My humbling experience flying around England

Flying in England is VERY different! Hear radio calls, see unique procedures, watch me fly around England dodging military jets and active danger areas through some of England's busiest airspace, from Shoreham Airport to Duxford Air Museum on this very busy flight.

Here's what AI said about this video: "Join me on a captivating flying adventure from Shoreham to Duxford, where I embark on a remarkable journey through the skies of England. As I took flight, I found myself immersed in a labyrinth of intricately designed airspace regulations and procedures, each one holding valuable lessons waiting to be learned. Amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the English countryside, I navigated through controlled airspace, uncovering the intricacies of air traffic control communications and gaining a deeper understanding of the UK's flight procedures. From the bustling airspace surrounding London to the serene expanses of rural England, I encountered diverse challenges that honed my piloting skills and instilled in me a newfound appreciation for the complexities of flying in this magnificent country. This thrilling expedition not only tested my aeronautical knowledge but also taught me the significance of adaptability and precision when traversing the skies above England. Join me as I conquer the skies and emerge from this unforgettable journey with newfound expertise in navigating the UK airspace.". I'm not sure I "conquered the skies" nor was it really a "labyrinth", but thanks AI for giving this one a good try.

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VERY IMPORTANT: I am a private pilot and am NOT qualified to give flying instruction. This video, like all videos on this channel, has been significantly edited from the original source footage and is provided for entertainment purposes only. Many radio calls and procedures have been omitted. If you have any questions about anything you see or hear, please speak to a Certified Flying Instructor first.

[owencarlstrand]

Flew my nephew into Duxford many years ago, he was sick into his anorak, which he had on his lap, whilst we were on final. Spent the first thirty minutes on the ground cleaning him up. Also a memorable weather diversion into Southend whilst en route to Norwich. They let us land during an air show and uttered the immortal phrase “park next to the Lancaster” which we did.

[chrisburn]

The airfield at 10:00 is former RAF Sculthorpe. Built in WW2 and used up until the 90s by the USAF. There are around 80 former RAF bases built to "Class A" standard (with one runway of 2000yd and two of 1400yd, plus 50 hard standings and at least two T2 hangars) used by the USAAF 8th Air Force in WW2, some have museums but most are a few bits of concrete left and some crumbling nissen huts, or runways used by light industry for various things.

[philw]

You've obviously done your homework and managed very well, especially considering the area you traversed being some of the most complex airspace in the country. Seen other YouTubers moaning about Uk airspace and comms and really struggling - but they hadn't prepared at all. Its a small island with busy airspace and you need to be on your game. Hope you enjoyed Duxford.

[stig]

I flew into Duxford in 2008 during my PPL training, landed my Piper Warrior parked up alongside a B-17. I told my instructor I wanted to do a couple of take off and landings, he agreed. I took off I was the only one in the circuit so I had time to concentrate on Duxford, I never felt more a sense of history than when I looked down at the airfield, thinking of all the legendary pilots that had flown from there. I enjoyed landing on a concrete runway, rather than the grass airfields, great day, great memories.

[gwebs]

D207 is Holbeach Range. It’s a munitions and Explosives range where they test weapons. Flight through there is subject to availability when not in operation. :) I live in East Anglia so have studied some of the restricted airspace’s.

[Greens]

One thing I learnt during my human factors course for command training at one of the airlines in Australia - “doubt is positive”. It’s ok to have a bit of doubt about your operation; what you’re doing, where you are, where you’re going. It’s that bit of doubt or bit of stress that keeps your situational awareness up and your ability to perceive, understand and predict.

[chish]

I can actually say I have flown around Duxford in that Tiger Moth. A very special friend bought me a training session for my 60th birthday and what a great day that was.
Last time I had flown anything was in an RAF Chipmunk when I was in the Air Training Corps but the pilot in the Tiger Moth said 'you've done this before' which made me rather chuffed!
Duxford is a place you can never visit too much. Incredible history and the level of engineering there is staggering.
But well done you Stefan for going full circle from teenager to pilot.

