Getting in to Fairoaks

[AirScream]

I am a Student PPL planning for the day I can fly in to Fairoaks, looks like it is in the Heathrow TMA. Do I need to talk to anyone but Fairoaks to get in there?

[El Cid]

Same thing at Barton...on the chart we appear to be in MAN class d (as we are) but there is no need to talk to MAN when coming into the LFA area of the control zone but you cannot tell this from the chart or pooleys etc.so if I were you I would give them a phone call just to clear it up.Cant hurt!
EL Cid
p.s. TMA's dont start from ground level so airfields dont actually "exist"in them...they can be under them (thus be accessible by flying lower than the base alt of the TMA)but not in them.Always check the altitude of the BASE of airspace on your chart,for a student it can often appear that just about everywhere is in controlled airspace,when in fact most places are UNDER it.

[This message has been edited by El Cid (edited 24 December 2000).]

[Cahlibahn]

Fairoaks is in the London CTR (Class A; Surface to 2500'). First time visitors should get a briefing from the tower who are on 01276 857300. Bear in mind that Fairoaks is virtually on the extended centreline for runway 25 at Farnborough. If coming from the south talk to Farnborough radar, if from the north talk to London Special(119.9)and get a SVFR via Burnham and Ascot. Take plenty of money coz Transair will confiscate all your beer vouchers in exchange for some gadgets which will go straight into your flight bag and never be seen again!!

[AirScream]

Thanks El Cid & Cahlibahn

I had wondered how all those light aircraft got in and out of class A.

Cheers

[DOC.400]

If it's your first time in, suggest you take a bearing off Wisley , visual or off the VOR. Unless u are VERY familiar with the local topography, I wouldn't try a SVFR, yet. Sometimes it's not above 800'!!
If you want a pilot who has been into Fairoaks and done SVFR's, e-mail me, only too happy to sit alongside and hold the map!!