Compton Abbas Trip

On Sunday 25th March I flew to Compton Abbas Airfield with My fellow pilot Mike Parsons. Compton is well known as being one of the friendliest and most picturesque airfields, not just in the UK, but around the world. This reputation makes us a popular retreat for everyone, from pilots flying in for some lunch, students learning to fly with us, and members of the public who are looking for a great day out - with good food, fantastic views and perhaps a flight in one of our aircraft! Situated at 800ft above sea level we have spectacular views across an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The airfield restaurant and fully licensed bar is open for 360 days of the year, providing home style breakfasts, morning snacks, lunches and afternoon tea. The large outside terrace area sits adjacent to the runway with a brilliant viewpoint for all the flying activity.

The flight was untaken as a 2 man job so we would share the duties in the aircraft to help lighten of work on this busy section of the UK, from the radio requescies, avoiding controlled areas and general flight and engine management. This was a fantastic day to be flying there as across the south the weaher was “CAVOK” – which is amazing flying weather! (No clouds below 5000 feet, no CBs and visibility in excess of 10kms) and the wind at Shoreham on departure was 225/4kt which is straight down the run way and 4 kt winds, so what a day to be flying. Mike flew on the way to Compton abbas as this would be my first visit there and his 5th and I flew back to Shoreham.
The flight would be would be: Shoreham > Cowes > No higher than 2000 feet, Speaking to Shoreham ATC, Goodwood information then Solent Radar over the Isle of Wight and surrounding areas. In-between Southampton and Bournemouth we would then speak to Bournmouth Radar, then flying via the VRP (visual reference point) Lyminton to Stoney cross. From Stoney Cross we would turn left onto a westerly header and then speaking to Compton.

When we arrived due to the day of the week and weather there was a lot of bikers there as well as aircraft enthusiasts and the general public/familys. It was a fantastic flight and day overall and I will be returning to Compton again soon in the summer.