Solent Airport serves Gosport, Hampshire, GB.
Travelers generally view Solent Airport (EGHF) in Gosport, Hampshire, as a vibrant and welcoming hub for general aviation, particularly appreciated by pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Sentiment is largely positive, highlighting significant improvements to facilities and a friendly atmosphere, though some minor operational and amenity issues are noted.
What Travelers Love
- Picturesque Location and Views: The airport offers scenic approaches with close proximity to the Solent and the Isle of Wight, providing excellent views for both pilots and visitors.
- Friendly and Welcoming Staff: Pilots often praise the Air Traffic Control (ATC) or Flight Information Service Officers (FISO) for being friendly and accommodating.
- Refurbished Cafe@05 with Runway Views: The Cafe@05 has been recently refurbished and is popular for its unique setting, good coffee, and prime location for watching aircraft, including Spitfires and Coastguard helicopters, taxi and take off.
- General Aviation Focus and Accessibility: Solent Airport is a key hub for general aviation on the South Coast, offering slot-free access and making it an attractive destination for various types of aviators.
- Continuous Investment and Facilities: Recent investments include a resurfaced runway and ongoing plans for ground lighting and navigation systems, alongside services such as ground handling, maintenance, refuelling, and extensive hangarage.
- Proximity to Local Attractions: The airport is within a short walking distance of the beach at Lee-on-the-Solent and is close to the Hovercraft Museum.
Common Complaints
- Cafe@05 Service Inconsistencies: Some recent reviews mention inconsistent opening hours, varying food portions, and instances of inexperienced staff at the on-site café.
- Noise Abatement Procedures: Pilots need to be strictly aware of and adhere to noise abatement areas and published circuit patterns, as local residents are sensitive to aircraft noise.
- Complex Airspace and Mandatory PPR: The surrounding airspace can be complex, requiring pilots to be mindful of nearby zones, and Prior Permission Required (PPR) is mandatory, though the airport does offer some flexibility for drop-ins.
- Unpredictable Specific Aircraft Sightings: Visitors to the public viewing areas note that sightings of specific aircraft, such as Spitfires, are spontaneous and not guaranteed.
Overall, Solent Airport is highly recommended for general aviation pilots and enthusiasts due to its excellent location, dedicated services, and ongoing improvements. While the public-facing café has room for improvement in service consistency, the core aviation experience remains strong and highly regarded.
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Common questions about EGHF
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Where is Solent Airport located?
Solent Airport is located in Gosport, Hampshire, GB, at an elevation of 32 ft. Its IATA code is — and ICAO code is EGHF.