Golf Hotel Whiskey

Golf Hotel Whiskey: for pilots and aviation enthusiasts

Museums

RAF Cosford flying visit (with video)

My friend Nick and I flew up to RAF Cosford on Friday to visit the excellent RAF museum there. The museum is a must-see for any propellerhead and the RAF were very welcoming and friendly. There’s a bit of paperwork to do and there’s an interesting ‘centreline’ join – down the centreline at 1,200 feet then turn downwind descending to 800 feet – but nothing too daunting. Highly recommended. Nick made a great video of the flight and a few of the highlights from the museum.

Bournemouth (EGHH)

Nearest town: Bournemouth (4 miles by car), Dorset

Opening Times: Winter – 0630-2130; Summer – 0530-2030

Longest Runway: 2271m, Asphalt/Concrete

Fuel: AVTUR JET A1, AVGAS 100LL

Phone: 01202 364110 (Admin), 01202 364150 (ATC)

Website: www.bournemouthairport.com, Wikipedia entry

AIP: plates and airport diagram

Landing fees: Bournemouth is a fairly expensive place for GA with landing fees starting at over £25

Note: Bournemouth is PPR for all unscheduled aircraft

Pilot notes

Regional airport on the south coast of England.  Good IFR facilities and reasonable GA handling.

VFR approaches and departures at the airfield are an exercise in map-reading. You will be given a series of VRPs to fly to.  Some are listed but on our approach we were vectored by towns and other landmarks on the 1:500,000 map from about 10 miles out.  Because of the proximity of Southampton Airport and the Solent CTA, as well as airways routing south and danger areas to the Northwest, it is more important than usual to be spot on with heights and positions.

There are regular scheduled services and a lot of maintenance facilities on the airport so be prepared to mix it with large aircraft and make allowances for the odd Ryanair flight arrival or departure.

GA Handling

Aircraft under 3 tonnes park in a special GA apron near the threshold for runway 26 and are subject to PPR and handling by Bournemouth Handling.  This is a new approach to GA and seems friendlier than the previous ‘park on the apron and go through the main terminal’ system.  Heavier aircraft require handling by Servisair or Execair.

Because it is a Customs and Exercise / Terrorism Act designated airport, it is a handy stopping point for trips to and from the continent.

Airport History

Bournemouth saw its first flight in 1910 and an airfield in the town served as a training centre for WWI pilots. The current airfield was built during WWII.  When Eisenhower arrived to take over the Allied Armies, he flew into the airport. His pilot was none other than Paul Tibbets who went on drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima!  After the war, it was used as a base for BOAC and Vickers built Viscounts and BAC1-11s there.

Airport Map

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Airport services

  • Handling: Bournemouth Handling (01202 590888) Note: Aircraft under 3 tonnes park in a special GA apron near the threshold for runway 26
  • Taxis: United Taxis (01202 556677)
  • Car Hire: Hertz (08708 460004, www.hertz.co.uk), National Alamo (01202 577194). Both these are located beside car park 2.
  • Facilities at airport: Food court, Bar, Cafe, Duty free & other shopping, wi-fi
  • Flying Schools: Bournemouth Flying Club (01202 578558, www.bfclub.co.uk), Solent School of Flying (01202 590800, www.solentsf.co.uk)

Pubs

  • The Porterhouse, 113, Poole Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth (01202 768586, www.theporterhouse.com). A friendly and quiet pub (with ‘quiet’ a relatively rare commodity among the Bournemouth pubs), this one serves the Ringwood range of beers with an occasional guest ale.
  • The Bear Cross, Magna Road, Kinson, Bournemouth(01202 574413). Traditional pub that has reinvented itself as a gastro-pub and now serves some excellent ‘modern’ British food, besides real ales.
  • The Cranleigh, 1, Clingan Road, Bournemouth (01202 421530). Popular community pub – on most days, you can find locals of all ages here. Attractive prices too.

Restaurants

  • Chewton Glen. This Michelin-starred restaurant is about 20m away by taxi and is well worth a visit, either for lunch or to make a long weekend of it. I’ve been twice: once with my flying buddy Stuart and once with my wife, making it the first restaurant to be reviewed twice on this site.
  • Chez Fred, 10, Seamoor Road, Westbourne (01202 761023, www.chezfred.co.uk). Rated as one of the best fish and chips in town and vouched for by the crowds that tend to gather here.
  • Basilica, 73, Seamoor Rooad, Bournemouth (01202 757722, www.basilica.biz). This Mediterranean restaurant serves up a mean mezze platter. The focus is on fresh ingredients cooked with a light touch.
  • Wessex Tales, 20, Ashley Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth (01202 3098696). An excellent option for vegetarians and vegans. Everything here is homecooked and the menu is very imaginative, including vegetarian takes on traditional favourites.

