Rewatching as I'm hoping to get up to Barton this summer. The thought of the low level corridor has always put me off, but may it's not as bad as I thought! Good on you for addressing the issues people have had with the aerodrome management. Some of the negative comments I saw on certain forums online a while ago were completely out of proportion.
I visited Barton with a friend in his aircraft on a sweltering day early summer 2022. Going through the Low Level corridor was certainly an experience, made interesting by the near constant thermals. Barton itself is a lovely little gem of an airfield which is almost constantly busy. the Cafe food is top notch. I would highly recommend going. Another spot on review in the books Jon!
I cringed when you reported altitude 2300ft on initial call to Barton, because you'd have very much busted Manchester's CTA. Fortunately you corrected that shortly after 😂. Nice one though Jon - and I liked your initial plan to join via Middlebrook. Things go quickly joining from Thelwall especially if Barton is busy (as it is in the summer). Another great video!
There’s also a children’s playground with runway, and aircraft climbing frame plus swings. Great to take small kids for a morning out :). Thanks for the video!
Nice. That brought back some memories. I used to be Treasurer/Finance Director of LAC back in the day. Flew in a shared Cessna 150. Back in the day there were a couple of useful visual references transiting the low level. Warrington church spire to the north and the steam from the ICI works at Northwick to the south. And it was 1250 feet back then.
I had a share in a Robin at Barton back in the Lancashire Aero Club days. The aerodrome is very well run now by Peel Airports, it was previously a bit amateurish. The staff there are top class professionals. Barton is a unique historic airfield in an urban environment. The demands of the airspace and airfield make this a great place to train. Thanks for the super video review.
It’s pretty much the same operating staff now as it was back in LAC days. The club was limited in developing the place due to the short leasehold from Manchester Council.
Great review! Something to consider is that you could always call ahead to Barton on box 2 while you're still in the corridor, would take some of the time pressure off :)
Brilliant vid! I've been wanting to fly to EGCB (among other British aerodromes) some day, it seems like a very nice place and also extra plus for the original building!
Another great video, well done. Im training for my NPPL(M) at Barton with Mainair. Theres a great atmosphere at Barton and everyone is very friendly. The Airspace is a bonus in my opinion as it improves airspace awareness from the very start of training. Not so sure about the hotel though.
Looking at these videos (as a non pilot), general aviation flying always seems pretty challenging in the UK due to the tight rules and strict confines here. Especially when I compare this to watching GA TH-cam videos from the States (appreciating the vast diff in terms of space and restrictions between the two countries). Anyway hats off to GA pilots in the UK, for despite the challenges still pursuing their love of flying.
Like these airfield reviews, thanks Jon. Iv been into Barton many times always been great with me. The low level route is a silly and dangerous piece of airspace in my opinion, hopefully the review will sort it out, forcing you to fly low, over built up areas, and MOR if your on 7000mode s, that Manchester can see, but if you don’t have a transponder or radio your free to enter it transmitting nothing. I know what one is safer. Make it higher and class G.
Often named bumpy Barton and it has the oldest ATC tower in Europe i had many flying lessons from here and in fact i'm going up in the 172 at 12pm today.
I flew there many years ago in fact I was just showing my grandson the 1986 ?/88? Airshow when concord flew the show and I was on It took a customer on a supersonic experience and we went through the show which I was not expecting 2 videos on you tube if you look . I got ppl at the club before that ,,,, so I flew Cessna 150/152 172 and chipmunk g-Bcsl which I believe is still flying; unlike me (except easyJet every 3/4 months 😃
Nice one Jon, will I ever be that brave and head to Barton? I'll have to pick perfect weather and traffic minimal. Good call changing the approach enroute. Rule 11 essential; a busy aerodrome in a slightly complex location cannot be seen acquiescing to an air law waiver.
I do the Headstones in the cemetery at the back. I always see this place active haha. Made me want to get a private helicopter license and just bolt around 😅🙌🏽 Ive got 20 mins experience from air cadets back in the day 😎🥂
Another cracking video - very interesting. Several You Tubers seem to have trained and come from Barton. I bet Barton makes good pilots! Lots to consider. Good to promote AOPA too, when (if) I get back to it I'll sign up. The low level thing used to be common in Wiltshire with all the military bases, "not above 1000ft" etc, plus accurate squawks only, keeping in touch with military controllers and yes weather can put a downer on it all (quite a heavy workload for the unwary). Good advice re moving maps, I think many would struggle without such, it certainly takes away one stressor and a chunk of workload having one. The hotel, during/post pandemic? Far from good - sorry you had to experience that. I used to work away from home a lot, I think that I was very luck on the whole but one or two places made me cringe a bit😕
Well done Jon, always good to have these reviews. I visited Barton after maybe 10 years on a hot sunny day last summer and departed the low level route exactly where you did at a similar height but that day an overhead join was required and that involved all your workload + a 600 ft climb so I had my work cut out. Good job I had mentally rehearsed the join several times the day before. I had overnight hangerage which was no problem but I got no help with the fuel departing in the early afternoon. There was simply no apron staff about and I had to get on with it. Barton lost a few points in my estimation. One other thing you touched upon but the ramification needs to be considered. There are all kinds of slow aircraft operating in the circuit on a busy day and if you are flying a faster ship like my PA28-181 or your even faster one you may well have problems with slow circuit traffic - I did on my departure. Keep the reports coming.
