Today's Pilot Fly-in Briefing Documents

Dear all,

Thank you to everyone who has already shown an interest in joining us at Tollerton on June 5 for the Today’s Pilot Fly-In.

For those of you planning on arriving by air the following information is vital. Early indications show that given the ‘right’ weather we could see in excess of 250 aircraft at this year’s event and as such the airspace around the airfield is going to be very busy at times. For this reason the decision has been made to issue this article as a briefing document, both in the magazine and on the Today’s Pilot website.

Prior permission (PPR) by telephone (0115 9811327/0115 9815050) is still required but when you call you will be asked whether you have read this document. For safety’s sake we would ask that you please abide by the instructions and requests within it.

As ever, if anyone has any queries they are more than welcome to contact me in the Today’s Pilot office on 01780 755131 or to e-mail me on [email]stephen.bridgewater@keypublishing.com[/email]

In essence there are three key things that you will need to know:

1 The airfield will be closed by NOTAM between 12.50 and 13.30 local to allow a massed formation of Pitts Specials to arrive.

2 Due to the expected level of traffic the airport has regretfully had to place a restriction on the times slow moving traffic can be accepted. This will mainly affect flexwing microlights, which will only be permitted to land prior to 10.30 local.

3 Nottingham East Midlands Airport (NEMA) airspace now extends overhead Tollerton at 2,500ft on the NEMA QNH

Finding the airfield:
Tollerton (EGBN) is situated 3nm south east of Nottingham city centre and is actually on the northern edge of the Nottingham East Midlands CTA just outside the class D airspace. It is actually the closest airport to a city centre in the country and Nottingham’s skyscrapers can be clearly seen from the airfield.
The airfield retains two of the large asphalt runways once used by Lancasters during World War Two so is relatively easy to find from the air, however the nearby National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont is even more conspicuous with its large lakes and rapids. For pilots arriving from the east though extra care is needed to avoid the parachute airfield at Langar and the gliding airfield at Syerston.
Tollerton also benefits from its own NDB (‘NOT’ 430.0) which is located on the airfield itself, making navigating to it even simpler.

New Airspace:
The Nottingham East Midlands Airport (NEMA) 1,500ft zone starts at Keyworth, which is also the edge of the Tollerton ATZ. It is worth noting however that the new NEMA airspace comes into effect before the date of the fly-in and this is shown on the new Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) 1:500,000 charts. It extends overhead Tollerton at a base height of 2,500ft on the NEMA QNH so you should be no higher than that when in the overhead.
During the fly-in Tollerton’s Air/Ground Radio will be manned full time by NEMA controller Neil Harris. Neil points out that a potential “gotcha” is the fact that the Barnsley Regional QNH is typically 8-9mb lower than that at NEMA so pilots arriving using the regional setting will actually be around 200-300ft higher than they think with regard to the base of the NEMA controlled airspace.
“Summer weekends can be busy at NEMA,” says Neil. “But my colleagues at the airport will be happy to issue zone transits on the usual policy of giving access to class D airspace wherever possible. If they can, they will, so please ask.
“If you have a transponder please turn it on – even if you’re just squawking 7000 it helps us see you and keep other aircraft clear of you. If you have Mode C, even better!”
Last year the controllers at NEMA provided an excellent (and much appreciated) service to pilots visiting our Fly-In and this year they have pledged their support once again. “Infringing airspace is against the law,” says Neil, “but getting lost isn’t!
“The controllers at NEMA would rather you called them early if you are uncertain of your position. They can find you very quickly, whether you have a transponder or not, and can steer you clear of their airspace. If necessary they can steer you directly into the overhead at Tollerton – but they would rather you spoke to them than got lost and flew through their airspace without clearance.”

