Pilots must also consider some basic etiquette of flying over fields. In this guide, we will go through the various farm strip etiquette that you may have to consider in Yorkshire, how to plan trips, some key calls, and post-landing courtesy. Read on to learn more!
As a pilot, you may see an open farm field and have the urge to just cruise above it and fly freely; however, things aren’t as straightforward. Farm strips, like most properties, are privately owned and require you to obtain special permission.
Even then, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind, such as the runway length on the farm strip, the type of soil or grass, the moisture content of the ground, and more.
Pilots must also consider some basic etiquette of flying over fields. In this guide, we will go through the various farm strip etiquette that you may have to consider in Yorkshire, how to plan trips, some key calls, and post-landing courtesy. Read on to learn more!
Light Aircraft and Farm Strips – Match Made in Heaven?
Light aircraft are known for their versatility and handling. They are the default choice for most private pilots and are the best option if you want to explore beautiful open landscapes like farm strips, which are found in abundance in Yorkshire. However, that doesn’t mean that you can fly around them without a second thought.
Historically, light aircraft have been used not only for leisure but also for commercial services. Even though commercial activities require pilots to possess a Commercial Pilot Licence or CPL, light aircraft can be used for aerial services and even crop dusting.
Crop dusters have helped significantly increase efficiency in agriculture and help farmers develop more effective farming techniques. Not only is it fun, but it's also helping the farming community.
These aircraft are also ideal flying machines for aerial surveys. Since these aircraft don’t have an enclosed fuselage, you can even take high-definition photos and videos without worrying about obstructions.
Farm Strip Etiquette in Yorkshire
A farm strip is a private landing strip that is often informal and usually maintained only lightly. These strips may be maintained by mowing the field, which isn’t ideal but gets the job done cheaply and quickly.
It is important to note that farm strips are not licensed aerodromes and have limited and non-standard infrastructure. They usually have a shorter runway, often around 400-600m or less.
They are also notorious for having a variable slope and a potentially uneven surface with the occasional obstacle like trees, hedges, livestock, and fences. So, if they are so unideal, why have a farm strip at all?
The reason is simple; these strips are designed to only be used for either emergencies or maintaining the property for crop dusting. Some people may develop the strip to fly private and light aircraft over the land, while others may do it to welcome visitors, friends, and family who may come over via aircraft.
FARM STRIP ETIQUETTE – PLANNING A FLIGHT
The Yorkshire and the Humber region have a significant agricultural sector with a substantial number of farm holdings. Data shows the average farm size was 94 hectares in 2023, according to GOV.UK. This means that there are bound to be plenty of farm strips around the region.
If you plan to use a farm strip for travelling purposes, then there are a few things to keep in mind.
Get Permission
As a basic etiquette, it is important that you always obtain permission to fly over the land and use the strip. Farm strips are privately owned, so you will have to speak directly with the landowner or whoever is responsible for the land ahead of time.
You may ask for joining procedures, the current and usual surface condition, any obstacles to keep in mind, the wind effects, the presence of livestock, and local noise abatement policies. You may also inquire about parking, fuel, and any other associated costs.
This will allow you to not only follow protocol and conduct yourself professionally but also enable you to have full access to the strip.
Talk with Experienced Pilots
While you can also use aviation guides like Pooley’s for farm strip community guidelines, you must talk with private pilots at your flight school or club to know how they approach landowners and obtain permission.
Make sure you talk about anything that went wrong during the flight, things to look out for, and details about aerial maps.
You may also do your own research and survey the area either in person or by using satellite views on any number of free online resources. The most important information that you need to obtain is regarding the overall health of the strip, the slope, the usable length, and obstructions.
Weather Conditions
Weather is fickle and can affect farm strips tremendously. Grass or soil can get very soft or boggy after rain, which can lead to performance issues and increase the risks of getting stuck.
This is why factors like moisture, humidity, weather forecast, and even wind direction are important to consider when planning to use farm strips. Even if the weather conditions are ideal, you will need to ensure that the property wasn’t recently irrigated. Depending on soil conditions and the amount of water dispensed, the soil can retain moisture in the top layer, causing the ground to become very soft.
This can negatively affect handling, braking, and can be very dangerous while taking off and landing.
Aircraft Type
If you plan to take a large or heavy aircraft, then you might not be able to obtain permission. Please always discuss your plans with the farm strip owner so that they can convey their requirements to you beforehand.
Most farm strips are not built to withstand heavy weights and can damage the ground, especially upon landing. As a basic etiquette, you should always keep the owner's request as a top priority.
Navigation
As mentioned above, farm strips are usually unlicensed and uncontrolled. So, you will have to plan visual join-in procedures. We also recommend that you inquire about any noise abatement policies that the owner or their neighbours might have.
