View Full Version : EGWU RAF Northolt
I’m planning to use RAF Northolt next month. We usually hit Farnborough but giving EGWU a shot. I understand about the M-F 9-5 operating hours and this will be fine. I’ve also heard of irregular airport closures due to Royal Flight and ATC work stoppages. Does anyone have any experience with this? How much notice is given? 2 hours? 2 days? I guess landing at an alternate isn’t a big deal....I’m mostly concerned with being stranded at the field unable to depart because of this.
Anyone have experience with this?
Romaro
21st Sep 2018, 06:46
I’m planning to use RAF Northolt next month. We usually hit Farnborough but giving EGWU a shot. I understand about the M-F 9-5 operating hours and this will be fine. I’ve also heard of irregular airport closures due to Royal Flight and ATC work stoppages. Does anyone have any experience with this? How much notice is given? 2 hours? 2 days? I guess landing at an alternate isn’t a big deal....I’m mostly concerned with being stranded at the field unable to depart because of this.
Anyone have experience with this?
Unexpected stoppages due to ATC still ongoing - two closures last week all day. Would avoid like plague and stick with the Farnboroughs, Biggins Oxfords etc.
Ascoteer
21st Sep 2018, 13:25
Would second the above; we’ve had embargoes applied with less than 30 mins notice, or held on the ground for >3 hours due to airport slot availability; these are mostly linked to ATC staff shortages.
Not to mention the wait for the ‘start crew’ to amble over 😡
They just don’t really care about the civilian traffic, rightly or wrongly!
Thanks for the above replies. Super helpful. Further research suggests the same. We've decided to bail on EGWU and use EGLF.
chevvron
22nd Sep 2018, 22:06
How can Northolt ATC be short staffed? All approach control/director/departures etc is done from Swanwick so they only need to man 2 positions at the airport, tower and talkdown.
Ascoteer
23rd Sep 2018, 18:58
How can Northolt ATC be short staffed? All approach control/director/departures etc is done from Swanwick so they only need to man 2 positions at the airport, tower and talkdown.
Radar moved to Swanwick a few years ago, but is still manned by RAF Northolt mil controllers; it’s just remote from the airfield.
Cambridge172
25th Sep 2020, 14:51
See RAF Northolt is about to be removed from the UK AIP - was the only MOD/military airfield in there. Presume this is the CAA following up their commitment to de-notify?