Top5 GA airfields in the UK?
Join Date: Feb 2004
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Now now Timmykins.....
Why do they get upset when anyone refers to them as Halfpenny Green airfield? In them days it was GA freindly.
On that point, the current half mil map has a racetrack pattern next to the spaceport
. Are they setting a trend? Will all GA airfields have these printed in due course? Is it because of the proximity to Birmingham? Answers on a postcard please.
My vote goes to:
Peterborough (Connington)
Goodwood
Shoreham
Shobden
Wellesbourne
Why do they get upset when anyone refers to them as Halfpenny Green airfield? In them days it was GA freindly.
On that point, the current half mil map has a racetrack pattern next to the spaceport
. Are they setting a trend? Will all GA airfields have these printed in due course? Is it because of the proximity to Birmingham? Answers on a postcard please.My vote goes to:
Peterborough (Connington)
Goodwood
Shoreham
Shobden
Wellesbourne
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Strange thing I've noticed on this and many other forums.
Whenever people are asked to rate/vote for/recommend any GA field, it always seems to come down to the quality of the bacon butties. I'm as guilty as the next person for this. Many of the people that I fly with or chat with at the club seem to decide on the destination based on the quality of the grub.
To the extent that a one hour land away sortie from any club is affectionately known as the '£200 bacon sarnie'
All of the sites I previously mentioned were based on this theory, and I've only just realised
Whenever people are asked to rate/vote for/recommend any GA field, it always seems to come down to the quality of the bacon butties. I'm as guilty as the next person for this. Many of the people that I fly with or chat with at the club seem to decide on the destination based on the quality of the grub.
To the extent that a one hour land away sortie from any club is affectionately known as the '£200 bacon sarnie'
All of the sites I previously mentioned were based on this theory, and I've only just realised
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It says a lot about the kind of flying which many (perhaps most) PPLs actually do. They rent an aircraft, go away for an hour - where can you get to in an hour, somewhere fairly close - then the have a bite to eat and come back.
Some say that the gradual monotony of that kind of flying is what contributes to many people giving up within a few years of learning to fly.
Its a fair bet that many GA pilots don't have 5 favourite airfields across Europe, because unless you own the aircraft, or belong to a tolerant group, you won't have got far enough to have that much experience. When you do, you chose fields for differerent reasons, with food being a minor consideration.
FWIW, I chose mine partly for food (Old Buck, Kemble), and partly because of the quality of the welcome (Oban), and partly because of the specific assistance available (Wick for transatlantic aviators)
2D
Some say that the gradual monotony of that kind of flying is what contributes to many people giving up within a few years of learning to fly.
Its a fair bet that many GA pilots don't have 5 favourite airfields across Europe, because unless you own the aircraft, or belong to a tolerant group, you won't have got far enough to have that much experience. When you do, you chose fields for differerent reasons, with food being a minor consideration.
FWIW, I chose mine partly for food (Old Buck, Kemble), and partly because of the quality of the welcome (Oban), and partly because of the specific assistance available (Wick for transatlantic aviators)
2D
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It says a lot about the kind of flying which many (perhaps most) PPLs actually do. They rent an aircraft, go away for an hour - where can you get to in an hour, somewhere fairly close - then the have a bite to eat and come back.
This way, you fly the two hours (one each way) without annoying anyone and get to do something in the 17 hours you have before heading back (okay including sleeping!). (Actually, this weekend, due to the weather I had the plane for a whole 24hrs and it only cost me two hours - but this is an exception)
There are plenty of options, some you'll need a hotel some you can camp. Camping was fun and I'd love to find more places which let you camp 'on site' under the wing. That WOULD be fun!!!
My other four fave's would have to be:
Skegness - for the sheer speed of getting there while cars are stuck on the Lincolnshire roads at 40mph behind a lorry (and 'cos Skeggys ACE). Really friendly and WOT - NO BACON SARNIES!?! (but still excellent airfield...)
Turweston - it was my first land away when learning for my PPL and first stop on my QXC. Have been back loads since beacuse it's a nice place to sit and and watch the world come and go.
Wellesbourne - pretty much the same reasons as Turweston, just a nice trip and place to sit and watch the planes come and go and mix with the public who come up to watch, they're often interested and I'm always willing to talk planes!
East Midlands - or 'home'. Not likey to be in many peoples fave's but it's an important place to me - 1st solo and all that. Plus mixing it with the big-boys has a certain buzz. Always nice to get back to familiar airspace and hear voices and callsigns on the radio that you know.
The Original Whirly
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Its a fair bet that many GA pilots don't have 5 favourite airfields across Europe, because unless you own the aircraft, or belong to a tolerant group, you won't have got far enough to have that much experience. When you do, you chose fields for differerent reasons, with food being a minor consideration.
Whirly's five favourite airfields worldwide......
Oban - still in the top five, for the welcome and the advice.
Barra - for being able to land on the beach, and letting me make my favourite ever radio call: "G-MT has the beach in sight".
