How do you handle Silverstone
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How do you handle Silverstone
I spent much of yesterday watching helicopters coming in and out of Silverstone and at times it was like something out of Apocalypse Now. It got me wondering how does Air Traffic work for Silverstone? Is approach handled locally? Do they draft in additional staff etc.etc.etc However its done, the result is just incredible - well done
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Hi
I'm one of the 9 (SRG approved) ATCOs who were handling the helicopters over the Silverstone weekend. My "day job" is as a Heathrow Approach controller at LTCC - others come from Southend, Shoreham, LACC, Stansted, Birmingham and Booker, ably supported by a team of assistants and led by a SATCO and ATC Manager (you know who you are!)
Basically, the airfield is split into 2 halfs - 24/06 tarmac and 24/06 grass, each with around 16 stands. 3 controllers at a time control the North side, another 3 control the south side. Each helicopter is allocated a colour and a number for the north side and a colour and a letter for the south side. Helicopters join on prescribed routes on either side without crossing the line between north and south. The local controller then performs a kind of aerial ground movement control getting the inbounds to their stands whilst fitting in the departures. Phraseology is much abbreviated (and SRG approved) from MATS 1, eg. "Black black 6, gate 6" means "Black black 6 cleared to land runway 24 grass and taxi to stand 6, maintaining your own separatiion!" The colour is repeated to get round clipping R/T.
It was fairly quiet this year - you should've seen it in 1997 when we handled 4084 movements on the Sunday!
If you want any more info let me know.
I'm one of the 9 (SRG approved) ATCOs who were handling the helicopters over the Silverstone weekend. My "day job" is as a Heathrow Approach controller at LTCC - others come from Southend, Shoreham, LACC, Stansted, Birmingham and Booker, ably supported by a team of assistants and led by a SATCO and ATC Manager (you know who you are!)
Basically, the airfield is split into 2 halfs - 24/06 tarmac and 24/06 grass, each with around 16 stands. 3 controllers at a time control the North side, another 3 control the south side. Each helicopter is allocated a colour and a number for the north side and a colour and a letter for the south side. Helicopters join on prescribed routes on either side without crossing the line between north and south. The local controller then performs a kind of aerial ground movement control getting the inbounds to their stands whilst fitting in the departures. Phraseology is much abbreviated (and SRG approved) from MATS 1, eg. "Black black 6, gate 6" means "Black black 6 cleared to land runway 24 grass and taxi to stand 6, maintaining your own separatiion!" The colour is repeated to get round clipping R/T.
It was fairly quiet this year - you should've seen it in 1997 when we handled 4084 movements on the Sunday!
If you want any more info let me know.
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Surfing - thanks for the response. Actually I was there is 1997 (I am there most years) and I never cease to be amazed at the operation, but then juggling aircraft is I guess, business as usual for all ATC folks.
A job well done though, from interest, do you know the landing fee (for a warrior?) for race day. I suspect it is equivalent to a 3 bedroom house in Hertfordshire
A job well done though, from interest, do you know the landing fee (for a warrior?) for race day. I suspect it is equivalent to a 3 bedroom house in Hertfordshire
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If it's Alicia Silverstone, with an awful lot of tender loving care!
do you know the landing fee (for a warrior?) for race day
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In previous years, some of the feeder sites have had an Air/Ground Radio Operator or FISO. I did it one year, but there seem to be fewer opportunities now, probably because movements are down.
Anyone care to suggest an appropriate rate of pay for feeder site A/G or FISO? Thinking of next year already!
Anyone care to suggest an appropriate rate of pay for feeder site A/G or FISO? Thinking of next year already!
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No fixed wings have been allowed for a few years now
eee - I think I would rather the wings be fixed on a warrior
Is the £50 per helicopter seat just to land and drop off, or is there parking on top
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Like Phnuff I was sat watching the helicopters landing from my seat in the Farm enclosure.
At times it reminded me of the Heathrow approach path with them being lined up for approach/landing.
Used most of my camcorder battery filming the damned things, such was my interest!
Dave
1st GP by the way. Still can't get the noise out of my head!
At times it reminded me of the Heathrow approach path with them being lined up for approach/landing.
Used most of my camcorder battery filming the damned things, such was my interest!
Dave
1st GP by the way. Still can't get the noise out of my head!
Thanks also from me,even though I only arrived and parked, and departed after the racing---- just couldn`t get to sleep in the back of the Jet-box, have to book one of the new "sleepers " for next year!! Thanks guys and gals !!!!!!
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surfingatco,
Just out of interest, what are the air space restrictions around silverstone when the grand prix is on? From memory I seem to recall that the field lies in uncontrolled airspace and doesnt have an aerodrome traffic zone.
Just out of interest, what are the air space restrictions around silverstone when the grand prix is on? From memory I seem to recall that the field lies in uncontrolled airspace and doesnt have an aerodrome traffic zone.
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AIC 41/2004 gave details of the TRA, SFC - 2500ft (QNH) which was active on Saturday and Sunday. It extended about 1 mile beyond the Silverstone ATZ (yes they have one!) except for the Turweston ATZ. The nearest controlled airspace is the Daventry CTA, FL65 straight up!
SA
SA
Last edited by surfingatco; 25th Jul 2004 at 07:40.
