Well folks, another episode to this story .... I'll assume you have read the foregoing threads (incl Flyer thread too)......if you havent, please take the time in order to set the scene.....
Graham Cox has now published a letter in answer to my letter defending Sherlowe & the operation there. I will be guarded in my comments on what he's written, 'cos I don't want to say something that could be considered libellous & slanderous.
However I can tell you that Graham Cox who wrote the letter is a "bona fide" PPL & IMC holder, who has previously flown from Sleap and is now based Wolverhampton.
The letter is what was published in a newspaper so it stands as public domain material.
My only comments on it are that I am as a PPL deeply offended at Mr Cox's implication that I or other pilots may have taken money for giving flights, and that as an aviator, I find it incredible that a "fellow" aviator is denouncing efforts to continue what is an environmentally sensitive, low density, recreational & social activity in a non-residential area of Shropshire. Anyone who knows Bob Pooler & the Sherlowe strip operation would I am sure back this view up.
Oh & by the way, the unlicensed strip is NOT being used for training, the a/c have public cat CofAs, Bob is a licensed instructor & examiner & aerobatics are generally performed well away from the strip environment itself.
Seems like Mr Cox may have just a tiny little chip on his shoulder......
--------------------------- letter begins (Shropshire Star 11/5/2002) ---------------------------------------
"Aerobatics are always noisier for all aircraft
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Having only just returned from a trip abroad I was unable to reply to (poetpilots) letter regarding the continuing dispute over Bob Poolers plans for Sherlowe airstrip.
I am fully aware that C152 Aerobats are approved for aerobatics, hence the name. However the C152 type of aircraft is primarily used to teach basic flying. Due to its inherent stability & its low engine power the performance of a C152 when carrying out aerobatics is hardly spectacular.
Irrespective of whether they are performed below or above 4000 feet, aerobatic manouevres generate far more noise, for any given type of ircraft, than does straight & level flight.
Contrary to what (poetpilot) states in his letter I have never professed to be an expert in aviation. Also I do not have anywhere near the flying experience or hold the number of additional ratings that Bob Pooler has.
It costs me over £1000 per year just to maintain my PPL (single engine) together with the additional IMC rating.
The rules relating to the use of light aircraft for hire and reward are quite rightly, very stringent & clearly defined. Unlike a lot of pilots I can truthfully say that I have never charged my pasengers a penny for taking them flying with me.
Mr Pooler originally implied that he merely wanted to make his airstrip available to a few friends on a more regular basis.
It has now become apparent that from the outset Mr Pooler intended to use his airstrip as a commercial venture. Mt Pooler is inviting people to pay a membership fee to join a flying club which is not even situated on a licensed aerodrome.
Although I'm no expert on the subject, I would have sought the advice of the CAA before attempting to submit the planning application to the Telford & Wrekin Council for approval.
Graham Cox
Wellington"
---------------- letter ends ---------------------------------------------------------------
Last edited by poetpilot; 15th May 2002 at 12:28.