Hi Picoganag, I work at Barton. Our pumps are self service, just like at your local supermarket petrol station. This means pilots can fuel up in their own time without the need for staff to assist. We always have staff on site to assist if required, I hope a team member popped over to help when you requested it? Hope to see you soon.
There was no apron staff,I got no help and just had to get on with it. Most automobile petrol stations I go to are easy, you can even keep your engine running until you park up if you want and then you just lift the pump fill up and go and pay, you don’t have put your reg in on a limited keyboard or even decide how much you want before hand. When you tell me how easy it is at Barton cause you work there everybody can see what the problem is.
Did you know DC-3's were a common sight here and in March 1944 a Lancaster bomber on a ferry flight lost it's way and landed here i bet that was a hard take off !
If you're arriving from the south, and weather and wallet permits, flying east of the Manch CTR allows you more height and far better views. If you're coming from the SW it might add up to 30min flying time, but if you pass east of Birmingham it shouldn't be more than an extra 10min.
I'm from Canada and I see you use a different altimeter setting than we do in North America, I wonder does one need a conversion chart if one fly's to the UK with a aircraft from NA? The UK system appears like millibar's is that correct?
I'm familiar with nearby Irlam, and have wondered why aircraft from Barton rarely fly overhead. Helicopters are the rare exception. From what I can work out, it's not a no-fly zone. Any clues? Incidentally, the peat bog under the aerodrome was reclaimed using human excrement, ash, and potsherds from Manchester's Victorian privvies, and wasn't a rubbish tip as such. Apparently it's the ideal mix for such land reclamation.
Generally speaking. The fixed wing circuits are to the north/north east so unless conducting an overhead/crosswind join they probably don’t fly over there. By contrast. It is on the helicopter routes in/out
There’s a noise abatement procedure about flying overhead Irlam and Flixton. So if runway 20 is in operation we have to turn on the RH circuit when we reach the ship canal to avoid flying over those areas
I’m expecting RoryOnAir to be all over this video 😂 awesome footage. Please keep the content coming.
Rory loves a Barton video 😃
Great video Jon. I’m based at Barton, I noticed my plane in the hanger. Hope to meet up with you when you next visit.
Excellent watch. One airfield I've visited so was waiting for it come up.
Luv seeing this videos and trying them out in the sim is loads of fun
Nice review Jon, high quality as always. Thanks for sharing.
Rewatching as I'm hoping to get up to Barton this summer. The thought of the low level corridor has always put me off, but may it's not as bad as I thought! Good on you for addressing the issues people have had with the aerodrome management. Some of the negative comments I saw on certain forums online a while ago were completely out of proportion.
Absolutely love your videos, I'm a new 3 axis microlight pilot flying from shipdham airfield in Norfolk. Keep up the great work
I learned to fly at Shipdham years ago! Glad to know it’s still operating.
I visited Barton with a friend in his aircraft on a sweltering day early summer 2022. Going through the Low Level corridor was certainly an experience, made interesting by the near constant thermals. Barton itself is a lovely little gem of an airfield which is almost constantly busy. the Cafe food is top notch. I would highly recommend going. Another spot on review in the books Jon!
Thanks. It’s a shame we have to fly so low down there. Far from ideal.
I cringed when you reported altitude 2300ft on initial call to Barton, because you'd have very much busted Manchester's CTA. Fortunately you corrected that shortly after 😂. Nice one though Jon - and I liked your initial plan to join via Middlebrook. Things go quickly joining from Thelwall especially if Barton is busy (as it is in the summer). Another great video!
There’s also a children’s playground with runway, and aircraft climbing frame plus swings. Great to take small kids for a morning out :). Thanks for the video!
Free car parking too 😀
Great stuff! You’re onto a winner with these aerodrome review videos. Keep them coming!
