Frequently Asked Questions

If you haven't found an answer to your question in the rest of this web site, you may find it below.

Q. Why do the aircraft keep going round and round the circuit?

A. A significant part of the training for a licence is related to take-off and landing. In order to practise this enough to become proficient, the circuit is flown repeatedly so that the student may gain the necessary experience.

Q. Sometimes the aircraft go the other way round the circuit and it seems quieter - why can't they do that all the time?

A. The direction of take-off or landing is governed by the wind direction as aircraft take-off and land in the opposite direction to the wind. When winds are very light we try to vary the circuit direction from time to time.

Q. It's a lovely warm day with no wind - why do the aircraft seem to be lower than normal?

A. Aeroplanes do not climb as well in warm weather; a lack of wind means that a greater distance will be travelled before circuit height is reached.

Q. What happens if the only aircraft engine fails while the aircraft is over my house?

A. The aircraft won't fall out of the sky but will become a glider. The pilot will turn towards an open area and make a forced landing. Remember, the pilot doesn't want to hit a solid building!

Q. Sometimes aircraft sound as though they've stopped their engine - why?

A. Pilots have to be trained how to handle an aircraft if the engine should fail and have to keep in practice. In the circuit, this is achieved by throttling back the engine which may sound as though the engine has stopped to an observer on the ground. Engines are not intentionally switched off in the circuit. Once the practice is complete the throttle is usually returned to full power which may come as a bit of a surprise to those on the ground.

Power also has to be reduced when coming in to land.

Q. Why can't the aircraft fly higher?

A. Above 750' the airspace is controlled by Northolt and Heathrow and is not available to circuit traffic.

Q. Why can't the aircraft fly a different route?

A. The routes at Denham are the result of many years of consultation with local councils through the DACC and are designed to minimise disturbance.

Q. Could I learn to fly?

A. Almost certainly, as long as you're reasonably healthy. For more information on flying training or to arrange a trial flying lesson look at the businesses based at Denham.

Q. The aerodrome has lots of signs telling everyone to keep out. This doesn't seem very friendly - is there anywhere for visitors?

A. Unfortunately, the aerodrome currently lacks proper visitor facilities and this is something we aim to improve. The signs are there because it would be very dangerous to have visitors roaming freely round the aerodrome. There is, however, a small area outside the Pilot Centre on the North side of the aerodrome where visitors may sit and watch the aeroplanes. There is also Biggles Restaurant on the South side of the aerodrome which has some seating outside for customers.

Q. Why are large airliners quieter than the small aeroplanes?

A. The large airliners are allocated much of the airspace in the South East of England and private flying generally has to remain below that airspace. The large airliners are therefore typically much further away and appear quieter to those on the ground.

Q. I am thinking of moving into the area and wonder if the property will be affected by flying from Denham Aerodrome. Where can I get advice?

A. Write to The Aerodrome Manager, Bickerton's Aerodromes Limited, Denham Aerodrome, Denham, Uxbridge UB9 5DN.