Reopening Plan - Phase Two
THIS POST IS FROM 1ST JUNE AND HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED - READ OUR CURRENT INFORMATION HERE
We’ve been really pleased to see so many pilots back flying from Blackbushe, and welcoming lots of visitors too. Although flying training remains prohibited, and overall traffic levels are much lower than typical for the time of year, the volume of Recreational GA traffic was higher than we anticipated, and has allowed us to bring forward Phase 2 of our reopening plan.
PHASE TWO
FROM thursday 4TH JUNE
We will now be open 7 days a week. However, there will still be limitations in our operation. We have to take measures to make Blackbushe Airport COVID-Secure, and consider not only the needs of our customers, but also the safety of staff, and the financial impact on the business. The highlights are as follows:
Open 7 days a week.
Revised Opening Hours - From 08:00 - 18:00 local.
Refuelling available 09:00 - 18:00 local. Please refuel the day before for early departures.
Out of Hours flying will be permitted for home based pilots with the relevant OOH privileges (see below).
We will still be operating with less than normal staffing numbers but the Tower and Fire Service (RFF2/3) will be operational.
The Bushe Cafe will be open for take away service (Check their website for opening days/times).
There will be no toilet facilities available.
We will still not accept physical payments by any means (including Credit / Debit Cards).
For visitors, please use our PPR form and we will email you an invoice after your visit which you can pay by bank transfer or credit card.
All flights must adhere to the Department for Transport guidelines that only non-recreational flights, recreational solo flights, or recreational flights where everyone is from the same household, are permitted. We will continue to monitor all relevant government guidelines and adapt accordingly.
PPR / Booking Out
We are grateful to all of the pilots who have been making use of our PPR / Booking Out forms and sending these in either the day before, or overnight.
We currently have fewer staff in the tower than usual. We are quietest right at the beginning of the day. Having these forms in advance enables us to complete the flight strips at the start of the day, and allow the FISOs to concentrate on the radio, and arranging clearances etc with Farnborough.
Please do continue to use the forms - it is appreciated.
Out of Hours Operations (OOH)
FROM thursday 4TH JUNE - not before!
We know many of you have wanted to return after 18:00. Initially we have restricted this to allow all based pilots to re-familiarise themselves with the Farnborough CAS. From Thursday 4th June OOH flights between 18:00 and Sunset + 20 will be permitted in line with the usual OOH policy.
Infringements - Things to watch out for
We have seen 4 infringements in the last two weeks:
2 were aircraft extending their downwind leg and exiting the LFA laterally.
2 involved departing aircraft climbing above 1,675 ft on the downwind leg when using Runway 07 and exiting the LFA vertically.
We have had 10 instances where aircraft were not utilising the 7010 squawk when in the circuit. FISOs have been reminding pilots of the squawk within the normal aerodrome information, but during OOH this won’t happen, so please remember to set it.
Please help us by following the aerodrome procedures, and using the OOH process as below (and in accordance with the OOH Policy).
Booking OOH Flying
As previously, all OOH flying must be booked with the tower by 17:30 on the day of the flight. If you’re planning a trip away for the day and aren’t sure whether you’ll be back before normal closing, book the OOH anyway. This ensures we have the details of your nominated contact person. All OOH Flying must be booked using the webform, not by SMS or Telephone.
Process for Activating / Deactivating the LFA
If arriving back into Blackbushe you must (before entering the ATZ):
Contact Farnborough Radar on 133.440 (or other suitable freq.):
“Farnborough Radar, G-ABCD destination Blackbushe, request LFA activation.”
Once confirmed by Farnborough, ensure you have Squawk 7010 set, and make normal ‘blind’ calls to Blackbushe Traffic on 122.305
Once Landed call Farnborough on 01252 526 015 (or via RT) to inform them you no longer need the LFA.
If departing Blackbushe after 18:00 you must:
Call Farnborough on 01252 526 015 (or via RT):
“Farnborough Radar, G-ABCD departing Blackbushe to XXXX, request LFA activation.”
If you require a clearance through the Farnborough CTR, you can also request this at the same time.
Once confirmed by Farnborough, ensure you have Squawk 7010 set, and make normal ‘blind’ calls to Blackbushe Traffic on 122.305
Once you have vacated the ATZ, contact Farnborough Radar on 133.440 (or other suitable freq.):
“Farnborough Radar, G-ABCD Blackbushe LFA vacated.”