Great, honest video Jon. I particularly like the bit with the dog :)
fond memories of Barton. Liams a nice chap
Nice. That brought back some memories. I used to be Treasurer/Finance Director of LAC back in the day. Flew in a shared Cessna 150. Back in the day there were a couple of useful visual references transiting the low level. Warrington church spire to the north and the steam from the ICI works at Northwick to the south. And it was 1250 feet back then.
I had a share in a Robin at Barton back in the Lancashire Aero Club days. The aerodrome is very well run now by Peel Airports, it was previously a bit amateurish. The staff there are top class professionals. Barton is a unique historic airfield in an urban environment. The demands of the airspace and airfield make this a great place to train. Thanks for the super video review.
Thanks for watching.
It’s pretty much the same operating staff now as it was back in LAC days. The club was limited in developing the place due to the short leasehold from Manchester Council.
Great review! Something to consider is that you could always call ahead to Barton on box 2 while you're still in the corridor, would take some of the time pressure off :)
Brilliant vid! I've been wanting to fly to EGCB (among other British aerodromes) some day, it seems like a very nice place and also extra plus for the original building!
Hi Bjorn it'd be great to welcome you to Barton.
Another great video Jon .... thank you.
Thanks for watching.
Well done Jon 👍👏👏
A tricky airfield with all the things going on nearby, but must be worth a visit with so many good pilot reports.
Another great video, well done. Im training for my NPPL(M) at Barton with Mainair. Theres a great atmosphere at Barton and everyone is very friendly. The Airspace is a bonus in my opinion as it improves airspace awareness from the very start of training. Not so sure about the hotel though.
Looking at these videos (as a non pilot), general aviation flying always seems pretty challenging in the UK due to the tight rules and strict confines here. Especially when I compare this to watching GA TH-cam videos from the States (appreciating the vast diff in terms of space and restrictions between the two countries). Anyway hats off to GA pilots in the UK, for despite the challenges still pursuing their love of flying.
Thanks for watching. Yes, it is quite challenging in the uk. But we get by. There are worst places in the world to be a private pilot.
Thanks Jon,
Certainly will not use that Holiday Inn express then.
I love this series, its very helpful. Can you please do EGLM at some point. Thanks 😊
Like these airfield reviews, thanks Jon. Iv been into Barton many times always been great with me. The low level route is a silly and dangerous piece of airspace in my opinion, hopefully the review will sort it out, forcing you to fly low, over built up areas, and MOR if your on 7000mode s, that Manchester can see, but if you don’t have a transponder or radio your free to enter it transmitting nothing. I know what one is safer. Make it higher and class G.
Thanks Jamie.
You also have the Deck 747 experience. Well worth a visit!
I filmed a couple of videos there a while back - quite a GA hub!
The schools at Barton recommend going to middlebrook stadium to join back overhead
Great video very useful thanks
Jon yet another great review, loving the development of the airfield review feature, really informative and looking forward to catching up soon
Thanks Marvin
Love this series! EGGP, EGNX and EGPH are favourites of mine! Sadly only in the virtual world but huge fun not the less!
Often named bumpy Barton and it has the oldest ATC tower in Europe i had many flying lessons from here and in fact i'm going up in the 172 at 12pm today.
I flew there many years ago in fact I was just showing my grandson the 1986 ?/88? Airshow when concord flew the show and I was on It took a customer on a supersonic experience and we went through the show which I was not expecting 2 videos on you tube if you look . I got ppl at the club before that ,,,, so I flew Cessna 150/152 172 and chipmunk g-Bcsl which I believe is still flying; unlike me (except easyJet every 3/4 months 😃
Nice one Jon, will I ever be that brave and head to Barton? I'll have to pick perfect weather and traffic minimal. Good call changing the approach enroute. Rule 11 essential; a busy aerodrome in a slightly complex location cannot be seen acquiescing to an air law waiver.
Look forward to welcoming you Stephen
I do the Headstones in the cemetery at the back. I always see this place active haha. Made me want to get a private helicopter license and just bolt around 😅🙌🏽
Ive got 20 mins experience from air cadets back in the day 😎🥂
You flew right over my house (just west of Northwich)! I could have waved if I knew... not that you didn't have a lot to think about ;)
Another cracking video - very interesting.
Several You Tubers seem to have trained and come from Barton. I bet Barton makes good pilots! Lots to consider.
Good to promote AOPA too, when (if) I get back to it I'll sign up.
The low level thing used to be common in Wiltshire with all the military bases, "not above 1000ft" etc, plus accurate squawks only, keeping in touch with military controllers and yes weather can put a downer on it all (quite a heavy workload for the unwary). Good advice re moving maps, I think many would struggle without such, it certainly takes away one stressor and a chunk of workload having one.
