Pilot reviews of Blackpool Airport
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| “ |  Few into Blackpool on the 2nd September from MOD St Athan. The occasion was an Horizon flying club fly out. I think there was 7 aircraft in total each making their own way up from South Wales.
Liverpool radar service was excellent and very professional and passed on to Blackpool for a right base join for runway 28. The runways are massive and helpfully we were given fantastic taxying information by ATC.
The landing fee is circa £23.50 and all I would say is that they need to speed up the processing.
The lads in the flying club made us a free cup of tea and helped us with direction to town. All in all a great day out. ” |
| “ | Great visit to Blackpool. Arrived from the north east, joined just before fleet wood and really friendly ATC, including good taxi instructions as first time to the airport. Good quality runways, howeve ATIS was u/s during my visit,
Parked for two days whilst we visited Blackpool and very accommodating to our ambiguous departure time due to weather.
GA longer well equipped, free wifi, a computer and printer and refreshments for free in a comfy location. Vending machine for anything more.
Twice a day they put up perimeter security for a commercial flight, but GA accommodated during this time.
Really friendly staff, who always seemed happy to help. ” |
| “ |  It's been a life long dream to fly from my local airfield (EGNV) to Blackpool, most my family have grown up and still live in Blackpool. The good weather in the UK meant i finally had the opportunity to fly in. The flying in the North West is excellent, and also quite clear of congested airspace to the north of Blackpool. Organisation of PPR was very straight forward and the full flight went without a problem. The aerodrome itself is very well up kept and can be very busy with the local flying schools activities, so beware of the circuit. The parking facilities (Day Parking/Main Apron) is excellent, with plenty of room on the apron for many GA aircraft, the desk and exit is very close to the parking. 2 hours free parking, so had enough time to get to the uncle's house, a quick bacon buttie before heading back. For anyone wanting to visit the promenade there is a tramway stop in walking distance to the airport! Very easy to navigate there and back.
The trip was going extremely well until i visited the portakabin 'terminal' to pay. For a Cessna 177B Cardinal (1.13Tonne/2500lbs MTOW) it cost £35 (No handling charges)! Blackpool Airport as a whole is a fantastic airport to fly into, but at the price is very steep for an airport with no commercial traffic. I can see the General Aviation community at Blackpool decrease massively if pilots continue to be charged this much.
Take off was R28 with a right turn to the north via Fleetwood VRP, this gave a fantastic view of the 'Tall Tower' and other famous landmarks such as the pleasure beach. ” |
| “ | I hadn't visited Blackpool for about 10 years, and it was a case of "you've don't know what you've got till it's gone" when it closed last year. It was a nice day so I decided a day trip to Blackpool would be a fun thing to do. ATC was to the high standard I've come to expect in the UK, staff very helpful, and although it'll cost you £25 or so to stay for the whole day (landing fee + parking), you have to consider that the airport is walking distance from the nearest tram stop so you won't be spending £30 on taxis to get in and out of town so the airport is actually very good value for money. Highly recommended, I will be back again soon I hope. ” |
| “ | Flew into Blackpool from Fishburn during the bank holiday weekend, arrived around 11am straight in with only a few training a/c and couple of biz jets. ATC was professional, freindly and helpfull as usual. The airport is located 5min walk from seafront with all the facilities Blackpool has to offer. Had an enjoyable day visiting the plesure beach and the "tall tower" (ATC call the historic Blackpool Tower the "tall tower" to eliminate confusion). The landing and all-day parking fee at around £26.00 (4 seater SEP) is very good considering this is a large commercial airport with every facility, very GA freindly and must be supported or we could loose it, well worth a visit just for the "large airport experience". ” |
| “ | Flew to Blackpool Airport on 13th September in My Cessna 172 from Barton, Weather a little cloudy on route. Flew direct heading from Barton, half way point over M6 Charnock richards Services. Contacted Warton Radar on radio, after leaving Barton, Warton not active, on to Blackpool Approach. Asked by Blackpool to report Marshside as normal before contacting Blackpool Tower to join right base for runway 10, had to carry out orbit on base due to traffic on final, then straight in and land runway 10. After landing taxi to Loop for short Stay. Excellent service provided by ATC as normal with good facilities at Blackpool on the ground. Love flying to Blackpool gives you a feel of a large airfield operation. ” |
