Pilot reviews of Blackpool Airport

“Flew to Blackpool yesterday (13th July) and i was very pleased with the service provided. Make sure you call up before departure as per NOTAM, PPR is required as i believe the grass parking area is limited. Only problem I had was trying to find the 'magic' button to get out of the secure zone. Apart from that, no problems however I lost track of time and went over the 2 hours free parking limit. Landing fees for PA28 + 3 hrs parking came to £35.”

“Flew to Blackpool on Sunday (21st Oct) but hadn't noticed the NOTAM about PPR being required. This would seem to be because of a shortage of parking space. We headed up from Deeside and when we asked for Joining Instructions, we were asked if we'd PPR'ed. When we said no, we were told to stay away while they worked out if they could fit us in anywhere. Eventually, after about 3 orbits above Southport they let us in. The NOTAM currently runs till the end of October but it needs to be adhered to if you want to be sure of getting in promptly. Apart from that, very smooth visit. Huge runway although still fairly hard to spot in the haze. ATC held us before departure too to make sure the wake vortex from a departing 737 had gone.”

“A busy little (big) airport now. Lots of traffic operating throughout the week. The occasional B738 operating once or twice a day, and a fair amount of rotary traffic mixed in with the training aircraft keep the field very active. Consequently, ATC are very professional, yet very friendly and accomodating to the GA visitor.

No real 'gotchas' to watch out for. Warton Radar (weekdays)will look after you when approaching the area. Give them an early call (when leaving the low-level corridor if coming from the south) as they get pretty busy. You'll probably be routed via the Southport pier and then across the bay to St Annes pier, thereafter handed off to Blackpool Tower. (FYI...the landmark Blackpool Tower is referred to as ''Tall Tower'').

Visitor aircraft usually park in 'Fylde Park', a grass area located just north of the A1 holding point, but ATC will direct you if required. The fuellers are very friendly and will look after you. High vis jackets are mandatory.

When you leave, you're let out via a security gate. When you come back you go through the main passenger terminal, where you'll pay your fees, book out (all at the information desk) and go through the security screening. We had no problems at all, and the staff were again (a theme at Blackpool), very helpful.

We flew in on a Tuesday, left on Saturday and it cost £28 for the landing and parking. I don't think I shall make the journey by car again! Well done Blackpool.

”

“A regional airport with both scheduled and charter flights so the very professional and helpful service is welcomed. A lot of work when flying in from the south with Liverpool, Woodvale and Warton all in very close proximity on approaching Blackpool. I'd go more often if it weren't for the absolutely horrendous landing fee for my PA28!”

“About Blackpool ATC.

Working hard as ever yesterday (Sun 11/12/05) with many GA flights, including me, 'enjoying' the weather. This frequency (Twr 118.400) is busier than LHR to listen to. Anyway, inversion really took hold in the afternoon with visibility reducing quickly and all getting a bit nasty resulting in lots of changed plans, cancelled trips and hurried returns to the field.

All dealt with in a 'safe, orderly and expedicious manner'. More than one nervous PPL comforted by the voice in the headset. (Thanks guys)

It's easy to complain about ATC services - usually unjustified. Well done all round

Brian

”

“i visited blackpool last august to collect a friends friend. nice location to fly to. along the coast passed liver pool and over wales. the airport has three large runways so most winds cattered for. a little confusing to get to the avgas but that was possible me. Helpfull ATC and ground staff apart from the security to return airside. take some id etc and no sharp objects ( leave brain in the plane). Landing fee a little taste i felt. Very close to pleasure beach and tower so easy for a day trip to them. i would go to there again and pop in to the town and ride the roller coaster,etc”

“Visited Blackpool yesterday, ATC were fantastic, went North after departure over the tower and pleasure beach, they couldnt have been more helpful! only minus point, £15 for a landing fee, my aircraft weighs 575kg! surely they would attract more visitors if the fee was lowered.”

“Very helpful ATC; we joined at a busy time but as soon as the scheduled fights were away we were told to park outside international arrivals next to the big boys. 'C' is across by the fire station £22.80 for the PA28. A full and friendly flight planning service is available inside the terminal where we submitted our flight plan to the Isle of man and completed the Special Branch paperwork.”