Crossing Britain's busiest airspace - The Flying Reporter

[@DanSmithBK]

Helena was a hoot! A massive thank you to her and all her colleagues who keep us safe on our adventures. It really is greatly appreciated! Thanks for sharing this, Jon!

[@mise9645]

I have the curious distinction of having "Redhill Aerodrome" as my place of birth in my passport. Quite possibly unique. My mother was a wartime WRAF and went into early labour on a flight home. I was delivered in a mess room with the help of a midwife who lived in a cottage just off the perimeter. It has caused much amusement over the years at passport control as well as an anecdote in flying circles. It once got me half fees and once a free landing. (Only a fiver then!). I always smile when I see or hear of it. Thanks for your video. Great work. Michael (the aerodrome baby)

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Great story Michael.

[@DavidStruveDesigns]

IFR = I Follow Roads ... LMAO that cracked me up! 🤣 Helena is absolutely marvellous! I can't even _begin_ to comprehend the level and amount of knowledge she has!! And what a _wonderful_ sense of humour and personality to boot!! This was fun!

[@nathanpritchard2943]

I flew exactly this route coming back from Ostend after being refused transit through Farnborough due to airspace congestion. It was quite unnerving routing visually (looking for Thorpe Park) at "not above 1200ft" on an extremely turbulent summer's evening. Nonetheless it saved me so much time and the controllers were incredibly, incredibly accommodating and wonderful. I remember something along the lines of: "G-XX we understand you had not planned for this so we will keep a close eye on you and advise if you're deviating". Nothing but total respect for these professionals!👍

[@TheFlyingReporter]

I'm pleased they looked after you Nathan.

[@6826951]

Absolutely loved that video man! Lots of humour, lots of very professional flying, lots of useful information. One of your best.

[@linkedinfred]

Your banter between you all in the air reminds me of when I was flying. Great fun. Did a special vfr once under the lhr flightpath with my very experienced instructor in a pa28. Was pretty cool event and saved a lot of time on route to Dover.

[@darrenhillman8396]

That was really interesting. What a team! The app looks very good too. Well worth a try. 👍🏻

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Darren. It was a fun flight to film.

[@classicraceruk1337]

The naughty book, I bet most of us have been in it or very near it!!! You did well flying that route John, it looked like hard and nervous work. A double underline in the logbook for sure. If you make a note of achievement flights……

[@TheFlyingReporter]

I don’t do that…sometimes note an incident, but otherwise not.

[@kemikade]

Great video, one of my favourites of yours. Helena sounds like a very easy person to get along with.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks pal.

[@angusb1434]

6:50 the double squawk haha, great video though! :D

[@MH19860]

Another great video Jon. I have total respect for all controllers. They do a fantastic job and don’t often get a lot of thanks. Even though I passed my ppl a while ago I’m going to take a look at that app now. Always good to refresh your memory !

[@graemecatty9921]

The difficulty of your flight reminded me of that instance some years ago when a pilot, flying solo, had a medical issue and went temporarily blind. He managed to get an emergency call out and a RAF pilot took off and flew alongside him and guided him safely down. Marvellous story.

[@danmount007]

Extremely insightful Jon! Thank you for putting this content together. Flying has always been a dream but seeing it on KZbin brings it to life so much.

[@coppi60]

Good experience for both Kim and the instructor! Kim is coming along nicely, and she has a good fit for an instructor. I look forward to more exciting videos.

[@marvinsmith4322]

Another great production Jon, great interaction and really informative (whilst keeping it relaxed 😎)

[@TheFlyingReporter]

That was the plan.

[@maxflight777]

We love Helena ! Fabulous 👍

[@tomholmez12]

This is really useful. My aim for hour building is to transit (hopefully over head) all the uk’s busiest airspaces. So far i have only been through birmingham (which isn’t exactly busy) but it is a start

[@dongraham1559]

Good to know it can be done, but a bit like the Manchester Low Level with not many places to go if the big fan up front stops cooling us down. Great video! 👍

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Don.

[@nploates]

Really interesting video. I did my flight radio telephony test with Helena at Compton Abbas and got her to sign my Pooleys book on the subject (I don’t think she was expecting that request !). I was a bit nervous about the test, but she was very reassuring, put me at ease and very professional with the result that the test became almost enjoyable. A really pleasant person.

[@ShortField]

Good video, really helpful, I have used that routing a few times but stayed at 1,000ft will do it at 1,200ft now after watching this. Thanks.

