Pilot reviews of Caernarfon Airfield
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| “ |  Visited over the bank holiday as part of a club flyout from Gamston Flying School in the Arrow, Gamston to TNT, then south of Hawarden to Bangor (Rhyl airshow was notamed so kept further south), then coastline past the town and across the bay. Airfield very easy to spot due to the flat surrounding terrain, coast and those massive windmills. Overhead join for Runway 25 then quite a tight circuit and down over the caravan park being mindful of the displaced threshold.
Airfield itself looks really nicely kept, lots of new looking buildings, the air ambulance and the Bristow coastguard base. Stands and taxiways are clearly marked and runways and taxiways are in good smooth condition. Signs up everywhere for £20 fine for not wearing hi viz's (quick run back to the aircraft before anyone noticed!) Cafe on site very nice, it's about a 30 minute walk along the beach to quite a nice chippy and ice cream place.
Departing as it was hot and we were heavy I asked if I could use R20, which is longer and would have had 10 kts straight down it and was told no because of the wind turbines and turbulence coming off them, which is a shame as we wouldn't have been airborne until well upwind of the turbines so took the short runway and crosswind instead and climb out over the sea.
Lovely place to visit - we got lucky with the weather so could enjoy the stunning scenery. ” |
| “ |  Nice airfield in scenic location. Wind turbines a bit unnerving but not a massive issue. Good cafe and a very quick walk to the sea. Definitely one to visit. ” |
| “ | Flew in today 23rd August from Elstree.......nice airfield nice runway nice walk to beach....shame about the good old British Summer weather.....windy....320/17 gusting 23kts......temp +12 (felt like +2!!) will re visit. ” |
| “ | I have always liked going to Caernarfon, but I will be checking the wind VERY carefully before I go again. Last time the wind was from the north and about 15-18 knots. Runway 02 would have been ideal but it is unavailable because of these damned windmills. Oh well - I can cope with that crosswind in the taildragger. Think again! It's not just the crosswind you have to contend with. The turbulence coming off the windmills is horrendous and hit the aircraft at the point in the landing just as the rudder became ineffective but we were still travelling quite fast. Managed to keep it upright - just - but was pretty well on the grass by then. Wind turbines on an airfield? Complete madness! ” |
| “ |  Visited Caernarfon on 11/03/2014 in G-ROLY a C172 based at Netherthorpe. Route was via TNT VOR and pretty much a straight line from then on over Snowden with spectacular views for an overhead join for runway 26. Parking was simple and we had to return to the aircraft for our high vis garments after seeing the many warnings of £20 fines for those found not wearing one. Is this really necessary? Food was lovely in the cafe and it seemed very busy with non pilots as well. No one could activate our return flight plan nor could Valley radar. Unfortunately did not get chance to have a proper look at the museum but hope to return in the future when we have more time. All in all a great airfield with stunning scenery. ” |
| “ | My wife and I go to Caernarfon fairly regularly in the C172 to walk the dogs, but last Saturday, (27th April), was with another pilot in our DR400. Caernarfon is a lovely destination and the cafe is, if anything, getting even better. It has a good selection and is reasonably priced. Most importantly for me, they do Earl Grey tea!
The location is lovely and if scenery is your thing, (as it is mine), then the flight to Caernarfon has more of it than you can take in on one visit.
However, this was my first visit using runway 02 since the wind turbines were put up. I knew the chart showed that they were close, but they are actually BLOODY close! Not really a problem, but we had a 15kt wind down the runway and they were spinning quite fast. It certainly focused my attention and prompted us to carefully maintain the runway heading on take-off!
A lovely destination and one that is always worth a visit. ” |
| “ | Superb ! Very pleasant and helpful RT. Great Cafe on-site. Well worth a visit. Incredible views en-route. ” |
| “ |  Good Airfield, nice new cafe since last I visited, Good museum on field or use the bus service into town at a cost of £2.20 each way (but does not run on a Sunday) or take a taxi for about £18-£20 each way and see the castle for a few hours (entrance £6.00) or have a coffee and cake at one of the cafes on the main square. ” |
| “ | Caernarfon never lets anyone down. Great place to go. Visited once again (today 24.2.13)and other than someone deciding to build 2 wind turbines at the side of one runway, the welcome from Caernarfon Radio and the cafe were the usual friendly ones.
