Sandown - Open & Excellent!
 

With the demise of Bembridge as a decent lunch stop I was delighted to discover that Britten-Norman has taken the lease on Sandown.

Speaking to the chap in the tower there is no need to ppr when it is manned (0915-1700)

Outside those hours you can get a ppr from the delightful Carla on 07930 242488 who operates the cafe on the North side of the field at the Flight School

Decent grub & a great view of the airstrip.

I'll be back for lots more this summer.:ok:

I'll second that
 

Delightful airfield - dropped in (maybe that's the wrong phrase) last week. Professional A/G radio, not busy, runway wasn't too bumpy even if the taxiways were.

Great views of the Solent as you approach/depart.

Plenty of walks nearby including through the town to the beach.

Paid landing fees at the cafe (12.50 for a single) and not a hi-viz jacket in sight.

Definitely one to visit again :)

Also a bus stop on the main road (200m from the tower) for buses to Sandown, Bembridge one way and Newport the other. Every hour at around :45 both directions.

And a good one for camping at too....a fairly leisurely stroll into the town & beach.

Supermarket a 5 minute walk away for that full English breakfast the next morning!

Do they have fuel now?

Still no fuel yet unfortunately. Remains to see if the old storage tank is useable if it is pumped out (currently full of water - apparently a safety precaution when it was left empty for some time) and even if it is, whether or not someone is prepared to fill it. Goodwood or Popham are our nearest fuel stops at the moment!

I'm fairly sure you will be able to get fuel from Paul Coppin at Lee on Solent and I understand no landing fee if you have a landing card for Sandown...

I'd very much like to make a trip to the Isle of Wight this summer. However I'm torn between Sandown or Bembridge. I'm interested to see which one would be more suitable for a new PPL. Well known pubs or cafes close to the airfield might also hold the biggest swing towards making my decision!

Presumably no fuel at Bembridge either..?

Sandown and Lee on Solent
 

I flew in to Sandown today and all was well (except no fuel). Nice mug of tea and a slice of cake.

I also went to Lee on Solent which is now pretty much fully functioning as a 'normal' airfield. They do have fuel (by arrangement with Paul Copin). The only downside is there is no cafe or anything much else to do on the airfield. I understand there is a medium term plan to address this. All the old business about PPR and Crown Indemnity insurance has evaporated. Just call them up on the radio. The frequency is even on the CAA chart.

Best of all, the Tigers junior motorcycle team was back in action on the field.

Sadly, Bembridge appeared to be deserted. Not a single aircraft to be seen.

Bembridge
 

Pleased to say Bembridge is PPR 7 days a week. Good food and refreshments at The Propellor. Check out:-

Gliding one of the fun activities on the Isle of Wight

for info. All very easy.

Paulbat, with the cafe gone and all the nonsense that has gone on at Bembridge, the reality is you have lost us all to Sandown now.

Shame.

Bembridge has the Propellor Inn pub, which is an excellent stop and airfield view point. I was pleased to fly in last week :ok:

Last time I went there was in our Comanche about 6 years ago. It was very bumpy, especially at the SW end. Has it improved, as now that I have an RV6 with tiny wheels, I would like to go back, but I am very cautious with bumps and unseen holes in the grass. I have stopped going to White Waltham for that very reason.

Fly-in at Sandown on Sunday July 31st...theme being 'Aircraft in Uniform' ie Military marks... Chippies, Tigers, Hurricanes, Lancs etc. No doubt all others welcome!

Tour around the Airframe Assemblies, Spitfire factory in the afternoon for those interested.


Details from [email protected]

Does anyone know how much overnight parking costs?

Bembridge is fine and v friendly at the gliding club, once again. You can always walk like you used to into the town, for grub if you dont want the propellor inn( and theres nothing wrong with it either).

Bembridge
 

Aussie Andy,

That is a shame - do not give up that easily! There is no 'nonsense' with the use of the airfield. PPR 7 days a week either by phone or email. Decent food at the Propellor. Would be nice to see you.

Bembridge again
 

I would like to hear their version of the story so I can make a decision if Bembridge should be blacklisted or not from my airfields to visit this year list.