Lake District (UK) Local Knowledge
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: London
Lake District (UK) Local Knowledge
I’m spending a few days visiting and flying around the Lake District and interested in any local knowledge such as particular must-see locations (for photos) or commercial heli-tour routes to be aware of and keep a lookout for. As they don’t even like power boats on Lake Windermere, any noise abatement info for the area would also be appreciated.
Better red than ...
Joined: Aug 2004
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
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From: Appleby-in-Westmorland Cumbria England
Watch out for RAF traffic, mostly C130 and equiv, Hawk, Tucano, Osprey (US) and Chinook at low level, especially in Lake District valleys and vale of Eden. Mallerstang is popular for low level transits incl multi heavy transports, and Ravenstonedale to Asby is a popular Hawk v Chinook training area (all low level). Very little available in radar so mark 1 eyeball all times.
Limited fuel in region. Kirkbride only. EGNC closed at present.
keep high.
Limited fuel in region. Kirkbride only. EGNC closed at present.
keep high.
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Pewsey, UK
CANP worth a look to see if it's useful? https://www.bhpa.co.uk/documents/safety/canp/
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Edinburgh
I agree with helicopter-redeye
Be very careful and you will need a great lookout, I knew the crew of a Jetranger who were killed at Farelton, near Kendal when they were hit by an RAF Tornado. Apparently the Tornado felt a bump and carried on, it severed the tail and boom of the Jetranger ! I have flown down the M6 motorway corridor many times and encountered lots of low flying military aircraft.
Enjoy the wonderful scenery and keep safe !
Be very careful and you will need a great lookout, I knew the crew of a Jetranger who were killed at Farelton, near Kendal when they were hit by an RAF Tornado. Apparently the Tornado felt a bump and carried on, it severed the tail and boom of the Jetranger ! I have flown down the M6 motorway corridor many times and encountered lots of low flying military aircraft.
Enjoy the wonderful scenery and keep safe !
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Do I come here often?
Avoid the osprey nests at the north end of Bassenthwaite.
Check the weather thoroughly and expect it to change in minutes.
Be very aware of your aircraft’s gust limits, especially if you’re in a Robinson or 206. If you’ve plenty of mountain flying time you’ll already be well aware of this, but if not get some advice about flying around mountains, get clued up on rotor and curl over, and as everyone else has said expect the military at low level anywhere.
I go about once a month, it’s beautiful, but I respect the area a lot.
SND
Check the weather thoroughly and expect it to change in minutes.
Be very aware of your aircraft’s gust limits, especially if you’re in a Robinson or 206. If you’ve plenty of mountain flying time you’ll already be well aware of this, but if not get some advice about flying around mountains, get clued up on rotor and curl over, and as everyone else has said expect the military at low level anywhere.
I go about once a month, it’s beautiful, but I respect the area a lot.
SND
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: London
Thanks to all for the above feedback. All is correct; military does indeed fly down to 250ft and the only fuel north of Blackpool is the man-and-a-bowser at Kirkbride.
For information on military low-level flying, you can call the RAF’s Low Flying Booking Cell (info below)
Low Flying Booking Cell
01489 443093
MF 0700 – 2300
For low-level military flights on weekends, they say to call them on Friday afternoon and they have all info for the weekend.
For information on military low-level flying, you can call the RAF’s Low Flying Booking Cell (info below)
Low Flying Booking Cell
01489 443093
MF 0700 – 2300
For low-level military flights on weekends, they say to call them on Friday afternoon and they have all info for the weekend.
Better red than ...
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Appleby-in-Westmorland Cumbria England
I never see any low level mil flying round here at weekends (At low level). Have a nice trip and watch out for the downdraughts
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: EGDC
If it is weekend mil low flying it is probably a big exercise, it's certainly not the norm and requires prior approval.
The UK Mil Low Flying System closes at 23:00 on a Friday night and doesn't reopen until Monday morning.
The UK Mil Low Flying System closes at 23:00 on a Friday night and doesn't reopen until Monday morning.
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: lake district
Hi RMK. I’m not sure if you’ve been or not but I’m based at the southern end of lake Windermere and can help out.
Im on 07774 942169. Fire me a message I’d be glad to help. I could arrange jet A1 at a push.
Im on 07774 942169. Fire me a message I’d be glad to help. I could arrange jet A1 at a push.
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: London
Stringfellow, Thank you for the kind offer; heading up there in the next days. I’m flying an R44, so Avgas not JetA.
I’m going to top up the tanks at Blackpool before landing at our hotel at the top of Windermere. If I need to refuel while in the area, I was going to fly up to Kirkbride.
I’ll give you a call re any local tips; I’ve made a note of your number, but it may be a good idea to edit it out from the post above.
I’m going to top up the tanks at Blackpool before landing at our hotel at the top of Windermere. If I need to refuel while in the area, I was going to fly up to Kirkbride.
I’ll give you a call re any local tips; I’ve made a note of your number, but it may be a good idea to edit it out from the post above.
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From: Mecklenburg Vorpommern
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: London
Thanks for the replies above and private messages. It was great flying and here are a few heli-friendly places, should others be interested:
Armathwaite Hall www.armathwaite-hall.com
Low Wood Bay https://englishlakes.co.uk/low-wood-bay/
Storrs Hall www.storrshall.com
The Swan Hotel www.swanhotel.com
Leeming House www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk
Armathwaite Hall www.armathwaite-hall.com
Low Wood Bay https://englishlakes.co.uk/low-wood-bay/
Storrs Hall www.storrshall.com
The Swan Hotel www.swanhotel.com
Leeming House www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk
