Northolt up for sale?
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The CAA carried out an aerodrome audit (inspection) of Northolt in December 2008 at the behest of the MoD. In broad brush terms, the findings of the audit were that the differences between the CAA licensing requirements (for infrastructure) and what existed on the ground, were manifold, and that Northolt could probably never meet the licensing requirements (while retaining the existing runway dimensions/orientation). The proximity of the A40 trunk road, and a couple of other major surface routes were among the limiting factors; perhaps the most visible impediment was the newly constructed petrol filling station about 100 metres in the 25 undershoot on the A4180.
Paradoxically, civil operators can use the aerodrome while it is under military control, despite the non-compliances, as that is simply an acceptance by the AOC holder that the facilities are suitable, and the aerodrome operator grant permission to use. If the aerodrome were to cease to be military (on sale) and operations were to continue, a CAA Licence would be required (to meet the forthcoming EASA criteria: "Aerodromes, including equipment, located in the territory subject to the provisions of the Treaty, open to public use and which serve commercial air transport and where operations using instrument approach or departure procedures are provided, and:
(a) have a paved runway of 800 metres or above; or
(b) exclusively serve helicopters;"
RAF/MoD were briefed fully on the audit findings, but I expect they are now gathering dust on back office shelf.
Mister B
Paradoxically, civil operators can use the aerodrome while it is under military control, despite the non-compliances, as that is simply an acceptance by the AOC holder that the facilities are suitable, and the aerodrome operator grant permission to use. If the aerodrome were to cease to be military (on sale) and operations were to continue, a CAA Licence would be required (to meet the forthcoming EASA criteria: "Aerodromes, including equipment, located in the territory subject to the provisions of the Treaty, open to public use and which serve commercial air transport and where operations using instrument approach or departure procedures are provided, and:
(a) have a paved runway of 800 metres or above; or
(b) exclusively serve helicopters;"
RAF/MoD were briefed fully on the audit findings, but I expect they are now gathering dust on back office shelf.
Mister B
Thread Starter
The proximity of the A40 trunk road
Still reckon this idea could have legs, esp given the fact there's a mainline station right on the doorstep. Hook-up the Chiltern Line to Crossrail and it could compete with LCY.
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d-p
Oxford - It is because of the proximity of the A44 that the rwy 01 landing threshold is displaced (and the TORA in the opposite direction limited) to give clearance over a hypothetical "mobile obstacle" 4.8m above the crown of the road (CAP 168, chapter 4, paragraph 9.3.1).
Northolt - The 07/25 runway instrument strip, which extends logitudinally for 60m before the thresholds and laterally for 150m (the first 105m of which should be graded and clear of obstacles), sits fair and sqaure over a sizeable stretch of the A40 at the 07 end; the 25 threshold is about 100m from the A4180, the required slope is 1:50 (starting at the strip end - 60m from the 25 threshold). The clearance for mobile obstacles cannot be achieved; there is a similar constraint at the other end too (in addition to the runway strip issue). It won't be able to compete with LCY because there are too many non-compliances with CAA (and EASA) civil licensing criteria.
Mister B
Oxford - It is because of the proximity of the A44 that the rwy 01 landing threshold is displaced (and the TORA in the opposite direction limited) to give clearance over a hypothetical "mobile obstacle" 4.8m above the crown of the road (CAP 168, chapter 4, paragraph 9.3.1).
Northolt - The 07/25 runway instrument strip, which extends logitudinally for 60m before the thresholds and laterally for 150m (the first 105m of which should be graded and clear of obstacles), sits fair and sqaure over a sizeable stretch of the A40 at the 07 end; the 25 threshold is about 100m from the A4180, the required slope is 1:50 (starting at the strip end - 60m from the 25 threshold). The clearance for mobile obstacles cannot be achieved; there is a similar constraint at the other end too (in addition to the runway strip issue). It won't be able to compete with LCY because there are too many non-compliances with CAA (and EASA) civil licensing criteria.
Mister B
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Even more unfortunately this land was the site of a medieval Plague Pit. There are therefore severe constraints on building work at Northolt.
Gentleman Aviator
There are indeed enormous difficulties (and costs!) in getting ex-military airfields compliant with CAA licensing requirements.
Farnborough cost many millions - the WAG (Welsh Assembly Government) had similar aspirations for Saint Athan ... which never happened....
Farnborough cost many millions - the WAG (Welsh Assembly Government) had similar aspirations for Saint Athan ... which never happened....
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Armoured car patrols? Not in the old Ferret armed with a broom handle that was parked outside the Mess for the Summer Ball in 85-ish... Was that before or after some wag wheel-clamped the nosewheel of one of the Andovers?
As for the plague pits, they're certainly there and extend across West End Road - the tales of hauntings in Carmichael Close might not all have been alcohol-induced.
Wasn't there supposed to be an underwater telephone exchange under the junior ranks mess?
Would a new owner get to patch up the cannon holes in 5 (or was it 6) Hangar door or has that been done already?
It's all so long ago now that I forget.
As for the plague pits, they're certainly there and extend across West End Road - the tales of hauntings in Carmichael Close might not all have been alcohol-induced.
Wasn't there supposed to be an underwater telephone exchange under the junior ranks mess?
Would a new owner get to patch up the cannon holes in 5 (or was it 6) Hangar door or has that been done already?
It's all so long ago now that I forget.
Last edited by Deskex76; 27th Jan 2012 at 01:36. Reason: Edited for punctuation.
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Exascot
Never had to wear them - got myself posted to a brand new 4 engined Jet!!
Deskex 76
That was a High Velocity Self Loading Semi Automatic Broomstick!!
Never had to wear them - got myself posted to a brand new 4 engined Jet!!
Deskex 76
That was a High Velocity Self Loading Semi Automatic Broomstick!!
Last edited by cazatou; 27th Jan 2012 at 10:16.
