ILS procedures finalised for Lydd

Multi-million-pound plans to redevelop London Ashford Airport (Lydd) took a major step forward this week after the CAA confirmed it had finalised the Kent-based airport's ILS approach procedures. The procedures will be published in the pilots’ AIP manual on 8 June.

The Instrument Landing System is the latest in a wide range of improved facilities introduced at Lydd, which also boasts full ATC, NDB and a newly-resurfaced and grooved 1,505m runway with a PCN of 46/F/C/X/T.

Airport managing director Zaher Deir said: 'LAA now offers pilots the finest facilities in the South East. Lydd already enjoys an excellent weather record and our Navia 7000 ILS further improves efficiency and safety. It also makes LAA a very attractive airfield for flight training. Lydd has unrestricted airspace, is conveniently located between Europe and London and has established a very competitive rate card for training.’

Apparently, charges for an aircraft with an MTOW of 6 tonnes, including one approach, one circuit and a full stop landing, are available on application by calling 01797 322411.  Requests for non-GA ILS training (over 6 tonnes) at London Ashford Airport are dealt with by the UK’s newest FBO, FAL Aviation UK. For more information, call 01797 322480, e-mail Info@FALAviation.com or visit www.falaviation.com.

LAA, which is just 53 miles from London and 10 minutes’ flying time from France, offers a range of facilities, including jet and AVGAS fuel, JAR-145 engineering facilities and hangarage.

The installation of an ILS is the latest improvement in an on-going programme of redevelopment aimed at transforming London Ashford Airport (Lydd) into a modern regional airport capable of handling up to two million passengers a year by 2014.

More than £15m has already been spent on resurfacing the runway, upgrading instrument landing systems, the creation of an aircraft parking apron covering a 13-acre site, a new air traffic control system and new VIP terminal, as well as new departure and arrival facilities for commercial traffic and establishing offices for Immigration and Customs.

For more information, e-mail info@lydd-airport.co.uk, call 01797 322411 or visit www.lydd-airport.co.uk