Conciair Ltd, founded by ceo Barrie Prescott, is adding London City landing approval to its Beechcraft Baron grass airstrip operational capability to underpin the advantages inherent in its three locations in the south east of England.

The approval gives Conciair advantages in servicing demand for venues such as Goodwood, its headquarters location, where around two dozen races are held each year. "This allows Conciair to fly from Goodwood, Chichester, to London City in 35 minutes to connect with all domestic and international flights," Prescott points out. "Conciair has strived for this approval for nearly a year. All the London City flight tests are complete.

"We had chief pilot Andrew Dixon, one flight test engineer from Hawker Beechcraft and two CAA flight observers on board to complete the process. This included steep approaches, engine simulated failures after takeoff and a number of go-arounds. We should be completely signed-off and operational in good time for the Goodwood Revival meeting."

Prescott adds: "Our principal aircraft is the Beechcraft Baron 58 series and we have two currently operational. Both, unlike many other aircraft, are approved for licensed grass airstrips. Additionally we are flying the Mayfair Dove. Bill Pritchard has now formally retired as captain and I have taken the aircraft over."

The Dove is based at Goodwood, and while operated for charter, is also a key attraction for the Conciair heritage section which has two T7 Hawker Hunters on display as well as a Pembroke, a Dakota and a DFH Tiger Moth. "All aircraft are in full airworthy condition. The Hunter T7 372 has been in my possession for 11 years and is particularly smart in squadron colours but both Hunters have been the subject of much interest," says Prescott. "I added a heritage section after forming Conciair in April 2009 with the launch of its base at Goodwood, because I am personally particularly enthusiastic to maintain such a 'club.'

"It took nine months and a great deal of hard work from many people to gain Conciair its AOC. The company's other prime bases are Bournemouth in Dorset and Kemble-Cotswold in Gloucester, the latest to be brought into operation."

The De Havilland Dove, which in its day had features ranked among the best in British aircraft design and manufacture, had an extensive refit while operated by Pritchard.

"Powered by two very sturdy Rolls Royce supercharged engines, it cruises quietly, allowing onboard conversation at normal speaking levels. The flight deck boasts an array of modern avionics including the sophisticated Trimble GPS, 3M Stormscope, dual controls and full IFR instrumentation," Pritchard says.

The Mayfair Dove has been operated and main-tained to the standards of the Royal Air Force vip flight and subsequently as part of the Queen's Flight based at RAF Northolt.

The Dove, Prescott points out, adds magic to a business trip or a day's golf or shooting. Facilities include a spacious cabin with six club class seats, courtesy tables, an onboard toilet and large panoramic passenger windows. With a five hour maximum range of 1,000 nm, the Dove can leave a London airport and be in Cornwall in one hour and 20 minutes and Ireland, Scotland or Northern Ireland in two hours. It takes even less time to reach the Isle of Man, Channel Isles or Le Touquet."

Prescott adds: "We shall shortly be introducing a 'battlefield tour' section, initially to northern France, twice weekly. Imagine taking off from Goodwood - originally RAF Westhampnet, a 'Battle of Britain' fighter base - and tracking an actual 'invasion route' out from Portsmouth to Normandy, flying low level along the beaches and landing at Caen to be met by a luxury minibus for the onward day trip to the battle locations. With her large windows and quite engines,the Dove is a perfect aircraft for this."

Prescott has a history of piloting interesting aircraft. "My first Baron was a G58 flown by me from the Wichita factory. Unfortunately during AOC qualification, the aircraft was precluded due to G1000 issues. But this aircraft was replaced by an extremely smart B58 giving Conciair two aircraft of that type."

Prescott adds: "The Barons have a good range and a cruising speed of 210kts. We are in a prime location and the only AOC operator that has the advantage of being based at Goodwood."