[@keithdmiller]

Great video as always Jon and Helena def needs to be a regular on the channel. I've transited from St Giles VRP to White Waltham, and always received a great service from Heathrow controllers, again, 1200 ft, keeps you focused 🙂

[@EricSimoneau]

Very fun and informative video. I really enjoyed it! Safe travels.

[@richardsuttill54]

What a great group of people.

[@lucmatter9601]

Excellent video. Trees are not great for small planes but fine for the survival of its passengers as long as the landing is executed as a normal landing.

[@ranbirsingh7666]

Another fantastic video , Kudos to you all. 👌👌 . Will definitely have a look at the app for RT. I suppose it one of the nerve racking elements of flying .

[@kevinphillips9408]

Great video. Thank you so much

[@kevchilton908]

Another excellent video, Jon. Absolutely essential viewing for anyone brave enough to try this route 👌👏👏👏

[@abdulmismail]

Hi Jon. I only started subscribing to your Channel a few months ago. I first flew 36 hours in Casper, Wyoming in 1996 and soloed 5 times. However, when I returned, I had other financial committments and couldn't continue. Post- pandemic, I restarted flying lessons after a 22 year hiatus but here's the thing. I had *no issue* with RT in the US but here in Liverpool, I found ATC spoke so fast, I couldn't follow them. 25 hours later, I realised my Sennheiser headset was faulty which also explained my lack of understanding (because I couldn't hear ATC properly). I did buy the Pooleys Comms 5 CD set which was very useful and I subscribed to ARSim - but those comms are only suitable for the United States. So, I was elated to see (at the start of the video) that Helena and her colleague created a new app which I downloaded just now. Reading CAP413 is a chore but I needed to practice with "read-back" so this is superb. I'm really pleased to see such a product is available. Best wishes from Liverpool, Ab

[@pilotworldshop]

Brilliant video Jon, love the frequency bingo. Sometimes I play the squawk bingo with my students 🤣👍

[@TheFlyingReporter]

It was nearly as much fun as our bathtime video Chris.

[@pilotworldshop]

@@TheFlyingReporter 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@musoseven8218]

Cracking video👍😊 Well done Helena, she's a card, many ATC's and/or FISO's (not all), avoid flying in small GA aircraft like the plague😄😄👍✌️ Did I miss a follow up to the repairs/annual inspection etc?🤔🤔 Sadly G-UDRT didn't show up when I looked for it🤔😕

[@g-udrtbyairwordy3079]

Hello Muso. I keep replying but my comment is being removed for some reason - I presume it is because I've been including an email and link to the app for you. Could you contact me via the G-UDRT website and let me know which country it is you are based in. I should be able to fix this quickly.

[@FamilyFlyouts]

That was good fun and very interesting. I didn't realise it was a thing, thanks.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@ranh71]

Great Video thanks you guys, App downloaded too

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks for watching Robin.

[@g-udrtbyairwordy3079]

Thank you!

[@mikecoffee100]

Another Splendid video always good to see how folks fly around in different countries like the UK

[@flyingphobiahelp]

Helena is a screech! On a different note, that’s a looooow altitude to transit. Cousins daughter works at Thorpe-hope u waved 😂😂

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Waved, we buzzed the rides!

[@g-udrtbyairwordy3079]

With the wide angle cameras, looks quite a bit higher in the video that did in real life. Jon was spot on with the altitude keeping all the way around.

[@Ztbmrc1]

Well you had a good time up there! One thing that I have noticed in previous videos is that when you request to leave frequency, you also tell to what controller and frequency you are about to change. Here in the Netherlands most of the time, they only say: "request to leave frequency" and in only a few instances added "for Amsterdam Info" (where Amsterdam Info is just an example". So it seems there is a bit of a difference between UK ATC and Netherlands ATC.

[@RussPinder]

Excellent, been meaning to try this route and this video will help me give it a go, stol aircraft will help!

[@jeremykemp3782]

I really enjoyed this video thank you, and I will be checking out this app from Bob

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Glad you enjoyed the video Jeremy.

[@KEITHGEE1000]

Great stuff as always!! Maybe an episode with Helena in the work place next?

[@kenengland7632]

A new one to try, thanks 😊

[@jasonbushell7080]

Helena is badass. She should start her own channel!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Agreed. Great fun eh.

[@garethw747]

Excellent video, as always John. Would it be possible to ask your guest to make the G-UDRT app available in ROI ? I'd love to give it a go. Cheers Gareth

[@g-udrtbyairwordy3079]

Hello Gareth. I keep replying but my comment is being removed for some reason - I presume it is because I've been including an email. Could you contact me via the G-UDRT website and let me know if you are iOS or Android. I should be able to fix this quickly. Bob.

