Doncaster Sheffield (EGCN)

[joe-fbs]

Also known as Doncaster Sheffield Robin Hood (or some such nonsense!). Once RAF Finningley.

For various practical and sentimental reasons, I have wanted to visit here for some time but only recently has the cost of a visit become acceptable (just). Before you read on, yesterday to land a PA28 and stay for six hours cost me 61 pounds (which is cheaper than advertised, you have to ask for the GA leisure rate, assuming it is a leisure flight, when you ring to book). Yes I know it's a lot but it made sense to me on that day!

Obviously, it's big and easy to find so no more to say there. No problem with the controlled airspace aspects (nor have there been when I have overflown recently).

The compulsory handling with Signature is, while unecessary except to the people who run the airport, very nicely delivered. A very friendly agent guided me to my parking spot (near the main terminal which is also where the Vuclan is living); wore the reflective jacket for me; chocked and coned the aeroplane; then drove me the twenty yards to the Signature Office where he gave me a coffee while I waited to be collected. On arrival, he then drove me land-side to meet my family. For departure, because I then knew the route, my family were able to take me straight to Signature and watch me leave (which also got them a close look at the Vulcan).

I didn't try the terminal facilites but according to my sister who has been delayed there on a commercial flight, they are not good.

The aforementioned 61 pounds was split half and half between the airport and the agent. I took an ILS approach with radar vectors for which there was no extra charge.

The agent said that while 100LL is expensive there (about £2 a litre), the kerosene is so cheap that the RAF drop in to buy it!

I still get a childish pleasure out of having a Ryanair land just behind me and a Thomsonfly depart just ahead of me which is what happened.

I will be going again because the location is convenient to me.

If you don't need instrument facilities, cheaper local alternatives are Sandtoft and Gamston. Humberside is the next nearest place with instrument approaches. Landing fees at Humberside are similar but there is no compulsory handling.

I'm not a stripper but I think there is also a large strip called Finningley Village and / or Ninescores farm adjacent

[Steve H]

Airport website open at Signature Flight Handling page here:

http://www.robinhoodairport.com/business-opportunities/signature-flight-support.html

[joe-fbs]

There is also a cafe in the industrial area. I know nothing about it but the address and telephone number are:

Ellianna's
Hanger 3
Robin Hood Airport
Fourth Avenue
DN9 3GE

07564 356725

It is also now possible to visit the Vulcan in its hanger (pre-booking required):

http://www.vulcantothesky.org/appearances.html

[eltonioni]

The cafe is not too bad at all, in the corner here http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=doncast ... 20&vpsrc=6. When I was in the hanger a few weeks ago there were a couple of Hawks in for apprentice training, next to the Vulcan. BAe have their academy there.

[GrahamB]

The landing and handling fees may be a tad on the high side, but the IFR approach fees are amongst the cheapest in the country.

While doing IR training there during the autumn, I was charged £3.50+VAT per approach (or touch and go).

[Paul_Sengupta]

I suddenly had a feeling of devu vu all over again...

For various practical and sentimental reasons, I have wanted to visit here for some time but only recently has the cost of a visit become acceptable (just). Before you read on, yesterday to land a PA28 and stay for six hours cost me 61 pounds

Shame you weren't around when they first set up shop, they were doing free approaches and landings for GA for controller training purposes.

http://ukga.com/forum/viewthread?forumThreadId=1661

Some old Flyer threads here:

http://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9396

http://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10306

http://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=11100