Learning to fly, one mistake at a time
Flying into airfields around the UK and Europe. Here are a few thoughts and pointers based on my own experiences. Please note these are my own personal notes and experiences. If you are planning to fly into any of these, then use the usual aviation sources for correct information.
It had to be my first review, as it is my home airfield and therefore I might be a little biased. It is the home of Flight Training London, the school I trained with, which is the biggest training school on the airfield. Mainly C152s and PA28s, with a DA40 and a DA62. Nice airfield with quirks.
Grass strip with circuits at 1800 QNH. They request a Overhead join at 2800ft.
We made it in on a Thursday after a diversion from Le Touquet due to technical issues. (Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9wOX6H1Gz4)
PPR on the phone was fine, but we were told to use the website to book a table - next availability was Saturday.
On landing, parked at far end of the airfield, so a long walk for PAX and paid via an ipad at 'C'. Landing fee was a very reasonable £15.
Entered the bar, queued up for 10 minutes to be then told to find a member of waiting staff to order food. managed to snaffle a table and then asked for a menu, this was queried until we mentioned We were pilots, and the fact I watched 'Mr Richie' films and they were then very helpful. (*only the pilot bit was true)
Food was great, I think the rabit was off the menu, and had a bit of searching for the last Victoria Sponge in Dorset but they got there in the end. £16 for a burger and chips. which was better than Maccie D's
entertaining walking past a group attending to a PA28 prop with the master switch/beacon on, attending to it with a hammer....... hmmmmm
Overall score 4/5
Needs to bed in and possible get a few more staff. but well worth visiting again.
https://www.comptonairfield.com/
Earls Colne, EGSR
3nm SE of Halstead 227ft AMSL
A great little airfield with a fun runway - its a half and half with the tarmac section only 10m wide which gives a very interesting perspective of being too high on approach. Total length of tarmac is 778m.
Landed on 26L
Great Cafe with classic truck stop vibes and a fab meaty burger. Highly recommended. Do not feed Zak the dog!!! Staff in the Cafe and control were friendly.
Landing Fee was only £15 for our C172.
Be careful with the narrow taxiways especially if aircraft are parked at the fuel pumps - its a squeeze.
For more info https://www.anglianflightcentres.co.uk/airfield/
