Pilot reviews of Earls Colne Airfield

First time to Earls Colne today, easy to find exceptionally friendly staff, the young lady on reception/parking duties could not have been more helpful or friendly.

Would definitely recommend as visit here.

Flew into Earls Colne on Saturday 16 October for fuel when returning to Blackpool from Clacton. I’d wanted to visit Earls Colne for years and was not disappointed. The set-up was very professional but also very friendly and informal. Once refuelled, we found that our navigation kit was unserviceable and they were happy to give us a free landing (as we returned after the failure – too close to Stansted to trouble-shoot in the air), and let us charge our equipment as we tried to resolve the problem. Unable to resolve it and resorting to good old map, heading, compass and stopwatch, they gave us some invaluable advice on avoiding Stansted’s airspace on departure.

A lovely and friendly airfield in a delightful spot. There was a snack bar and seating area outside the clubhouse (closed when we were there late on a Saturday), but it looked like a great spot for just watching aircraft. Both the grass and hard runways were in great condition as was the grass parking. A really friendly airfield that had everything I like in a club airfield: friendly, helpful, a lovely location and gently informal. Wish it was closer to Blackpool.

Being this the first time I visited earls colne I didn't really know what to expect, I thought the A/G service was great and the condition of the runway was very good although the white runway edge markings were slightly hidden due to overgrown grass making it very difficult to see the edges of the runway when on approach, the landing fee for a single engine aircraft was on the high side and there was not much inside the clubhouse and being my second solo land away, I felt very awkward when I entered the clubhouse area, allthough the woman at the reception was very helpful many of the pilots in the clubhouse were very intimidating and unfriendly, but I am only 16 so this may have been the reason. I preferred Lydd which had a much warmer welcome to students, and similar landing fees.

Long asphalt runway and parralel grass runway.

Would certainly go there again.

I will certainly be back for another visit!

The departure is straightforward - stay on RWY track til 100ft QNH.

Thanks Earls Colne - I'll see you again for sure.

Parrallel (grass and tarmac) runways in good condition and with plenty of length. They don't operate the runways simultaneously so important to be clear about which is in use / required. I was flying a tailwheel Jodel so I went in on the grass and departed on the tarmac. There are some noise issues so PPR essential, as some of the requirements apply to the 24 approach as well as to both departure directions. Good radio and nice clubhouse with free coffee. No meals but basic snacks and avgas available.