In this video, you see me struggle to integrate into the VFR circuit at Peterborough (Conington) aerodrome.
I mostly fly from somewhat sterile controlled aerodromes with full ATC. Biggin Hill being an example – my home airport. Arriving at an uncontrolled airport, where each pilot makes decisions on how to slot into the circuit pattern, is certainly a different experience. Don’t get me wrong – I’ve visited many fields with just an air-to-ground radio operator. I think the difference here was quite how busy it became just at the point I was joining.
As far as I can tell, no one was doing anything wrong here. It was just the combined circumstances of my inability to see the joining traffic, and a sudden surge in arrivals.
The flight departs Biggin Hill, routes via Swanley, Upminster, BPK, Royston, & St Neots. Good views of Tilbury Docks.
Video: Circuit Trouble