White Waltham, & grass rwys
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 960
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From: Somewhere In The South China Sea
White Waltham, & grass rwys
Hi all
I am looking to conduct a flight from Bristol to WW in the next week or so, I have studied Pooleys of the joining and departing procedures etc but am still slightly aprehensive, Id hate to screw up some of those circuit procedures having not flown there before, anyone got any tips about flying in/out of here? I take it I dont need sVFR clearance due to part of the ATZ lying in the London CTZ class A?
Also grass rwys this time of year, only ever landed on a grass rwy once and that was Compton Abbas during my training, i was wondering what to expect this time of year with regards the state of the grass, softness etc and when not to attempt to land on them (if there ever is such a time; deluges?)
You see, flying from an airport with Class D has its pitfalls hehe or am I just aprehensive over nothing?
Thanks in advance
Dean.
I am looking to conduct a flight from Bristol to WW in the next week or so, I have studied Pooleys of the joining and departing procedures etc but am still slightly aprehensive, Id hate to screw up some of those circuit procedures having not flown there before, anyone got any tips about flying in/out of here? I take it I dont need sVFR clearance due to part of the ATZ lying in the London CTZ class A?
Also grass rwys this time of year, only ever landed on a grass rwy once and that was Compton Abbas during my training, i was wondering what to expect this time of year with regards the state of the grass, softness etc and when not to attempt to land on them (if there ever is such a time; deluges?)
You see, flying from an airport with Class D has its pitfalls hehe or am I just aprehensive over nothing?
Thanks in advance
Dean.
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 561
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From: Outlawed
Deano,
Nothing to worry about. It's quite straightforward and the A/G operators are very friendly. If you look at the three approach points N, S & W - W will probably be the first one you hit from Bristol. You can't miss Reading (but don't be above 1500ft when you get there) and if you look for two very large gas containers on the river in the middle of Reading, that's point W. At that time, call WW saying you're at point Whisky and request joining instructions/airfield info. From Whisky, there is a railway line bounded by hedges which heads directly to WW. When leaving W, get down to 1300 QFE and then prepare a standard overhead to circuit height of 800ft. Worry about your safety more than the noise abatement first time, land, taxi to the plane lines, don't hit FFF's Europa. Order bacon sandwich at bar. Simple.
Don't worry about the grass runways, they drain quite well.
Have fun
Nothing to worry about. It's quite straightforward and the A/G operators are very friendly. If you look at the three approach points N, S & W - W will probably be the first one you hit from Bristol. You can't miss Reading (but don't be above 1500ft when you get there) and if you look for two very large gas containers on the river in the middle of Reading, that's point W. At that time, call WW saying you're at point Whisky and request joining instructions/airfield info. From Whisky, there is a railway line bounded by hedges which heads directly to WW. When leaving W, get down to 1300 QFE and then prepare a standard overhead to circuit height of 800ft. Worry about your safety more than the noise abatement first time, land, taxi to the plane lines, don't hit FFF's Europa. Order bacon sandwich at bar. Simple.
Don't worry about the grass runways, they drain quite well.
Have fun
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 939
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From: UK
Strafer has it pretty much spot on I should say, but you'll find full details including all the circuit patterns for the three runways at www.wlac.co.uk
You'll get a good welcome I'm sure.
You'll get a good welcome I'm sure.
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 278
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From: UK
Strafer and Johnm have said it all. But just in case you’re looking for an alternative: You could approach WW via the M4. Once overhead Junction 10 (which is clearly shown on the half-mill chart) report “overhead Sierra” and take it from there.
Enjoy the trip.
Enjoy the trip.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 8,121
Likes: 686
From: Twickenham, home of rugby
Having flown with DOC.400 several times, I believe there is a 4th reporting point, Echo.
But you have to be in the Heathrow zone on a SVFR.
R/T goes something like:
"WW Radio, G-XXXX at Echo, request joining information"
"G-XX, runway in use xx, QFE xxxx, flash git"
SD
But you have to be in the Heathrow zone on a SVFR.
R/T goes something like:
"WW Radio, G-XXXX at Echo, request joining information"
"G-XX, runway in use xx, QFE xxxx, flash git"
SD
Why do it if it's not fun?
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,782
Likes: 12
From: Bournemouth
Saab,
I've done almost all my flying from WW, and never come across reporting point E before! If I heard someone using it, I could probably use my imagination to work out that it was someone coming from a SVFR clearance, but I wouldn't know where they are beyond that. And I'm sure the CFI wouldn't approve!
Deano777,
As per everyone else's post. Call before you leave to find out the runway in use, and then you read up on the circuit procedure before you set off (assuming the runway in use doesn't change, of course). But basically, as long as you keep clear of any built-up areas or expensive-looking houses, you should be fine. Try to learn what roads to fly inside of - this will a) keep you out of the area where LHR traffic is going to be, and b) mean that you're at least flying roughly the same circuit as everyone else. If you were to fly there regularly, I'd suggest going up with one of the club's instructors - they will all be happy to show you all of the circuits, in your own aircraft, free of charge.
The grass runways are bumpy, and a little bit muddy, but nothing to worry about. The drainage at WW is pretty good. In the past, they have requested pilots to not land on the centre of the runway, since the the centre-lines were getting worn out, but I haven't seen any such requests this year.
As for lying under the London CTR, the airfield operates under an exemption which allows arriving, departing and circuit traffic to operate in the CTR without having to comply with the rules of Class A, but only inside the WW ATZ and up to a maximum of 1500' QNH. All the details are in the AIP, but if you follow all the published procedures then you will automatically be flying within the terms of this exemption, so you don't really need to worry about it.