Biberach (Southern Germany) - for the friendly welcome, loads of advice, good food, general help - in fact, I think they get the Number 1 spot.
Big Bear (California) - for the stupendous scenery and approach...I think the food was pretty good too.
Stupino (Russia) - for the amazing aircraft I got to fly
Five's not enough, can I have a few more, please!!!!!!
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Perhaps the question ought to be:
What are your five favourite alternates
Where are you going to rely on when you can't make it to the primary airfield of choice.
You come back to your home base on indemnity just before sunset and you can't land - where is your favourite airfield now.
I know where mine is; it's H24 and has ILS on both ends and a darned fine bunch of professionals in ATC
What are your five favourite alternates
Where are you going to rely on when you can't make it to the primary airfield of choice.
You come back to your home base on indemnity just before sunset and you can't land - where is your favourite airfield now.
I know where mine is; it's H24 and has ILS on both ends and a darned fine bunch of professionals in ATC
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My top five...
Perranporth - Really friendly, and a great approach over the cliffs and it only takes 1 hour 15 minutes to get there and my kids can play on the beach.
Deauville. Really laid back, and Honfleur must be one of the best places to go and sit and watch the world go by.
Caernarfon - fun approach over Snowdon.
Skegness - Fun place, helpful folks and all the people in the caravans come out to watch.
East Midlands - same reason as Jez - PPl/first solo etc. And I love to break cloud on the ILS and see all of that runway and all of the lights. And my aircraft is based there.
Anyone have a favourite Belgian Airport apart from Ostend? Needs about 1000 metres, customs and a restaurant and ciggie shop nearby!
Perranporth - Really friendly, and a great approach over the cliffs and it only takes 1 hour 15 minutes to get there and my kids can play on the beach.
Deauville. Really laid back, and Honfleur must be one of the best places to go and sit and watch the world go by.
Caernarfon - fun approach over Snowdon.
Skegness - Fun place, helpful folks and all the people in the caravans come out to watch.
East Midlands - same reason as Jez - PPl/first solo etc. And I love to break cloud on the ILS and see all of that runway and all of the lights. And my aircraft is based there.
Anyone have a favourite Belgian Airport apart from Ostend? Needs about 1000 metres, customs and a restaurant and ciggie shop nearby!
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Shoreham - Has to be done and brighton is only down the road by cab + transair is on the airport perimeter.
Caernarfon - Lovely scenery
Duxford - For a bit of nostalgia
Welshpool - Quaint town and an interesting site for an ndb.
Panshanger - If you avoid not pissin off the neighbours on climb out you deserve a handshake.
Caernarfon - Lovely scenery
Duxford - For a bit of nostalgia
Welshpool - Quaint town and an interesting site for an ndb.
Panshanger - If you avoid not pissin off the neighbours on climb out you deserve a handshake.
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Panshanger - If you avoid not pissin off the neighbours on climb out you deserve a handshake
I like Shoreham, Kemble, Wellesbourne, St Omer, Little Gransden.
My experience is a bit limited.
The questionner suggested it was level of business he was after, not favourites. In which case I understand that, in terms of movements per year, Wycombe is in fact the busiest aerodrome in the UK, including LHR; can anyone substantiate this?
High Flying Bird
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brilliant staff, flying club, engineers, refueler etc
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Sherlowe - Always welcome.
Husbands Bosworth - Although a busy gliding site, they couldn't hve been more accommodating with me in a tatty old PA28.
Shobden - Top fry-up.
Oban - Nice view.
Jersey - Well heeled flying club with cheap fuel (56p/ltr last time I looked)
Husbands Bosworth - Although a busy gliding site, they couldn't hve been more accommodating with me in a tatty old PA28.
Shobden - Top fry-up.
Oban - Nice view.
Jersey - Well heeled flying club with cheap fuel (56p/ltr last time I looked)
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Weston - The most friendly welcome I've ever had
Chambery - Lovely airfield, great scenery, nice flying club
Mahon - International facilities at grass strip prices, cheap fuel.
Courchevel - Interesting approach and great scenery
Compton Abbas - very very nice people
Chambery - Lovely airfield, great scenery, nice flying club
Mahon - International facilities at grass strip prices, cheap fuel.
Courchevel - Interesting approach and great scenery
Compton Abbas - very very nice people
Join Date: Oct 2002
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In my limited experience so far:
1. Sandown - location, friendliness, no PPR, lovely place to sit on a summers day and chat and enjoy the company.
2. Compton Abbas - location is superb, friendly staff, good grub and a variety of routes to get there, so lowering the routineness.
3. Goodwood - location location location. No better place to sit and watch the goings on. Just pipped to the post by the two above because it's only a 10 minute flight away!
4. Shoreham - home! Lots to offer, always helpful ATC and I guess familiarity, plus loads of runways to chose from.
5. Rochester - friendly and welcoming with good views on the way up and some good grub too.
Doubtless this will change as my experience grows, though the top three will take some beating!!
