Navigating LONDON’S BUSY Airspace in this ROCKET!

I fly solo through the busiest and most complex airspace in England, from North London to the South Coast in a Cirrus SR22T. Watch the flight, hear Air Traffic Control radio calls, see how I execute this flight from London's Elstree Airport to Shoreham (East Brighton Airport) on the South Coast whilst avoiding Heathrow, Gatwick, and other London Airports.
I asked AI to write a paragraph about this video, this is what it said: Flying the sleek and sophisticated Cirrus SR22 amidst the bustling airspace of London is an exhilarating experience that captures the hearts of aviation enthusiasts and flying aficionados alike. As the iconic cityscape unfolds below, pilots navigate the intricate web of air traffic control, weaving through the busy corridors while maintaining a sharp eye on landmarks like the majestic London Eye and the historic Tower Bridge. The cutting-edge avionics of the Cirrus SR22 come to the fore, effortlessly blending with London's modern air traffic management system, ensuring precision and safety in this dynamic urban skydance. The adrenaline rush intensifies when soaring over iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and the Gherkin, all while adhering to strict airspace regulations. London's airspace, a unique blend of history and modernity, beckons aviators seeking a challenging and unforgettable flight adventure with the Cirrus SR22.
If you want to fly in the UK/Europe, or have any aviation questions about aircraft hire or scenic flights, talk to my friend Philippe: www.echelonair.com/
ME: stef747.com
MY GEAR: stef747.com/gear
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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.

[@SenZubEanS]

Love that giddy little kid grin after you get the traffic service confirmed.

[@VL3861]

love listening to ATC in other countries, learn so much about what they do differently, great video stef!

[@StefanDrury]

Interesting to hear the subtle differences and similar hey? Thanks for watching.

[@afirgaming]

So do I, this aint another country displayed in this video sadly

[@logicreversed18t]

Considering you're production levels, and the fact you almost always have a story to tell, lesson to explain, or wisdom to share, it shocks me how underrated this channel is. I'm not even a pilot, or really an aspiring pilot anymore, but you produce such solid content, I'll always watch. And after watching your around the world announcement, I realized I've been a subscriber for years. Time flies, man - even if I don't.

[@StefanDrury]

Thank you for this comment, that's a very kind thing to take the time to say to someone. I'm grateful to have you here in the community, and knowing that that stories I make here on KZbin are still being enjoyed is so motivating for me to keep improving and make more entertaining stories for you. So thanks again, that's a great comment to read at the start of the week.

[@logicreversed18t]

@@StefanDrury You're very welcome. As a below average writer (as evidenced by using "you're" in my original comment - it hurts my soul so bad), I understand how much of ourselves we put on display to the world when we endeavor to create. It ain't easy, my friend. Some years ago I made a comment we should go for a run together. I'm just gonna' keep mentioning it every now and then!

[@AirlinersLive]

Fantastic video well done! Great to hear the atc and how to navigate London

[@davevanbeers6944]

Thanks Stef! I really like these videos where you fly outside of Australia. I hope to see you flying abroad more, to prep for your around the world trip in a few years. 😊

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Dave, this is the first of a few flying outside of Aus, more to come!

[@fireflyrobert]

Stefan great video! You are correct that (legally) there is no requirement to talk to anyone on the radio in Class G airspace in the UK. However it makes sense to utilise any ATC/Radar services which are available and around the London area Farnborough Radar do a superb job at keeping an eye out for you. Re confidence I've always like the saying that the superior pilot uses his superior judgement to avoid getting into situations where he has to use his superior skill. Confidence comes from competence. In some ways you're probably safer when in a slightly unfamiliar situation like you were on this flight as you're more on your toes looking for the gotchas.

[@tomhermens7698]

Air traffic control is absolutely terrific!!!!

[@matthewdowning6009]

I’m doing my PPL at the moment and finding the radio phraseology particularly intimidating. I’ve been super worried about it as I’m probably doing my first solo this week. It’s really good to see that it’s not as ridged as the training books make out. The ATSU all seem very friendly and helpful. I was worried I’d get things wrong and annoy them! Good video; It’s really helped me relax a bit about the communication part. Loved the way you mentioned it as your “Old home country of England”. Welcome back 👍

[@tlangdon12]

Don't worry - you'll get the hang of it, but you do need to try to stick to the standard phraseology as much as you can. It will reassure the ATSUs if your inital call is in the correct format and delivered with little hesitancy - you should know where you are flying from and to, and what height and heading you're at! Practice makes perfect. Hope you managed to go solo. You won't forget it when you have.

