Operating at Thruxton: reminders for resident pilots

These are the operating points the aerodrome team ask resident and visiting pilots to keep in mind. They are reviewed regularly, and any changes will be communicated to residents directly.

Dates and aerodrome closures

Christmas closure

The aerodrome will be closed from 24 December 2026 until 2 January 2027.

Please plan your movements accordingly, and make sure any visiting pilots intending to operate into Thruxton during this period are aware of the closure.

Any specific arrangements relating to authorised out-of-hours operations during the closure will be communicated separately.

2027 race meetings

The dates for next year's race meetings and the associated aerodrome closures will be circulated as soon as the calendar has been confirmed.

We appreciate that residents need as much advance notice as possible to plan their flying, particularly during the summer months, and we will provide the complete list at the earliest opportunity.

Please also remember that other events occasionally take place around the circuit and wider estate. If any event is expected to affect aerodrome operations, residents will be notified separately.

Out-of-hours flying

The ability for suitably authorised resident pilots to operate outside normal aerodrome opening hours continues to be available, and it has proved popular.

If you operate under an Out-of-Hours Disclaimer, please make sure the Tower is given your actual take-off and landing times, rather than the times originally planned.

We have found that some flights notified to us either do not subsequently take place, or happen at significantly different times. It is the actual aircraft movements we are required to record, so please send these through after your flight. This small piece of administration makes a considerable difference to the accuracy of our aerodrome records.

Winter and evening flying

As the days shorten, we intend to continue supporting evening and night flying where operationally possible.

This gives night-rated pilots the chance to keep flying through the winter months, and allows those undertaking training to complete their required night flying without having to reposition elsewhere.

Details of the arrangements and available evenings are communicated separately. Normal booking and operating arrangements continue to apply.

Airside driving and runway crossings

We have continued to review vehicle movements around the aerodrome, particularly where vehicles are required to cross or operate close to active movement areas.

Everyone driving airside is reminded that aircraft always require particular consideration, and that drivers should remain vigilant even when an area appears quiet.

Please follow the established airside driving procedures, and do not enter or cross an active movement area unless authorised to do so.

We are continuing to review our procedures and infrastructure in this area and will introduce further improvements where appropriate.

Wildlife and bird activity

Wildlife management remains an important part of maintaining a safe aerodrome environment.

We continue to monitor bird and wildlife activity across the site and surrounding areas, and are reviewing the measures available to us to manage the associated risks.

Pilots can assist considerably with this. If you observe significant concentrations of birds, unusual wildlife activity or anything else you believe could represent a hazard to aircraft, please report it to the Tower.

Any suspected or confirmed bird strike should be reported as soon as possible.

Reporting hazards, defects and safety concerns

If you notice a defect, damage, FOD or anything else around the aerodrome that you believe could affect safe operations, please report it. The same applies to near misses, unsafe vehicle movements and runway incursions.

We would much rather receive several reports about the same issue than have everyone assume somebody else has already told us.

Reporting something does not automatically mean that somebody has done something wrong. It gives us an opportunity to understand what happened and, where necessary, improve our procedures. Reports are also far more valuable when made promptly.

A positive reporting culture is an important part of keeping Thruxton safe.

Who to contact

Questions about any of this? Contact Aerodrome Manager John Stedman at john@thruxton.com, or the Tower and Duty Operations Manager on 01264 772352.