| “ | Flew in from Bournemouth in my Cessna 150 on 22nd May. Changed to Warton Radar immediately on leaving the Manchester Low Level Route at Leigh Flash VRP and flew track 315 from MCT VOR towards Marshside VRP in very poor visibility. Warton cleared me direct to Blackpool Airport to report field in sight. I descended to 600 feet and saw the airport at one mile, was quickly changed over to Blackpool Tower and cleared for right base runway 10. Not exactly a comfortable arrival! Taxied to the pumps and charged £2.02 per litre for Avgas. I had pre-booked a space in hangar number 8 for only £10 a night. The next morning we reported to the office in the main terminal building and paid for the fuel and £20,64 for our landing fee. The office has good briefing facilities and free coffee in the adjoining kitchen! I booked out with the tower and we went out of the front of the terminal building and walked round to hangar 8 for departure. After take off we were promptly passed to Warton Radar for our climb on track towards Dean Cross. ” |
| “ | Visited Blackpool 19th April during the Easter weekend. Warton were closed so contacted Blackpool and were asked to route via Marshside (arrival from the south/Manchester LLR). Warton and Blackpool Tower were clearly visible from the air. Parking was on the Loop Apron and payment for the landing fee is in the terminal building. Fee includes access to a kitchen for cups of tea for you and passenger(s)! PC and phone available for TAF/METAR and so forth. We were stuck on the ground for 10-15 minutes during departure as ATC were juggling arrivals/departures/circuit bashing on 2 runways but did very well in fitting everyone in. ” |
| “ | Flew into Blackpool yesterday from Gloucester in a pa28, and was greatly impressed with this fantastic airfield! Arrival and joining procedures really simple, just call up warton radar when about 10 miles away, and they then hand you over to Blackpool approach who then give you your joining instructions. Landing fee and parking very generous considering it is an international airport with full ATC, Fire Service, and a wealth of nav aids. I paid just £20 for landing fee and parking for the whole day! The lady who took my landing few was very helpful in pointing us in the right direction on a bus and tram route into the main town, and also passed all my details onto ATC for my departure later on in the day. After a lovely day on the seafront we headed back to the airfield where again the lady was very helpful towards us. Upon trying to start my engine I realised I had a flat battery, and ATC were extremely helpful in sourcing some help for us from a local flying school, who then came out and hand swung the prop to start our engine and get us on our way home. Runway and taxi ways in perfect condition, unlike some other places I have been to. I can't comment on food/drink or pilot briefing facilities as I ate in town and already planned my flight back before we set off in the morning. Such a brilliant, friendly, and helpful place with the feel of a big airport with the price and covenience of your local strip. I urge everyone to visit! ” |
| “ | I flew into Blackpool for the first time on Sunday 22nd September, As a relatively low hours PPL (83hrs) I was a little bit apprehensive in regard to the ATC arrival but I must admit both the approach and tower controller's were friendly. After landing and vacating the runway the tower controller asked me if I was familiar with the airfield, my reply 'negative' was followed with helpful instructions to the Loop Apron. Overall my experience was 5*, I would recommend this friendly airport to all GA pilots, I will definitely be returning again very soon. ” |
| “ |  Visited Blackpool (EGNH) from Netherthorpe (EGNF) on Sunday 07th July 2013 in G-ROLY a C172 based at Netherthorpe.
We went to use a Flyer free landing voucher but had forgot it! More on this later.
We routed via POL VOR activating our flightplan with London Information on 124.6 and then spoke with Leeds Bradford ATC and who passed us onto Blackpool. It was the hottest day of the year so far but Blackpool ATC seemed very quiet. There was no traffic around and we were asked where we wanted to route via. We selected Inskip VRP which led us nicely for a direct arrival onto runway 28 at Blackpool.
ATC were excellent and after parking asked regarding fuel and we were asked to follow a PA28 to the pumps. It was semi self service and the fuel agent led us to the cabin for payment after we refuelled with 60 litres. We could not have fuelled at Netherthorpe as the dam pumps do not open until 930am which is too late in my opinion, especially in the summer.
