Visiting us by Air
From July 4th we are back to a new kind of normal! We are still asking for PPR's via email please (fly@abbasair.com) in order to comply with the Governments Track and Trace. Please read the below before sending us your details. We look forward to seeing you!
Airfield Information
Coronavirus restart Compton Abbas Airfield Ltd – information for visiting pilots Prior to attending the airfield.
Thanks for deciding to fly in to us! We have a few rules and regulations that we have to enforce as per the Government Guidelines. Although these will be updated regularly, please always flow the official guidance from the CAA, NHS and DfT, this document does not supersede any official guidance.
Pilot information
– Please continue email your PPR as you have been doing over the past couple of months.
- We expect to be open 0900 – 1700 Tuesday to Sunday but these may change depending on weather.
- We may not have a radio operative on duty. If you do not get a reply when calling Compton Radio then make blind calls (Compton Traffic) including accurate positioning calls on 122.710 and maintain a good listening watch for other traffic.
- The microlight circuit is inactive. All aircraft are to use the GA circuit.
- The signals square will always be correct so please familiarise yourself with this by flying a standard overhead join.
- IER may be limited. If you require an RFFS service then please ring for more information.
- The runway and manoeuvring areas will be checked each morning.
- Fuel will be available unless NOTAMed otherwise.
- Please remember that The Park gliding club should be treated as active if you are flying in from the North.
- No picnics anymore we’re afraid!
Coronavirus specific information
- We will only allow limited persons in the building at any one time, the only entrance will be the door in to reception, there are signs guiding you.
- If you would like fuel, please head to the pumps on arrival and then come to reception.
- We will provide hand sanitiser in reception however we recommend that you bring your own too.
- In order to help you and us we ask that your PPR email counts as your signing in, so please ensure you have given us all the details via email, we will check when you arrive.
- We will only be taking card payments and contactless is preferable, although we have new machines that allow for distance. We cannot take cash at present.
- Please comply with the relevant social distancing at all times, there are signs to remind you!
- We may only have one toilet open, and it will be one at a time in there. We have an increased cleaning regime in there, but please make sure you sanitise before entering and wash your hands thoroughly before leaving.
- Please have a look at CAP 1919 before visiting us: https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP1919%20GA_RTS_ADVICE.pdf
Food and drink!
We have a new “hut” serving cold drinks, ice creams and some limited food. You can find this airside and can use that as the “fast track” system from 1100. We will have a greater variety available to order in operations including some hot options too, and will serve coffee and tea from 0900. “Posh” coffees and a bigger selection of cakes will only be available from the cafe. The cafe is open from 1000 which is when food is served.
Thanks for your compliance and we look forward to seeing you,
The Compton Team.
Circuit & runway information
GA circuit height is 800ft and Microlight circuit traffic is 600ft. 08LH, 26RH. TORA/LDA 803m. There is a 100m unlicensed extension beyond each runway end, and runway distance remaining markers to the north of the runway to help with decision making.
Arrivals
Rwy 08 – A normal approach, but please avoid getting low on final approach or using excessive power settings when overflying Compton Village.
Rwy 26 – A normal approach.
Departures
Rwy 08 – As soon as practicable, on passing the end of the runway, turn left in order to avoid overflying Hatts Barn Farmhouse.
Rwy 26 – As soon as practicable, on passing the end of the runway, turn right in order to cross the top of the Melbury Hill. Avoid overflying any part of Compton Abbas village.
Turbulence
Turbulence will be encountered on both runways when the wind has a southerly component in excess of 8 -10 knots. Low approach paths combined with excess speed is not recommended when these conditions prevail. Such approaches will place the aircraft in the worst of the turbulent air and will result in a touchdown point well along the runway length.
Taxiways & parking
All taxying is to the south of the runway. To the East of the strobe, in the line of aircraft closest to the runway. No parking in front of the building or on the apron please.
Air/Ground Radio 122.710
We’ll always answer your initial call and any special requests. However, to enable us to provide a good service in reception, please prefix your calls with ‘Compton Traffic’ if your call does not require a response ie ‘Compton Traffic G-CK downwind’. We are unable to accept non-radio aircraft to the airfield.
Landing fees & overnight parking
£15 light single, £10 microlight, £20 twin. Stay over for £10 per night. Touch and gos are charged at £10 each. After many years of keeping landing fees the same we have decided to increase them for 2020.
However…landings will be £10 for GA if you upload 50 litres or more of Avgas 100LL or £6 for Microlights for 20 litres or more upload of Avgas UL91.
Keep your eyes peeled for our self serve fuel system coming soon!
Other
We are a customs designated airfield. 100ll & UL91 both available at competitive prices. Lubricants available too. Self-service. We have a ‘Fast track’ system for pilots – which enables you to order from us in Ops when you sign in – and save queuing at the bar. Great if you are on a tight schedule!
Taxis & local information
As we’re in the middle of the beautiful countryside – we recommend giving the taxi firms a call with at least an hours notice. Shaftesbury (North). Use 01747 prefix; Hilltop: 855555, Country Cars: 850950, Shaftesbury Taxis: 855009, Hansom Cabs: 852020. Blandford (South). Use 01258 prefix; Oakwood: 455555, Edwards: 860730. Have a look at the Visit Dorset website for information on local accommodation and activities: https://www.visit-dorset.com/visitor-information/shaftesbury-tourist-information-centre-p1408343.
Surface conditions
We are waterlogged only on extremely rare occasions. However, inevitably, in the winter we do have a soft field after heavy rain. We ask very nicely that you adhere to the following in order to keep the runway serviceable for everyone and in the good condition we try so hard to keep it. Thank you very much for your co-operation in advance:
Please use minimum braking, slow taxi speeds and execute large radius turns on the field. With 800 meters of grass to play with you shouldn’t need to use the brakes as friction will slow you down quickly. Braking on a soft field can cause a lot of damage to the extent where we cannot operate – especially if the ground freezes after indentations have been made through braking.