PA28 flight Redhill to Rotterdam - The Flying Reporter

I fly my son to Rotterdam during his school half-term. In fewer than two hours, we're landing at a big international airport in the Netherlands. The PA28 is such a capable aeroplane, with good load-carrying capability, great reliability and reasonable fuel endurance. Ok, it's not the fastest aeroplane, or particularly easy to get in and out of, but for a comparatively cheap Single Engine Piston, it's a great way to fly.
Disclaimer: I'm just a private pilot, sharing my real-world experiences.
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Editing & Graphics:
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Voiceover: Rode NT USB microphone
Music:
Epidemic Sound

[@StefanDrury]

“Isn’t Belgium in France?” - we’ve all asked ourselves this at least once in our lives, let’s be honest.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

True, that!

[@brahimbellahsayn2486]

You beat me to it Stefan !! Nicely done John, shame one can't get easily to Amsterdam but Rotterdam is also worth it Ps: Dutch Mil don't reply to VFR unless you call them 5 times (or set 7600), I go with Rotterdan Approach or Amsterdam info and insist to stick with them

[@DieZeitungsente]

Well, at least all of the ignorant obnoxious Brexit-crowd that’s the English...

[@RazorIsBack1]

As a belgian, it hurts a bit :D

[@jorisammerlaan3063]

Honestly I asked myself never this question as I live in Breda which is near the Belgium border in NL. I am wondering why ppl in the EU and former EU really doesn't know that its a country and not a province of France. For those who doens't know, its even has a very tide relationship with NL and LUX and this is joined in the BeNeLux Union. It's cooperation even goes further than the EU does. :-D

[@twalsh51]

Your flight to Weston was a perfect video showing what one encounters as a VFR pilot. The interaction with Dublin ATC was particularly useful and it goes to show despite perfect flight planning one must expect a curve ball from ATC. You video perfectly demonstrated that. Well done Jon.

[@nicknocturnal6572]

As a PPL module student I love these videos! Very interesting & helpful with great filming 🤗

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Nick.

[@NLCircle]

Don't worry too much about contacting Dutch Mil when overhead COSTA. You're quite a bit away from Dutch MIL at that location and talking to them is a matter of luck. Alternatives would be to use Amsterdam Information or straight to Rotterdam Approach as you are already pretty close to EHRD in the Northern part of Belgium. Great video, keep up the flying and the vids !

[@ryanwilson2665]

Your son is very lucky to have such a lovely dad who will share his passion for flying with him. I hope he really enjoyed the science museum I loved them as a kid! Hope to see you in the air soon! Stay healthy 💪

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thank you Ryan.

[@flyingkub]

I love Berty’s comment that you would need a few stops to get across the Atlantic, best put some extra air in the tyres for that one 😊 and a Great deal he made with you to go to the Science Museum, what a great way to have time together. Thanks for the info on the flight plan requirement.

[@KEITHGEE1000]

Another excellent video. I spent two years in the RAF close to the Dutch border and spent a great deal of time in Holland and in the company of the lovely Dutch people. I have thoroughly enjoyed the reports this year, Jon. Really looking forward to your 2020 experiences. Wishing you and your family a happy and successful New Year. Keith

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thank you Keith. Happy New Year to you too.

[@marcel-koks]

EHRD, my homebase for 10 years. Even saw my own flying club in the background (VCR). I learnt to fly on the Robins you captured. Great vid!

[@combatwombat71]

That landing was at least 2mm off the centreline! Must try harder! ;-) Great video, plus great footage and camera angles. Happy landings from G-MYZL.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thank you. Really must try harder.

[@JamesGood]

I was going to comment on that too! Good centerline!

[@stevebalstone7708]

Thanks Jon. Enjoyed this. What a great Dad you are too !!!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Steve.

[@SwirlingSoul]

It's awesome to see my own country through your eyes. I'm glad you had fun!

[@RAX_I]

Love this! Thanks for putting so much effort into these videos for our entertainment!

[@aviatorsteve5649]

Greased the landing!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

It wasn't a bad'un!

