Approaching Duxford from the North.

[Cenus_]

Hi all, canvassing some opinion here.

I'm planning a trip to Duxord from the North, my plan is route via Grafham water direct to Sawston (assuming rwy06 in use) to join downwind. I'm planning to call Cambridge at Grafham for a service due to passing through their approach to their rwy 05. My concern that this threads me right through Bourn and Gransden glider site. Although short of routing all the way around Cambridge not sure what else why options are? Anyone experience with this route I'd be glad to hear your thoughts?

[alexbrett]

I'd route via Bourn - that will prevent you from overflying Gransden Lodge and having winch issues, then it's just a case of keeping a good lookout if gliders are about...

[skydiver548]

Bourn then South to Royston turn 060 for straight in 06 or join downwind for 24 LH, Fowlmere is only a couple of miles away (05/25) and operate on the opposite circuit direction. Duxford tend to monitor Fowlmere traffic so will probably advise if circuit in use

[Dark Helmet]

Yep, I route overhead Bourn, or the gap between Bourn and Cambridge, then Royston. Royston is the correct place to join from.

[LowNSlow]

Also watch out for aerobatics taking place in the overhead of Little Gransden.

[Cenus_]

Thanks all, in the end with the cloud base I routed overhead Cambridge, great service from them in and out and wow, Duxford, what a place. Will definitely be back!

[Zen Pilot]

All good advice. The Cambridge controllers usually advise if they see a lot of glider activity - the radar is good enough to get returns from gliders at altitude, plus they can refer to the FLARM/OGN glider tracking (if they are not too busy) but no substitute for Mk1 eyeball see & avoid of course.

Bourn is quiet atm, the main runway is closed with container storage and only a parallel taxiway is available Rural Flying Corps (http://rfcbourn.co.uk/Rural_Flying_Corps_-_Bourn/By_Air.html)

And many thanks for the consideration in your flight planning...

A Gransden Lodge pilot

[150 Driver]

The great thing about flying into Duxford - especially on a busy day - is that spectators will engage you in conversation from the other side of the fence, assuming maybe that you're flying the Spitfire, the Mustang, the B52 or whatever.

Then it's a skip in the step and jump into the C150...

[tmmorris]

Indeed. I was asked once to 'park next to the Liberator'. Indeed there's a photo on Airliners.net of the trusty club PA28 in that location.