Pilot reviews of Carlisle Airport

6th July to 8th July. Flyout with three aircraft from Wycombe, used Carlisle as a base for a couple of days for trips to Oban etc. It has always been friendly, but boy has this place been transformed! Runway now outstanding as it has been upgraded for commercial traffic. Ops people very helpful. Parking secure. Fuelling by truck swift and friendly. Always surprised me more people don't use it as an overnight destination, it is perfectly placed for interesting flights out in every direction.

Visited Sat 16 July 2016 to go to the Solway aviation museum, which is just outside the airfield. The airfield was welcoming, the fuel bowser was sent to me as soon as I parked so there was no delay on topping off the fuel tanks, and the weekend A/G service did what it said on the tin. Additionally the airfield is 'police designated' which means no GAR form needed by the UK special branch if you're coming from NI or the Isle of Man or Ireland (obviously, check this is still up to date when you plan to fly). We also visited the café under the tower for lunch. It's only a modest place but they did a good scampi and chips (proper thick cut chips). The museum is very much worth visiting, and you can get inside the Vulcan and the Canberra too. The buildings have an array of interesting exhibits including a lot of avionics and engines from the early days.

Revisited Carlisle taking advantage of better weather to the north.

Despite being a glorious sunny day we were the only aircraft on the apron and the only visitors in the cafe - this is probably because the landing fee (C182) was £32.40 and avgas £2.46/litre!

For an airfield that is A/G at weekends and with the navaids notamed as 'switched off' at weekends the pricing policy at Carlisle will deter the average GA visitor.

Cafe served good food at reasonable prices.

The museum was a short walk from the stands, and the highlight, without doubt, was climbing into the Vulcan's cockpit!

I'll certainly be repeating the fantastic route over the Lakes for a return visit.

The whole experience was extremely enjoyable from the pre-flight conversation with the tower to the admin staff upon landing, to the refueler. All were incredible helpful.

If you're passing through this part of the world I'd definately recommend Carlisle as a stop. A very GA friendly little airport.