Pilot reviews of Robin Hood Airport

Visited Doncaster (EGCN) from Netherthorpe (EGNF) on 22/04/2017, in G-ROLY a C172 based at Netherthorpe.

Despite Doncaster being very close to both Netherthorpe and Sherburn and having used it for IMC training and approaches over the years we had not actually landed there.

We only had the aircraft for a 2 hour window in the afternoon so thought we may as well get it in the log book and complete a practice ILS approach at the same time. PPR and handling were arranged with Weston Aviation who were very helpful and we completed a procedural ILS from the FNY NDB at 3500 for runway 02.

The approach went relatively well. The actual final stage of the landing was a little messy though so I opted to go around and complete a short visual circuit. The landing was much better second time around. This was probably caused due to flying much larger aircraft on a daily basis now with work.

We didn't have time to hang around, a quick drink and snack at Weston and we paid the handling and landing fees, total price was £64 (ILS was included with no extra charge but the visual circuit cost an extra £6!). The block time was still 1 hour from Netherthorpe due to doing the full procedure for the ILS and being asked to hold clear of controlled airspace while a Wizz Air aircraft landed.

We opted for a VFR departure to return to Netherthorpe and were asked to turn left on departure and climb not above 2000ft.

The return leg to Netherthorpe was much quicker and a smooth landing on 06 followed.

Not the cheapest place but slightly cheaper than Leeds Bradford and Multiflight with equally good facilities. Always nice to know if the weather is bad on return to Netherthorpe we can get down near by at Doncaster.

Nice to get the airport in the log book, before hopefully a base move to Doncaster with work. The runway will then become a very familiar place!

Flew into Doncaster on Sunday 30 August to visit Tia Greyhound Rescue from where our two greyhounds came. Excellent and ever-helpful ATC were great, as always. Although Doncaster is not the cheapest option, (mandatory handling required), the staff at Weston Aviation, the handling agents, were incredibly helpful and, when our promised taxi didn’t turn up, they actually drove us the three miles to the rescue centre in the executive mini-bus. Even more helpful, when we returned to the aircraft to find a flat tyre, they managed to find a compressor of their own and spent 20 minutes sorting out the problem. An outstanding service and one we will not forget. Well done Weston Aviation!

(Just to add icing to the cake, we had to taxi past the Vulcan on landing and watched it do three circuits.)

Very GA friendly with well organised car transfer to/from terminal. At date of writing about £10 for landing and a 2 hour stay with 1 tonne aircraft. Expect full terminal departure procedures and have identity papers with you (passport, driving/flying licence).