The hotel, during/post pandemic? Far from good - sorry you had to experience that. I used to work away from home a lot, I think that I was very luck on the whole but one or two places made me cringe a bit😕
Another great video Jon. Very informative. Best avoid that hotel I think!
Well done Jon, always good to have these reviews. I visited Barton after maybe 10 years on a hot sunny day last summer and departed the low level route exactly where you did at a similar height but that day an overhead join was required and that involved all your workload + a 600 ft climb so I had my work cut out. Good job I had mentally rehearsed the join several times the day before.
I had overnight hangerage which was no problem but I got no help with the fuel departing in the early afternoon. There was simply no apron staff about and I had to get on with it. Barton lost a few points in my estimation. One other thing you touched upon but the ramification needs to be considered. There are all kinds of slow aircraft operating in the circuit on a busy day and if you are flying a faster ship like my PA28-181 or your even faster one you may well have problems with slow circuit traffic - I did on my departure.
Keep the reports coming.
Hi Picoganag, I work at Barton. Our pumps are self service, just like at your local supermarket petrol station. This means pilots can fuel up in their own time without the need for staff to assist. We always have staff on site to assist if required, I hope a team member popped over to help when you requested it? Hope to see you soon.
There was no apron staff,I got no help and just had to get on with it. Most automobile petrol stations I go to are easy, you can even keep your engine running until you park up if you want and then you just lift the pump fill up and go and pay, you don’t have put your reg in on a limited keyboard or even decide how much you want before hand. When you tell me how easy it is at Barton cause you work there everybody can see what the problem is.
@@picogang If you can`t operate a Petrol pump you have no business flying a Plane.
G-AVER - The first plane I ever flew on a trial lesson back in 2016! 12:48
Did you know DC-3's were a common sight here and in March 1944 a Lancaster bomber on a ferry flight lost it's way and landed here i bet that was a hard take off !
Ive just been looking at the Calender for Airshows this year, what a disapointment, bring it back to Barton.
Finer point: LLR doesn't seem to mandate transponder. If you do have one you have to squawk 7366.
If you're arriving from the south, and weather and wallet permits, flying east of the Manch CTR allows you more height and far better views.
If you're coming from the SW it might add up to 30min flying time, but if you pass east of Birmingham it shouldn't be more than an extra 10min.
you welcome in Barton
I'm from Canada and I see you use a different altimeter setting than we do in North America, I wonder does one need a conversion chart if one fly's to the UK with a aircraft from NA? The UK system appears like millibar's is that correct?
Depending on your aircraft it may already have millibars (hectopascals) show in addition to inches. Otherwise you will need to convert
When are you gonna visit RAF Halton?
I'm familiar with nearby Irlam, and have wondered why aircraft from Barton rarely fly overhead.
Helicopters are the rare exception.
From what I can work out, it's not a no-fly zone.
Any clues?
Incidentally, the peat bog under the aerodrome was reclaimed using human excrement, ash, and potsherds from Manchester's Victorian privvies, and wasn't a rubbish tip as such.
Apparently it's the ideal mix for such land reclamation.
Generally speaking. The fixed wing circuits are to the north/north east so unless conducting an overhead/crosswind join they probably don’t fly over there. By contrast. It is on the helicopter routes in/out
There’s a noise abatement procedure about flying overhead Irlam and Flixton. So if runway 20 is in operation we have to turn on the RH circuit when we reach the ship canal to avoid flying over those areas
City Airport are relatively low compared to vehicle emissions in the surrounding area
Absolutely brilliant useful review. Just been flying in Annecy France -- they watch you over there aswell!
Extreme wealth is required for Flight by Humans.
Did my PPL at Barton and they say if you can nail your landings at Barton you can land anywhere! 😂
To be fair, I hear that at most training aerodromes!!!!!
Would love for you to do Gloucestershire or Hawarden next! Love these videos as they make me want to fly there on my next flight!
It's also very odd that you are forced so low over built up areas around Warrington
Nice video. Would be interested in you including fees in these videos as well for the aiports you visit.
These videos will soon be outdated if I include fees. Fees can easily be found elsewhere. I try to give an idea of where the fees sit comparatively.
Your transponder information is misleading. You suggest you need a transponder. You don't.
Never land at a place that charges fees to do so. Never.
That'll be 99.9% of places in the UK then.
So basically no airport with facilities then... 🤔
Tell me you’re not from the UK without telling me 😂
Never complain about facilities you don't contribute too 😆