Into the circuit:
On initial contact with Nottingham Radio (134.875) all you will receive is the runway in use and the QFE (and QNH if you need it). Please keep all calls to a minimum, and we are sorry but non-radio aircraft can not be accepted.
Once you have located the airfield you should make a standard overhead join at 2,000ft on the airfield QFE before descending to the circuit height of 800ft. All circuits are to the left but be sure to keep a good lookout for traffic, particularly when downwind and turning base.
“Please do not ask for non-standard joins, such as straight in approaches or base leg joins,” pleads Neil. “The volume of traffic will mean that only standard overhead joins will be accepted except in extreme circumstances.
“If you are the pilot of a fast machine that requires a run and break please specify this when you call for PPR and also give us an ETA. You will be briefed individually by telephone but it is likely that you will be given the option of a right hand run and break while other traffic holds in the overhead at circuit height. Calling us by radio when you are 15 minutes out will also help us arrange this.”
There are two licensed runways available to visitors although 09/27 will be the runway of choice for the Fly-In unless the wind dictates otherwise. Runway 03/21 is 821m in length, while runway 09/27 is 1,050m long in total. However, it has displaced thresholds and thus 09 has a take-off run available (TORA) of 989m during daylight hours and a landing distance available (LDA) of 837m. The reciprocal runway 27 has a daytime TORA of 970m and LDA of 929m.
In addition to these two licensed runways, there is a grass area in the centre of the runway triangle, which is available on special request – but it is unlicensed.
In common with the majority of airfields today, Nottingham Tollerton asks visiting (and resident) pilots to be noise conscious and to try to avoid flying over local villages if safely possible. There are four areas of population within the circuit pattern that pilots are asked to avoid – Tollerton, West Bridgford, Cotgrave and Gamston – even if this means extending their downwind leg. Consideration is also asked when using high power settings or noisy propeller configurations.
Once in the circuit all pilots should keep a good lookout for all traffic and be aware that many different speeds will be in use depending on aircraft type. Last year a number of pilots elected to ‘land-after’ other traffic, which can obviously be dangerous with such diverse types operating. As air/ground operatives (ie not controllers) Neil and his colleagues in the tower can’t tell you not to do this but we would ask you to avoid it unless strictly necessary.
Helicopter pilots are advised to call Nottingham Radio early and, subject to traffic, will be advised to approach the airfield directly beneath the circuit height. Once at the airfield boundary wait for a gap before crossing the active runway and follow the marshaller’s guidance.
Once you are on the ground fixed wing traffic will also be under the guidance of the marshalling team who will guide you to your parking slot, after which you are free to enjoy your day (and hopefully some sunshine!).

On the Ground:
So why should you come to Tollerton? Well, if last year’s event is anything to go by a good time should be had by all simply watching the arrivals and soaking up the atmosphere, but for those of you wanting more we’ve arranged a little something extra.
New for 2005 are a small number of trade stands, including the AFE shop and a number of charities and organisations. We’ll also be hosting a ‘Gathering of US Classics’ that should see the likes of Cubs, Luscombes and Aeroncas descending on the airfield.
Part of the US Classics theme is given over to the 60th anniversary of the Pitts Special and a massed formation of the type are planning an airborne arrival at the event. Organised by Pitts pilot Shawn Doyle this stream of Pitts are expected in the overhead at 13.00 local. In order to allow them safe passage and landing the airfield will be closed by NOTAM from 12.50 until 13.30 local – so ensure that your arrival does not coincide with this time!
We are also hoping to attract a sizeable gathering of Cessna 172s to celebrate that type’s 50th anniversary.
Proceeds from this year’s fly-in will be split equally between Cancer Research UK, the British Disabled Flying Association and the Glen Stewart Flying Scholarship. All aircraft landing at this year’s event will be charged a £5 landing fee, all of which will be put into the charity ‘pot.’
Needless to say ‘Team TP’ will be on site to meet readers, and as ever we value any feedback you may want to give us about the magazine and its content.

