Farnborough Airport (FAB) Business Flight Operations and Guidelines

Farnborough Airport (IATA: FAB, ICAO: EGLF), located in Farnborough, Rushmoor, Hampshire, England, is a premier business and executive general aviation hub. Spanning 310 hectares (770 acres) and covering approximately 8% of Rushmoor’s land area, Farnborough Airport has a long history of aviation innovation. Formerly known as TAG Farnborough Airport and RAE Farnborough, the facility now serves as a key gateway for business jet operations.

 

Renowned for its modern infrastructure, Farnborough opens seamless experience for private and executive travelers. The airport is equipped with advanced facilities, dedicated Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), and comprehensive ground handling options tailored to meet the specific needs of business aviation. Its proximity to London and excellent connectivity make it a preferred choice for corporate travelers, ensuring efficiency and convenience in every aspect of operations.

Farnborough Airport (FAB) Runway and Terminal Facilities

Farnborough Airport (FAB) is a dedicated business aviation airport that operates with a single state-of-the-art terminal specifically tailored to private and business jet passengers. Unlike commercial airports, Farnborough does not operate traditional gates or jet bridges. Instead, passengers are escorted directly to their aircraft via private vehicles or designated ground handling services.

Farnborough Airport (FAB) features a single runway, designated as 06/24, with a length of 2,440 meters (8,005 feet) and an asphalt surface. This runway is designed to accommodate a variety of aircraft types, with a primary focus on business aviation. It is well-suited for small to medium-sized business jets, including popular models like the Cessna Citation X, Gulfstream G280, and Bombardier Challenger series. Additionally, the runway can support larger business jets, such as the Gulfstream G650 and Bombardier Global series, provided operational requirements like weight and performance criteria are met.

Farnborough Airport (FAB) handles approximately 30,000 aircraft movements annually, exclusively serving business aviation. Private and corporate jets account for 90% of operations, while air taxi and charter services make up the remaining 10%. The airport does not accommodate commercial airline flights.

 

Passenger traffic is estimated at 80,000 annually, primarily consisting of corporate executives and business professionals (70%), with high-net-worth individuals and VIPs making up the remaining 30%.

 

The aircraft mix at FAB includes 35% light jets, 40% midsize jets, and 20% large or ultra-long-range jets. Helicopters and other aircraft types account for the final 5% of operations.

Farnborough Airport (FAB) Operational Info & Prior Permission Requests (PPR)

Farnborough Airport operates from 07:00 to 22:00 local time Monday to Friday, and from 08:00 to 20:00 local time on Saturdays and Sundays. The airport does not require slots or Prior Permission Requests (PPR) for aircraft operations, making scheduling more flexible for operators. General aviation parking availability is considered good, with ample space to accommodate aircraft. Additionally, congestion at the airport is minimal, ensuring smooth and efficient ground operations for business and private aviation flights.

 

Farnborough Airport (FAB) is a Stage 4 airport with strict noise regulations. Aircraft must comply with Stage 4 noise standards; however, Stage 3 aircraft that meet Stage 4 noise levels based on their noise certificates are permitted to operate at this location. These measures help maintain the airport’s commitment to minimizing noise impacts on the surrounding community.

Charter Landing Permits at Farnborough Airport (FAB)

Landing permits for International business flights to the United Kingdom, including operations to Farnborough Airport (FAB), are specifically required for non-scheduled commercial operations. Charter flights, which include those operating for hire or reward (but not under a regular public schedule), must comply with regulatory requirements to obtain the necessary permits before arrival. Conversely, private non-revenue flights, such as those flown for personal purposes or as empty leg flights, do not require a landing permit under UK aviation regulations.

 

When arranging a charter flight to the UK, including to Farnborough, it is essential to allow a lead time of 3 to 5 business days for the approval process. The application for a landing permit must include specific documentation and details, such as aircraft registration, operator information, flight details, and any other required operational certificates. In many cases, the application must also include a valid noise certificate for the aircraft, particularly if operating in sensitive areas with noise restrictions, such as Farnborough.