[@AndyCooper159]

Great video. Thanks. I'm currently about a third of my way through my PPL, learning at Redhill Aviation, and my employer's main office is in Rotterdam, which I usually visit once a month at least. So this is a flight I want to do one day as a commute!

[@theflyingfool]

HAHA! Screaming & shouting in the back!!! Bertie sounds such a pragmatic young lad! Great video thanks Jon!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

He still gets unsettled when it's a bit bumpy.

[@piealotflyer3731]

Very interesting vlog with excellent content. You make it look so easy and then top it off with an excellent landing bang on the centre line. Keep them coming Jon.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks!

[@christopherhadsell9049]

I'd like to comment Jon; I LOVE your videos! They're fine, just how they are! They're YOU Jon! Thanks, and keep 'em coming .. sure enjoy!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Christopher.

[@BOLIPILOT1]

Thanks for this Christmas present Jon. I loved the piped muzak for the approach phase (very relaxing), must try that myself next time I fly! LOL. Hope you and the family have a great holiday and all the best for 2020

[@georginahallett8716]

Nice approach and landing, I thought at first you were a little high from the PAPI indicators, but then realised the underwing camera is not what you were seeing!!...I recently spent a couple of nights in Amsterdam for my 70th, not a lot had changed in the city centre since my last visit in 1975, unlike the outskirts and Schipol!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Georgina. Nothing wrong about being a bit high, the runway is more than a mile long! Agreed about Amsterdam. There's a lot of disruption around the station, as I think they're digging up the roads for new tramways or some such.

[@shahidsharif]

Very nice flying, and great interaction between father and son!

[@hansvansnick]

Nice report. @10:08 Dutch Mil said "Fijne dag" which means "Have a nice day ;-)

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Brilliant, thank you.

[@TangoDelta25]

Another fantastic video, Jon. Bertie seems to have somewhat an old head on young shoulders at times! Merry Christmas and a happy and safe new year to you all.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Bertie shows moments of real maturity. Happy you year to you too.

[@ranh71]

Yet another great video Jon, loved the elevator music on approach.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Robin. Takes the edge of the whine of the engine.

[@sanderolsthoorn7728]

Nice one! You flew into my home field and flying club! I actually want to fly to the UK this summer, so basically the opposit of what you’ve done

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Sander. We got a warm welcome at the club.

[@joyceworman896]

I was just introduced to your channel from another aviation blogger I have subscribed to for a while. How have I missed you? Your video colors are wonderful, your demure is so humble, and the audio music/sounds are so good! What is/was your profession previous to flying? ( steve/joyce's husband asking)

[@davidcartwright5591]

What a lovely flight . I’m sure Bertie had a wonderful time with his Dad , enjoying not only the flight but the activities too . It’s a bit late , but I wish you and your family a belated Merry Christmas and a healthy , safe and Happy New Year . Cheers from Australia .

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks David. You too.

[@colinbrettell3136]

Very enjoyable video, thank you.

[@Petertronic]

Every flight is interesting in its own way. Another great video!

[@PrivatePilotFlightVlogs]

Great video as always! Would love to visit in 2020. Totally agree about quick visits, I’m guilty of that. The trip to the US would be epic!!!!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Wouldn't it!

[@douglasb5046]

Ace as always Jon. Merry Christmas and looking forward to more in 2020.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Douglas.

[@baldamisari]

Nice trip and nice how you tell and explain the events. Groetjes from The Netherlands!

[@andymugridge5034]

Great video Jon,and what a smashing little lad you’ve got 👍

[@ForFunFlyer]

Strange, I missed this one, Jon. Very well done! 👌🏻

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks!

[@JB-tc8el]

As a father of a young boy I'm fascinated by the risks we individually decide to take. No life raft, no immersion suits, yet you were pushing some very low levels (1800 feet) without any chance of getting to land in the event of an engine failure. Solo maybe I could be convinced but with my son in the back??

[@markk5764]

Another great video Jon. All the best to you and your family for the new year.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Mark, best wishes to you too.

[@CaptainSultan]

Your conversations with Betty are super cute

[@ronanmon]

Another great video Jon. Love your videos flying into Mainland Europe!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Ronan.

