Flying in Leeds
 

Morning all,
Been starting to think lately about different trips and things to do once i finish my PPL. One of those things to do would be to visit my father in Leeds and take him flying. I see that Multiflight at Leeds Bradford hire out Robins, subject to a checkout. I'm thinking that a short hop over to Sherburn and back would be a reasonable excursion.

I've been learning at Bournemouth, so am familiar with the procedures for getting in and out of an airport inside Class D... question is, and this will probably sound daft - can you make your own route up to leave the zone (ie, we'd like to fly over his house in Ilkley - almost straight off the end of 32) or do I have to route via a VRP without exception?

Comments, views, etc all welcomed!

Thanks in advance,
Rich

Subject to complying with Rule 5 of the ANO in all respects (i.e. min height plus glide clear) it would be subject to ATC requirements on the day.

... and that could be the problem. Ilkley is pretty close in (within the CTR) and as you say, lies pretty much on the heavy's climb-out or final approach.

Having said that, I've always found ATC reasonably accomodating at Leeds, so it's worth the ask. I've had plenty of "non-standard" entries and exits over the years.

Having operated out of Leeds (rotary), the process that is normally followed is outlined below.

When departing from Multiflight at Leeds, you have to 'book out' via telephone with air traffic - the usual list of information is required (type, PIC, destination, etc.) and you nominate a VRP that you would like to use.

You can choose from Keighley (due West of airfield), Dewsbury (due South of airfield), Harrogate (North East of airfield) or Eccup Reservoir (due East of airfield). I believe these are utilised to keep you clear of built up areas and away from the 32/14 approach paths.

On getting your departure clearance, and then when speaking to Approach (125.575), they reconfirm your VRP ("leave the zone via...") along with an altitude restriction (normally not above 2000ft QNH).

On re-joining, it is normal to route via a VRP, but I have been granted more direct approaches when returning to the airfield, especially from the North. I've never overflown Ilkley as this virtually lies on the extended centre line (but I've never really needed to either, so this doesn't mean you can't!).

Essentially, all you can do is ask the Approach controller (or the person taking your booking out information) for a routing and see what answer you get! For an 'international' airport, I've always found the team at Leeds to be friendly and amenable to requests, subject to the work-load at any given time.

Hope you manage a trip up here - there is some stunning aerial scenery around Yorkshire, so I'm sure you (and your father) won't be disappointed!

Simon

We regularly transit the Leeds Zone and ATC are extremely helpful. The problem with visiting the airfield is that landing fees etc are a bit pricey therefore Sherburn is definitely the preferred option in that area. I am sure that if you contacted Sherburn you could arrange a dual flight with an instructor and your dad as a rear seat passenger. Better than doing a checkout at Mulitflight which they would require before renting an aircraft to you.

Why not fly up to Sherburn from Bournemouth and back down after taking your dad up? See if you can hire for an overnight or a 2 day trip, then you don't need a check out at the other end, and can do a bit of xc also. If you've got the PPL you might as well use it :)

I remember when you used to leave the zone via the 'Golfballs'

Always suprised me that it wasn't a restricted area, never mind being a VRP.

I beleive the handling charge at LBA is around £30. Cheaper if you uplift fuel. Of course if you rent from Multiflight then you will not be charged this.