Spring Update

Welcome to our Spring Update.

The topics include:

Introduction of Autonomous Special VFR
Return to Flying from 29th March 2021
Summer OOH Flying from 29th March 2021
Ground Taxy Changes
Court of Appeal decision on Common Land Deregistration
Café Refurbishment Update
Twilight Runway Challenge 2021

INTRODUCTION OF AUTONOMOUS SPECIAL VFR

From 11th March a new exemption kicks in allowing multiple SVFR aircraft to operate within the Blackbushe LFA simultaneously. It’s unlikely to be used very often, but all of our users should be aware of it, and have an understanding of what they need to do to comply.

There is extensive information available within the Special VFR section in our Rules & Procedures v6. There is also information included in our presentation to users from 2nd March. Finally, our blog post on the subject summarises the key points for you.

RETURN TO FLYING FROM 29TH MARCH 2021

The lockdown easing can’t come soon enough for us, like you we are champing at the bit to get aircraft back in the air. Information on reopening is available on our blog post.

Please help us out by using SMS or webform for PPR. We love talking to you on the phone, but while we re-adjust to increased volumes of traffic, and while we still have to limit numbers of staff in the tower, it helps massively if we can focus on aircraft in the air, and deal with bookings when there are quiet moments.

As we return to flying, please remember Noise Abatement areas and proximity of Controlled Airspace and plan your flights thoroughly to avoid them or comply with appropriate rules.

SUMMER OOH FLYING FROM 29TH MARCH 2021

Along with a return to flying, we also have a return of summer OOH flying. Please ensure you take the time to re-familiarise yourself with the process, particularly activating and deactivating the LFA.

A reminder:

You must call Farnborough on 133.440 before entering the LFA. Once landed, call Farnborough on the phone or RT (if it works) to deactivate.
Remember you must book your OOH with us by 17:30 on the day. We provide a list to Farnborough so they know who is coming.
Please follow the standard deadside join, do not make non-standard joins OOH. Make all your normal calls blind so other users know where you are.

GROUND TAXY CHANGES

The more observant of you will have noticed new holding points have been added. Mostly the changes affect Runway 07 ops, which represent about 25% of our total movements each year. The changes are:

Taxiway F (The Loop) is one-way with entry at the west end, and the exit on the old compass base.

This is because there is less space on the compass base as it’s now used for parking.
Aircraft should taxy to the west end, and then along F to do engine runs. If the run-up is full, they can be done on Taxiway F itself.

Because of the new addition of the Whiskey Hangars, there is the likelihood of aircraft or vehicles departing the W apron heading against the flow of traffic on E. Therefore holding point F has been introduced.

When requesting taxy for 07, you will be given a taxy limit of F. You may taxy along E as far as Taxiway F, enter the loop at the west end and then do your run-ups. When completed, you will need to call for taxy for departure, and the FISO will at this point either permit it, or request you to hold due traffic.
For this reason also, a holding point E2 has been established. It is expected to be used infrequently.
Holding point E has been renamed E1 accordingly.
A new holding point on H has been added, again it will be used infrequently.

COURT OF APPEAL DECISION ON COMMON LAND DEREGISTRATION

Blackbushe Airport are disappointed to receive the judgement of the Court of Appeal in respect to the appeal case regarding our application to deregister the airport from the common. We remain committed to enhancing Blackbushe as a hub of General Aviation, and continue to take appropriate legal advice on how best to achieve this.

CAFE REFURBISHMENT UPDATE

We are currently refurbishing the café. It has been long over due, but we are really excited to welcome you all back at some point in April. You’ll be able to see our exterior works already, and work continues on the interior with no surface left untouched (apart from the wall mural!) Outside we have expanded the area available by 3x. New outside benches arrive in the next couple of weeks to provide plenty of space to sit and enjoy our fantastic food while you plan your flight or simply watch the aircraft go by.

FUEL PRICE RISE COMING

Last year we saw much lower fuel prices than usual due to the pandemic. We bought strategically all year, which meant we often were the cheapest aerodrome for 100LL and UL91 in the south of England. We last bought fuel in December. Since then, spot pricing has risen by around 14 ppl + VAT. Fuel duty has also risen by just over 1ppl + VAT from 1 January. We have some stock left at our current price of £1.50 inc VAT, which we will sell through, but within the next few days there will be a price increase to £1.62 inc VAT. This price is still competitive with other local aerodromes, and we always endeavour to be among the cheapest locally.

TWILIGHT RUNWAY CHALLENGE 2021

Whilst the pandemic meant we had to cancel last year’s Twilight Runway Challenge, we are aiming for a fantastic event this year on 11th September. There are 3K, 5K, and 10K routes running on our runways, taxyways and onto the disused runways too. Entry is just £10 per person, with proceeds going to the Community Matters Partnership Project. You can run in aid of any charity you choose, or just for fun. But why not support our home-based charity Aerobility?

For more info, see the Twilight Runway Challenge website.

From all of us at Blackbushe Airport we look forward to seeing you very soon!