[Firewolf_Daimyo]

I think the main reason why we do things so much differently in the UK is because of airspace and aerodrome density compared to Australia. Lots more planes and rotorheads in a much smaller area. Also, I have always found it a lot easier for peace of mind to preplan frequencies en-route and around route in case of diversions when flying here. It's not so bad in somewhere like Europe as there is a lot less going on, but in the UK having frequencies you have checked are active at the time of flight and will offer you the service you want is a great peace of mind. Also at 14:29 its because with information passes you request the level of service you would like either then or when you announce yourself on frequency. Giving your departure aerodrome is also normally wanted as well.

[TheNWaite]

Currently live in the UK (Aussie expat) but learnt to fly at Bankstown Airport (Sydney) and then Naples (Fla) and most recently Cambridge. I am only VFR qualified and have to admit that the weather and mountain of controlled airspace in SE England have combined to dissuade me from flying these past 4-5 years. However this short clip is a great example of why I loved flying and an inspiration to get back into a plane. Thanks for that. (p.s. My Mother-in-law lives in the village of Duxford. Nothing quite beats sitting in her back garden listening to the roar of a Spitfire overhead as they practice for the various airshows there.)

[comet]

Duxford is amazing, and the more you learn about aeroplanes the more you notice! It’s so cool seeing the airliners that have shaped UK aero manufacturing, the VC-10 with the wing that built today’s aircraft industry, the Trent 800 with RB211 on the boilerplate paying homage to the engine that killed, and then resurrected Rolls Royce and then Concorde, arguably the first Airbus…every exhibit tells a story

[tlangdon]

Great Video Stef. Duxford is an awesome aviation museum, with an incredible range of special aircraft. Any Americans visiting the USA should try to visit Duxford to see the range of US aircraft that the UK is proud to have in its care. Your videos of your flights in the UK are valuable resources to anyone seeking to fly VFR in UK airspace. BTW I learned to fly at Cambridge airport on Cessna 150s in 1981.

[WingC]

You inspired me to do this flight from Shoreham yesterday. What a great decision! Duxford is such a cool airport! Ended up parked next to one of the Spitfires, and really enjoyed all the exhibits. Highly recommend a visit!

[marspp]

One of the big things about UK is that there’s so much class G uncontrolled airspace that, despite it looking congested on a map, you can get all over the place without ever having to talk to anyone. Many private pilots take advantage of that because they don’t like talking to anyone in the radio. But communicating gives you and other pilots and controllers so much situational awareness, in my view one should always do it: at least a basic surface, preferably a traffic service if the ATC station is capable.
Your comms were good, enjoyed the video. There are a series of straightforward phrases that cover 90% of what’s necessary for VFR, the rest of it just plain English. You demonstrated that. I would recommend a little more destination research before departure: Duxford is PPR only and they expect you to call up with an ETA in advance, and the station is usually “Duxford Information”. “Information” has its own set of rules: you are not allowed to enter the ATZ without permission and they control you on the ground.

[Cam_Wight]

Great video showing how complex yet simple the radio stuff is. I used to go to Duxford with my dad when I was younger, and I got a good way through my PPL. I never got to finish it because of college and a lack of funds but finishing it is always in the back of my mind. Started at 16, now 25 this year...One day...

[milesaharrison]

I worked off and on at Duxford for about 7 years before becoming a commercial pilot, so it certainly had an impact on me! This year is now my 10th year flying an Airbus for a 'local' company, sometimes even overhead Duxford. Fantastic place!

[Valisk]

That was great! The IWM at Duxford is one of my favourite places on earth.

[Guy_]

Your warmth and happiness are contagious, glad you got to fly into Duxford.

[TheFlyingReporter]

I think you got a really good picture of what it’s like flying in parts of the UK. Well done getting to grips with our bizarre ‘services’! ‘What service do you require? - actually, we can’t give you a service…why did you call us?!!! You did great as a ‘foreigner’ - you were well briefed. Welcome to the ‘best place in the world for general aviation! ‘

[anonde]

For a pilot from Germany, flying VFR in England seems very hard. If I need traffic service I call FIS, get a transponder code, and occasionally have to switch to the next sector. They also coordinate airspace crossings for you. In the UK I'd be terrified of not being able to pronounce "conspicuity" :D

[Mike_Costello]

I just love the British accent over the radio. It's so clear and polite and relaxed. I felt like I was listening to an episode of the Vicar of Dibley. I assume the American was USAF controllers at RAF Lakenheath. And that was a nice ending to the video. #Hurracain >.>