I’m away that weekend, unfortunately – would join otherwise.
I had thought one needs handling for GA – but looking at the AIP & the airport’s fees and charges document that doesn’t actually seem to be the case.
But some other thoughts to make it “more GA friendly”:
- It is a bit tricky doing practice instrument approaches there – one needs an account for billing purposes, and they don’t seem to like giving them to private individuals (I gave up mid way through the process, but SkyDemon reports suggest it is possible).
- A permanent supply of Avgas would be a good start (AIP says Jet A only).
- The AIP says (AD 2.20, para 1(f)) that “airport ground transportation” is required to/from the aircraft – is that true? Can’t see a separate line item. Is that included in the free handling for GA? If not, can it be? (or scrapped so we can walk)?
- Basically, they should look at how Southend operates, and copy that. A “proper”/full service airport that is fully accessible to GA, and easy / no hassle to use.
While it doesn’t relate to the airport itself, they could be a bit better with some of the ATC services provided – no basic service unless also transiting their zone; seems to be sometimes poor coordination between Southampton/Bournmouth and some reports of late transit clearances.
