Sat Sep 07, 2019 10:43 am
#1718826
I am visiting the UK (from Singapore). It is forecast to be great flying weather tomorrow (Sunday) so planned to fly up to Duxford with some friends and visit the IWM. Called Duxford tower for PPR only to be told it was closed "due to ATC shortages". Am I alone in finding this absolutely extraordinary, not to say unacceptable?
I then called Cambridge instead, Turns out that is also closed for the same reason (but they had no idea Duxford was closed also). Then I called Execujet Cambridge to see if it was even possible to pay megabucks for handling and get the airfield to open for one arrival / departure, but same response and they didn't seem terribly concerned (even though the airfield closure is costing them in lost business and revenue)
If there is so little traffic that airfields can afford to close on a summer weekend instead of manning the tower, isn't it time to instigated non-towered field procedures as we have in other parts of the world (Australia and USA for example)?
It seems extraordinary that the GA community in UK are accepting these shutdowns,. I see lots of discussion bemoaning the loss of GA airfields around UK, but no discussion on why ATC is required at low traffic density airfields. Why isn't there a push for untowered airports in UK?
I then called Cambridge instead, Turns out that is also closed for the same reason (but they had no idea Duxford was closed also). Then I called Execujet Cambridge to see if it was even possible to pay megabucks for handling and get the airfield to open for one arrival / departure, but same response and they didn't seem terribly concerned (even though the airfield closure is costing them in lost business and revenue)
If there is so little traffic that airfields can afford to close on a summer weekend instead of manning the tower, isn't it time to instigated non-towered field procedures as we have in other parts of the world (Australia and USA for example)?
It seems extraordinary that the GA community in UK are accepting these shutdowns,. I see lots of discussion bemoaning the loss of GA airfields around UK, but no discussion on why ATC is required at low traffic density airfields. Why isn't there a push for untowered airports in UK?
Tropical John reincarnated - Due password Kuck Up