News
Stansted Airspace - Transponder Mandatory Zone Implemented
The Stansted TMZ came into force on the 24th September 2009 (see http://www.nats.co.uk/text/252/stansted_tmz.html).
Hunsdon Microlight Club has established a revised Letter Of Agreement (LOA) with NATS. This LOA allows us to continue to operate into & out of Hunsdon without transponders & without needing to contact any ATSU. However, there is a very specific route that must be followed from outside of the TMZ into & out of the airfield overhead. Additionally, under these rules, the maximum height that can be flown whilst inside the TMZ - which was previously 1,500' AMSL - is reduced to 1,000 AMSL.
Club members should check copies of the LOA (which are available at the club house) for details of the allowable routing before flying. If you're not sure, please discuss the procedures with a club officer or instructor. Non-club pilots without transponders wishing to visit Hunsdon remain welcome, but positive PPR is ESSENTIAL, even if you are familiar with Hunsdon & have landed there before. The routing is very specific & a full briefing is required. If visitors do not PPR, the club may take such sanctions as necessary to ensure the LOA is not revoked by NATS.
Alternatively, non-transponder equipped aircraft may contact Farnborough Radar (see below) & obtain a basic service with permission to transit "TMZ2". The ATSU will give routing guidance whilst you're obtaining a service from them. You must still PPR to visit us, because Hunsdon is actually inside the Stansted CTR.
If your aircraft is mode C or mode S transponder equipped, you must still PPR to visit us (again, because Hunsdon is inside the Stansted CTR) but you can continue to fly inside the TMZ without reference to the routing prescribed in the new LOA, but you must have the transponder switched on & in the "ALT" position. Your options are:-
a) listen to (but don't talk to) Essex Radar on 120.625 & squawk 0013
b) obtain a service from Farnborough North on 132.80 (or outside their hours - 0800 to 2000 local - from Essex Radar on 120.625) & squawk the assigned code.
c) don't maintain a listening watch or obtain any service & squawk 7000
Once you've tuned your radio to "Hunsdon Microlight Traffic" on 129.825 you must squawk 7010 when on approach to, & in the circuit above, Hunsdon. This will let Essex Radar know you will be operating in to / out of Hunsdon.
Note that positive PPR means you must speak to a club officer in person - it is NOT sufficient to leave a message on any answerphone. Our new club 'phone number is 07548 543561.
Sorry, but we can't allow training circuits by non-club students.
The LOA imposes an obligation on the club that infringements of its conditions are reported to LTC Swanwick immediately, so please ensure that once you have obtained PPR, you carefully follow the instructions given.
We regret that such strict conditions are necessary, but they are required to ensure the future operation of Hunsdon Airfield.
Social Network for Hunsdon Microlighters
A networking site for club members has been set up. This allows you to publish messages, photos & videos to share with other club members.
The web link is:-
http://hunsdonmicrolights.ning.com/
Air Traffic Services Outside Of Controlled Airspace (ATSOCAS)
You may not often talk to a ATCO or FISO when you're flying a microlight, but it can sometimes be handy to be receiving a service from one if you're over terrain which would be tricky in an out-landing (including water!) - just in case you need help. It's therefore important to note that the services offered changed from 12th March 2009. For more information, please see:-
http://www.airspacesafety.com/content/
It's unlikely that you'd ever ask for more than a "Basic Service", so the website won't take too long to review.
Club Polo Shirts, Flying Suit Patches & Stickers
Our club badge is available as flying suit patches & as stickers for your aircraft or car . Ask Rob, Barry, Paul or an instructor if you want some. They are very reasonably priced!
Polo shirts, sweatshirts & fleeces with the badge sewn on them are available from:-
http://cyberstitch.co.uk/catalog/index.php?cPath=27_28_85
Cyberstitch is run by "Mr. Spamfield" himself, John "BJ" Moore, microlighter & BMAA council member, so you're sure of good service.
So buy a polo, & let's show everyone where we're from at fly-ins & be the most stylish microlighters around!
Hangarage Available
We have negotiated the rent of an additional barn from the landlord & so currently (January 2009) have spaces for semi-rigged flexwings. This can be hard to find this close to London, so if you or someone you know is looking for flexwing hangarage, give us a call or drop us a line. There are also spaces available for outdoor storage of 3-axis aircraft. Contacts here.