[@HerbertTowers]

That's a very bad habit that you just heard. Practise RT comm's on the ground (in the crew room perhaps} with a chum with the same needs. Remember, your chat will block other people trying to communicate. Imagine how you would feel if you had talked over somebody's MAYDAY call! Or vice versa.

[@tristanabbott8720]

Love this. I remember learning to fly in UK airspace and the feeling of being constantly 'freaked out' at the prospect of busting airspace is real!

[@FiendishBeret]

Like the thumbnail a lot nice job :)

[@lewysphillips2652]

This is so awesome. I appreciate how big of a jump it would be to Solo in unfamiliar skies! No way I could just jump in an a/c and fly amongst Oz’s busiest bits of airspace like that. Awesome vid.

[@BrianDias007]

Shoreham Airport beautiful 1930s tea room and art deco airport, lovely to stop and grab a cup of tea there

[@ScrotusXL]

You also talk about mental health as well as it being an av geek vid. Im really impressed . Your channel desrves to be liked and subscribed big time

[@747dan]

Amazing video as always @StefanDrury! I've recently had my PPL(A) issued to me by the UK CAA, and I fly out of Redhill/EGKR (under Gatwick's CTA). Great to see you flying in the same places that I have throughout my training - such as QEII, Brands Hatch, and Shoreham. And yes... you definitely don't want to bust LGW's airspace otherwise you'll get a phone number to call 😂. If they have time though, you can get a Gatwick transit (I was lucky enough to get one with my instructor on the way to Sandown (Isle of White)). Anyway, safe travels - and hope you are on the mend after your brain surgery! ✈

[@melonade8626]

I Did my LAME training at Shoreham, great to see it and great job putting yourself in a new situation and growing a bit more.

[@IkinAaron]

Great video, would love to see you flying some more in British airspace

[@StefanDrury]

Well, stay turned. A few more UK flying adventures still to come…. Thanks for watching.

[@thisandthat871]

Proud of ya 👍🇬🇧

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

Flying over the old home town: great achievement and in a SR 22 Turbo. 🌏🇭🇲

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks John, yes I never imagined as a kid down there, one day I'd be flying over my old house as a solo pilot. This was a great flight! Thanks for watching.

[@aaronbeadle]

That was a super video to watch. The message you summed up at the end was perfect and incredibly accurate. Brilliant! Thank you!

[@faisalsultan892]

what a dream. Excellent video and glad you pushed yourself to do this! So awesome.

[@verydirtycarpet2861]

I’ve felt that nervousness flying and the feeling of elation in achieving more than you thought you could. I love your honesty Peter

[@DominicUliano]

Thanks for an inspiring video! Getting ready for my private pilot check ride next weekend and your chat about confidence is exactly what I needed! 👍

[@ryanharris3420]

Great video Stef, always stoked to see you tackling other countries.

[@audreysenior7228]

Good job Stef, solid preparation makes execution easy, well done you look pretty stoked at the end!!

[@kieranbeauchamp3209]

Awesome video Stef. Student pilot flying out of Redhill and throughly enjoyed watching you navigate the tricky airspace in the South of the UK as well as your confidence to ask ATC if unsure. Keep up the happy and safe flying!

[@Beverygood]

Another great video. Have been watching your channel for a year and just started on my PPL about 2 months ago in London. Your videos have given me a little more confident and excitement in my PPL journey. Always wanted to fly and decided life is too short not to. From Brisbane originally and decided I need to learn to fly in the UK before I head home. I was a little excited when you’ve landed into Archerfield in one of your videos, grown up close to Archerfield watching all the planes. Thanks for the videos.

[@stuartg6965]

Fantastic vlog really enjoyed!!

[@unclebob1981]

Great video Stefan. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@kallecoolgaming]

This Stef was a GREAT video and sutch an important topic, not just for pilots but as a general thing in ones day to day life. Great way to tackle what can be a heavy topic, and loved the aviation part as allways :D

[@lisakienholz9828]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm a So Cal vintage aircraft pilot. Flying in the UK is on my bucket list if/when I get back there again. Your commentary about confidence hits the nail on the head, it is crucial in general aviation. The UK is great scenery from the air even on a cloudy day.

[@aaronhowardjudd]

Hi Stefan. I'm new to the channel, but just wanted to say how much I'm enjoying your films. I like the fact you are honest with your approach so we get a real story. good luck for the future.

[@ianmillar9743]

Again another excellent video the more I watch the more it gives confidence in my own abilities. Very informative and honest as always

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Ian, glad you enjoyed this one.

