance to cross the EGLF ATZ? I would be approaching the ATZ from the SE to avoid the danger areas NE of EGLF.

Then, correct me if I'm wrong, EGLK has an overhead joining procedure (we don't have that a lot here in The Netherlands!) and mid-downwind joining is to be avoided.

Ofcourse I will also contact EGLK beforehand for a briefing and the PPR, but I was wondering if any of you can help me with some practical tips!

Thanks a lot!

[BackPacker]

I did the exact same thing about a year ago, although I departed Rotterdam instead of Hilversum.

I climbed to FL45 as soon as I was clear of the Schiphol TMA and stayed there until feet dry over dover. My routing was EHRD - COA - KOK - KONAN (is the reporting point at the FIR boundary) - DVR - DET - OCK - EGLK.

This was before the Farnborough LARS so I spoke to London INFO most of the way. They really follow you when you're over the water so make sure you report your position exactly as you were taught. They also communicate with Ostende APP and vice versa so you're never alone. Do bear in mind that London INFO has no radar so it's all done by ear. If London is busy you can also get a RIS from Manston for the crossing.

Between DET and OCK, to remain clear of the EGKB ATZ, I just followed the M25. You can't miss it. It keeps you clear of the ATZ but also of the Gatwick CTA/CTR. Despite this, London asked me to give Biggin Hill a courtesy call.

Blackbushe does an overhead join which is indeed very strange from a Dutch perspective. Although I understand that if you ask and it's not too busy, you can also do a Dutch-style direct downwind entry.

Have you also considered customs? You can fly EHHV-EGLK direct provided that you fax the GAR form four hours in advance to the relevant authorities. I simply faxed the form the day before to EGLK, who (supposedly) fax it onwards to whoever needs it. For the way back, EHHV has customs available with 1 hour PN. So give them a call before departure!

The flight to Blackbushe was my first flight into the UK and in fact my first serious touring flight in Europe. It took me a long time to prepare and find all the information but in the end it was over before I knew it.

[ATCO Two]

Archer,
Check your PMs.

[PompeyPaul]

What's the flying time from Blackbushe to Hilversum ? What cruise speed are you at ? I'm running low on Shoarma spice & Stroepwaffles

[ThePirateKing]

Blackbushe does an overhead join which is indeed very strange from a Dutch perspective. Although I understand that if you ask and it's not too busy, you can also do a Dutch-style direct downwind entry.

Ask? Ask? You know it's only an information service, right? :}

TPK:ok:

[BackPacker]

Well, you know how it works. When unsure, ASK! The worst thing that can happen is that they tell you that it's up to you.

(Reminding you of course that in the Netherlands, we have no airfields with an AFIS. It's either full-on ATC or A/G.)

[ArcherIII]

Thanks for the input!

I like the overhead join just fine, did those on EHGG on several occasions, something different for a change. :ok:

About the GAR form, I did indeed already download this from the UK customs site, but what do you do when the flight is cancelled? Can't really find a phonenumber on it, just faxnumbers.

[frontlefthamster]

(Recalls from long ago:) Those danger areas are not very high... OCK to the Bagshot mast (SW corner of the EGLL zone) keeps you clear of EGLF and pointing the right way. Don't fly the OCK gap at 2400 ft.

[chevvron]

Crossing to DVR, I would advise you to contact Manston radar on 126.350. They should transfer you to Farnborough East sector (123.225) before DET. My suggestion would be to avoid BIG as it's situated on a VERY busy airfield; as backpacker said it's just as easy to follow the M25 (6 lane motorway) which will keep you clear of Biggin, Gatwick and Redhill. Sometime after the Biggin area, you'll be transferred to Farnborough West on 125.250, who you can stay with until you get Blackbushe in sight. Oh and as you approach DET, remain clear of Rochester.