Silver lining in the volcanic ash cloud……..
by Tim Maas
Gatwick Airport Runway 08
As a Horsham resident, I am well used to the distant sound
of large air liners taking off and circling the town during their descent
into Gatwick Airport, but on one weekend during April all fell silent – the
closure of our airspace by NATS, due to the Volcanic activity, meant that
there was no traffic in or out of Gatwick. The silence was broken however
by a greater than usual number of light aircraft over our house, taking advantage
of a relaxed ATC at Gatwick and flying over hither too fairly restricted airspace.
So with this in mind we booked a Cessna 152 (G- BNKV), based at our club,
Southern Flying Centre, with the intention of taking some photos of our house,
and of Horsham. We took off into fairly murky conditions and headed for Billingshurst,
calling up the Gatwick Flight Director. “Any chance of a closer look at Horsham
“ I asked? “No problem” came the reply, “I can see you on radar, you are cleared
into Horsham”.
Great, we thought – time for those photos – and achieved what we set out to
do, great pictures of Horsham and our house. Now for the cheeky bit: “Any
chance of a closer look at Gatwick?” I asked Gatwick ATC. “No problem, you
can fly down the runway, you are cleared into Gatwick, maintain 1000ft minimum”
came the reply!
Hence followed a marvellous experience – probably never to be repeated. We
flew down Gatwick’s 08(R) runway – see picture taken by my wife Janet – note
the static airliners, and no movement on the ground. “Any chance of another
go?” I asked. “No problem” came the reply, so we had a repeat chance!! By
the time we left, light aircraft were swarming towards Gatwick like bees to
a honey pot – so our departure was timely. On return to Shoreham, ATC asked
us whether we had made it to Horsham and I replied, informing him of our Gatwick
experience as well. “I’m jealous!” piped up a female voice on the radio. As
I said, the chance of ever again crossing the big bold line on the map and
getting to fly above Gatwick in a two seater light aircraft with some freedom
again has probably gone: but the memory will remain, along with the photographic
records. Our thanks to the very patient (and probably very bored) Gatwick
Flight Director.
MCA refurbish King Air for Major European Organisation
Malcolm Craft handing over the keys
MCA Aviation were asked to source an aircraft for a major European Organisation
based in Italy. Raytheon King Air B200 was chosen as aircraft suitable for
specification and MCA sourced one needing some TLC. MCA proceeded with the
mammoth task to bring this aircraft up to “as new or better” standard. Blackhawk
and Raisbeck modifications were made and the complete cabin was refurbished.
The final job was a complete respray in the corporate livery of the organisation
and the job was finished.
The final product had been procured, upgraded and completely refurbished
to a higher specification and better performance than a new aircraft. And
the cost was less than the price of buying new!!
The owners were delighted and have awarded the maintenance contract for
the aeroplane to MCA.
MCA are European specialists in upgades and refurbishment of King Air aircraft.
See their advert on front page for details.
Refurbished cabin
What’s on at the Airport in June?
4th – 20th June
– Adur Festival. The art exhibition “Art at the Airport” will be here permanently
during this time, utilising both the Pashley and Miles suites, the foyer
and the first floor gallery. Evening events, featuring several different
bands, plus a comedy evening, are also being held in the restaurant during
this time.
13th June -FREE Family Fun
Day including charity car wash
26th / 27th June - Art Deco Fair weekend