We explained we had left the free landing voucher at home and fortunately we were allowed to post it on to them which we did, we therefore avoided the £25 landing fee!
We did not hang around that long and our return journey took us over Thornton-Cleveleys for some low level orbits for photographs of a family members house before heading back to POL VOR.
We would like to return but without a free landing voucher the charges seem a little on the steep side.
Great airport though. ” |
| “ | Had a lovely time at Blackpool seeing the illuminations with family. Flow from the south into Blackpool for the first time after transiting Liverpool's zone to see the city (Liverpool most helpful and accommodating, thank you ). On arrival at Blackpool, ATC was helpful, even though we made a wrong turn :-( no one is perfect...... then a comment from someone else on the RT did not give us a great first impression of Blackpool..... why why do aviation folk do it.... ! ??? one day he may visit my airfield...hope he gets it right :-))) I will return... PLEASE NOTE - All but one where great :-))) I would put 3 for friendliness ” |
| “ | We flew in to Blackpool on 3rd May. Refuelling quick and easy at the avgas refuel point, and only a short walk to the Premier Inn which gave us a great deal, booked three weeks ahead: £29 for double room. Our transponder had become unservicable on the flight up from Bournemouth so we asked at the Cessna maintenance base. We were put in touch with Mr Alan Cotton, a licenced radio engineer. He came over immediately after work at 8pm and fixed the fault! A good pilot briefing room and helpful staff on our departure next day. ” |
| “ | Blackpool has a great clear approach and as you would expect the ATC is highly professional and helpful. Good views of the pleasure beach and Blackpool Tower. A little expensive £28 for a standard landing fee with little or no handling, however friendly staff and immaculate runway make it worthwhile. ” |
| “ | I fly into Blackpool fairly frequently and have never had a bad experience other than a few minor niggles here and there which are usually one-offs anyway. Most recently I flew in on 3rd July with friends.
ATC were their usual professional selves offering the usual efficient service.
Fuel is reasonable value considering visitors need to be attended to by a fueller (albeit at-pump rather than by bowser), though after uplifting 51 litres I find it a little disappointing that no landing discount is offered. While the £30 landing fee for a PA28 is by no means horrendous for a full-service airfield with radar and ILS, it is a shame that a token discount can't be offered when spending so much money with the airport already.
Other than that, the airport has clearly invested money on resurfacing taxiways, and the GA facilities are simple to use and don't require using the main terminal or security area.
Plus the trawl along the coast on a sunny day with a right turn after departure is always a pleasure! ” |
| “ | My home base for the last 15 years, and the airfield of my 1st solo - so it holds a special place for me.
We are based at the helicentre (but are fixed-wing), so I cannot really comment about the PPR, landing fees (as we buy a landing-card and don't pay for parking as we have the hangar), or security as, like most pilots based at a busy airport, we don't come across these bits, so our view of Blackpool will be very different from most visitors.
However, The runways (all three of them) are in top condition - especially the main instrument runway, 10/28. Great place to learn and be based at - we have full ATC, Radar, ILS, NDB and SRA approaches; plenty of commercial flights; regular visits by the Red Arrows and RAF; a MATZ next door at Warton; class D to the East and South (Leeds/Manchester/Liverpool) all of which are easy to get through - we certainly get lots of practice!
The Blackpool ATC deserve a special mention. What a great bunch of guys and girls - always friendly and welcoming, especially when the weather is poor. (Recently, when radar was closed and I had to return to the airfield IMC after aborting a trip, they re-opened it without any hassle and got me back - bless 'em!)
The cafe is typical small airport - average, expensive and with lots of self-loading freight, but friendly with it and open from 07.00 to 21.00. Briefing facilities are fine, but we use our own - you have to go through security to get to it, so this can be a bit of a hassle).
Well worth a visit. Only a 5 minute walk to the tram stop - you can go from Starr Gate to Fleetwood, or all the delights (??) of Blackpool's golden mile.
” |
| “ |  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. ” |
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