News
Stansted Airspace - Proposal for Implementation of a Transponder Mandatory Zone - Stakeholder Consultation
A consultation document on a proposal to create a TMZ around Stansted has been published by NATS. It's available for download here:-
http://www.nats.co.uk/text/252/stansted_tmz.html
Clearly this may have big implications for us at Hunsdon Microlight Club. However, we believe that we will still be able to operate without transponders even if & when a TMZ is established. However, our LOA may be altered, imposing additional rules for operation at the airfield. See section 9.2 of the consultation document.
The club response has been sent to NATS. Click here to read it.
You'll need Acrobat Reader to view both the consultation document & the club response, & this can be downloaded from here.
Fly-outs & Events Register on Yahoo! groups
The instructors have asked that a facility should be set up up to list fly-outs & events, & that members can register for these. So, an experimental list has been set up & can be accessed from the button on the home page. You will need to apply to join the club's Yahoo! group to be able to register for events or to add an event to the list- & to do that you'll have to sign up for a Yahoo! ID first here.
Air Traffic Services Outside Of Controlled Airspace (ATSOCAS)
You may not often talk to a ATCO or FISO when you're flying, 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 are changing 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
Club polo shirts with our new badge are now available. There are a few large navy ones in the clubhouse for £13 each - ask Rob, Barry, Paul or an instructor if you want one. The "large" will fit most people comfortably.
However, if you want a different size, a different colour, or when the club stock runs out you can get them 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. He can also provide club sweatshirts or fleeces.
So, let's show everyone where we're from at this year's fly-ins & be the most stylish microlighters around!
Club patches to sew onto your flying suits are also available. At only £1 each, you can have one for your suit & another for a jacket!
Stickers to go on your aircraft & your car are also available for only £1.50 each
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.
New LOA in place
Following the consultations with NATS, we are pleased to say that a new "Letter Of Agreement" (LOA) is now in place, allowing full flying operations at Hunsdon Airfield.
However, there are revisions to previous procedures. These impose strict limits on the area we can operate in & the maximum height we can fly at. This is because Hunsdon Airfield is within Stansted's CTR, which is class D controlled airspace.
Club members should check the Airfield / Pilot Info. page for revised details & if not sure, discuss the new procedures with a club officer.
Non-club pilots wishing to visit Hunsdon are welcome, but positive PPR is ESSENTIAL, even if you are familiar with Hunsdon & have landed there before. If visitors do not PPR, the club may take such sanctions as necessary to ensure the LOA is not revoked by NATS. 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.
We are now operating under an obligation to ensure that any future infringements of the LOA are reported to LTC Swanwick immediately, so please ensure that once you have obtained PPR, you carefully follow the instructions given.
If your aircraft is transponder equipped, you must squawk 7010 with Mode C (if fitted) on approach to Hunsdon. This will let Essex Radar know you will be operating in to / out of Hunsdon.
We regret that such strict conditions are necessary, but they are required to ensure the future operation of Hunsdon Airfield.
North Weald - Be a good neighbour!
North Weald have told us that are increasingly concerned at the number of microlights crossing their airfield at low level without calling them on the radio.
Whilst they have no ATZ due to the level of controlled airspace overhead, they have asked that:-
1) If you're crossing the airfield without intending to land, please do so at a minimum of 1,400' AMSL (& obviously your maximum there is 1,500' AMSL)
2) If radio equipped, please tell them what you're doing on 123.525 Mhz
3) Alternatively, if non-radio, a 'phone call to let them know you'll be about would be appreciated (01992 564200)
We really don't want to be tangling with the jets & warbirds flying out of our neighbouring airfield, so please adhere to this very reasonable request.
