June Update

Time has flown in the last 5 weeks since we reopened!  We've seen really good flying volume from based and visitors alike, and hope to see a return of PPL flight training as soon as the DfT and CAA allow.  There have been a few changes on the ground at Blackbushe, and the Farnborough CAS is also fairly new to everyone.  This newsletter picks up on a few points that have arisen that we all could benefit from.

NEW PARKING AREA

BEHIND GREEN HANGARS & 07 RUN-UP

You might have noticed that the Blackbushe Flying Group aircraft are now huddled together behind the green hangars.  This was at their request, and makes administration of the fleet easier.  It also frees up some spaces closer to the cafe. 

The 07 Run-Up remains in broadly the same place.  But, you'll notice No Entry signs on the first entrance.  Please don't try to squeeze past aircraft parked there - it will end badly for somebody! (See Red X below)

We had one instance where several aircraft were trying to run-up at once, and a queue formed on Taxiway E.  If you arrive at the run-up and it's full, please continue ahead and enter "The Loop" from the far end, so that you queue on the loop, and don't block Taxiway E for others. (See Purple Arrow)

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.

In the last couple of weeks, more and more people have reverted to booking out on the phone.  Please do continue to use the form, it helps massively with workload while we try to manage social distancing measures in the tower.

AIRSPACE INFRINGEMENTS AROUND THE LFA

The number of infringements remains very low, and we are not seeing pilots repeating mistakes.  The most common point of infringement is at the end of the downwind leg on either runway.  Remember to turn before Hawley Lake (DW25) or Elvetham Hotel (DW07).

The other type of infringement we've seen is when departing on Runway 07, climbing on the downwind leg to leave to the NW outside controlled airspace.  Remember the LFA extends to 2,000ft AMSL, that's 1,675ft on the QFE.  As the runways at Farnborough and Blackbushe converge, the LFA / CTR is wider to the west of our ATZ, so you'll need to make a right turn to remain north of Hartley Wintney village and outside the CTR if heading that way.

TRANSITING THE FARNBOROUGH CTR

This week was the first time an aircraft was unable to obtain a clearance to transit the CTR whilst on the ground.  In this case, you have two options:

1. Remain on the ground and wait

2. Get airborne, depart to the NW and freecall 133.440.

On this occasion, it was due to an infringement in the CTR which the controller was trying to resolve. This took a few minutes, and then normal service resumed.  If you do have any issues with transits, I would like to know.

A bit of feedback from those who've flown it, and from NATS themselves, is that you can usually expect a Fleet Pond - Farnham Castle transit, or an M3 J4 - Tongham transit using the VRPs at either end.  We have received feedback from pilots that they find they often have to hold south of Tongham for a short period of time to get across.  The feedback from NATS is as follows:

1. When transiting from the South back towards Blackbushe, they issue a clearance to get you into the CTR.  They don't know your speed, so they tell you to hold at Tongham VRP so that they don't end up with a loss of separation to something faster.

2. Anecdotally, pilots aren't holding at Tongham VRP, but a good deal south of it.

3. This leads to the ATCO making a call asking pilots to get a bit closer to Tongham VRP.

4. Once you are at Tongham VRP, they can usually clear you across the arrival / departure track from Farnborough right away.

CLEARANCE CHEAT SHEET

We know reading back the clearances can be tricky.  As they are standard and defined in our LoA with Farnborough, once familiar with them, you should only need to listen out for the VRP, the Sqauwk, and the QNH.  We have cheatsheets for your kneeboard which you can print from our website.  Remember the rest of the clearance is just as important - but it doesn't ever change!

OUT OF HOURS OPERATIONS (OOH)

Everyone seems to have adapted well to the OOH process with regards to LFA activation / deactivation.  We've seen a small number just having confusion regarding the bits of the OOH process that haven't changed.
Remember:

• We close at 18:00 local. If you haven't booked your OOH using the form before then, then you may not use the airport that evening.

• You must have an ID badge, with OOH privileges to be able to operate OOH. 

• No circuits or T&G after 18:00 local.

ENSURING WE ARE COVID SECURE

• Remember to observe Social Distancing, remaining 2 metres from other airport users.

• Fuelling: The Fire Crew are on hand to provide fuel in the usual manner (from 0900L).

  • Pilots must remove their fuel caps and then stand away from the refueller

  • Pilots must not touch any elements of the fuel installation, including the bonding cable. Please allow the refueller to work.

  • Pilots are to replace their own fuel caps (which is best practice anyway).

• Make use of the Hand Sanitiser stations at gates between air and landside, and in the refuelling areas.

• There is strictly no admittance to the Fire Station, Terminal Building or the Tower for visitors.

• From 4th July 2020 the toilets in the cafe will be open to customers.

If you've got any feedback on the above, don't hesitate to get in touch.  Happy Flying!