[@JodelFlyer]

Bertie, you are a star! I love your comments. What did you like best about the science museum? Great video Jon, lots of good information and nice to be able to share it with your son.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Tim. There's a great 'cause and effect' demonstration, which is always fun to watch. Bertie also liked a practical session on cogs and gears.

[@PFoppen81]

Nice video. 👍 I crossed several times the Rotterdam CTR. (ROMEO, FOXTROT, Nieuwe Waterweg, to HOTEL) You fly over the city center and it’s nice skyline.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Peter.

[@LeeRussell]

Great video Jon. Really enjoyed that 👍🏻👍🏻

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Lee.

[@joshislandmusic]

Next flight to Luxembourg! You'll be squeezed inbetween two 747s if you're lucky ;)

[@jonathancharlton3803]

As a professional pilot and light aircraft owner I enjoy watching your videos. There are always mistakes to be made and I urge you to always look for the Big Picture.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

You'll see I share my mistakes too!

[@salemfarsiv486]

Hi I love your videos and your accent

[@baden-baden]

Another great video...super...!!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Julian.

[@woutpeterse1337]

The reception of ‘Dutch Mil’ FIS in the SW part of The Netherlands is sometimes terrible, so no worries about your radios -:) Rotterdam is very easy to fly into, super ATC and efficient handling by the ‘Vliegclub Rotterdam’. But if your destination is Amsterdam I prefer Hilversum (EHHV) as gateway. Just a short cab ride to the railwaystation (Hilversum Sportpark or Hilversum Central Station) and many trains per hour to Amsterdam from there. Also an airport with border police and no high landing fees, no handling fees and no x-wind...)

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks. How is the grass in the autumn/winter?

[@woutpeterse1337]

@@TheFlyingReporter Sometimes better than in the summer after prolonged heavy rainshowers. Just check the notams and/or call the airport for the latest runway conditions. www.ehhv.nl/images/page/detail/de-uiver-op-vliegveld-hilversum(2).jpg

[@rileyhillier8884]

Sat in the pilots hub and can see Oscar Romeo,nice to see it in person

[@Rugbyfan1973]

Great video but one question. As you have an IFR ticket why not file IFR for the crossing? Saves the ascending and descending profile, less work load for you since you essentially used the STAR to arrive in any case? Keep up the good work the videos are always very informative thanks.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

My instrument rating is 'restricted', and I can only use it in the UK FIR, so I have to be in VMC and flying VFR by the foreign FIR.

[@Rugbyfan1973]

@@TheFlyingReporter ah I missed the restricted bit :) thanks for the reply. Look forward to your next one!

[@nathanhoneychelsea2909]

Fabulous again Jon, just trying to catch up on all your videos as I have been so busy recently. Can I ask, what was the name of the track for the lounge music by epidemic sound on approach? Cheers and stay healthy, Nathan

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Nathan. I would struggle to find the track now, as the vid was quite a while ago, sorry.

[@nathanhoneychelsea2909]

That’s fine Jon, thank you for taking the time to reply. All caught up with your videos now and loving the Arrow. Take care of yourself in these uncertain times. Cheers, from Oz, Nathan p.s. it’s probably the only “Epidemic” music that isn’t about washing your hands at the moment 😝

[@joryw5821]

Really nice video!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thank you!

[@ufm10xxl27]

Thumbs up and like for Jon....wilco

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks.

[@ashokaliserilthamarakshan5079]

Runway or Taxiway. Is that something new at Redhill? Was the main runways waterlogged? Nice video again as usual.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

I think that taxiway has been a runway for a while now....in use, most of winter.

[@capta1nc]

Were you tempted to request special VFR to stay at 3000 over the water? From what I understand it was an eligible situation (Clear of clouds, sight of surface, good horizontal visibility). Must admit there are situations (in hindsight) I could have done the same but opted to route around clouds or go lower instead over the fjord - only in hindsight have I thought that SVFR was actually an option, it just never seems to come to the forefront of my mind in the heat of the moment. It's normally used for flying in/out of controlled airfields with lower-than-required visibility but I can't find anything that says it couldn't be used for a transition over water/mountains/etc where the extra altitude would be beneficial. Great video as always!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

I hadn't thought about it Russ. Probably should have done. However, the Ostend CTR (where this happened above) is from SFC to 1500ft AMSL. So, At 3000, I was in the TMA, and SVFR wouldn't have been an option.