Cafe was packed with flyers,and locals and food was excellent as usual
Still a great place and they keep the field very neat (except for the turbines) (Runway 02/20 seems now to be US)
” |
| “ | 30 March 2012
Great weather meant we were seeing this airfield and its surroundings at their very best. The scenery is stunning. A great choice of runways, a good cafe and a museum on site, with countless other attractions locally making this a great destination. Why did I wait so long to discover it? We'll be back! ” |
| “ | This place just gets better! I am finding it hard to fly anywhere else on a sunny day with passengers, it's got everthing you could want from a traditional airfield. The people are just wonderful and the location perfect. I really hope they re-open 02/20, heard some nonsense about a wind farm! Of all the places in the UK to put a wind farm? Where do these planners come from?! Will definately visit again and again, keep this airfield running and profitable it is a gem and while your there visit the surrounding area it is beautiful. ” |
| “ |  Enjoyed a pleasant afternoon on Caernarfon beech after a very hazy flight. Easy to find, good A/G and good facilities. Reasonably priced fuel (£2.01). We'll be back (if they'll have us!) ” |
| “ | Visited an old favourite again on sat 14.Jan Great views as always and good feedback on approach from the tower
Food good and a good choice.
Still a great place to visit ” |
| “ | Very helpful when arriving late in the day in my microlight. Tie downs essential. Cafe does a good breakfast and caravan park 300m away has a bar and food. Didn't use briefing facilities. ” |
| “ | Left my PA28 here for a week whilst on holiday. Very friendly airfield, terminal building/cafe very clean and new-looking. I returned to a flat tyre for which the guys at Apache Maintenance dropped everything to take care of. My only criticism would be that the majority of the aircraft stands do not have intact tie-down points; they seem to have rusted away in most places. I managed to find one eventually, but for such a windy location this is not good. If you go to Caernarfon best to take your own ground anchors. ” |
| “ | Landed there on the 21st march 2010 after a diversion from haverford west due weather,after landing on runway 20 turned off too early and payed the price was made by A/G operator to taxi full length of runway26/08and taxi around far taxiway which turned out not cheap on the tacho time,was made to pay landing fee, turned out to be overnight stop they were good though when it come to phoneing for an overnight hotel and cutting the overnight parking fee by half because weather still did not clear, spent lots more money next day getting someone to collect aircraft for me and also fuel for ferry'ers aircraft,be long time before I fly again. ” |
| “ | The airfield is located within walking distance of the beach, and I found landing "into the sea" quite special. Lots to see on the way via Snowdonia. well worth the trip. ATC friendly and not too expensive, I may bring my own food next time though ! ” |
| “ | Visited Caernarfon on Sunday 19th April. When we phoned for PPR we were given a time slot for landing which I seem to remember was 30 minutes wide. The airfield was very easy to find and was very busy as it was a Sunday lunch time. The cafe/restaurant looked new and the food was good with sensible prices although the menu choice was quite limited. The airfield is set in stunning surroundings just a few minutes by air from Snowdon. A/G radio service was good and there was plenty of room for parking. Refuelling service was also very efficient. Would like to visit again and next time maybe visit the on site museum too.
” |
| “ | Flew into Caernarfon this week in G-VOID and stayed there for 3 days. A very friendly well-run airfield. Easy to find, well organised, no hassle, accommodating in all regards.
Will definitely visit again. ” |
| “ | Flew into Caernarfon once more on 13 July. The airfield is as friendly as ever and are always happy to permit a late departure (within reason!) as I usually arive late afternoon and take the dogs for a walk.
Super walking - my wife, greyhouinds and I walk to the tip of the peninsular and have a picnic looking up the length of the Manai straights across to Caernarfon.
Cafe is good and runway in excellent condition. Parking is also very easy with numbered stands. New buildings going up and I believe that they will be open in the next few months - look very impressive. ” |
| “ |  Also visited on the 31st May. Flew down from Barton tracking the WAL VOR. Brilliant scenery and an easy airport to find. Good parking instructions from the tower, which is what I needed as it was my first land-away as a PPL. Stayed on the ground for about 2hrs. Would have stayed longer if I had time. Weather was fantastic, so the fact that the beach is a quick walk from the field is a real plus! Brilliant experience and would recomend flying into Caernarfon to anyone.
