Flying to Ireland

[Lawrence Rippon]

Hadn't flown in Ireland before this weekend, what a nice laid-back approach to flying. With a full radar cover across the country and class C airspace above FL75 and at all major airfields, the known environment allows the controllers to give you a high degree of safe autonomy. (if that makes sense). Went along with 3 other aircraft from the flying club at White Waltham and were hosted admirably by the Galway Flying Club. Nice modern facilities and a Tarmac runway, lighting and an ILS. Had a small mishap on long final, left gear light was out, cycled and on it came, however I couldn't help thinking what aircraft the insurance was going to buy me next. Those with short field capability had a trip out to the Arran Islands, while we Commander owners who don't, went up to Mulranny Co.Mayo to see where my family came from.
Returned on Sunday at FL72 in VMC over Ireland, SCT up to 6000’ flying round thunderstorms, clear over the sea and straight into IMC at the Welsh coast, where we eventually had to descend under the airways but with a sector safety alt of 4000' were in cloud all the way to Bristol. I would recommend a flying trip to Ireland for anyone on this side of the pond. Lots to do and great facilities.

 

[sfaret]

Re: Flying to Ireland

Didn't know there was much difference flying Ireland vs Europe in general. I have no experience in this at all.

Impressions here are that European flying is a PIA vs US re the lack of flight freedoms.

Nice to hear. Thanks.

 

[aaaprod]

Re: Flying to Ireland

That class C above 75,000' (FL75) must be kinda quiet up there.

 

[Lawrence Rippon]

Re: Flying to Ireland

Mark

FL75 is 7500' on 1013QNH we would call 75,000' FL750, what would you call it?
Incidentally, one of the members of my flying club was at FL750 recently in a U2.

Sven

Europe has a single oversight body but each country within has its own regulatory authority, the rules imposed reflect the traffic volumes in particular areas and vary from country to country within the ICAO framework. There are large holes in the radar cover in the UK, unlike Ireland and where a controller can see a full picture he is likely to allow the pilot more freedom than when deprived of part of the picture or as in the South of England, when there are so many contacts, it is sometimes difficult to give a full service to GA due to volumes.

 

[aaaprod]

Re: Flying to Ireland

Mark

FL75 is 7500' on 1013QNH we would call 75,000' FL750, what would you call it?
Incidentally, one of the members of my flying club was at FL750 recently in a U2.

Sven

Europe has a single oversight body but each country within has its own regulatory authority, the rules imposed reflect the traffic volumes in particular areas and vary from country to country within the ICAO framework. There are large holes in the radar cover in the UK, unlike Ireland and where a controller can see a full picture he is likely to allow the pilot more freedom than when deprived of part of the picture or as in the South of England, when there are so many contacts, it is sometimes difficult to give a full service to GA due to volumes.

Actually you are correct. I'm an ass. We do not use the FL designation until over 14,000' here so I am never up there.

 

[JBunn]

Re: Flying to Ireland

Actually you are correct. I'm an ass. We do not use the FL designation until over 14,000' here so I am never up there.

Actually Mark, the transistion to flight levels begins at 18K feet in the US and Canada.

 

[Lawrence Rippon]

Re: Flying to Ireland

The transition level varies in Europe, standard is 3000' but although we all learn this in basic training, you almost never come across it now. In many areas it is higher, in Ireland at the weekend it was 6500' I guess it depends on terrain and pressure.