Thanks for the replies guys.

Popped down today, all good. As it worked out being able to actually see it - descending to 1000' before Stanstead Zone brings you nicely to circuit height - although I chose to orbit before landing to be sure I got my 02/20 the right way round!

Runway was 02 with wind at 07 - so I think I'll be re-practicing my cross-wind landings next week!

The Squadron is nice cafe that does great food at a good price - so a nice lunch was had.

On the way back Farnborough weren't responding on 132.800, so I went with Essex Radar - who in turn transferred me to Heathrow, and they let me 'cut the corner off' and go through the TMZ over Burnham/Maidenhead etc.

So all in all pretty a good day! And I saved 0.3 of an hour thanks to the nice guys at Heathrow :)

Farnborough North and East were closed today due staff shortages. But you knew that by checking Notams and/or Skydemon, didn't you? :)

Why of course ;) Interestingly, I did speak to them on the way there - so they made it there for a while at least.

The very best thing that Pooley's could do would be to build in an 'auto-destruct' feature into their otherwise excellent guide that reduces it to ash at midnight on 31st Dec...

Same with charts on their expiry date, as well.

That's a big plus for Skydemon, reasonably up-to-date info.

I'd happily pay a landing fee just for the pleasure of visiting this historic and splendid aerodrome. Used to pop over regularly for brunch at the Squadron, when I was based in the London area.

TOO

This is interesting, I have to admit to doing my routing on Sky Vector. If I GPS I'll the 430. Although generally, I'll put the route on a chart too and work them both in the flight.

What is the requirement these days with charts? Does one still need a chart if they are flying with an iPad? I guess you do in case the battery runs out?!

8 years ago I retired and still they haven't trained my replacements!

Wasn't aware Heathrow had a TMZ; don't you mean the Heathrow CTR?

Hi Chevvy, yes they have... TMZ does not mean Terminal Manoeuvring Zone. It is in fact a Transponder Mandatory Zone. The latest must have for any modern airfield, where special unique rules apply.
.

ANYONE can screw up. I am quite experienced, over 10,000 hrs and flown everything from heavy 4 jets to microlights, with a smattering of jet fighters, bombers etc. However, to my shame, I landed on the wrong runway at North Weald once. Why? Because I heard ATC tell me what I expected to hear, 02, when the runway was really 20. No harm done (except my pride) as no one else was arriving or departing. Also the fact that the windsock was at 90 degrees to the runway gave me no clues. A huge apology to ATC dug me out of the hole, but it just goes to show.

Remember to wear your hi vis jacket if walking in the manouvering area at NW.

I am well aware what a TMZ is - don't forget I used to be a controller on Farnborough LARS North!
The only TMZ I know of around Heathrow is contained wholly within the Heathrow CTR not standalone as are the Stansted ones

Chevron, re TMZ's...
I think your Sarcasm receiver may be on mute!!

Neil
Did The Squadron ask for a contribution to some sort of landing fee as Heston suggested they might?