Hotels

  • Chewton Glen. See restaurant review above.
  • Norfolk Royale, Richmond Hill, Bournemouth (01202 551521, www.norfolk-royale.co.uk). A large 4-star hotel considered one of the best luxury stay options in Bournemouth.
  • The Chocolate Boutique Hotel, 5, Durley Road, Westcliff, Bournemouth (01202 556857, www.thechocolateboutiquehotel.co.uk). An unusual boutique hotel where each of the 13 rooms has something to do with chocolate. The service and decor is impeccable and for chocolate buffs, the chocolate weekends and workshops are totally worth it.
  • Hotel Miramar, East Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth (01202 556581, www.miramar-bournemouth.com). A well-maintained Edwardian era building with rooms that have fine views over the bay.

Golf Courses

  • Knighton Heath Golf Club, Francis Avenue, Bournemouth (01202 572633, www.khgc.co.uk). An 18-hole challenge course set on 90 acres of countryside. Visitors welcome on weekdays with reservations.
  • Queens Park Golf Course, Queens Park West Drive, Bournemouth (01202 437807, www.littledowncentre.co.uk). A centrally located golf course that welcomes visitors.
  • Solent Meads Golf Club, Rolls Drive, Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth (01202 420795, www.solentmeads.com). A par 3 links course open to visitors.
  • The Club at Meyrick Park, Central Drive, Bournemouth (01202 786000, www.theclubcompany.com). A 100 year old 18-hole course set on a vast stretch of beautiful woodland and parkland. Visitors welcome any time.

Activities

  • The Bournemouth Aviation museum (01202 473141, www.aviation-museum.co.uk), located on the grounds of Adventure Wonderland overlooking the airport, is definitely worth a visit. It has a collection of aviation related art as well as models of older aircraft.
  • For outdoor enthusiasts, activities such as snorkelling and diving (www.swanagepiertrust.com) on the Dorset coast are easily doable as a day trip from Bournemouth.
  • The Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth (www.russell-cotes.bournemouth.gov.uk) is worth a visit for its extensive collection of 19th C. British art.

Useful Information

Carlisle Airport (EGNC)

Airport Information

Nearest town: Carlisle (6 miles by car), Cumbria

Opening Times: Winter – 0900-1830 and by arrangement; Summer – 0800-1730 and by arrangement

Longest Runway: 1837m, Asphalt

Fuel: AVTUR JET A1, AVGAS 100LL

Phone: 01228 573641 (Operations), 01228 573629 (ATC)

Website: www.carlisleairport.co.uk, Wikipedia entry

AIP: plates and airport diagram

Airport Map

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Airport Services

Pubs

  • The Kings Head Inn, Fisher Street, Carlisle (01228 533797, www.kingsheadcarlisle.co.uk). One of the oldest and most atmospheric pubs in Carlisle, this is nevertheless not a ‘touristy’ pub, but remains a quiet, comfortable sort of place where you can have your beer in peace.
  • The Howard Arms, Lowther Street, Carlisle (01228 532926). Another well known Carlisle pub with interesting interiors (think jumble of rooms, antique tiles, overall cosy effect) that usually serves Theakstons Bitters and Black sheep.
  • The Magpie, Victoria Road, Botcherby, Carlisle. An Oakwell brewery pub where the evenings tend to get a bit loud noisy – very popular with locals, especially football supporters. A good option for those who fancy some company and football talk.

Restaurants

  • Gallo Rosso, Parkhouse Road, Kingstown, Carlisle (01228 526037, www.gallorosso.co.uk). Very comfortable Italian restaurant and excellent food, including freshly baked bread.
  • Crosby Lodge Country House, Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle (01228 573618, www.crosbylodge.co.uk). Fine dining restaurant that serves classical French cuisine. Known especially for their desserts.
  • Alexandros Greek Restaurant, 68, Warwick Road, Carlisle (01228 592227, www.thegreek.co.uk). Somewhat expensive but does some of the best Greek food in this region.

Hotels

  • Crown & Mitre, 4 English Street, Carlisle (01228 525491, www.peelhotels.co.uk). An Edwardian style building that houses a hotel with comfortable rooms and all mod-cons. Located very conveniently in the town centre.
  • String of Horses Inn, Faugh Heads Nook, Near Carlisle (01228 670297, www.stringofhorses.com). A traditional inn 10 miles away from Carlisle, that started up way back in 1659 as a halting place for stagecoaches on the road. While the interiors have been modernised, this is still an attractive option for those wanting to combine a bit of history with some ruralising.
  • The Tranquil Otter, The Lough, Thurstonfield, Carlisle (01228 576661, www.thetranquilotter.co.uk). 5 miles away from Carlisle, the Tranquil Otter set in the countryside on a private nature reserve offers wildlife watching and luxury cottages for those who want their privacy. There is a microlight flight option to Carlisle airport as well.