[@stevensonjames5]

Love this Stef! As pilots, confidence is always up and down. A huge achievement to go to another country and fly solo navigating airspace with a different style of air traffic units. Great work👍🏻

[@StefanDrury]

Thank you, I appreciate you saying that.

[@davenottingham3254]

Your videos are awesome, I can only dream of doing this for real but I sim a lot and really want to get involved with the vat sim community. Your explanations really do make sense of all the radio chatter that seemed so daunting and stopped me trying. Keep up the great work!

[@steveholmes3614]

So great seeing you here in the UK Stef. Been following you for a while and am looking forward to flying over in Melbourne later this year from Moorabbin whilst I am over again with work. Loving the videos, keep them coming.

[@barrydraper]

You are one of the best story-tellers, video editors and always an interesting adventure! Thx again, for sharing...

[@StefanDrury]

Thank you Barry, I appreciate you saying that.

[@jonathanstanford1603]

Great video Stef. I can relate completely with the confidence spectrum. Good insight, thanks!

[@StefanDrury]

Cheers Jonathan, thanks for watching.

[@ZenonZolek]

Good job, well done and good advise 👍

[@DeadReckoner]

Yeah, there's no NEED to speak to an FIS (Flight Information Service) in uncontrolled airspace, but I always do. It adds safety. Also, a lot of major airports have "listening squawks", so you can show them that you're listening to their frequency, but don't require a service while outside their zone. It's stops them getting nervous that you're going to bust their zone or whatever 😊

[@tomrayner7884]

As a controller at farnborough, shame I didn’t get to speak to you!

[@StefanDrury]

Likewise Tom, hopefully on the next trip. Thanks for all the work you do in ATC looking after us pilots.

[@tomrayner7884]

You did a great job! Indeed, hopefully chat to you next time you are over. Take care

[@shawflygirl]

I’ve got a cross country flight coming up and this video really helped me feel at ease with how much support there is

[@petercoleman2102]

Great to see so many familiar locations of my old home from the air too!

[@timcanoeing]

Well done. Cool vid.

[@travissanchez4305]

That was fun!!!

[@SpectrumGeeks]

Great video as always, and great to watch and listen to your experiences flying in the UK. I also grew up in Kent, near Brands Hatch also :) Fly safe.

[@richarddavies8670]

As someone who has only really known uncontrolled airspace in uk with no radar services , that was a great watch. Thanks for putting it together!

[@amcconnell6730]

I was an Ansett pilot, but ended up flying out of Luton for the last 20 years as an airbus captain. Having said that - I would be too afraid to do this flight, outside controlled airspace and dodging all of those boundaries... :D

[@StefanDrury]

Haha. I can understand your trepidation! Electronic Flight Bags and a really good PFD/MFD with GPS waypoints helped me a lot on this occasion. But it was definitely a high concentration flight.

[@HerbertTowers]

I'm glad that I was never one of your SLF. (Self-loading freight)

[@amcconnell6730]

@@HerbertTowers Haha. Oh, I'm very good at what I do. I was just pointing out that I don't do single pilot GA piston OCTA work in busy airspace.

[@adolfo_m]

Well done Stef!

[@stephenjordan8712]

Great job! 🙌🏻

[@KieranDonohoe]

A very enjoyable video - Very relatable!

[@Lafayette80.]

Good work Stef. I've flown solo in 4 different countries now. Wasn't always easy, especially with the language barriers, but everyone was always very helpful

[@LeonGingegaming]

what a video loved it keep it up

[@DerekGreen123]

Really fantastic video, thanks Stef 👍 Always really enjoyable sharing in your flight experiences, and I also appreciated the thoughts on confidence. The idea of "its okay to move between, but never want to spend too long in either zone" is a lovely way of putting it 😀 I cycle lots through Otford and that E.Surrey/W.Kent area, and it's great to think about the world from a different (above) perspective. (Good that you likely already knew when you saw 'Shoreham' on the map (just above Otford) that it was different from your Shoreham-by-Sea destination 😛) Cheers, D 😎

[@craig.watson]

Fantastic video - growing up in the east of England (Essex), and being an avid aviation fan from a young age, one aspect that I've always been curious about from an absolute beginner's persepctive is traversing the various airspaces around London, with Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Southand all operating!

[@irishflyer6377]

Great videos that shows real flying in the London area. My home base for almost 20 years is Rochester ( near Brands Hatch). Well done and excellent radio work.

[@philipmead3575]

I love this video, I would say my confidence is between low and medium, I get told by my instructor I'm over cautious on other traffic but he quickly said it's definitely not a bad thing and makes him feel more relaxed 😅 which then boosted my confidence. Confidence is and I didn't realise until this video plays a massive part in aviation

[@TheDnewton20]

I fly around London all the time and I can confirm that the airspace and atc service relative to anywhere else in the world is nuts! Well done for getting around it

[@goldaviation]

I enjoy your videos!