The staff at the club are very friendly, so if you have any concerns then give them a call and they'll talk you through the procedures. Or else PM me and I'll offer any more advice I can.
FFF
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I've done almost all my flying from WW, and never come across reporting point E before! If I heard someone using it, I could probably use my imagination to work out that it was someone coming from a SVFR clearance, but I wouldn't know where they are beyond that. And I'm sure the CFI wouldn't approve!
Deano777,
As per everyone else's post. Call before you leave to find out the runway in use, and then you read up on the circuit procedure before you set off (assuming the runway in use doesn't change, of course). But basically, as long as you keep clear of any built-up areas or expensive-looking houses, you should be fine. Try to learn what roads to fly inside of - this will a) keep you out of the area where LHR traffic is going to be, and b) mean that you're at least flying roughly the same circuit as everyone else. If you were to fly there regularly, I'd suggest going up with one of the club's instructors - they will all be happy to show you all of the circuits, in your own aircraft, free of charge.
The grass runways are bumpy, and a little bit muddy, but nothing to worry about. The drainage at WW is pretty good. In the past, they have requested pilots to not land on the centre of the runway, since the the centre-lines were getting worn out, but I haven't seen any such requests this year.
As for lying under the London CTR, the airfield operates under an exemption which allows arriving, departing and circuit traffic to operate in the CTR without having to comply with the rules of Class A, but only inside the WW ATZ and up to a maximum of 1500' QNH. All the details are in the AIP, but if you follow all the published procedures then you will automatically be flying within the terms of this exemption, so you don't really need to worry about it.
The staff at the club are very friendly, so if you have any concerns then give them a call and they'll talk you through the procedures. Or else PM me and I'll offer any more advice I can.
FFF
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Thread Starter
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 960
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From: Somewhere In The South China Sea
Thanks for all the comments guys, much appreciated.
Thats very decent of the FI at WW to offer that service FFF, but I guess they have to be accommodating to people who want to fly there but may feel maybe they shouldnt (hence my aprehensions) and making sure visiting pilots adhere to the noise abatement and zone procedures.
Pianorak looking at my route in from Bristol reporting point Whiskey will probably be the best way in as Strafer said.
see you there guys
D.
Thats very decent of the FI at WW to offer that service FFF, but I guess they have to be accommodating to people who want to fly there but may feel maybe they shouldnt (hence my aprehensions) and making sure visiting pilots adhere to the noise abatement and zone procedures.
Pianorak looking at my route in from Bristol reporting point Whiskey will probably be the best way in as Strafer said.
see you there guys
D.
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 78
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From: Bristol, UK
Deano,
Brilliant field, however I did find it a little tricky to spot at first, used to strips of black, I guess!! The gasometers at Reading are very easy to spot, so you should have no probs there and WW's runways are quite smooth in comparison to Compton Abyss. I'm was in the same position as you before I went, but had no probs.
Staff at the field are excellent and the clubhouse is a real gem!
Best have a look at the website, which is v.informative and give them a call.
VFR
Brilliant field, however I did find it a little tricky to spot at first, used to strips of black, I guess!! The gasometers at Reading are very easy to spot, so you should have no probs there and WW's runways are quite smooth in comparison to Compton Abyss. I'm was in the same position as you before I went, but had no probs.
Staff at the field are excellent and the clubhouse is a real gem!
Best have a look at the website, which is v.informative and give them a call.
VFR
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Reading UK
WW Kitchen
Just don't go on the 10th of February as the kitchen is closed for refurbishment and only sandwiches will be available! 
Very nice food there though under the new caterers... well worth a visit!
Very nice food there though under the new caterers... well worth a visit!
"Trust Me"
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
From: Egham, UK
From Whisky you can follow the railway line and turn right for the overhead.
When the rest of the grass airfields have been closed in the south, WW has been the only one open. There is a drainage mesh under the entire field.
Do be VERY careful when taxxiing towards the Clubhouse, the grass 'apron' is very, very slippery. And watch that Robin!!
Point Echo? The CFI knows I'm a flash git anyway....
Quite appropriate on a SVFR from Heathrow Director.
I'll be there on Sunday.
DOC
When the rest of the grass airfields have been closed in the south, WW has been the only one open. There is a drainage mesh under the entire field.
Do be VERY careful when taxxiing towards the Clubhouse, the grass 'apron' is very, very slippery. And watch that Robin!!
Point Echo? The CFI knows I'm a flash git anyway....
Quite appropriate on a SVFR from Heathrow Director.I'll be there on Sunday.
DOC
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Burgess Hill, UK
As said by others White Waltham is a great place, very friendly.
Havent flown in there for a while, but never any problems. Just remember its not Full ATC, so if no one answers, just continue with the procedures, overhead join looking for which runway is in use. And when you leave, dont expect someone to answer when you say ready for departure. Its up to you, look out and line-up and take-off when you consider it is safe, just announce your intentions for those that have a radio.
Have a good flight!
Havent flown in there for a while, but never any problems. Just remember its not Full ATC, so if no one answers, just continue with the procedures, overhead join looking for which runway is in use. And when you leave, dont expect someone to answer when you say ready for departure. Its up to you, look out and line-up and take-off when you consider it is safe, just announce your intentions for those that have a radio.
Have a good flight!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Reading
The only other bit of advice that I would add is that if you are joining from Whiskey (by far the easiest IMOH - just follow the railway line from Reading), keep a good look out, 'cos everyone departing WW will coming straight for you by virtue of the CTR!!
Anyways, great airfield to fly from, have fun!!
Anyways, great airfield to fly from, have fun!!
