Flying For Fun
The Original Whirly
Joined: Feb 1999
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 4,327
Likes: 2
From: Belper, Derbyshire, UK
Weather permitting, I'll be flying there...twice!!!! On Friday in a C150, on Sunday as navigator/passenger in a Jet Ranger. Lucky or what? Look out for a short tatty looking blonde, who'll probably be persuaded to help out on the BWPA stand. Or shall we all arrange to meet, maybe? Time, place?
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: The Front of Beyond
I'm plan to be there on at least one day, and may even go for two days. I was going to ask if somebody could post the list of talks in the Forum tent, but I've just spotted that they've added it to the website. Looks as though I'll definately be there on Saturday.
Brooklands
Brooklands
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,681
Likes: 10
From: Just South of the last ice sheet
Just had a quick change of plan due to family circumstances so I'll be there on the Saturday instead. See y'all there then.
Is there a meeting point set up? The beer tent would be a bad idea methinks given that I can resist anything but temptation!
Is there a meeting point set up? The beer tent would be a bad idea methinks given that I can resist anything but temptation!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: North West
Flying for Fun
If anyone is still trying to find accomodation nearby Kemble have a look at the PFA site and under Hangar Chat there is a number to ring for local accomodation at The Firs in nearby Ashton Keynes.
Suave yet Shallow
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: half way between the gutter and the stars.
I was reading the AIC late last night - and so might have missed something.
Am I correct in thinking...Inbound: You fly your chosen route towards the relevant holding point. Having listened to the ATIS to get the correct runway & other details.
You then fly around the holding race-track pattern until you can safely slot into the approach with the a/c in front? You may have to go around the racecourse more than once. I presume you do this at circuit hight?
You then fly onto the approach - and when wings level you call up a brief radio call (to the relevant frequency). And that's the only radio call you actually do? Nothing from further out? Nothing advising where you are when inbound?
Or did I miss something
Am I correct in thinking...Inbound: You fly your chosen route towards the relevant holding point. Having listened to the ATIS to get the correct runway & other details.
You then fly around the holding race-track pattern until you can safely slot into the approach with the a/c in front? You may have to go around the racecourse more than once. I presume you do this at circuit hight?
You then fly onto the approach - and when wings level you call up a brief radio call (to the relevant frequency). And that's the only radio call you actually do? Nothing from further out? Nothing advising where you are when inbound?
Or did I miss something
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Milton Keynes
I'll have to look at it again now I thought that the racetrack was at 3000 ft, but apart from that you seen to understand the AIC the same way I do, which gives me confidence as this will be my first time flying in.
The Original Whirly
Joined: Feb 1999
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 4,327
Likes: 2
From: Belper, Derbyshire, UK
I haven't looked at the AIC for exact heights etc, but roughly speaking, that's it. I flew in last year, and there was hardly anyone around, so I flew to the Water Tower, followed the route, made my one radio call, and landed. However, it was a showery day, which probably put off a lot of people; I know it's sometimes quite crowded. But it's not as daunting as it sounds.
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Burgess Hill, UK
Topcat,
yes you have interpreted the AIC correctly, except if you need to go around one of the "holds" then the recommended height is 1500ft to 3000ft QNH for the Malmesbury assembly area for the hard runway, and not above 1500ft QNH for Northside for the Grass runway. It is quite likely that you wont have to go around the hold at all, just follow the aircraft infront (assuming they are following the procedure correctly!) onto the "downwind" leg
Correct on your interpretation of only having to make one radio call on final. And dont expect anyone to talk to you to say "cleared to land" You are already cleared to land unless you are told otherwise. The runway may not be vacant, possibly aircraft ahead slowing down or at taxi speed vacating the runway. There is an exemption to allow you to land with the runway occupied- but of course dont if you think you cant slow down before hitting the aircraft ahead!
The procedure works very well and allows a high number of aircraft to land without incident and without a saturated radio frequency!
Anyone needing to call PFA Ops by phone at Kemble should note that of the numbers in the AIC only 01285 771177 should be used. The other number 771076 doesnt work. Unfortunately Kemble changed their phone system and removed this number but didnt tell PFA or spot it when they checked the AIC.
The advanced info number 771310 also doesnt work, but the fax number is OK.
Note these numbers are only for operational use-ie Non Radio briefing, Customs/immigration clearance, weather checks for incoming pilots etc, not for general enquirys!
Also note that no slots are required. You can arrive whenever you like, the AIC shows operating hours when the TRA and arrival procedures are in use, outside that time the airfield is still open using 118.9 for air to ground, or outside the air to ground times just make blind calls. PFA airfield operation starts 1800 local Thursday, usually 100 or so aircraft will have arrived by dusk Thursday.
Looking forward to a great time!
yes you have interpreted the AIC correctly, except if you need to go around one of the "holds" then the recommended height is 1500ft to 3000ft QNH for the Malmesbury assembly area for the hard runway, and not above 1500ft QNH for Northside for the Grass runway. It is quite likely that you wont have to go around the hold at all, just follow the aircraft infront (assuming they are following the procedure correctly!) onto the "downwind" leg
Correct on your interpretation of only having to make one radio call on final. And dont expect anyone to talk to you to say "cleared to land" You are already cleared to land unless you are told otherwise. The runway may not be vacant, possibly aircraft ahead slowing down or at taxi speed vacating the runway. There is an exemption to allow you to land with the runway occupied- but of course dont if you think you cant slow down before hitting the aircraft ahead!
The procedure works very well and allows a high number of aircraft to land without incident and without a saturated radio frequency!
Anyone needing to call PFA Ops by phone at Kemble should note that of the numbers in the AIC only 01285 771177 should be used. The other number 771076 doesnt work. Unfortunately Kemble changed their phone system and removed this number but didnt tell PFA or spot it when they checked the AIC.
The advanced info number 771310 also doesnt work, but the fax number is OK.
Note these numbers are only for operational use-ie Non Radio briefing, Customs/immigration clearance, weather checks for incoming pilots etc, not for general enquirys!
Also note that no slots are required. You can arrive whenever you like, the AIC shows operating hours when the TRA and arrival procedures are in use, outside that time the airfield is still open using 118.9 for air to ground, or outside the air to ground times just make blind calls. PFA airfield operation starts 1800 local Thursday, usually 100 or so aircraft will have arrived by dusk Thursday.
Looking forward to a great time!