[@troo_story]

Self reflection is the key to balance and progress. Well done.😊

[@nagow_360]

Took my first trial flight at Shoreham last Monday, glad to see it on your channel. Your videos have definitely made me want to pursue my ppl! (now I have to justify the cost to myself lol)

[@Longbyname]

That Farnborough controller is so cool! Awesome video.

[@ScrotusXL]

Mate, flying in Sralia which is massive with loads of space then flying in our teeny tiny UK airspace with 1 billion airfields and airports must be an overwhelmingly stressful step up at times. You bossed it 😊

[@tlangdon12]

The airspace around London is particularly busy, but to give credit to our CAA, they provide routes for VFR that anyone can use.

[@stevenbarkess7791]

Loved the episode, you are flying in my area, landed at shoreham on my qualifying xc.

[@marcusdiamond929]

From a ex Private Pilot this is the best flying video iv ever seen.

[@user-dw8ud2hw5d]

Welcome to the UK. I love to hear how you USE ATC to your full advantage and you have no hesitation in saying you are unfamiliar with a particular aerodrome. Great to welcome you to the UK (again)

[@WhiskeyAlphaPilot]

Welceom to Elstree...my local aerodrome.... love the circuits 🙂

[@Big-Timbo]

it's nice getting a random yt suggestion and seeing my hometown of brighton

[@StefanDrury]

It was great visiting Brighton again after all those years. Thanks for watching F57.

[@gervers]

Great to see you flying out of Elstree! My home Aerodrome! Great to see you handle local, busy ATC solo!!! Awesome!!! I don’t mind it but prefer having a second pilot next to me because there’s a lot to think about and do! Off to the Isle of Wight in a couple of weeks in my Piper Archer!

[@aerobaticflying]

Good to see that even native speakers struggle with confidence in complex airspaces. I had so much respect when flying to the UK or in the US for the first time, because for me English is a foreign language.

[@denbertwhite]

Glad to hear my old Airfield Stapleford mentioned in the vid. I havent flown from there in years.

[@aaronsaviation142]

I’m a uk ppl and controller. Great video, it’s not a requirement to be under a service in class G, however it’s upmost recommended. The airspace in the uk is small and congested. LARS are extremely valuable services, worth their weight in gold

[@ReptiChat]

This is so cool! I want to learn to fly. Also, Shoreham airport does a fantastic breakfast 😋

[@richardalberg]

I am glad you liked MW. Thank you for taking care of it!

[@PhilSmith71]

Welcome back to the UK🇬🇧 Stefan. I hope you enjoy your stay!

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Phil, always fun to come back to my old home country. I do miss the pubs... :)

[@PhotographyEnthusiast]

Great to see you in the UK. You chose to fly in the most complicated airspace in the uk and smashed it 👍 I fly out of Fairoaks under the SW corner of heathrow and sandwiched between Gatwick and Heathrow, Shoreham is a short hop for a lovely day out.

[@colinadams7383]

A very interesting and entertaining video. I learnt to fly out of Shoreham in 1982 in a Cessna 152. Eventually became a QFI for one of the clubs there in 1988 before going commercial in 1989. Retired now after 15000 hours as a Captain with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. I'll look forward to your next video.

[@leeduckworth2248]

Loved seeing Dartford from above. Born and raised in Bexleyheath, so know the area well. I feel the need to take an experience flight over that area one day now. Good to see you in the UK.

[@andrewwakldnz]

Wow this brought back loads of memories Stef! Also born in Kent, emigrated to NZ years ago. Took a flight out of Elstree on a visit back, with a former instructor from NZ. Fantastic flight round the edges of London, over the O2 arena etc. Got back to Elstree, to learn that Concorde had just crashed!

[@biteme0973]

good job stef. phillipe would be proud of your effort

[@JCCFlying]

Enjoying your videos having just discovered your channel. I'm a pom living in WA and just started my flight training out of Jandakot.

[@MrSeebsy]

Stef, Awesome video, I grew up in Medway towns & did my PPL at EGTO in a Robin DR-400 1991! I used to fly into Elstree & Stapleford... I always thought finals into Stapleford over the M25 was pretty cool in a GA a/c..... Lived in Sydney 94-03, Used to fly 182/210 out of Bankstown. Have lived in New Jersey last 20 yrs, now fly out of N51..... Oh yeah I worked in Dartford 92-94! So apart from Mick Jager & Keith Richards, You are the 3rd most famous person I know from Dartford! PS your confidence scale thing at the end translates with most corporate workers! Cheers Mate.

