1 March 2012
Colin Dobney, Head of Training at Stapleford Flight Centre, has issued a warning to all GA pilots flying in the vicinity of Hanningfield Reservoir, Essex, to be aware of potential confliction with jet aircraft, following the expansion of Southend Airport.
From April 2, Easyjet will commence regular scheduled flights to destinations in the UK and Europe from the newly-expanded Southend Airport, in addition to Aer Arann Regional’s flights to the Irish Republic.
As Southend is not, at present, in controlled airspace, it is likely that these commercial flights are going to be heading out in the open FIR towards the north west, as they transit into controlled airspace. This routing may bring them over Hanningfield Reservoir at 3000ft altitude. This area is regularly used for general handling lessons for students and by many PPL navigation exercises.
Colin warns, “We must ensure that pilots are aware of potential confliction with commercial aircraft. It is essential that all pilots contact Southend Approach on 130.775 when going east from Stapleford, and continuously listen out on that frequency. Please comply with Southend’s requests to operate below certain levels, even though not legally obliged to do so, whilst the commercial traffic transits into controlled airspace. If there is a reason why you cannot comply, tell ATC!”
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