Only down-side is that some of the facilities are looking a bit worse for wear, however that didnt spoil my trip. Also found a friendly instructor who was all too happy to help me find the appropriate Metforms etc. ” |
| “ | Visited Caernarfon today ( Sat 31st May ) Clear day so great views. A/G service helpful and friendly. L Fee was £15 has reported previously. I feel thats a fair price. The airields take a considerable amount of looking after and it cannot be easy in today's climate.
Cafe was busy although we only had time for a coffee.
Great airfield to visit in my view.
” |
| “ | I flew into Caernarfon on Wednesday 14th, really easy to spot and the view around the approach through the Menai Straits are great. It was a good experiance talking to Valley and the trip over some if not all of the highground was exhillerating.
I agree with the previous poster that the landing fee is a little high for the services offered, that said the welcome was warm. This is a nice destination but needs to do a little more to warrent a return trip. ” |
| “ | Good little airfield, have visited a few times now but visited just over a week ago and had an excellent flight there and back but was rather shocked that they had put their landing fee upto £15.00, whereas the 2007 pooley's flight guide still said £12.00. I don't think they quite have the amenities to warrant a £15.00 landing fee, after all its only £20.00 for gloucestershire/staverton and they are full ATC,thanks. ” |
| “ | Just visited Caernarfon on qualifying cross country for PPL
Fantastic little airfield. Good welcome and good little cafe. Landed on 020 and needed to backtrack but guided by tower. Routed back towards Conway on to Blackpool, great views of Angelsey and North Wales Hope to visit again when I obtain my licence.
Roy Chamberlain ” |
| “ | One of those airfields everyone must visit at some time. Flying up from South Wales, the flight has some of the best scenery I have ever seen. Following the west wales coast, then up over Snowdonia, and down into Caernarfon.
You get a good North Walian welcome from everyone. The cafe is small, but good home cooking, from very hard working young ladies, who welcome you with a smile. If you can, take a Taxi into the town centre, around £8.00 one way. You will not be disapointed. Take a look around the castle, and have lunch in the Anglesy pub. I will be going back there this summer for sure, maybe I will meet some UKGAers up there. ” |
| “ | Flew in to Caernarfon on a Saturday from Sherburn routing down the north Welsh coast. Very friendly welcome and a short walk to a fabulous beach.
We were on 02 runway with landing planes having to back track. No problem but in a busy circuit good separation is needed with the plane ahead. ” |
| “ | Flew into Caernafon a few months ago in PA28. Very nice airfield, in lovely surroundings. We flew along the north coast on Wales approaching the airfield, which got quite bumpy in adjacent to the mountains, and Valley Radar were helpful. Approach to one runway takes you right over a caravan park!!
Good cafe on the field, fuel and landing fees reasonable. Give it a go! ” |
| “ | I visited Caenarfon when I was 16, and it was the 2nd time I had been there.
On that day I went flying for 1hr on a "pleasure" flight, which turned out to be a great introduction into VFR and IFR flying. It was my first time I had actually had control of a aircraft (I think it was a piper I flew that day-it was so long ago,) and I basically did straight and level, turns, touch and go's, power climbs and just general navigation. The airfield is excellent on a summers day, and theres always something to see and do there (Even if nothings flying, the museum makes it a worth-while visit.) ” |
| “ | went there yesturday recommend it as a place to go even in a slow plane its quicker than by car nice view of the hills of wales and islands. would go again any time ” |
| “ | Caernarfon really is a friendly field to visit! Caernarfon Radio is very professional and efficient, with none of the common silences heard at many other smaller fields. The field is now operated far more effectively than it used to be under different management a few years ago. This is reflected in the sheer number of visiting aircraft, especially during the sunnier months!
A friendly place with stunning views over Snowdonia and Anglesey when inbound from any direction. Avgas available, as is plenty of good food and drink at the airfield cafe. A short walk takes you to one of the area's most beautiful 'Blue Flag' beaches bounded by the mountains. The vibrant town of Caernarfon and it's majestic castle is just a few minutes by taxi down the road. Inbound from the North - contact Valley Radar on 125.225 when reaching Great Orme/Llandudno, to transit the Menai Strait not above 1500ft on the regional QNH. From the south, contact Llanbedr on 122.50. Aircraft inbound are requested to join the circuit not above 1,300ft (military traffic is just above on approach to Valley!). The circuit height at Caernarfon is 800ft. Runways are 26/08 and 20/02. **NOTE: no responsiblity or liability is accepted for any information given here. The PIC is responsible for checking all information relating to this airfield before commencing a flight. The information provided may change over time.*** ” |
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