Bournemouth Airport

[martello]

it is disappointing that some here dismissed this as DfT just doing their job.

As a matter of fact it affected all airside locations not just Airtime. Airtime is the only one which has tried to communicate with its based pilots. Kevin's notice on the Airtime website downplays it quite a bit so might give wrong impression.

In reality there was a huge hoo ha at several establishments. EGHH Security had several individual meetings during the week leading up to last Friday and as usual ignored everything then Friday padlocks were slapped on all gates.

For those who are happy that this is just DfT doing their job or 'what do you expect at such an airport' please realise the powers that be read these fora hungrily and seize on such statements as evidence that their actions are the 'norm' and anyone objecting is 'out of line'.

The fact is the measures were rushed (driven by a draconian DfT enforcement notice) ill thought out and not only inconveniencing but commercially damaging. Many pilots this weekend were simply locked out from their aircraft - no option of going through scanners or being patted down - just prevented from using their aircraft.

Those of you who have expressed the opinion that 'its only to be expected' - Do you really think that access should be restricted to the working week? Maintenance businesses are obviously damaged because the padlocks prevent out of hours drop offs.

Anyway there has been a lot of talking and some shouting and there is now a little more flexibility from local security (more keys - previously only 2 issued and only available to senior people from the facility lessee not pilots). Some minor workarounds might be achieved by this weekend but not without a lot more inconvenience.

There are problems looming around the proposed new system which will be turnstiles. For example how to you get luggage through, how do passengers without smart cards get through - visitors etc. - what about emergency egress.

As AOPA rep I have been engaged in the discussions (very much post crisis as EGHH do not proactively consult with the pilot community - you have to knock on their door) to try to come up with a fair system.

AOPA cannot and does not object to security but measures which simply ignore the patterns of GA and impose costs and inconvenience should be challenged (thanks a bunch to those of you who broadcast 'its all normal' (for normal read acceptable).

We believe it is more important to introduce a photo id card worn visibly to be airside than it is to have the most restrictive sorts of gates. Pilots can and should be expected to take responsibility for their party and to challenge any stranger trying to push through without ID but if the security powers ignore these pilots needs and make life difficult, such pilots are likely to say 'up yours' and refuse to be part of the solution.

I know Dft and EGHH security read this so can they please take note of this fact of life - this has to be done together with sensible measures not just imposed without consultation.

For any EGHH based pilots reading here, please speak to whoever you park with. Each organisation is making its own interim arrangements. Also remember that in addition to gate access arrangements you and any passengers must now carry an 'authorisation' chit signed by the facility management at ALL times when airside. Security patrols have been multiplied manyfold so you are likely to be challenged.

Anyone visiting for maintenance - obviously - call your maintenance shop urgently - dont just turn up.

For other visitors no doubt you'll be going to Bournemouth Handling (who are also padlocked) Call them and ask what their arrangements are going to be. Each visit will have to be planned


JM

will try to post updates here and other places - Also Kevin at Airtime shares the AOPA role and provide good general info on the Airtime website which is useful for non Airtime pilots also.