Revamp for Parliamentary Airfields Working Group
The Airfields Working Group section of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group for Aviation has announced a change of focus with aerodrome operator participation now representing a majority of its membership, ranging from small grass strips to large, licensed airports. Following the departure of former chairman John Gilder, revamped group will be chaired by Matt Wilkins, an aerodrome operator for 14 years at Old Buckenham, with Louise...
Gloucestershire Airport ATC overhaul and sale update
Gloucestershire Airport is planning a £500,000 refurbishment of its ATC facilities over the coming months to help it keep its number one slot as the UK’s busiest general aviation airport. The current ATC tower facilities are apparently in need of some refurbishment, including a general rewire, upgraded comms system and new desk suite. As Gloucester is also a MET reporting station, the airport management are also upgrading its...
Cranfield announces new radar and withdraws ILS
Cranfield Airport has announced that it is constructing a new radar at the Bedfordshire airport, which will be the first on-site radar facility in 30 years. The radar from Easat Radar Systems Limited is part of a range of planned upgrades to the airport’s technical capabilities, to enhance operations and support the aviation research that takes place at Cranfield University. The airport management team says that construction of the...
Busy UK airfield to be sold by local council
One of the UK’s busiest general aviation (GA) airports is being put up for sale after the two councils that own it confirmed their intention to sell. Gloucestershire Airport is being put up for sale by Cheltenham Borough and Gloucester City Councils, who say they “are seeking new investment for the airport and are expected to instruct advisors to bring it to market in the near future”. Commenting on the announcement, airport director...
Open for business: Leeds East Airport RNP GNSS to be activated
Leeds East Airport invests in a required navigation performance (RNP) global navigation satellite system (GNSS) instrument approach. The RNP GNSS system is due to be activated on 10 August following approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The new instrument approach will enhance operations at the privately owned airport, which is the former Royal Air Force Church Fenton base, boasting a 1,800m runway and a newly built fixed...
