Blackbushe Microlight Ban?
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Blackbushe Microlight Ban?
Report on another forum that Blackbushe (under new ownership) have 'banned' microlights as the CAA claim they don't 'mix' with VLJs.
I am aware the busy and popular microlight school (Clearprop) has closed its Blackbushe operation(no doubt leaving a lot of very disappointed students) as it has been bought by new owners but I can't see why Blackbushe should ban all microlights.
I am aware the busy and popular microlight school (Clearprop) has closed its Blackbushe operation(no doubt leaving a lot of very disappointed students) as it has been bought by new owners but I can't see why Blackbushe should ban all microlights.
Last edited by chevvron; 29th Mar 2017 at 11:22.
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We have a microlight here in Barbados - it mixes quite well with all of the VLJ right up to 747's, even if the Virgin pilots voice seems to go up a couple of octaves when informed "be aware we have a microlight operating in the area of the airport".
Sounds like someone at Blackbushe just doesn't like them
Sounds like someone at Blackbushe just doesn't like them
Is there any confirmation of this, or is it just scuttlebutt?
There's nothing in the EGLK AIP entry or NOTAMs, and the other forum (assuming FF) only presents it as "based on a comment from Facebook".
There's nothing in the EGLK AIP entry or NOTAMs, and the other forum (assuming FF) only presents it as "based on a comment from Facebook".
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Exactly, it's only a 'report' ie a rumour, my purpose on here being to ask if anyone knew if it was 'fact' after all this is a 'rumour' network.
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We have a microlight here in Barbados - it mixes quite well with all of the VLJ right up to 747's, even if the Virgin pilots voice seems to go up a couple of octaves when informed "be aware we have a microlight operating in the area of the airport".
Sounds like someone at Blackbushe just doesn't like them
Sounds like someone at Blackbushe just doesn't like them
What class of airspace is it around the airport?
Perhaps if the Phenom accident is the issue, they should only accept microlights as they haven't had an accident at Blackbushe!
If it is true it is a stupid decision as modern 3 axis microlights have a performance better than Cessna 150's, and the Rotax engines are a lot quieter than the old fashioned engines in Cessna 150/152/172 and PA28. Maybe they like upsetting the neighbours?
If it is true it is a stupid decision as modern 3 axis microlights have a performance better than Cessna 150's, and the Rotax engines are a lot quieter than the old fashioned engines in Cessna 150/152/172 and PA28. Maybe they like upsetting the neighbours?
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A little short sighted these days considering how convenient they are for places like Popham and Wycombe where there are flocks of modern 3-axis microlights keeping the airfields busy.
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Cheveron - that is the standard approach due to prevailing wind direction - also the route and the altitude at which I like to do my anticlockwise flights around the island.
The airspace here is D - but here while we have VFR everyone was controlled, think of it as being like flight following and in C or B airspace.
All the large airplanes will likely be using the ILS (it only operates on eastbound approaches) as do those of use who want the practice - my Archer II has a complete ILS including pitch, it captures the ILS signals and flies down the glideslope with scary accuracy with just tweaking of the throttle.
The ILS only captures from a narrow band from the extended approach to 09 - my Archer with the OMNI on captures it perfectly when crossing it on 180 heading. Even when flying the normal down the west coast route I would expect that the AP will be engaged.
Flying here is fun, especially circuits if flown in the mid/late afternoon on an extended left hand downwind at circuit height one gets to wave to the pilots and passengers on the airliners - most amusing.
The airspace here is D - but here while we have VFR everyone was controlled, think of it as being like flight following and in C or B airspace.
All the large airplanes will likely be using the ILS (it only operates on eastbound approaches) as do those of use who want the practice - my Archer II has a complete ILS including pitch, it captures the ILS signals and flies down the glideslope with scary accuracy with just tweaking of the throttle.
The ILS only captures from a narrow band from the extended approach to 09 - my Archer with the OMNI on captures it perfectly when crossing it on 180 heading. Even when flying the normal down the west coast route I would expect that the AP will be engaged.
Flying here is fun, especially circuits if flown in the mid/late afternoon on an extended left hand downwind at circuit height one gets to wave to the pilots and passengers on the airliners - most amusing.
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I rang Blackbushe Tower for PPR on Thursday 30th April. As high crosswinds were reported I decided against a visit in a microlight - the chap on the phone replied that I'd have to visit before 1st July as microlights would no longer be able to fly to the airport from that date. He confirmed that this was the decision of the owners (Blink Aviation I believe). Hopefully I'll be able to make one last flight there before microlights are muscled out!
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I remember Chipmunks co-exiting with Shackletons quite happily. Its about quality of air traffic control.
Where there's a will...
I would have thought there was plenty of room up by the disused runways - the north end. They could have their own airfield. Even a portion of the top taxiway that runs roughly east west. They require precious little length or room. Or else borrow a rotoverter and a mower and do something about the shrubland. It would be a shame to see the microlights driven out.
Where there's a will...
I would have thought there was plenty of room up by the disused runways - the north end. They could have their own airfield. Even a portion of the top taxiway that runs roughly east west. They require precious little length or room. Or else borrow a rotoverter and a mower and do something about the shrubland. It would be a shame to see the microlights driven out.
Last edited by Downwind Lander; 4th Apr 2017 at 15:43.
I live near Blackbushe and the place has got a lot less busy in recent years with a lot less based aircraft. I am sure the Phenom accident spooked the new owners even though the report makes clear the microlights only contribution was actually being there .
On that basis I doubt that helicopters are that compatible with biz jets either and the Bushe takes things up to a Dassault Falcon size so they are not just the Toytown Mustangs.
In spite of its seeming isolation Blackbushe does have noise issues and pretty well all movements are south of the field and have to squeeze in between the runway and the M3 (Farnborough is on the other side of the M3) , not a big area and in summer it can get surprisingly busy with circuit traffic.
Shame if the airport is just drifiting down though as its a nice place to while away a lunch hour with my sandwiches and if you keep yourself to yourself no one bothers you unlike some airfields in the locale which behave like they are Area 51. While on the subject of airfields in this part of the world I haven't seen much on PPrune about Fairoaks closing?
On that basis I doubt that helicopters are that compatible with biz jets either and the Bushe takes things up to a Dassault Falcon size so they are not just the Toytown Mustangs.
In spite of its seeming isolation Blackbushe does have noise issues and pretty well all movements are south of the field and have to squeeze in between the runway and the M3 (Farnborough is on the other side of the M3) , not a big area and in summer it can get surprisingly busy with circuit traffic.
Shame if the airport is just drifiting down though as its a nice place to while away a lunch hour with my sandwiches and if you keep yourself to yourself no one bothers you unlike some airfields in the locale which behave like they are Area 51. While on the subject of airfields in this part of the world I haven't seen much on PPrune about Fairoaks closing?
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I would have thought there was plenty of room up by the disused runways - the north end. They could have their own airfield. Even a portion of the top taxiway that runs roughly east west. They require precious little length or room. Or else borrow a rotoverter and a mower and do something about the shrubland. It would be a shame to see the microlights driven out.
In any case, the northern taxiway at the north end of the old airfield is so close to the built up area of Yateley and Section 106 areas that it's a non starter.
There is a thread if you look in this section,plus at least 2 on other forums.