Professional Pilot, October 2018
Biggin Hill is the closest GA airport to central London with adequate parking availability This facility is currently being upgraded with a new ILS a new GA hangar and more GA parking stands Noise limitations Jeppesen Vendor Relations Mgr Ian Humphrey points out that aircraft noise can be a limiting consideration in terms of UK ops particularly late night movements FAB is restricted to Stage 4 movements but most 64 PROFESSIONAL PILOT October 2018 modern business jet models now meet these requirements explains Humphrey Designed to encourage the use of quieter aircraft Quota Count QC classifications determine whether youll able to obtain night slots at many London area airports If under QC1 you may get night slots for STN LGW and LHR but if youre between QC 1 and 2 then its less likely youll get a night slot and it also depends on other traffic Night ops are completely banned at these airfields for those with higher QC ratings Note that if you have a confirmed airport slot you will not be able to substitute an aircraft with a higher QC rating without prior approval Charter considerations Non EU registered aircraft must obtain charter permits to operate to and from the UK While setting up charters with foreign registered aircraft is easier today than it was just a few years ago recommended permit lead time is 2 3 days Keep in mind that permit approval depends on type of aircraft seating capacity and country of registry Note that UK CAA the charter permit issuing authority only operates Monday through Friday from 0900 to 1700 local and you may only operate to the airport location approved on your permit If your permit is for TEBLTN and you want to change to FAB this must always be re approved prior to departure cautions Hayward If not its deemed an illegal charter and is subject to prosecution by UK CAA Over the past year a number of operators have been banned for doing this Costs and options The London area is a high cost region for business aviation This is not a part of the world to try to operate on a tight budget say ISPs Still its important to consider the big picture in terms of operating costs Parking costs can be particularly high at LTN and LCY while BQH often has the lowest overnight parking charges notes Hayward However while parking at BQH can be particularly reasonable landing fees are typically 4 times what they are at STN Do cost calculations based on your type and size of aircraft fuel uplift requirements how long youll be staying and other factors particular to your operation You may think youre getting a great deal on parking but could potentially be paying 1 gal more for fuel uplift as choice in fuel providers is limited at certain locations Should you be headed to London for political meetings or perhaps to attend a royal wedding youll likely end up in the Westminister district under the shadow of the iconic Big Ben Reproduced with permission of Jeppesen Sanderson Reduced for illustrative purposes
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