Civil Airfield Lerwick/Tingwall (EGET)

Although Sumburgh https://airfield.directory/airfield/EGPB, with all the "bells & whistles", is the main commercial airport for The Shetland Islands, Tingwall Airport is much closer to the administrative centre of Lerwick and many would claim much nearer the heart of Shetland also.

It has no Instrument approach; but it does have PAPI’s and lights. PPR.

It's not over-used – it has only two resident aircraft and the Fair Isle Islander which calls by. It is none the less hospitable and the one fireman/ATC/Pump attendant/collector of fees will give you a warm welcome. He will also give you an ‘unofficial’ talk-down, if need be, informing you which sector is more cloud-free.

In marginal weather it is best to keep on the centreline since the surrounding hills are increasingly being used by wind farms up to 500’. Likewise, if you have to CTL, do ensure you keep tight. There has fortunately been only one fatal accident http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources/dft_avsafety_pdf_501869.pdf in the history of the field (see below) - and that was very late at night.

Flight following: Because traffic up here is fairly sparse – and conditions are frequently marginal IMC – Scottish Control operating as Sumburgh Radar will readily give vectors/procedural service to VFR traffic. (To help them in this, they do ask that you include Sumburgh in your flight plan address list; even if landing elsewhere.)

Because of terrain, I twice had to remember my "Relay r/t" as they asked me to assist them in contacting helicopters that had dropped below the surface.

Fuel: There is Avgas at island prices; but not too excessive when one considers that this is the most northern supply in the UK, and it has to come in barrels. With careful planning, one need only take on what is necessary to get back to Kirkwall or Sumburgh.

Landing & Parking: Landing for my PA28RT was £16.50. Parking was free overnight, although I suspect the fireman forgot to charge me (£8?) as he was carried away with regaling how (then) Prince Charles once had to use the toilet by his office!

HIAL Out of Hours Permit: If one intends to ‘fly the islands’ and/or stay elsewhere overnight, one is encouraged to apply for this Permit and receive it (it takes at least 72 hours + postage time). This allows one to T/O & Land outside of the usual opening hours. (See my comments on this under Kirkwall https://airfield.directory/airfield/EGPA).

Snacks: There is a small ‘waiting room’ hut for the Islander which has an automat machine; but that is only available when a ‘scheduled’ (frequently delayed for hours) flight to the Fair Isles is due.

Transport: A taxi, (or in my case a folding bike), is essential to get to Lerwick or elsewhere. ATC will get one for you or you can try: 01595 694617 or 692080.

Accommodation: The nearest hotel to the airport – I mile straight ahead as you leave the field - which is very comfortable is The Herrislea House Hotel http://www.herrisleahouse.co.uk/.

The best hotels in Lerwick: The Shetland Hotel http://www.shetlandhotels.com/Shetland/shetland.html or The Queen’s Hotel http://www.kgqhotels.co.uk/

Scalloway: I had come to do some further research into The Shetland Bus and visit the newly opened small museum which has an interesting section on its heroic wartime sacrifice; so I travelled along the quiet lakeside road by bicycle, rather than use the main road over the hills. In doing so I passed the memorial to Captain Alan Young http://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&source=hp&ei=39JwW9uuFqiZlwSJ0b6IBw&q=captain+alan+young&oq=captain+alan+young&gs_l=mobile-gws-wiz-img.3...8463.22504..23283...1.0..0.89.1151.18......0....1.......5..0j35i39j0i30j0i8i30j30i10.I_JRLS-6Pu4#imgrc=TLCLYcl7tYK6KM (see above).

Scalloway is very small. I stayed at The Scalloway Hotel https://www.scallowayhotel.scot/, one of the few places then available, which was very homely; although closed in 2021 it is (2025) now open again.

P.S.: Sadly, the political accountants have their eyes on Tingwall and its days as an airfield may be numbered. http://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2012/06/06/tingwall-airport-future-discussed-by-councillors.