Invisible Airfields
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 487
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From: Daventry UK
Trim, about 15mi W of Dublin airport, is a private strip and offers the invariably friendly Irish welcome to visitors.
On my first trip there, I had the co-ordinates in the GPS, a hand off from Dublin radar saying it was 12 O'clock 2 miles and a frequency to call which was immediately answered.
The response to my call was something like "G-XXXX, have you in sight, suggest you turn south and follow the river about 2 miles". 2 Miles later, no sign of field, town of Trim coming up, something not right here... so call again "negative field in sight"
A short pause, then "G-XXXX - you are the blue and white Cessna?" Nope - no wonder I couldn't find the field!
(All Irish airfields are PPR and some are very hard to spot. The owner will often give you landmarks, like the Boyne river in the case of Trim)
On my first trip there, I had the co-ordinates in the GPS, a hand off from Dublin radar saying it was 12 O'clock 2 miles and a frequency to call which was immediately answered.
The response to my call was something like "G-XXXX, have you in sight, suggest you turn south and follow the river about 2 miles". 2 Miles later, no sign of field, town of Trim coming up, something not right here... so call again "negative field in sight"
A short pause, then "G-XXXX - you are the blue and white Cessna?" Nope - no wonder I couldn't find the field!
(All Irish airfields are PPR and some are very hard to spot. The owner will often give you landmarks, like the Boyne river in the case of Trim)
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 274
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From: Location, Location
When I was v low hours I couldn't imagione how I was ever going to spot the green field that is Redhill. and then someone opinted out that there's another much larger and VERY easy to spot airfield right next door!
Doh...
I know Lydd is difficult to spot when you look for it but the coastline and Dungeness always help me!
Hersh
Doh...
I know Lydd is difficult to spot when you look for it but the coastline and Dungeness always help me!
Hersh
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 932
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From: Deepest Warwickshire
Pah! Shotteswell isn't invisible, but then again, I would say that because it's but a matter of a few miles south of my house.
But anyway...
Sage advice time, esp. for low-wing pilots.
"If you can't see the airfield, you're probably flying over the top of it".
Try the Clacton farm strip course on the Cub. Really hones your airfield recognition :-) Oh and I hear stiknruda's home strip is hard to see with just a few pilots landing off a bit off strip...
But anyway...
Sage advice time, esp. for low-wing pilots.
"If you can't see the airfield, you're probably flying over the top of it".
Try the Clacton farm strip course on the Cub. Really hones your airfield recognition :-) Oh and I hear stiknruda's home strip is hard to see with just a few pilots landing off a bit off strip...
Joined: Oct 1998
Posts: 123
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From: North west UK
Welshpool on my QXC when I did find it way down there in that valley, it looked too small
But once on the ground knew if I could land on what is no wider than an A road (18mtrs) then I could land anywhere
Then came the 12knt cross wind at tatenhill, but that is another story
But once on the ground knew if I could land on what is no wider than an A road (18mtrs) then I could land anywhere
Then came the 12knt cross wind at tatenhill, but that is another story
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 116
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From: Chigwell, Essex
Invisible Airfields
Hi
Although many of the Airstrips are listed in Pooleys, Afe, Jeppesen/ Bottlang, Lockyears giving map locations.
I feel that an airstrip owner, should be legally obligated, to register with the CAA, regardless of being licensed, or having official planning permission, giving their exact locations, on a large scale ordnance survey plan.
One of the main reasons, that many farmers like to keep quiet about their own strips, is because they do not have planning permission.
Regards Martin
Although many of the Airstrips are listed in Pooleys, Afe, Jeppesen/ Bottlang, Lockyears giving map locations.
I feel that an airstrip owner, should be legally obligated, to register with the CAA, regardless of being licensed, or having official planning permission, giving their exact locations, on a large scale ordnance survey plan.
One of the main reasons, that many farmers like to keep quiet about their own strips, is because they do not have planning permission.
Regards Martin
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 239
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From: Kent
Agree – Lydd. What’s barmy about Lydd is that it is not even hidden in miles of countryside – it’s right by the sea next to Dungeness – you think you can’t possibly miss it but you do.
Headcorn is a good contender. Additional fun at Headcorn is that Jamie tends to move the runway to either side (bit like a cricket wicket), so that at the height of summer you can get 3 lanes to choose from
Headcorn is a good contender. Additional fun at Headcorn is that Jamie tends to move the runway to either side (bit like a cricket wicket), so that at the height of summer you can get 3 lanes to choose from
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 58
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From: North Uist, Outer Hebrides
Martinburney,
The last thing i would want overhead my own strip would be hordes of noisy aircraft roaring around and annoying the neighbours, whilst looking at my bright orange windsock!
Also not convinced about having my strip location advertised 'by law' for all to see. If I choose to license it, then I would expect it's location to be advertised, but as an unlicensed strip through choice, its invisible to all except for those who know where it is or those who i invite to fly in. Since when has it been illegal to operate from my own lawn for <28 days without planning permission?
Anyone remember that apocryphal story of the Welsh farmer, who was fed up with constant overflights by RAF FJ's? He painted 'Pi$$ off Biggles' on his barn roof.....This immediately attracted more RAF FJ's, hoping to see the new 'landmark'
Same goes for a big orange windsock in the middle of the country...Keep it low profile, dont have a marked out strip and only put up the windsock when you fly......
The last thing i would want overhead my own strip would be hordes of noisy aircraft roaring around and annoying the neighbours, whilst looking at my bright orange windsock!
Also not convinced about having my strip location advertised 'by law' for all to see. If I choose to license it, then I would expect it's location to be advertised, but as an unlicensed strip through choice, its invisible to all except for those who know where it is or those who i invite to fly in. Since when has it been illegal to operate from my own lawn for <28 days without planning permission?
Anyone remember that apocryphal story of the Welsh farmer, who was fed up with constant overflights by RAF FJ's? He painted 'Pi$$ off Biggles' on his barn roof.....This immediately attracted more RAF FJ's, hoping to see the new 'landmark'
Same goes for a big orange windsock in the middle of the country...Keep it low profile, dont have a marked out strip and only put up the windsock when you fly......
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,082
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From: SX in SX in UK
How many airfields have their name painted on the grass to help passing aviators?
Thurrock has it painted on a building and Rochester used to have it painted on the grass.
Are there any more??
Thurrock has it painted on a building and Rochester used to have it painted on the grass.
Are there any more??
