Gloucestershire Airport has increased its training capacity for commercial pilots with the implementation of a new Instrument Landing System (ILS). Shortly after 1100 on 5 August, a Tecnam P2006T trainer operated by Aeros Flight Training became the first aircraft to use the system, which provides the pilot with runway centreline and glide path guidance.
Airport operations director, Darren Lewington said, “The Cat 1 system with a 3.5 degree glidepath is now operational. With Filton’s closure last year, we expect to capitalise on training demand in the area as well as offering the ‘standard’ landing aid to our GA and corporate customers.”
In the last 12 months, the team at the airfield has seen 20% growth in the business aviation traffic and, with the closure of Filton Airport near Bristol last year.
Managing director Mark Ryan, said, “We see this primarily as a training aid for pilots of the future.” The airport has chosen the training market as it offers an alternative, smaller venue for commercial pilots. He added, “We came up with an agreement where we would limit ourselves to a carbon footprint which we wouldn’t exceed at any point.
“We’re quite confident we can still achieve that purely on the emphasis of shifting from the smaller, lighter aircraft to the more corporate aircraft.”
The airport normally sees between 75,000 to 95,000 flight movements a year, making it the 11th busiest airport in the UK.
The commissioning of the ILS coincides with the announcement form Staverton-based Executive Aviation Services that they are to merge with London-based executive jet charter business, Catreus as a joint venture, adding four more aircraft to their fleet of business which operate from bases around the UK.
www.gloucestershireairport.co.uk
