PPL flying into RAF bases.
 

I was wonderring if it is possible to fly into active RAF bases with just a standard PPL.

I had my mind on Middle Wallop and Yeovilton, both of which have aviation musems at them - one reason to go there!

If it is possible, I'm guessing there's a bit more paperwork, and more procedures to follow.

Any advice or knowledge about this would be great

Thanks
GWidgery

According to a friend it is often possible but is strictly PPR and the landing fee is steep at around £65! (maybe even more for bigger aircraft) :sad:

just ring up the bt number of the base, wait for teh operator and ring the ops direct, they'l tell u

(1) Yes, rarely a problem,

(2) Cost can be significantly reduced with an MOD insurance waiver (which is not just a component of your insurance cover, but requires application to strike command).

(3) The number of visits may be restricted without 2.

(4) The waiver is pilot AND aircraft specific

I understand this is no longer the case and all non-military aircraft are subject to the large landing fees :{

I've never actually been but have phoned up several to find out and it was never simple. The last one was Cosford, about 6m ago, and they wanted 24HR PPR by fax, with copies of insurance documents. I could not be bothered and arranged to meet the other party near the much more pleasant Welshpool instead.

I don't know why they don't just open up, and make a useful £10-£20, not to mention fuel sales, each time somebody lands there. There seems to be zero activity on most RAF fields that I have flown near.

IO-540
 

I can tell that you don't pass RAF Benson very much, that is very busy at times.

One thing, though: don't refer to either Wallop or Yeovilton as "RAF bases" if you do contact them.

The Army Air Corps and Fleet Air Arm may not take it well! :}

IO540,

The boys & gals in blue have enough to do without opening at weekends for a couple of puddle-jumpers. Most RAF airfields do not hold AVGAS and it would be ludicrously inefficient to open an airfield for one light aircraft. £10-£20 wouldn't even cover the cost of lighting let alone all the other bits and pieces. Make no mistake, you cannot compare a civilian airfield with a military one.

I suspect IO540 meant "open up" as in make themselves easier access rather than changing their operating hours.

If you want AVGAS you need to make sure you go to one of the airfields that has an AEF or UAS on it - e.g. Benson, Cosford, Leeming, Leuchars, &c. They operate Grob 115E Tutors so will have AVGAS, though the paperwork is nasty. If there's an AEF they will also mostly be open at weekends.

Otherwise comments above are accurate - the MOD waiver is available from HQ STC at RAF High Wycombe (something like 'civil admin' department, I seem to remember).

You will find the phone numbers for Ops at individual bases in the AFE VFR Flight Guide, amongst others. When you ring, persevere: even flying from a RAF flying club, I often encounter total ignorance when I ring for PPR. If the SNCO who answers doesn't understand, ask them to find out and get back to you. You should end up being given a PPR number which you must bring with you (but never quote over the radio). And you will be bottom priority, traffic-wise - I was held off Leeming for 20 minutes once...

Also, make sure you are up to speed with the military circuit pattern and RT. It's in CAP413 and has been discussed on here before.

On price, BTW, I understand that they've been ordered not to undercut 'similar' civilian airfields. When 'similar' means instrument approaches to all runways, lighting, &c &c you can see why it's expensive. Even though you've already paid for it all, out of taxes...

Tim

Fuel may be available from bases with flying clubs which means most. Weekend flying may not be a problem since most airfields have something going on anyway (gliding and/or club flying) operating without ATC the same as you would at any other "uncontrolled" airfield. Just be aware that the residents may be flying military (ie oval and possibly lower) circuits & make sure you get a good briefing.

PPL -> Military Airfields
 

GWidgery,
If you are interested in visiting Middle Wallop, you should give the airfield manager a ring on 01264-784727, and he will fill you in on the details. If you do not have MoD insurance you can pay on the day.
By the way, the museum is excellent.
BS :)

I understand this is no longer the case and all non-military aircraft are subject to the large landing fees

I am not aware of any change.

Why do you beleive it is no longer the case?

The person who told me is in a position to know such things. Sorry, but I am not at liberty to disclose the person's identity.

Sounds a bit 'cloak and dagger'!

Is that Polonium 210 I can taste in my tea?

EK

Yeovilton have Avgas.....we may be going to put our aeroplane there. Fuel is much cheaper and one big benefit of being based there is that all landings at any MOD field in the entire UK is then free ;)

Yes, go for it. make sure you have the MOD indeminity insurance. If it' s a club they might have it or you o pay on a pay as you go basis. Not been for a while but i think it something like £25 or thereabouts. Someone else might be abel to give a mroe accurate price but you get the idea.
Some of the radio work might be slightly different but nothing that you won't be able to handle. Have been in to Yoevilton, Lyneham and Brize Norton myself and was a good experience.
If you have a IMC rating you could try out a PAR approach at Yeovilton for a something a little differnt from the norm.

Call ops and ask. However be aware of the type of airfield you want to go to.
If its mainly rotary - you need to be able to fit in with some very odd departure / rejoin patterns (compared with fixed wing)
Fast Jet - expect to be held off while the fast pointy things are recovered.

The main issue is trust. Unfortunately there are some less than professional individuals out there. Therefore expect the controller to work to the lowest denominator system. Unfair to most, however ultimately designed to keep people safe. Mil and Civvy don't play well together due to huge performance differences.

Cosford was mentioned earlier. As a driver from Cosford I can say that we have occasions where aircraft just pitch up and request to land (no PPR) and are then peeved when told politely where to go. Also to anyone who wants to visit. Consider the traffic at stations like this. 5 Tutors, 5 Vigilants, 1 air ambulance, 3 PA28's from the RAF club, various conventional gliders on the South side. VVVVV Busy, not the place for someone who is unsure of the circuit or area. - just an observation

Personally, if I really wanted to go somewhere. I would ask and check for things such as any local restrictions or traffic integration issues. At least that gives the right first impression.