Departures – Noise Preferential Routings at Farnborough Airport (FAB)

Noise Preferential Routings (NPRs) at Farnborough Airport are designed to minimize the environmental impact of departing aircraft, particularly in terms of noise. These routes are compatible with Air Traffic Control (ATC) requirements and must be adhered to during both Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) and Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).

 

The NPRs are mandatory for all departing jet aircraft, as well as for all other aircraft with a Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) exceeding 2,730 kg. These routings must be followed unless specific instructions are given by ATC or if deviations are required for safety purposes. This ensures that aircraft departure paths are consistent with local noise abatement procedures and maintain safe separation from other air traffic.

 

The use of these prescribed routes is in addition to standard noise abatement take-off techniques. These techniques, which aim to reduce the noise impact during the initial stages of flight, must also be followed to complement the NPRs and further reduce noise pollution.

 

Additionally, after takeoff, it is mandatory to achieve a minimum altitude of 500 feet Above Aerodrome Level (aal) before initiating any turns. This height requirement ensures that aircraft remain in the most efficient flight path for noise reduction and safety before deviating from the NPR. Furthermore, all departures must use the best rate of climb until reaching or exceeding 3,000 feet. In the event the initial departure clearance requires leveling off below 3,000 feet, operators should plan their flight accordingly to ensure that power settings do not result in excessive noise levels at points on the ground beneath the flight path, especially when climb is recommenced.

 

Also;

• APU Operation Restrictions: The running of Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) is strictly prohibited between the hours of 22:30 and 06:30 local time. This restriction helps reduce noise pollution during nighttime hours.
• Aircraft Noise Standards: Aircraft compliant with Chapter II/Stage II of the ICAO noise standards are not accepted at Farnborough. For any aircraft not manufactured as Chapter III/Stage III compliant, operators are required to provide prior sight of an ICAO noise certificate before landing at the airport. This ensures that all aircraft meet the stringent noise requirements set by the airport
• Runway Usage: In line with noise abatement procedures, intersection departures are prohibited. All departures must use the full runway length. Specifically, departures from Runway 06 must utilize the starter extension, further minimizing noise exposure to nearby areas during takeoff.
• Engine Ground Running: Ground running of aircraft engines is only permitted between the hours of 08:00 and 20:00, Monday to Friday, with an exception of one hour earlier in the summer months. These operations exclude public holidays, and the Air Traffic Control (ATC) must be notified both at the commencement and cessation of each engine run. Additionally, jet aircraft engine runs, other than those at ground idle power settings, are restricted to the designated engine running base located on the West 1 apron, marked by the “EGR” sign.
• Weekend and Public Holiday Restrictions: Ground running during weekends and public holidays is restricted to essential maintenance work only, ensuring that non-essential activities do not disturb the surrounding area during these times.

 

These regulations aim to balance the operational needs of Farnborough Airport (FAB) with the commitment to environmental responsibility and noise reduction. Operators are expected to comply with these guidelines to ensure smooth and sustainable airport operations.

Ground Handling at Farnborough Airport (FAB)

Just Aviation coordinates closely with Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) and ground crews to ensure seamless ground handling operations at Farnborough Airport (FAB) for a broad range of aircraft types. The airport has a fueling option for Jet A1, ensuring operators have access to the required fuel for their business aircraft, regardless of the aircraft’s size or type.

 

Additional support services at Farnborough Airport include aircraft towing and seasonal de-icing assistance. These services are especially important for keeping aircraft ready for immediate departure and ensuring aircraft safety during winter months. The airport also has Ground Power Units (GPUs) and Air Conditioning Units (ACUs) available to provide necessary electrical power and climate control when aircraft are stationed on the ramp, preventing any issues related to power or temperature while on the ground.

 

Through these coordinated efforts, Just Aviation ensures that all ground operations at Farnborough Airport are carried out efficiently, enabling streamlined departures and arrivals. This results in minimized turnaround times and optimizing operational efficiency in flight operations.