Yeovilton Air Day
Back in the 60s I was an RN pilot on Scimitars.
Since then, I continued a fulfilling aviation career and, up until a few months ago, was still instructing , examining and doing a bit of airworthiness test flying for the CAA.
I decided it would be nice, before I got too old, to fly my Bulldog into VL for the Open Day this year and maybe bump into a few of my colleagues from the past.
I applied online for a Visiting Aircraft Clearance and was shocked to find that I was expected to pay £59.40 for landing/parking/Civil User Indemnity as well as VAT. Supposedly these are MOD charges !
So how is it that I can go to RAF Benson, practice a few ILS/PAR approaches, including sometimes "land off and roll" for about 10 quid ?
On top of that, I was advised that I must apply for an Admission ticket for the Display as well, having even brought in an interesting aircraft.
You do the sums.
The cost of 3 hours fuel for the return flight and then the rest, .........for 8 hours at VL .... and not even an ex-RN enclosure pass ?
Sadly I won't be going but am I wrong to be annoyed ?