I have just seen a C172 doing orbits over my house in central London (Kennington). I thought this was generally frowned on, other than Helicopters doing the Thames transit. I quite often see a Dragon Rapide, but don’t recall any singles….
Is there anyone who has done this in a single? Are there any tricks, or do you just ask and hope for the best?
Seems like it would be a pretty nice view, I would love to do it.
Errr don’t think there is a loophole on Rule 5 certainly not in the London TMA, London eye being a good VRP for the eastern boundary.
Based on UK ATCO postings in years past, these are called Non Standard Flights (NSF) and you apply for a permission from the CAA.
No idea what they are used for.
I just found that Classic Wings in Duxford sells sightseeing flights over London in a Dragon Rapide ! 399 £ for 2.
I am amazed.
Antique aircraft + commercial operation + overflight of a metropolis seems like an impossible equation to me.
The Dragon is a twin.
What’s the issue?
It’s a twin that probably can’t maintain altitude on one engine (fixed pitch propellers and only 200hp a side, even with both turning, the climb rate isn’t 1000fpm). However, it might still be able to go far enough on one engine to fly out of the built-up area should one fail.
Go to FR24 and look at the LA metro area.
This London restriction is quirky. What’s the history of it?
Vintage makes some nice press story 
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-britain-flying-idUSKBN23C1WW
Or just some pilot fun on sunsets 
I have done the Classic Wings Rapide flight and thoroughly enjoyed it – a great family day out combined with the Duxford museum during the day and the Flying Prom at Shuttleworth in the evening.
Peter_Mundy wrote:
I have done the Classic Wings Rapide flight and thoroughly enjoyed it – a great family day out combined with the Duxford museum during the day and the Flying Prom at Shuttleworth in the evening.
Wow in one day? that’s solid !