[@offshorefour7911]

Watching from Dartford 🎉

[@taylorblair7208]

Love the videos! Just a tip, always wrap the cowl plug strap over one propeller blade so they get ripped out if you forget them instead of no airflow inflight 😅

[@robertlalor8090]

Welcome home, mate. Once a Brit, always a Brit. That doesn't exclude you from being an Ozzie, it about including all of you. Thanks for the vlog. Very exciting and well done.

[@speedbird-bw5cq]

It’s great to see you fly part of the route I did for my skill test about a month ago! I was so paranoid about straying into the controlled airspace and that’s quite a narrow and busy sector between Southend and City’s class D. Great video!!

[@StefanDrury]

Hope your test went well Speedbird, thanks for watching.

[@speedbird-bw5cq]

@@StefanDrury it did indeed! Thank you 😊

[@mnbbrownoz]

This is awesome! I'm an Aussie from Brisbane who lives in London now and flys a Diamond out of Stapleford. So cool to see you doing the flying I do all the time! You smashed it! You're right you don't need to talk to the LARS OCA but I think you'd be daft if you didn't. Farnborough Radar are normally super helpful.

[@saildreamer]

Know Otford very well, lived in Chelsfield, then Fort Halstead, then Bromley before moving to London. Later had a friend with a PPL and we flew out of Goodwood several times

[@StefanDrury]

I used to go shopping in Bromley as a kid! Would love to get to Goodwood again one day, the FOS looks like a brilliant weekend.

[@paulponting5335]

@@StefanDrury Great video as always. I operate a DA40 out of Stapleford that you flew past. The FOS is great to visit, I have been a few times over the years sometimes flying in on some occasions, although you need to book a slot, they then chauffeur you into the FOS from the airfield. Well worth doing if you get the chance, especially if on a Thursday or Friday where it is a little less busy and easier to get around. Glad Philippe sorted you an aircraft - he has organised some great aviation talks / events in London / online over recent years! 👍 🍻

[@FlightProgramAborted]

Over confidence is never a good thing. You did a good job mate, If you got into trouble always ask the controllers, best in the world, they will look after you

[@douglas2510]

Well done from your aircraft engineer colleague here.

[@angusgtw]

Never thought I'd see you in Brighton! 🔵⚪🔵⚪

[@markmullan8100]

I got into flying the Sr20 because of your videos

[@georgedurrant8419]

Love your videos! I’m from Maidstone but living in London so quite the local flight for me to watch!

[@StefanDrury]

Hey George, glad you enjoyed it. About 30 years ago this would have been a local flight for me too!

[@thomasperotti]

Well done dude though I wish I’d known you’d be at Elstree- that’s where I fly out of!! These flights that push your boundaries are definitely worth it, they make you a stronger pilot.

[@iainmillar1532]

Really interesting video! Coincidentally I’m also antipodean, went to school just 10 miles from Otford in the 1990s! I’ve flown commercial VFR in many countries and currently IFR in the U.K., but this would be a really daunting flight for me. Great to see your confidence improve a bit 😊

[@fathert]

Great video Stef, my girlfriend had her first trial lesson from Shoreham last year, nice to see you pop in there!

[@StefanDrury]

Ah that's cool, I hope she enjoyed it and has picked up the aviation bug like the rest of us!

[@cavok1984]

Great video Stefan! I think the ATC service in the UK is fantastic considering how congested the airspace is in places.

[@skoodledoo]

Great vid Stefan! I used to work on Brighton Pier and visited Shoreham airfield often so love your shot next to the Log Flume - so many times have had to climb to the top of it and Crazy Mouse. Great view but not as great as 1500ft that you had flying around the south.

[@StefanDrury]

I loved that pier as a kid. Never ridden the log flume but it was nice to get back and see it after all these years. Thanks for watching.

[@LTTPUK]

Strange coincidences!?. I've never heard of you until you popped up in my suggestions just now. You've just flown from my old home town to my new home town and I'm also a Pomstralian!!

[@StefanDrury]

Now that IS a coincidence! Thanks for watching, pomstralian high five.

[@cockpitdrummer]

Live next to Shoreham, great sporran of you come on on 02 over the sea. Lovely 1920s art Deco terminal

[@user-wk5kg8nl3d]

I buddy hope you are well and enjoying life.your confidence should be sky high you have done the hard work flying round australia.hows philipe keep ok nice to see him.philip want's to no if you are giving any flying lessons what a dream to be able to fly a cirrus sr22t for Philip.👍🍀🍻🍺