Golf Courses

  • Carlisle Golf Club (01228 513 029, www.carlislegolfclub.org). Set on undulating parkland terrain, this club welcomes visitors with a handicap certificate on advance reservation.
  • Dalston Hall Golf Club, Dalston, Carlisle (01228 710271, www.dalston-hall-hotel.co.uk). A club that has its own castle on acres of private gardens and woodlands!
  • Stoneyholme Municipal Golf Course, St. Aidan’s Road, Carlisle (01228 625222, www.carlisleleisure.co.uk). An 18-hole golf course that welcomes visitors and is conveniently close to the town centre.

Activities

  • Carlisle is a convenient base for a visit to Hadrian’s Wall (www.hadrians-wall.org), the famous remnants of old Roman barriers.
  • Carlisle Castle and Cathedral are also well worth a visit.

Useful Information

Ten awesome days out for pilots

Here are ten days out that I can definitely recommend from personal experience along with detailed airport or destination reviews.

Isle of Man/Ronaldsway (EGNS)

Airport information

Nearest town: Douglas (7 miles by car), Isle of Man

Opening Times:

  • Winter: Mon-Sat 0615-2045; Sun 0700-2045; and by arrangement
  • Summer: Mon-Sat 0515-1945; Sun 0600-1945; and by arrangement

Longest Runway: 1754m, Asphalt/Concrete

Fuel: AVTUR JET A-1. AVGAS 100LL

Phone: 01624 821600

Website: www.iom-airport.com, Wikipedia entry

AIP: plates and airport diagram

Landing fees: From £8 for aircraft 500 kg and under to £16 per tonne or part thereof for aircraft 3001kg and over (details on annual fees/discounts etc available at http://www.gov.im/lib/docs/airport/feesexternal0708.pdf)

Airport Map

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Airport services

  • Handling: No compulsory handling outside the restricted zone. For light aircraft, handling available from Manx Flyers Aero Club (01624 825999, www.manxflyersaeroclub.com) or Island Aviation and Travel Ltd.(01624 824300)
  • Taxis: Taxis available from taxi rank at the entrance to the terminal building. More details available at http://www.iom-airport.com/lib/docs/airport/taxidetails.pdf
  • Car Hire: Isle of Man Rent A Car (01624 825855, www.isleofmanrentacar.co.uk), Mylchreests Car Rental (01624 825587)
  • Facilities at airport: Cafe and bar, parent and baby room, traveller’s shop, fax and photocopying facility, wi-fi at selected areas
  • Flying Schools: Ashley Gardner School of Flying (01624 823454), Manx Flyers Aero Club (01624 825999, www.manxflyersaeroclub.com)

Pubs

  • Queens Pub, Queens Promenade, Douglas (01624 674438). A large-ish pub that serves some good handpulled real ales and has fine views over the bay.
  • The Rovers Return, Church Street, Douglas (01624 676459). A quirky and locally popular pub that serves the Bushys range of beers. One room is dedicated to the Blackburn Rovers!
  • The Railway, Lake Road, Douglas (01624 673157). Spacious and comfortably furnished, this pub serves a good range of foreign beers.

Restaurants

  • Tanroagan, 9, Ridgeway Street, Douglas (01624 612355, www.tanroagan.co.uk). Cafe style restaurant located in the quay area. Here, they are serious about their seafood.
  • Archibald Knox, Avon Dale Road, Onchan (01624 613203). Named after the influential 20th C. British designer, this is really a family pub, but its good value meals make it popular with the locals.

Hotels

  • The Town House, 24, Loch Promenade, Douglas (01624 626125). Apartment-hotel with six luxurious suites, suitable for independent travellers who want their space.
  • Mereside, 1, Empire Terrace, Douglas (01624 676355). Family-run guest house with very friendly service and sea views from the eight rooms.
  • Glen Mona, 6, Mona Drive, Douglas (01624 676755, www.glenmona-iom.co.uk). Another family run hotel, conveniently located close to town centre and includes a fairly well-stocked bar.

Golf Courses

  • Pulrose Golf Course, Pulrose Road, Douglas (01624 661558). A 100 year old golf course at the outskirts of Douglas. Has some challenging holes.
  • King Edward Bay Golf Club, Howstrake, Groudle Road, Onchan (01624 620430). A course situated on elevated mountain turf, with imposing views all around the srurrounding region.

Activities

  • Manx Aviation and Military museum (01624 829294, www.maps.iofm.net). A short distance from the airport, this museum focuses on the island’s aviation history and also houses the relics of many air crashes.
  • A visit to the House of Manannan museum (01624 648000) , an introduction to the Celtic and Viking traditions of the island.
  • Nature and countryside walks around the island, including a visit to Curraghs Wildlife Park (01624 897323, www.gov.im/wildlife), a refuge for endangered wetland species from around the world.
  • Water sports and whale/shark watching at various coastal locations around the island.

Useful Information