STAFF at an aerodrome near Ongar have been praised for cutting the number of unauthorised incursions into its airspace by half.
Employees at Stapleford Flight Centre, off the Ongar Road near Stapleford Abbotts, cut controlled airspace infringements to just seven in 2012, compared with 14 in the previous year.
The drop, according to the flight centre, is as a result of a vigorous campaign led by deputy head of training, Brian Peppercorn.
The National Air Traffic Service welcomed the news.
Paul Haskins, general manager of London Terminal Control, said: "National Air Traffic Service (NATS) Swanwick is pleased to report a reduction in the number of controlled airspace infringements in the South East of England during 2012.
"While acknowledging some of this reduction can be attributed to the poor summer weather and the decline in general aviation [GA] activity over the Olympic period, there is no doubt the continued proactive efforts of the GA community to address the infringement issue have underpinned this success."
Mr Peppercorn told the Gazette: "Stapleford pilots are flying in the most congested area of airspace in the UK and probably one of the most complex in the world.
"I am keen to ensure Stapleford-based pilots have some understanding as to why keeping clear of controlled airspace is so important.
"For general aviation traffic to play its part, we need to remain outside the protective areas of controlled airspace for the good and safety of all concerned.
"When we inadvertently stray into controlled airspace, the immediate response by the controllers of the faster commercial traffic is to provide them with radar guidance away from us, especially if we are not in radio contact.
"This is because they have no idea who we are, why we are there and, most importantly, where we will go next."
For more information about the aerodrome, call 01708 688 380 or visit www.flysfc.com
