View Full Version : Panshanger
john ball
29th Jun 2011, 13:27
I went to the Van's fly-in on Sunday, which is the first time I have been back for over ten years. To me a lot has changed, as the cafe was very good and all the seating area outside around the pond and under the trees was very pleasant. A lot of movements all afternoon and not just all the RV's flying in and out. To me it does make another alternative to my usual quick flights for the £100 bacon sandwich. As normally I would go to Headcorn, North Weald or Popham. They gave all the RV'ers free membership card for a year which will give discounts in the restaurant.
If only we at Biggin Hill could have a nice clubhouse for private owners to relax. Of course the best days were Tiger Club at Redhill, with Margaret serving here Chilli on Sunday's that we all had to eat and the homemade cakes at 4pm sharp !!!.
rsuggitt
29th Jun 2011, 15:31
Nice to hear that someone likes Panshanger, especially after all the flak that it got in the past.
Sir George Cayley
29th Jun 2011, 17:50
Is he mellowing in his old age?
SGC
Lunchmaster
29th Jun 2011, 19:31
Haim's OK. You either love him or loathe him but there's no doubting his passion for aviation or support for pilots.
The real change has been the arrival of a lady called Sue Hart who has helped transform the club's image. She's put a huge amount of work into rebranding and promoting the flying school and building a real club atmosphere with lots of fly-ins, events for members and training nights.
Having been away from the club for a few years after gaining the PPL I've recently rejoined and I'm impressed with the new look and feel of the place.
I'd encourage anyone who hasn't flown in for a while to give it another try.
Lunchmaster
stiknruda
29th Jun 2011, 20:00
For reasons that I can't recall, I was given a free membership to NLFC last summer.
They regularly send out a really cool, interesting news letter that I was only remarking on at the weekend.
If other clubs knocked out stuff like that, that made one feel part of a special and intimate group, then maybe the flying club would be more popular!
Sir George Cayley
30th Jun 2011, 20:17
So, even if Haim's still his old cantankerous, garrulous, cussin' self it sounds like things are on the up.
Last time I was there I didn't detect the new feel so I'd better get back soon.
SGC
On basis of above comments, made Panshanger my destination today and was pleasantly surprised.
The ops room was a little quiet, but the lady in the office behind the desk enormously helpful and friendly. A decent cup off coffee in the cafe too. The runway and grounds are in very good condition....in fact perhaps one of the best grass runways in the SE?
On call up radio was silent. Went back to Farn N and they kindly woke them up for me, but on listening-in prior to departure it became apparent if you are visiting don't worry if your radio call is not answered...join overhead, make position calls and follow the published circuit patterns
G CEXO
1st Jul 2011, 16:30
I agree, Sue is a very friendly lady. However, I have just got off the phone with Haim and all I can say is, what a f*****g guy! :eek:
As a potential customer who would have paid for 60 hours in advance for time building, I was told to turn up next week to start a check out or to never step foot in Panshanger airfield again :D
Also, I have no idea why I was asked if I hate indians?....
Is he mentally right up there lol :ugh:
Miroku
2nd Jul 2011, 16:38
After reading the optimistic views of Panshanger I flew in today. What a difference from the last visit in late 2009!
Sue has clearly made a lot of changes and makes people feel really welcome. The cafe is very nice (lower volume on the music maybe) and everyone is friendly. I didn't go near the owner though!
I would really recommend a visit to anyone who swore (like me) they'd never go there again.
Also, I have no idea why I was asked if I hate indians?....
Maybe Mr. Singh of Biggin Hill was with him ;)
Is he mentally right up there lol
Yes, he has it in writing :)
UAV689
6th Jul 2011, 17:12
I visted last weekend, found the place very agreeable. Love the outside to the club house, the runway is superb for grass, fuel also 25p cheaper than elstree. Had a real club feel to the place.
In fact, if any panshanger managment are reading read this, would you care to offer our group half price landing fees if we get our fuel from you?