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IFR Alternate Aerodrome

PostPosted:Wed Feb 15, 2017 6:14 pm
by simoon
Recently flew up to Dundee for a few days and I took IAP plates for Edinburgh as the alternate. The wx wasn't great which got me thinking....

As neither Edinburgh nor Aberdeen are particularly known for being GA friendly and for a simple wx diversion (say vis <1800m) (as apposed to an emergency) would I be stung for big scale charges (if not for the landing then what about the 3 days parking?!!)

Also what about the idea of a MOD aerodrome as your alternate (Eg Leuchars)

Any thoughts....?

Re: IFR Alternate Aerodrome

PostPosted:Wed Feb 15, 2017 9:08 pm
by UV
All the aerodromes you mention are in the Strasser Scheme. There is no mention of IFR or VFR flights.
The scheme is aimed at making a timely and safe diversion.
See here...
http://www.aopa.co.uk/index.php?option= ... Itemid=816

Re: IFR Alternate Aerodrome

PostPosted:Wed Feb 15, 2017 9:48 pm
by Paul_Sengupta
But with the caveat that if the weather was as forecast they may say you should have been prepared for that in the first place. See the current Bristol thread.

I think this dilutes the scheme somewhat as someone who deliberately flies in not so great weather then finds they can't get into their original destination will either try again or try other cheaper places, perhaps without instrument approaches, possibly with fatal consequences.

Re: IFR Alternate Aerodrome

PostPosted:Wed Feb 15, 2017 9:50 pm
by Josh
The scheme does not however extend to planned alternates, and nor (in my view) should it. If you file for an alternate before departure, you should be aware of the costs involved in using it.

This concession applies to genuine emergencies and precautionary diversions to airfields other than the destination and the planned alternate airport, made by GA pilots of aircraft less than 3 tonnes not flying for hire or reward.

Re: IFR Alternate Aerodrome

PostPosted:Thu Feb 16, 2017 10:19 am
by Lefty
Simoon,
All of the above replies are valid. You should not depart if you don't like either the weather - or the costs at your destination and alternate. As an alternative, you might consider flying to the closest airfield with acceptable weather to either wait it out - or continue by other means.

However I suspect you were being a lot more specific - as in you were asking the forum to suggest alternative airfields that you could consider.

I don't know the area well enough to make a comment, but I am sure that a short examination of the charts and IAP plates - perhaps with a few phone calls will illicit the information you want.

Perhaps some forumite with local knowledge will reply with some of the answers, but if not, then it down to you to do your basic flight planning.

Re: IFR Alternate Aerodrome

PostPosted:Thu Feb 16, 2017 10:26 am
by kanga
Lefty wrote:...few phone calls will illicit the information you want. ..


naughtily ? :)

Re: IFR Alternate Aerodrome

PostPosted:Thu Feb 16, 2017 10:57 am
by Lefty
kanga wrote:
Lefty wrote:...few phone calls will illicit the information you want. ..


naughtily ? :)


"You are naughty .... but I like you"
(A blast from the longgggg distant past)

Re: IFR Alternate Aerodrome

PostPosted:Thu Feb 16, 2017 11:41 am
by Paul_Sengupta
Ah, the glider pilot...

Re: IFR Alternate Aerodrome

PostPosted:Thu Feb 16, 2017 11:51 am
by Lefty
Paul_Sengupta wrote:Ah, the glider pilot...


No, the late Dick Emery (although for the pedants, his phrase was " You are awful, but I like you").

Re: IFR Alternate Aerodrome

PostPosted:Thu Feb 16, 2017 11:54 am
by Paul_Sengupta
Yes, he was a glider pilot.

Re: IFR Alternate Aerodrome

PostPosted:Thu Feb 16, 2017 4:15 pm
by chevvron
Paul_Sengupta wrote:Yes, he was a glider pilot.

Also owned a Miles Magister which was (I think but I may be wrong) based at Blackbushe.

Re: IFR Alternate Aerodrome

PostPosted:Thu Feb 16, 2017 6:32 pm
by vintage ATCO
Tiger Moth G-AOEL 1963-65. Now at East Fortune museum.

Re: IFR Alternate Aerodrome

PostPosted:Thu Feb 16, 2017 7:16 pm
by Mike Charlie
Being Pedantic Chevron, it was actually based at Fairoaks making regular visits to Blackbushe
Scroll down here on this excellent website to see him about to clamber into his Maggie

http://blackbusheairport.proboards.com/ ... ay?page=46

Re: IFR Alternate Aerodrome

PostPosted:Thu Feb 16, 2017 7:22 pm
by chevvron
Lefty wrote:
kanga wrote:
Lefty wrote:...few phone calls will illicit the information you want. ..


naughtily ? :)


"You are naughty .... but I like you"
(A blast from the longgggg distant past)

Pedant mode:
oooh you are awful...

Re: IFR Alternate Aerodrome

PostPosted:Thu Feb 16, 2017 8:16 pm
by SteveC
The Strasswr scheme does not apply to planned IFR flights. You should be doing correct flight planning if flying IFR. The scheme exists specifically to stop presonitus in VFR pilots. Please don't abuse it.