Shortstripper wrote:
I flew into Goodwood Saturday and whilst they do a pretty good job of keeping their runways going, I can't understand the inflexibility shown? As I was taxiing to take off, I called up and offered to pull onto the runway where I was (half way between the tower and the hold) to save the grass at the threshold. There was one other on downwind in the circuit and I stated I was STOL ... but no I was told to taxy to the hold as usual and take off from the bit of grass that is getting increasingly muddy.
Hi SS. I was intrigued by this as I have seen occasional mid-point departures, including a friend visiting in a Rans S6 who was not keen to taxi downwind to the hold in a 20 knot breeze. Also the FISOs at Gwd are an excellent bunch, always helpful, and always friendly!
So, I spoke with the FISO yesterday, and he recalled the occasion immediately .... it seems that on that particular day it was felt that the threshold was actually preferable being less wet than the area where you suggested departing from; apparently there is a tendency to standing water near the runway intersection. Agree or not, that was the reason, and with the best of intentions.
Regards
Slip