Departing:
There is no mobile fuel bowser, so if your aircraft requires ‘sustenance’ please tell the marshaller before you start for departure and he/she will send you towards the fuel farm. Please keep a listening watch on the radio but as Neil and his team will only be offering an air/ground service there is no point calling them on the ground – all you will receive in return is a ‘roger’ as they can’t clear you to taxi. However, please ensure that you keep clear of the active runway.
Once you are at the hold and ready for departure once again you need to remember that Tollerton Radio is only an air/ground service, so Neil and co. can’t give you instructions. If you are at the hold you will not be cleared for departure, it is up to you to see the slot in the traffic and go.
“Last year some people were sitting at the hold for a long time and not going,” says Neil, “but I couldn’t clear them to go. I can say things such as ‘there’s one to vacate.’ After that there is nothing known to affect your departure but there’s an aircraft on one mile final’ – but I can’t tell you to take off.”
Climbing out on the way home you again need to be aware of the NEMA airspace around Tollerton – especially if you are heading south. To the south of the airfield the airspace is above you so you should call NEMA early and remain at 1,400ft until they clear you to climb.
Last year there were a handful of minor airspace incursions, mostly people clipping the corner of the zone but also some vertical infringements where people climbed too early. None of these were major enough to warrant reports or paperwork, so please help us keep up this good record in 2005.

Slow Moving Traffic:
Due to the expected level of traffic the airport has regretfully had to place a restriction on the times slow moving traffic can be accepted. This will mainly affect flexwing microlights, which will only be permitted to land prior to 10.30 local on the day of the fly-in. By way of making amends for this (and because we know the microlight community enjoys a good party!) we have negotiated FREE landing fees for all microlights arriving on Saturday afternoon/evening for the ‘Pre-Fly-In Party’ (see below).

Did someone say Party?
Last year a low-key ‘Pre-Fly-In Party’ was held on the Saturday night and was a resounding success. Consequently, by popular demand, the party returns this year, bigger and better than before. Those of you who would like to arrive a night early are welcome to join us for the ‘shindig’, which starts at around 19.00 local.
Tickets cost just £7 to include your food and entertainment courtesy of local band ‘The Houndogs’ (http://www.houndogs.worldonline.co.uk/index.htm) with any surplus funds going into the charity fund.
If you want to attend the party there is no need to pay until the night. Ideally we would ask you to let us know in advance so that we can cater for the correct amount of people (call Steve Bridgewater on 01780 755131), but everyone is welcome on the night. The airfield ceases being licensed at 19.00, but arrivals after that time are still permitted. The radio will be unmanned (we’ll all be at the party!) but please make blind calls on 134.87.
There is no charge for camping with your aircraft but there are also some good local B&Bs for the less hardy! If last year is anything to go by it should be a memorable evening – but can the last one standing please turn off the lights before they go to bed!

See you there!
Whether you join us for the entire weekend or just Sunday’s Fly-In we look forward to meeting you at Tollerton. The event, which is entirely run by volunteers as a non-commercial enterprise, is growing in stature and reputation each year and with your help we can carry on growing. The more we grow, the more we can donate to our chosen charities. Thank you for your support.

Airfield Information
Nottingham (Tollerton) Airport (EGBN)
Position: N52 55.20 W001 04.75
Elevation: 138ft AMSL
Runways: 03/21 (2,693ft) 821m TORA/LDA, asphalt
09 (3,245ft) 989m TORA 837m LDA, asphalt
27 (3,182ft) 970m TORA 929m LDA, asphalt
Frequency: 134.875 A/G (‘Nottingham Radio’)
Call 134.17 APP (‘East Midlands Approach’) for Zone Transit
Landing Fee: £5 special deal for Today’s Pilot Fly-In
Operating Hours: 0900-1900 Sat, 1000-1900 Sun
Fuel: Yes 100LL & Jet A1
Food: Yes
Maintenance: Yes
Contact: Nottingham Tollerton Airport, Tollerton Lane, Tollerton, Notts, NG14 4GA. 0115 981 1327 ATC/0115 981 5050 (sales/admin), 0115 981 1444 (Fax). http://www.nottinghamairport.co.uk
Always check a current VFR Flight Guide for up-to-date details and/or contact the airfield.

Best regards,

Steve Bridgewater
Assistant Editor & Fly-In Co-ordinator
Today’s Pilot Magazine