COVID-19 Statement - 07/07/20

Tuesday, 7th July 2020 - 12:00

Dear Airfield users,

Thank you to everyone who has been patiently waiting for news on what is happening at Wycombe Air Park. My fellow Directors and I felt it was better to wait until certain initial key plans had been enacted before writing to you, rather than giving out partial updates in a rapidly changing, dynamic situation. Like many other business owners, we were forced to shut down on the 23rd March due to the Covid 19 outbreak and deal with a unprecedented challenge.

In addition to strategizing how the Air Park would operate for its customers on the other side of the COVID-19 lockdown (we have all seen in the news the devastating impact on the aviation industry alone), we took the opportunity to use this ‘quiet time’ to think of and implement key improvements to the setup.

The result is that for the first time in over 20 years Wycombe Airpark is planned to re-open fully on the 1st August as an Air Ground Control Services (AGCS) operation and will no longer be providing Air Traffic Control services. The new AGCS is now CAA approved, and awaiting OFCOM reclassification of the radio license. Whilst this new service will mean a reduction in movement capacity in comparison with a busy fully manned air traffic control service day, it will be more than enough for the foreseen airfield usage given the predicted demand for University pilot students.

When introduced, the new AGCS provision will also lead to the end of closure and partial closure days, allowing airfield customers to plan their operations more reliably and effectively whilst reducing traffic bottle necks between closures.

Between now and the 1st August we will continue to be closed and only be able to allow Wycombe based aircraft to operate out of hours as has been the case since the CAA allowed maintenance flights.

During this period we are training up staff and practicing procedures so please avoid the airspace and overflight as the gliders will be taking part in the practice by being operational on the south side from the 9th July and will be flying in the evenings from the 23rd July.

To manage a full restart of operations we will have to comply with the direction of utilising a slot system (similar, although with more slots, to the out of hours procedure we are using now) for the next 6 months. Details on this process will be sent soon.

To manage the full use of the airfield by interested parties the following schedule will apply during out of hours departures and arrivals.

  • Sunday 12th to Wednesday 15th Aeroplanes and Helicopters

  • Thursday 16th Gliders and Aeroplanes

  • Friday 17th Gliders and Aeroplanes

  • Saturday 18th Gliders, Aeroplanes and Helicopters.

As mentioned, we are awaiting our Ofcom confirmation to keep 126.555 but designated as Wycombe Radio. As soon as we have this certificate, we will begin to operate AGCS however to manage the traffic, we won’t accept any bookings other than Wycombe based aircraft/maintenance aircraft until 1st August. It is vital that all pilots follow the procedures to the letter, and a reminder that until 1st August we won’t have official RFFS cover so please do not perform circuits or flight training at the Air Park during this time.

Provided we have the Ofcom confirmation by Saturday 18th we will then continue to operate all three disciplines (gliders, helicopters, fixed wing). If it is not received by then, I will update you with the further plan.

I am pleased to say that there are now many additional improvements in addition to the existing all year-round benefit of a hard runway, taxiway and parking:

  • Easier access to the airfield using the new slot booking system

  • New entrance road

  • Improved airfield security

I would like to thank you all for your patience in these unprecedented times however you can see we have been busy improving the airfield to achieve a more enjoyable and uninterrupted flying experience at Wycombe Air Park.

 

Kind regards,

 

Sean Brown

CEO Airways Aero Associations Ltd

 

Contact Information

Wycombe Air Park,
Booker, Marlow
Bucks, SL7 3DP

Tel: 01494 443 737

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