Primarily for general aviation discussion, but other aviation topics are also welcome.
By simoon
#1519536
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....?
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By Paul_Sengupta
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1519583
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.
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By Josh
#1519584
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.
johnm, riverrock, Hawkwind and 1 others liked this
By Lefty
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1519645
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.
By Lefty
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1519649
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)
kanga liked this
By chevvron
#1519723
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...
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By SteveC
#1519733
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.
johnm, T67M liked this