Scilly Isles
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Join Date: Aug 2004
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Scilly Isles
Just had a look at Pooleys for St Mary's and it has the ominous caveat that the aerodrome is severely humpbacked at the runway ends with gradient reaching 1 in 13!
Has anyone taken a Cessna 182 in there or is that a touch on the risky side?
Once you are there what do you do about a spot of lunch/ any sightseeing tips?
Has anyone taken a Cessna 182 in there or is that a touch on the risky side?
Once you are there what do you do about a spot of lunch/ any sightseeing tips?
Join Date: Mar 2003
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Great Fun!!!
Went there last year in a 6XT. 4 up lots of fuel. Not a problem. How long you staying? If you're there more than 1 day and you want dinner, they seem to eat early there. Juliets Garden is VERY good.
Join Date: May 2001
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Far more than adequate for a 182.
If you have not experienced it before, it is easy to get low on the approach because the ground rises on the approach over the sea.
Inevitably the hump causes you too think the runway is far shorter than it actually is - just convince yourself their is plenty beyond the hump, and if you prefer, have a good look first.
Also inevitably in strond winds expect some sheer or sink as you cross the cliffs.
However the aircraft will be more than happy with St Mary's!
If you have not experienced it before, it is easy to get low on the approach because the ground rises on the approach over the sea.
Inevitably the hump causes you too think the runway is far shorter than it actually is - just convince yourself their is plenty beyond the hump, and if you prefer, have a good look first.
Also inevitably in strond winds expect some sheer or sink as you cross the cliffs.
However the aircraft will be more than happy with St Mary's!
Join Date: Jun 2001
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No Problem as long as you approach at correct speed and aim to land on the threshold as you would normally. If you have not touched down by the mid point go around as a few weeks ago a PA32 ended up in the boundary fence quite badly damaged. Remember the airfield is closed on Sundays and there is no fuel available. It is available at Lands End. Give ATC Scillies a call as they require PPR and will give you a comprehensive briefing on the local procedures.
Join Date: Jun 2002
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where to plant it
Why make life so uncomfortable by trying to land on the threshold (of any runway)? There's 600 metres, the first bit uphill. So why land and stop in 150 metres and have 450 left.
The tendency when landing on uphill strips is to often be short because of the perspective. The end result is often a flat, can't see where I'm going, loads of power, ragged arrival. Far better to aim for a point a bit further in, and then enjoy the much shorter landing you'll get because of the up slope.
If you always aim for the threshold, you have to accept that one day you'll do some "gardening" in the rough before the strip.
The tendency when landing on uphill strips is to often be short because of the perspective. The end result is often a flat, can't see where I'm going, loads of power, ragged arrival. Far better to aim for a point a bit further in, and then enjoy the much shorter landing you'll get because of the up slope.
If you always aim for the threshold, you have to accept that one day you'll do some "gardening" in the rough before the strip.
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Took the aztec in 6 up with round trip fuel back to White waltham and stopped well before the hump, stayed for a week so lots of bags, luckily 3 little people on board! Seeing the pics brought back fond memories. Brilliant place. Makes for a fantastic long weekend if you drop in at lands end too.
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Why make life so uncomfortable by trying to land on the threshold (of any runway)? There's 600 metres, the first bit uphill. So why land and stop in 150 metres and have 450 left.
I wonder if the PA-32 that recently crashed at St Marys was planning to land into the runway a little bit??
Back on subject, been there a few times and agree, plenty of room for a C182. Nice walk into town and back home for tea..
Join Date: Feb 2001
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If you need fuel, then Perranporth has a tarmac runway and last time I was there (a year or so ago) they were offering reduced or free landing for aircraft uplifting fuel on the way to or from the Scillies. Superb approach over the cliffs on one of the runways.
Scillies themselves are superb, but beware sudden fog blowing in from America!
There is a superbly-sited cafe 15 mins walk from the airfield which sells freshly-caught local fish overlooking a bay. From the grass parking behind the Tower, follow the foothpath downhill into the group of houses, turning left along the street. When you get to the beginning of the seafront, turn left up a lane and it's about 70m on the left. Unfortunately I can't remember its name. It makes a good place for lunch if you're only there for the day.
Scillies themselves are superb, but beware sudden fog blowing in from America!
There is a superbly-sited cafe 15 mins walk from the airfield which sells freshly-caught local fish overlooking a bay. From the grass parking behind the Tower, follow the foothpath downhill into the group of houses, turning left along the street. When you get to the beginning of the seafront, turn left up a lane and it's about 70m on the left. Unfortunately I can't remember its name. It makes a good place for lunch if you're only there for the day.
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Being an adopted Cornishman I have visited the Scillies both by fixed wing aircraft and helicopter (Tresco Heliport).
IMHO the biggest problem there has been the closure of St Mary's on the sabbath! You are allowed to depart at a certain prespecified time but they are by no means open. This seems very antiquated to me and has certainly prevented me from visiting on several occasions.
The islands can be windier than mainland airports because of the local topography (read - flat).
The PA-32 mentioned has not been the only aircraft to be bent on the humpbacked runway there in the recent past
- hence the warning in Pooleys.
The problem with not landing at the correct speed on the numbers is that as soon as you crest the hump you are accelerating again - so approach slowly and if the speed is too high then just go around and have another go.
SB
IMHO the biggest problem there has been the closure of St Mary's on the sabbath! You are allowed to depart at a certain prespecified time but they are by no means open. This seems very antiquated to me and has certainly prevented me from visiting on several occasions.
The islands can be windier than mainland airports because of the local topography (read - flat).
The PA-32 mentioned has not been the only aircraft to be bent on the humpbacked runway there in the recent past
- hence the warning in Pooleys.The problem with not landing at the correct speed on the numbers is that as soon as you crest the hump you are accelerating again - so approach slowly and if the speed is too high then just go around and have another go.
SB