[@capta1nc]

@@TheFlyingReporter My bad - forgot that SVFR was only available in control zones, one reason why watching these videos is handy as we get to "experience" things from our armchairs and brush up on little-used procedures! I just checked the VFR guide for Norway and it also says that you must be intending to land at the aerodrome within the CTR too - so it wouldn't even work for a CTR transition in that case. Good to know. Cheers!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Have you ever used SVFR? I haven't, and I expect most haven't, and so it's hardly unsurprising that no one knows what it means!!

[@capta1nc]

@@TheFlyingReporter Nope - I fly out of an uncontrolled field and generally don't fly to towered fields very often. Was tempted on one occasion when the weather was blue-sky-clear locally and en-route, and the destination airport was towered (Kjevik) - but ultimately the whole flight was called off as the METAR was showing 300ft overcast. I'd imagine flight schools at towered airports may use it much more, for example on days with a 1500ft cloud layer it would still be possible to do touch and goes or get in/out to training areas with better weather.

[@docromano]

Quiet follower for quite a while, as usually very much enjoying it. I noticed the front wheel seeming rather flat... Does it have to Look like this?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Dunno, it seemed ok on the check. It's had a maintenance check since then, and so pressure will have been checked.

[@antoniosousa5677]

All of that is important, and now I bring another question: what is the support tablet software you advise for a better help in flight? All you do for the viewers is nice that learn basics or simply have fun to imagine in flight too.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

I use SkyDemon.

[@flybe146]

I enjoyed that Jon very much but was it very expensive to land at Rotterdam with regard to landing fees?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks. parking, landing and handling was about €100.

[@adama8990]

How much would it cost to fly to Europe ? C172

[@gordonbruce2416]

Rotterdam is a great city, did you visit the large food hall?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Not this time.

[@gwenndolynnmecklenburg6457]

I live in Rotterdam let me know next and I show you around,.. Gwenndolynn

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Gwenn

[@monkmodemalik8225]

How much did this flight cost roughly, or how does it compare with the relatively cheap flights to AMS? Even though it may not have been something you calculated because you fly for the love of flying but would be interesting to know.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

It was about £270 per person all in.

[@stevebalstone7708]

Hi Jon, I noticed that Redhill runway 07 has a solid yellow center line. ??

[@TheFlyingReporter]

It's a taxiway really...sometimes a runway.

[@SwirlingSoul]

@@TheFlyingReporter I too had noticed that... and the curves in the "road/runway". It looked like you could decide to not take off and just roll along to the next village, hahahahaha :-)))

[@rikvanoosterhout1480]

Hi, I hope you could help me out. I'm planning to visit an AME in the UK. Currently I'm living in the Netherlands. The CAA has more specific guidelines in place for the hearing requirements. I won't pass the tone audiogram without hearing aids, in The Netherlands it isn't possible because authority won't allow me the to do a hearing test without hearing aids. The CAA does allow that but I will get a class one after PPL training. Could you tell me if the CAA can still give the EASA class 1 certification after Brexit?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Hi Rik. I am so sorry, but I do not know the answer to this.

[@ChrisNiekel]

Did you look into the price of Amsterdam? Would love to hear some estimate.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

In the region of €300.

[@ChrisNiekel]

@@TheFlyingReporter that is indeed expensive!

[@ChapatiMan]

Isn’t Belgium in France 💀

[@marcel-koks]

For your next flight regarding Gendecs and GARs, take a look at www.gendec.eu. Free of charge and accredited by both the NL and UK governments.

[@lydiagaming4431]

Hello

[@Sterlingjob]

Should have been playing the beautiful south...!!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

I will when I fly into Rome.

[@pawanroyalplus8571]

I like you dear My post like me