Week 2 of the Farnborough Airspace Implementation

TRAFFIC VOLUMES

We've handled 629 movements this week, which is well above average for the time of year.  We're 205% up on last year, but last year we had very poor weather!  Visitors are slightly down, so do please remind your friends we are here and operating normally!

INFRINGEMENTS

One new infringement this week.  As with those in week 1, it was a slight extension of the downwind leg by a pilot unfamiliar with the new airspace.  Remember that turns should be to the west of Hawley Lake when downwind for RWY 25.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH INFRINGEMENTS?

When an infringement is reported to us, we will contact the pilot right away.  We have produced a short one page questionnaire to understand what led to the infringement and which of our briefing materials had been used.  Likewise, NATS have an online questionnaire.  It is useful for pilots to complete these for two reasons:

1. We want to identify as quickly as possible if there any immediate actions we need to take, and rectify any problems.

2. The answers will be provided alongside the MOR filing which demonstrates the infringement has already been investigated, (although you'll most likely still be asked for a response by the CAA).

We have been assured that all infringements are being considered in the light of new airspace that pilots, AFISOs, and ATCOs are all still becoming familiar with.

SQUAWKS

It became apparent that some aircraft were not setting their Squawk to 7010 when rejoining Blackbushe.  We had a few calls from Farnborough to ask us to request aircraft squawked 7010.  The rules and procedures have been updated to make this clear.

Remember to Squawk 7010:

• If departing either runway to remain within the circuit

• If departing runway 07 and entering the LFA to the south before exiting the ATZ to the North or West

• When rejoining from any direction, prior to entering the LFA to join the circuit or land.

You do not need to squawk 7010 when you've been issued a VFR or IFR clearance by Farnborough, as they will have issued a specific squawk.

Remember, our FISOs can't see your squawk so if you are reminded of the setting, they aren't pointing out that yours is set incorrectly, they are just reminding you to check.  Hopefully in a few weeks this will become second nature.

CLEARANCES

We've had lots of experience delivering clearances on both Runway 25 and Runway 07.  Following feedback from those who've been receiving them, we've made the standard VFR clearances available on our Aerodrome Information page, and the Class D FAQ's page.  We've also produced a cheat sheet for your knee-board to assist you in reading back the clearance.  Download yours now!

OTHER FEEDBACK

We've spoken to several of the pilots following their flights to get feedback which has been very positive.  Please do remember to feedback your experiences.  We now have a weekly conference call with Farnborough and maintain daily communications as issues arise.  We would rather sort any issues immediately.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

We're aware of negativity surrounding the airspace implementation and understand why pilots may be hesitant.  But please, if you've had a good experience of Blackbushe and the Farnborough CAS, tell your friends, put it on social media etc - we could do with your help!