Pilot reviews of Aberporth Airfield

My first visit to West Wales (Aberporth) airfield in 28 years of flying and why have I not been there before? Very helpful on the phone beforehand - "can I help the military with their radar practice" (and they helped me). I arrived at 15.00 and, with no taxi available for 30 mns, I was given a lift by a member of staff to the village.

An ice cream, walk and fish and chips later, picked up by a real family run taxi service (A2 taxis) and transported back to the field.

Next year an overnight stay and some coastal walking is a must

So friendly, such fun - thank you all.

Flew to West Wales during the mid week, a very friendly and welcoming place. You need to phone after 0830 to check when they can let you in due to the unmanned aerial vehicles. Both the radar service and the a/g radio where very helpful. We where met by some friends who were also well looked after by the tower and ground staff before we arrived. We wanted to take our friends for a short flight and agreed a slot in the afternoon with the tower as the uav were due to be operational at 12. In the end the uav went u/s. The tower took the trouble to phone my flying club to get my mobile number so they could phone me and offer an earlier slot - what service. There are some very nice villages and pubs to get good food nearby and the surrounding area and nearby beaches are great. A must go to place.

Actually visited this place in Aug 2011. The danger area is mainly cold at weekends and the place is crying out to be visited. It's a 5 min taxi ride from a great beach! No real catering but the airfield staff could not have been more helpful and friendly. Even gave us a lift into town as no taxi's were readily available!

Made to feel most welcome by John the duty controller and given the low down on the field and great details about what to do in the locality incl details on the nearby(11/2mls) away beach which is easily accessible by pathway form the tower area.

Reasonable landing fee and tea ready on arrival. Definitely worth a return trip. Frank. Denham,Bucks.

The controller John, had been tracking our progress with other stations since we left at 15.30 and Had stayed on to meet us.

Told us that better weather was just ahead of us as we were planning to divert. With the landing light on he spotted us about 20 miles out and then gave us landmarks to look out for, to give us the best approach. He even called our wives driving up to meet us, telling them of our progress and the best route to the field.

We arrived at the same time and John had the kettle on and lovely Welsh Tea Cakes ready for when we walked into the tower.

Make sure you phone them and take note of all the info you can get. I found it but only just and that was with a new 495 gps!

Following the coast is nice, preferable if the danger zone is cold or inactive, if your coming from the north get in touch with them sooner, way before the DA and you may get cleared direct.

On the way there the DA hot and had to hug the coast, the coast can be quite high in places and I had some low cloud so was a bit of a balancing act in places.

Airport people, buildings etc all top notch. Do take your own food with you though.

Little warning, before the runway threshold there is a rather large steep down slope. On approach it can feel a bit off putting and can also affect the airflow. Be ok once your used to it or expecting it.

Will be back again Ian

They seemed keen to stress that the danger area shouldn't put people off, permission to cross it is easy to get and that people are welcome to fly in during the week.

When I contacted Aberporth radio, it was very informal, and very friendly. He told me that the danger area was inactive, and that I could follow the coast all the way up if I wanted to. And of course, I did.

On the radio, he told me that he would get the kettle on for me.

After landing, I went up to the tower to pay my landing fee, and I was told to "sit down, and have a nice cuppa, and some biscuits". How could I refuse. Had a very nice, long chat with the guy in the tower, and talked about Aberporth being the exelence site of the UAV programe.

On departure, he gave me some advice on avoiding some of the hills around Aberporth, which was very helpful.

I would imagine that, if I had visited in the height of summer, then the short walk into the town, and seaside, would have been worth while.

Agree with Nick that flight simulator is impressive! They also tell me they offer instrument rating renewals. Bowled over by the price - Only £395! One chap also told me they offer you free landing fee's if you fly in to do your IRR. Can't go wrong with that.

Aberporth and all of Ceridigion is fantastic for quiet weekends and great for pleasure visits. Well worth checking out.