[@richardkaberry8790]

Fantastic video. Interesting and fun. Thanks Jon.

[@Eileens_dog]

Awesome height keeping!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

That wasn't easy!!

[@richardsumerfield4923]

Good video ☺ question I have about your aircraft. On take off you had 3 greens but you had a flashing amber light just above the greens, what's that about?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

It's the piper auto gear extension system, which has been over-ridden by me for take off.

[@richardsumerfield4923]

Oh right. I follow Jimmy's world and he has a piper Sierra but that doesn't flash above the green lights. Thanks for the heads up, just thought it was a problem.

[@stephenbuckle6180]

Simply brilliant, I'm lost for words 🙃

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Stephen.

[@lt2758]

id love to fly this route but having only just passed, think its worth building up XP nearer to home first or do it with an XP'd instructor lol

[@c898dba]

As a lecturer I can only relate to that being like having an ofsted inspector round for dinner. Albeit a lovely one, I’d have still felt like I was being judged in my spare time!!Anyway, great video! 👍

[@TheFlyingReporter]

It didn't feel like that at all. Helena is great, and I try to keep my flights safe and professional which ATC respects.

[@paulwatkins4610]

Brilliant video, where did you get you mount for your ipad?!

[@peanuts2105]

There is a number you can call from Heathrow’s AIP for CTR transits. I believe it’s in section 8 of the AIP

[@stuartcampbell3847]

How do you have that gopro mounted to the wing? presume its not a suction cup haha

[@danc2647]

Where did you get Heathrow Special from? I couldn’t find it listed anywhere

[@ericloupy9981]

Hi, the application G-UDRT, is not available to download in France, but it could be useful for us, when we come to fly in the UK,. Can you please check with your friend the reason why.?

[@g-udrtbyairwordy3079]

Hello Eric. Could you email me at [e-mail]. I am looking to make it more widely available as soon as possible. Let me know if you're iOS or Android. I will need to do some reconfiguring in the two app stores. Apologies for it not being able to be downloaded immediately in France - I underestimated the demand for it from outside the UK. Thank you. Bob.

[@picogang]

On SD radio info there is only Heathrow Radar on 125.625 ?

[@Robinbamv]

Very good video Ona route I have used in the past. Just one Question, do you get any performance degradation from the camera’s mounted on the outside of the aircraft ?

[@rayjennings3637]

Had to laugh at the Farnborough North frequency just tripping off her tongue like that. It reminded me of many decades ago, in the Army, knowing vehicle component's part numbers without thinking! Didn't have SKUs then - 60s and 70s!

[@flyingmissionary]

Great work Jon. Just out of interest, would your decision not to change tanks at that altitude be a safety call?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Yes. Absolutely.

[@stratotramp6243]

Great stuff. Entertaining bants!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Was a fun flight.

[@martinmarkovits5972]

I haven’t read all the comments (so maybe someone has already commented) but one can also cross to the east of the zone, Banbury Reservoir VRP to Kidbrook Flats - maybe make a video for this crossing?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Is there enough green space to glide to in the event of a powerplant failure?

[@martinmarkovits5972]

Good question. There are sizeable patches of green throughout, however, I won’t deny it’s on the risky side for some… a bit like flying at night in a single-engine.

[@vitodoce8564]

Where would you find routes like these published, would definitely help when thinking about crossing these types of zones.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

They're not published, sadly.

[@chrisc161]

Quick question please. Why was the unsafe light flashing during the takeoff role?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

It’s the auto gear extension override. Over-ridden to ensure the gear comes up when commanded owing to obstacles on the climb-out and requirement for max performance due to our weight. If not over-ridden, the gear may not retract at VX (70-80KIAS) resulting in a sub-optimal climb.

[@chrisc161]

@@TheFlyingReporter Got it. Thank you

[@stuartcampbell3847]

Will G-UDRT be available on the android store or solely an Apple product?

[@auspilot6119]

Helena needs to be on another episode. She’s rad!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

She'll be upping her fees!

