Pilot reviews of Hawarden Airfield

“Our plan was to fly to Ronaldsway IOM on Saturday 10th May, the viz when we left North Weald was not brilliant but very flyable, indeed it cleared a little as we flew further north. At Crewe we asked London Information for the Ronaldsway weather which when received gave us a slight dilema, it sounded not very good but was perhaps achievable, as we debated our options the viz deteriorated dramitacally a quick call to Haywarden some five miles away for a bad weather diversion resulted in them allowing us to divert, by now the viz was almost IMC. ATC were brilliant, they helped us in and once down the ground crew were fantastic, they waived the landing fee for a bad weather diversion and allowed us to use the crew room for a cup of tea and bar of chocolate. The GA facilities are very limited but the service and hospitality offered in an awkward situation was fantastic. We never made the IOM but are genuinley thankful to the guys at Haywarden.”

“I visited Hawarden recently-this was a short stop on a training flight. ATC were very professional as has been stated previously-and even reminded us about several areas of controlled airspace to be aware of. Once on the ground they were a friendly group and quite chatty.

Landing fee was about 15GBP. We were shown to the 'crew room' to plan our return. It's a tiny room, but has adequate desk space for two people to collaborate on flight planning.

Overall a good place to visit, and close to Chester if that is your destination!

”

“Visited in a R22 helicopter. There is a (daylight only) helipad, but you need to know where it is before you approach - it's not easy to see. The helipad is right next to the large A380 wing factory, and as there often seems to be a crosswind at Hawarden, there's quite a bit of turbulence on the H itself. The GA apron is N, and the taxiway to that from the H also suffers viscous turbulence from the other end of the wing factory at the apron entrance. Be prepared for some quick reactions in a small heli on a breezy day!

Apart from that, it's helicopter friendly, the ATC and ground staff are all professional and helpful. No café available, or really anywhere even to sit - it does feel like the industrial aerodrome that it is. However, there's often someone in the heli school during the week for a chat.

”

“Visited Hawarden yesterday in our C182. Wind was 170018. Landing and take off were a bit tricky! The effect of the huge factory building mean the windsocks at each end of the runway are often pointing in completly different directions!

Parked next to the only other A/c on the apron An A319!

ATC were great. Very professional in the air and very friendly and helpful on the ground. Landing and 4 hours parking came to £31.00.

Not a place to drop in for the hell of it. No £100 bacon butty here but if you've got business in the area, don't hesitate.

”

“Hawarden ATC very professional-while you're in the air!

Once on the ground we got the feeling the we(in a c172) weren't welcome (on completing payment of our landing fee we were asked if we were leaving straight away).

We wanted to pop across to the flying school to say hello and were told(by ATC) that we had to get PPR from the apron owners. After several prompts for who to contact and no information forthcoming we left!

”

“I have been into Hawarden several times now on business trips from Humberside, the last time being Friday 14th Jan. I do concur with the last two comments. ATC are fantastic, and very happy to give vectors to ILS and help with your arrival. Being based at a relatively busy Airport we are used to mixing with large aircraft and Hawarden has its share of bizz jets etc. One word of caution - if the wind is 170/18 - beware of windsheer and rotor wind off those Airbus buildings on short finals - can be bumpy in a PA28!”

“I did an overnight to Hawarden and stayed in Chester, great night out.

The airport is very large, easily visible from Wrexham, with a long runway. Beluga operating the day we left.

ATC were helpful including arranging escorts off the site, landing fee was circa £17 (PA28) and parking a resonable £5 (approx).... and you even get a reciept with `Airbus UK` on it!!!

Would use again if visiting Chester.

”

“Dropped in to Hawarden several time big airport thats very quite long wide runway but nearly always a cross wind. if you're lucky might see the airbus wing carrying plane moving around or taking off. From the south the airport is visable for miles with the airbus factory to one side. Care ful of the liver pool TMA to the north of the airport.

a little expensive to land and avgas expensive £1.01 plus vat per litre.

”

“I would recommend this airfield to anyone for a visit; the ATC is top grade you couldn't ask for more helpful and friendly people - VERY professional.

You've also go the beautiful Welsh hills to view whilst you fly in the relatively free airspace.
Also, its VERY easy to identify with the new A380 building calling out its position!

One negative point about Hawarden though is Chester flying school. Instructors - Fantastic, couldn't ask for more friendly and professional guys. However, the owner - money hungry and not friendly at all.

But well worth the visit to take advantage of the great views! ”