Flying into Sywell AeroExpo 2014
 

Some aerial footage of the approach via the published method via Pitsford to land on 21L.



Yes, I know, 'Finals' but was referring to a choice of TWO (plural) runways!!

Thanks for that. Very useful video

Only thing missing are the other aircraft in the pattern.....

Indeed! When I go 'single pilot' and have no lookout, I try and go for a quieter slot time.

I just hope that all will fly the Pitsford hold, unlike an anonymous airman that we passed about 15 miles south and then found ourselves behind on the downwind leg.
Not all display 'airmanship'!

Excellent video and really useful: thanks for posting!

I liked the high speed taxy run at the end ;)

DODGY !!
 

The procedure is risky.

It fully relies on see-and-avoid with all its limitations.

To further compound the problem there is very high density traffic as nobody keeps to their slot times, no use of radio until #1 on final, and no ATC being present.

It is only by sheer luck so far in the big sky that nobody has had a collision.

Glad my slot to take in a glider is before the masses start!

Which is why I stopped going to the PFA rally by air. Too many times, I was cut up on downwind or even final by people who clearly had not looked at any instructions and often heard people calling up for landing instructions on the radio.
A conscientious pilot can read the instructions as much as he likes and keep the best possible look-out but the high-density of idiots around fly-ins like Aeroexpo means that a mid-aid is just a matter of time.

Why did you fly the holding pattern when there were no other aircraft?

Is the procedure the same for this year?

I'll be flying in again Saturday and following the prescribed procedure - seems from the above postings of doom that I've always had miraculous escapes thus far so plan to continue in same vein.

Arrival and departure procedures kindly provided by Pooleys.

http://www.pooleys.com/pooleysaeroexpopack2015.pdf

Flew the prescribed pattern as was not the last one in according to the bookings that particular day. Furthermore, the calls on Final were still significant and there is nothing worse at AeroExpo/LAA when there is unwarranted chatter/requests.

Remember one guy giving his life history for a crossing of the airfield at 2,000 ft one year......Notam.....what Notam, Jeez!

How would you know?

Would you try and count the planes in the sky to work out how high the holding stack has gone up to? Do you think you'll be successful at counting it?

Come in too low and someone will complain you've cut them up.

There is no initial altitude to enter the hold documented anywhere.

First time I flew in the pattern looked empty then, just as I decided to proceed to finals I saw a glint of the sun on another aircraft a mile away then saw a mass of other aircraft queuing up behind.

It is quite difficult to see the aircraft in the pattern until you get quite close.

If the weather plays ball tomorrow I'll try it again.

soaringhigh, if you join say from the West, looking at the diagram, you would surely join the pattern at top left corner, NW. and should there be nothing in front of you, you would peel off, exit, the first time at reaching the peel off point?

There would be no need to do another full pattern.

From the blurb.Route to Pitsford and if necessary join the LH holding pattern not below 1000' qfe

If you make it in, and have the time, stop by our booth, A22 & say hi. I love having the opportunity to meet other Ppruners :ok:

Hi Ferny,

I’m hoping to fly in tomorrow (Saturday). Can you confirm A22, as the info for Hall A on the Aero Expo list of exhibitors only goes up to A21?

Hope to catch up.

WKW

Edited: Found the answer - A21

Whiskey Kilo Wanderer,

Yes, we were told we were A21 originally, but while setting up our booth the other day, I noticed it was actually A22.

So yes, hangar A, and booth 21, cunningly disguised as A22 :)

Elf and Safety?
 

Attended Sywell today, no problems with the arrival/departure procedures, as published, on a busy movement day.
Unfortunately the heavy hand of the CAA/Health and Safety/unthinking bureaucracy ?? has reached the presumeably irresponsible visiting aviators.
At these events half the reason for going is wandering around the aircraft parking area, admiring the varied and sometimes unusuall aircraft.
Today we were advised walking around the aircraft now not permitted, and buses provided to and from the show area.
If this is repeated at the PFA Rally I can see a lot less attendees.
Are pilots with their passengers now deemed too much of a risk around aircraft?
(even with a high vis. jacket course)