You may also be informed to avoid flying over livestock or houses nearby. As a general etiquette, even if the owners don’t convey this information, you should avoid flying over people, animals, and houses when using a farm strip.
Contingency Plan
There are a lot of things that can go wrong when flying an aircraft. While most of these are extremely rare, what separates good pilots from the best is their level of preparation. We recommend that you consider emergencies like engine failure, freak weather conditions, and sudden runway obstacles when using a farm strip.
Keep in mind that with livestock around, the farm strip may become unusable when you try to land back. You should also account for the best time of day to get the most out of your trip. Again, this information can be obtained by the owner, who can work with you to plan the perfect flight.
Basic Calls and Communications
Farm strips may also be left unattended. Even then, you should seek out a responsible person for the area whom you can contact for information and permission. Some strips may even have a report arrival procedure where you will have to inform the owner beforehand.
Pilots are advised to use standard radio frequencies or make broadcasts if flying in uncontrolled airspace (Class G). They can do that by announcing their positions using the onboard transponder.
Furthermore, if the farm strip maintains a log, make sure that you make your entry and mark your arrival and departure. Look for a hut or enclosed area with a signboard near the farm strip to obtain more specific information about using the strip.
Landing and Post Landing Etiquette
Here are some general landing and post-landing etiquette:
Follow Local Protocols
Listen attentively to the owner when they provide you with all the necessary information for accessing and using the farm strip. You should keep in mind the preferred direction, joining pattern, and the area for parking.
If there is no formal or obvious pattern communicated, then you must use the conservative approach and err on the side of caution.
Use the Farm Strip as Your Own
A basic etiquette is to treat the farm strip like it's your own. You should be considerate towards the owner and make sure that you are gentle with the surface.
This means that you will likely need to touch down early and not float over the strip. Also, be ready for uneven surfaces and keep speeds conservative so that you can brake effectively. Always be mindful of the livestock as well as infrastructure such as fences, hedges, and trees.
Be Respectful
Always be humble and respectful, especially when someone gives you special permission to use their property for your own needs. Pilots must avoid flying over houses or farm buildings at low level.
You should also try not to scare surrounding animals and keep the noise at a minimum. This can be done by inquiring about the noise abatement policy and avoiding certain routes to keep the aircraft noise in check.
Post-Landing Considerations
Here is what you should expect after touching down on the farm strip:
Parking Etiquette
After gently bringing down your aircraft, follow the instructions provided by the property owner to steer your aircraft into the direction of the parking spot. Use firm ground if possible and avoid soft soil.
Bring tie-downs and chocks with you. Some strips may not provide these basic amenities, so you should come prepared. If you have parked your aircraft on a slope, you should consider the fuel imbalance in the tank. Also, bring covers and control locks if you plan to stick around, especially overnight.
Be Mindful of Damages
Always look out for livestock and ensure that you don’t damage anything with your aircraft, including the farm strip or the surrounding soil/crops. Avoid leaving trash or other items that could either pollute or harm.
Always be mindful of not blocking access routes. Steet clear of gates or pathways and park your aircraft only in designated spaces.
Be Courteous
Saying “thank you” can go a long way! A simple thanks to the owner or operator can establish a friendly foundation and may even earn you future access. Also, ONLY if applicable, you can consider donating to the farm or give a token gesture if appropriate. Make sure that you leave the strip just as you found it.
Learning to Fly Light Aircraft
Convinced about flying as a hobby? Then, there is no better time than right now to get into aviation.
Whether you are interested in aerial photography or just adrenaline-fueled flights, learning to fly at a comprehensive flight school instead of a small club is going to be your best bet at achieving your goals.
Flight schools, like Sherburn Aero Club, are specifically designed to help candidates with all their aviation needs. The benefit of joining a flight school is that it can help you jumpstart your training using advanced facilities and an experienced faculty.
Even if you plan to start with private pilot training, you will have the option to continue training in the future and work towards a commercial flight programme.
If you want to keep your flights interesting, then we recommend picking a flight school that offers a diverse fleet of light aircraft. Some flight schools only offer gliders or flex-wings, but if you want to excel in your training, then you will have to train on a diverse range of light aircraft.
Your flight instructors can also help you tackle common issues for travelling in rural areas, which include etiquette and best practices for using farm strips. Keep in mind that learning from experienced flight instructors is the best way to get ahead in your training. So, start smart, and start right!
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran, in various types of light aircraft.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running on the first Sunday of every month.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on light aircraft, training requirements, licensing procedures, as well as farm strip etiquette in Yorkshire.
Photo by Léon McGregor on Unsplash
