Award recognition for Redhill and North Weald

• NATS recognises efforts to reduce airspace infringements
• Award available to any club, airfield or school working to reduce risk

Redhill Aerodrome and North Weald Airfield are the latest General Aviation (GA) organisations to be recognised by NATS for their work to reduce infringements into controlled airspace.

Both have received the NATS Infringement Prevention Award, introduced by the air traffic control company to acknowledge the efforts of the GA community in minimising the risk of infringements.

Bosses at North Weald Airfield have taken steps to help pilots operating at their airfield avoid straying into the controlled airspace around Stansted Airport. This has focused primarily on pilot education through highlighting the benefits of using a transponder and by putting up runway information boards.

The airfield has also produced a guide with maps and aerial photographs that pilots can use to navigate away from the Stansted area.

Councillor Mary Sartin, Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, which owns the airfield, said: “I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of North Weald Airfield. Air traffic safety is very important and I know our operational staff at the airfield have put a lot of effort in to producing as much detailed information as possible for the pilots who use it.”

Given its close proximity to Gatwick Airport, Redhill Aerodrome has taken the decision to require all aircraft to be fitted with a transponder when flying from certain runways. It has also been working with the flying schools based at the aerodrome to educate their pilots about the surrounding airspace.

Fraser Hay of Redhill Aerodrome and Phillip Wright, Aerodrome Manager, with Paul Haskins, NATS General Manager London Terminal Control

Philip Wright, Redhill Aerodrome Manager, commented: “I am thrilled that NATS has recognised the efforts that Redhill air traffic control, together with our operators, have made to reduce infringements and enable any potential infringing aircraft to be quickly identified and appropriate action taken.”

Infringements into controlled airspace are a safety concern for private and commercial pilots alike, but there are a number of practical and low cost initiatives that any club can introduce to minimise the risk, just as Redhill and North Weald have done.

Jonathan Smith, NATS Infringements Lead, said: “It’s great to be able to recognise the work of both North Weald and Redhill in protecting their own pilots and those operating in controlled airspace.

“Our award is open to anyone going the extra mile to prevent infringements, so I would encourage any pilot who thinks their club deserves to be highlighted to nominate them on our website.”

Information on how to nominate a club or school for the Infringement Prevention Award can be found on the NATS website at www.nats.aero/news/infringement-prevention-award.

Note to editors

High resolution images are available to download via Flickr, with thanks to Epping Forest District Council and Weald Aviation.