As you may know there is a proposal to introduce an aircraft hold stack above the EARS site – while it's not immanent its likely to be introduced at some time in the next year or so. The hold stack is part of the TCN (Terminal Control North) consultation that was in the press a couple of years ago (it hasn't gone away).

NATS are running the consultation and have put forward a proposal that would allow EARS to continue to fly from our site. Flights below 5000ft shouldn't be affected – but a procedure would have to be introduced for flights above 5000ft:-

The procedure will involve requesting flying slots by phone – in a similar way to that used at Largs. EARS would ring up Air Traffic Control some 45mins before a flight and will be given 15minute (or so) flying slots.

At the moment there is no proposal for EARS to be given radar cover – so if there was cloud below the hold stack then we wouldn't be able to fly.

I'm seeking feedback from fliers on just how workable (or not) they feel such a scheme would be, and anything else they consider relevant.

Steve Randall - EARS Committee