Our Air Traffic Control team provides services at St Mary's Airport throughout the published hours of operation. An emergency call-out system enables Air Ambulance and Search & Rescue flights to use the airport on a 24-hour basis and satisfy the need to maintain a lifeline to the mainland.
Situated approximately 30 miles southwest of Cornwall on the edge of the Atlantic, weather conditions on the Islands are often subject to very rapid and sometimes un-forecast deterioration. Sudden changes in flying conditions can result in operational challenges, particularly for those pilots who are inexperienced, or not equipped to fly in cloud or poor visibility. Controllers and Assistants are experienced Met Observers of local weather and ensure pilots are kept informed of significant changes to conditions.
Over 90% of the operations are public transport flights, made by both Fixed and Rotary Wing aircraft. These flights vary seasonally in frequency from 20 to 120 daily and generally operate below 4000ft in a narrow corridor of airspace that passes through a military flying area and links Lands End with the Islands. Close liaison is maintained with the radar units in the area and St. Mary's co-ordinate flights with these units (Culdrose or Newquay Radar) to ensure the safe operation of flights climbing out of the Corridor into the military area.
Pilots visiting the Isles are advised to obtain Radar Services from Newquay Radar (133.405) and Culdrose Radar (134.050) before entering the AIAA and to contact Lands End (120.255) before crossing the LND VOR/DME.