Mon Aug 10, 2009 10:44 am
#773906
Thought I'd mention the extremely friendly and helfpul reception I received when flying into Fairoaks on Friday to visit relatives. I had been slightly concerned about the surrounding airspace, given that you're threading your way between Heathrow and Farnborough whilst keeping above a Danger Area and below the London TMA, but Farnborough were extremely helpful and on the ball.
Landing at Fairoaks we were greeted with a warm "Welcome to Fairoaks" on the RT from the FISO, very clearly and helpfully directed to the parking and we opened the doors to a nicely relaxed and friendly atmosphere. High-Viz vests seemed to be noticable by their absence. We paid £10 + VAT landing fee, and the parking worked out at (IIRC) £12.50 a night.
I understand that getting into London from here by train is quite quick and easy (although we were picked up by my brother, and I can't gurantee he'll provide that service to everyone). We stayed for two nights, and on our return the tower directed the fuel truck to go and fill us, radioing the amount through so that we could pay it all on one bill before we departed. The fuel was pricey though at £1.71 a litre inc VAT) but you can't have everything.
Cafe was good, if heaving, on Sunday morning, and we walked around looking at things ranging from a Cub to a TBM700 (or maybe an 850, all a bit out of my league anyway).
FISO gave us a good briefing before departure (I had read up on this, but never hurts to have some additional local info). (Squawk 0457 so that Farnborough can see you, head out on a track of 240 and remain below 1300 feet until you've spoken to Farnborough - simples).
In reality, not at all daunting and a great way to visit relatives in Surrey - assuming you have some.
Landing at Fairoaks we were greeted with a warm "Welcome to Fairoaks" on the RT from the FISO, very clearly and helpfully directed to the parking and we opened the doors to a nicely relaxed and friendly atmosphere. High-Viz vests seemed to be noticable by their absence. We paid £10 + VAT landing fee, and the parking worked out at (IIRC) £12.50 a night.
I understand that getting into London from here by train is quite quick and easy (although we were picked up by my brother, and I can't gurantee he'll provide that service to everyone). We stayed for two nights, and on our return the tower directed the fuel truck to go and fill us, radioing the amount through so that we could pay it all on one bill before we departed. The fuel was pricey though at £1.71 a litre inc VAT) but you can't have everything.
Cafe was good, if heaving, on Sunday morning, and we walked around looking at things ranging from a Cub to a TBM700 (or maybe an 850, all a bit out of my league anyway).
FISO gave us a good briefing before departure (I had read up on this, but never hurts to have some additional local info). (Squawk 0457 so that Farnborough can see you, head out on a track of 240 and remain below 1300 feet until you've spoken to Farnborough - simples).
In reality, not at all daunting and a great way to visit relatives in Surrey - assuming you have some.
Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.
Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde