Daifly - you are of course quite correct in your history summation. I wish Bob EVERY success, it would suit me just fine if someone want me to fly a Gulfstream out of my hometown <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
I do remember back in 1991 when everybody laughed at the idea of trying to build a flying school in the middle of a valley in the middle of nowhere. I applaud Tony for building what he did.
I just can't see what GA will remain other than the privately owned aircraft. I will miss the ability to hire a Piper cheaply when at home. However you are quite right to say that the point of the airport was to support local business.
People knock Welshpool if they had a bad experience there. Just as people who paid £7,000 to CABAIR for their PPL complain if they had a bad experience. After Steve Moles fatal accident I felt that the pressure to fly was very much reduced. At the end of the day there is ALWAYS pressure to fly in any commercial flying environment. If it says Commercial on your pilots license then its part of the job to resist those pressures. No matter if its at Welshpool in a PA38 or at Stansted in a B737.
Good luck Bob,
WWW
ps Impressive Wingspan - who are you?