Just noticed I seem to have a particular liking for grass
1. Sandown - location, friendliness, no PPR, lovely place to sit on a summers day and chat and enjoy the company.
2. Compton Abbas - location is superb, friendly staff, good grub and a variety of routes to get there, so lowering the routineness.
3. Goodwood - location location location. No better place to sit and watch the goings on. Just pipped to the post by the two above because it's only a 10 minute flight away!
4. Shoreham - home! Lots to offer, always helpful ATC and I guess familiarity, plus loads of runways to chose from.
5. Rochester - friendly and welcoming with good views on the way up and some good grub too.
Doubtless this will change as my experience grows, though the top three will take some beating!!
Just noticed I seem to have a particular liking for grass
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Nah, you're all wrong....
Glenforsa on the Island of Mull
OK, not in England, bit definately the most beautiful little grass strip in the whole country. It's got a great view, the sea and a hotel. Perfect
Oh and Perth............obviously
OK, not in England, bit definately the most beautiful little grass strip in the whole country. It's got a great view, the sea and a hotel. Perfect
Oh and Perth............obviously
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Headcorn - good atmosphere plenty of meat bombing to watch (my meat bomb days are long gone though)
Old Sarum - again a good atmo friendly place - handy for old mother Rimmer's
Compton Abbas - great spot - good views - friendly folks
Goodwood - lots going on but like Cloud says just too dang close
Shoreham - well ...in flying terms it's home
Old Sarum - again a good atmo friendly place - handy for old mother Rimmer's
Compton Abbas - great spot - good views - friendly folks
Goodwood - lots going on but like Cloud says just too dang close
Shoreham - well ...in flying terms it's home
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Surprised no one has mentioned Popham. Always friendly, lots going on and cheap landing fees.
And Breighton especially on sunny weekends when lots of the residents are out flying
Leicester
Welshpool
Henstridge
are my other votes for a top 5.
lots of great farm strips too!
And Breighton especially on sunny weekends when lots of the residents are out flying
Leicester
Welshpool
Henstridge
are my other votes for a top 5.
lots of great farm strips too!
Sub Judice Angel Lovegod
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The most important thing is for an airfield to make you feel like they want you there...you are not just an inconvenience. The ones that do that best include Old Buck, Sherburn, Perranporth, Oban, Welshpool Kidlington and Kemble.
There are quite a few where the welcome depends very much on who is on duty. These include Fairoaks, Stapleford, N Weald and Kemble.
There are quite a few where the welcome depends very much on who is on duty. These include Fairoaks, Stapleford, N Weald and Kemble.
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Well, never having flown south of Watford mine are limited to the north...
Sherburn (home base),
Bagby (small, friendly, always seems to be open, interesting runway, free reciprocal landing fee),
Barton (lots going on, interesting area to fly into, free reciprocal landing fee),
Netherthorpe (friendly, pretty, challenging, nice food, yes, you guessed, free...) and
Oban (the welcome, always seems to be sunny, bit expensive but worth it)
would be my top 5 in this country. Since people are endulging themselves with foreign travel:
Everglades City, Florida (surrounded by sea/swamp, good resteraunts nearby)
Kingman, Arizona (great cafe, in middle of stunning desert/mountain scenery, interesting old a/c on site)
Payson, Arizona (great cafe, interesting residents, amazing scenery - at 6000ft in mountains/forests)
Oh, as far as good welcomes go, I'd challenge anybody to find somewhere more friendly than Eddsfield, Yorkshire (near Bridlington). And that INCLUDES Oban. Clubhouse is a caravan where pilots can make a brew, cook or even sleep overnight in the bunks. There's a bbq pit under the trees and you can camp there too if required. Ed, the owner tries to give a personal welcome and will run you to local b&b's pubs etc. if required. Landing fee the princely sum of £3.
Sherburn (home base),
Bagby (small, friendly, always seems to be open, interesting runway, free reciprocal landing fee),
Barton (lots going on, interesting area to fly into, free reciprocal landing fee),
Netherthorpe (friendly, pretty, challenging, nice food, yes, you guessed, free...) and
Oban (the welcome, always seems to be sunny, bit expensive but worth it)
would be my top 5 in this country. Since people are endulging themselves with foreign travel:
Everglades City, Florida (surrounded by sea/swamp, good resteraunts nearby)
Kingman, Arizona (great cafe, in middle of stunning desert/mountain scenery, interesting old a/c on site)
Payson, Arizona (great cafe, interesting residents, amazing scenery - at 6000ft in mountains/forests)
Oh, as far as good welcomes go, I'd challenge anybody to find somewhere more friendly than Eddsfield, Yorkshire (near Bridlington). And that INCLUDES Oban. Clubhouse is a caravan where pilots can make a brew, cook or even sleep overnight in the bunks. There's a bbq pit under the trees and you can camp there too if required. Ed, the owner tries to give a personal welcome and will run you to local b&b's pubs etc. if required. Landing fee the princely sum of £3.