Biggin Hill tells flying schools to quit

All the flying schools on Biggin Hill Airport have been given six months’ notice to stop flight training at the airport.

The shock news came on the same day that the Airport received planning permission for a 56-bedroom hotel on a site adjacent to the location of EFG Flying School and The Lookout Cafe.

Anoop Singh Bamrah and Shonu Bamrah, who operate EFG Flying School which has been at Biggin Hill since 1959, said, “It has come as a shock to us, and all other flying schools at Biggin Hill, that we have all been given six months’ notice to cease flight training at this airport.

“Our Head of Training, Wing Commander Ray Watson, has kept the props turning and students learning at Biggin for nearly six decades. [On] January 3rd 1959, Rex Nicholls flew the first EFG aircraft into Biggin Hill.

Читайте также:  MEBAA, Dubai

“Since then we have trained thousands of pilots and witnessed careers blossom for both our students, pilots and our own instructors.

“Our pilots have gone on to fly for legacy airlines, short and long haul airlines, corporate jets, purchase their own planes, and of course many still fly with us.

“We take great pride in each and every one of our students and members and will continue to do so.”

EFG is discussing relocation with other airfield operators in the south-east, and assures any student training with them that there will be continuity.

Biggin Hill Airport management says the decision is a matter of safety, citing the difficulty of keeping light aircraft separated from modern high performance business jets. It beleives the airport has become suitable for experienced pilots only.

Читайте также:  Safran unveils electric motor for hybrid and electric aircraft

Will Curtis, managing director of the airport, said: “After a great deal of careful consideration, we have reluctantly decided that reducing the volume of light aviation at London Biggin Hill is the only way to address the safety concerns that have arisen as a result of the growth of business aviation at the airport.

“Although we are committed to providing dedicated facilities for light aviation at the airport in the long term, we must always put the safety of our customers and those living and working around the airport before all other considerations.

“We will continue to support the flying clubs affected by this decision, and will assist in their relocation should they choose to move to an alternative site, such as nearby aerodromes Redhill and Damyns Hall Farm.”

Читайте также:  New aviation college takes off at Biggin Hill

In February, Biggin Hill Airport raised landing fees to deter circuit training. The other flying schools at Biggin Hill are Surrey & Kent Flying Club and the Alouette Flying Club.

Biggin Hill Airport hotel planning permission

Bromley Council approved Biggin Hill Airport’s plan for a 56-bedroom hotel, with restaurant, gymnasium, road access, car park and sub-station on Tuesday, 13 March 2018. It was submitted on 17 November 2017.

Site plan of where Biggin Hill Airport plans to build a hotel. EFG’s flying school is just north of the site.