Temporary airspace restrictions at the Farnborough Airshow

There’s one month to go until the crowds gather at Farnborough International Airshow.

While some will be attending this huge airshow that happens every two years, others from the general aviation community may wish to fly in the area. So we want to remind airspace users of the temporary airspace restrictions that will be in place during the event.

It’s important that we ensure safety of those at the event and in its surroundings, so everyone can enjoy using the airspace.

For 2016, there will be two temporary holding patterns near Greenham Common and Petersfield.

If you’re planning to fly near the airfield during the week leading up to the airshow on July 16-17 weekend, please make sure you’re familiar with the details in this Aeronautical Information Circular.

NATS has been involved with the Farnborough International Airshow since 1948. We began working with the organisers months in advance to help plan air traffic management before, during and after the show.

We provide safety presentations at the pilot briefings which are held every day of the show for flying display participants. Our controllers in the tower then manage the air traffic movements during the show itself, working hard to ensure the hundreds of thousands of visitors can see the series of stunning displays.

The Typhoon, Red Arrows, B17 Flying Fortress, P-51D Mustang and the Breitling Wingwalkers will all be making an appearance at Farnborough this year.

We have NATS staff located at the Air Operations Centre during the airshow as part of a team which can advise on the weather; flight planning; safety information and the latest NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen).

In addition, this year we will also be supporting the UK Drone Show taking place during public weekend. And will be speaking in the Drone Safety Theatre to inform recreational drone pilots and the general public about how to fly safely in the UK.

I have no doubt that those visiting this year will have a fantastic time. We certainly enjoy playing our role whilst ensuring our airport arrivals and departures continue as normal, alongside the provision of LARS (Lower Airspace Radar Service) to ensure local traffic is kept safe and separated from any display traffic.

[Images in the gallery are from the 2012 Farnborough International Airshow by Richard Deakin, via Flickr]