[@geoffreycoan]

I’ve flown most of that route in the opposite direction that you did, from Burnham to Ascot and then out over Farnborough. We flew in a Microlight on the first day after Covid lockdown ended so there wasn’t any traffic but it wasn’t much fun being so low to the ground across Burnham. I don’t think I had radio beacons turned ‘on’ in SkyDemon so I had difficulty working out where to fly on the first part of the routing clearance. Once thing I do disagree with you Jon on though was what level to fly at. I always aim to keep 200’ under controlled airspace and would never fly at 1200’ exactly - in a light aircraft a thermal can so easily and quickly lift you 50 or 100’ up and you’ve busted Heathrow, and also, Transponders are not that accurate. Although they are “allowed” to be up to 120’ inaccurate, my understanding is that if your transponder reports (on the controllers screen) that you are above the clearance level then there is NO flexibility offered, a MOR is filed and it’s up to you to pay for calibration testing of the transponder if you want to argue that you didn’t actually create a bust. If you look at your SkyDemon trace when you asked to increase your level it showed that you were at a GPS altitude of 1220’. I’d stick to 1000’ or 1100’ which doesn’t give a lot of room - Ascot is at 250’ for example.

[@classicraceruk1337]

Yup squawked the QNH, nervous huh!!!

[@gordonbruce2416]

On the take off roll what is the flashing red light just under the undercarriage selector lever?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

It’s the auto gear extension override. Over-ridden to ensure the gear comes up when commanded owing to obstacles on the climb-out and requirement for max performance due to our weight. If not over-ridden, the gear may not retract at VX (70-80KIAS) resulting in a sub-optimal climb.

[@gordonbruce2416]

@@TheFlyingReporter very many thanks for the explanation.

[@flyingphobiahelp]

Jon, has Heathrow airspace changed? It used to be Class A and ditto with Gatwick.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

A very long time ago Douglass, it changed to class D. Like more than 10 years ago.

[@flyingphobiahelp]

@@TheFlyingReporter guess that was when I flew GA in the UK last. Time flies (no pun intended).

[@flyingphobiahelp]

@@TheFlyingReporter okay Jon, so when can we expect a report on your flight into LHR seeing one no longer needs to be on an IFR flight plan? 😂😂😂

[@nicorosier3821]

G-UDRT: Cool initiative, but was disappointed I couldn’t download the app (not available in your country or region)… Hope this will change?

[@g-udrtbyairwordy3079]

Hello Nico. I keep replying but my comment is being removed for some reason - I presume it is because I've been including an email. Could you contact me via the G-UDRT website and let me know which country it is you are based in. I should be able to fix this quickly. Bob.

[@CharlieLamdin]

Great video

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Charlie.

[@tds456]

Such a huge amount of information the video, feels like I've watching a series. Definitely onto the rewatch list. For Bob specifically, is the app restricted somehow? I'm getting "This app is not available for any of your devices" when going through links on the webpage and none of my devices can find it in the store.

[@g-udrtbyairwordy3079]

Hello. Can you reach out to us at [e-mail]. We'll need to take a look at that for you. Apologies for any issue in getting it downloaded. Thanks, Bob.

[@fillywinks]

I can't find the app on either platform. Is it locked to UK devices only?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

I found it on a Google search, and it had the listing for the Play store. Alternatively, visit the G-UDRT website.

[@fillywinks]

@@TheFlyingReporter great, got it. thanks!

[@frizzlefry5904]

I couldnt find the app on the play store.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

I found it on a Google search, and it had the listing for the Play store. Alternatively, visit the G-UDRT website.

[@frizzlefry5904]

@@TheFlyingReporter Thank you, I will check out the website.

[@picogang]

It is not really ‘Special VFR’ is it ? Listen 13:45 or there about

[@TheFlyingReporter]

It was VFR. The frequency Heathrow 'Special' I think is a hangover from the days when the CTR was class A and you needed special VFR clearance into it. I could be wrong of course..

[@picogang]

I think that It was VFR in Class D as the weather looked ok. I remember a few years back when flying to the Channel Islands Class A Zone Special VFR was required even on a VMC day. Thanks to you and your guests for a very interesting and informative video.

[@fattony8725]

Only one tiny pedantic, she was very sure about avoiding the Fairoaks LFA and flew straight through the Brooklands LFA sfc-1500'

[@jordyboy01]

Only active when requested by a phone call from the museum trust to ATC which will then advise to remain outside of the LFA, its why its strictly PPR to land there

[@Thinkflite]

Didn't set transponder to stby

[@maidbloke]

What was your mistake captioned fairly early on?

[@flyingphobiahelp]

Squawk code-methinks

[@auspilot6119]

He repeated squawk for the QNH instead of QNH 1020.

[@terryterry1655]

Speedbird slowdown to your bare minimum to give way to a fast Piper 2 miles to go around

[@markbennett9043]

You squawksd. Qnh lol. Helena cool

[@richard141724]

Great video

[@richardkaberry8790]

Fantastic video. Interesting and fun. Thanks Jon.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks for watching Richard. It was a fun flight to film.