Sign up here to fly from/into/at LEE

[Spamcan defender]

As detailed in THIS (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=297429) thread.. Lee is on the verge of closure to GA. To make your voice heard please read below and state your current/intended usage of the airfield.

Indicate in your post the kind of flying you want to do, and hopefully word will get out such that many other UK flyers will append to the thread also. We can get the thread into the view of relevant bodies very easily from there... ... or transfer the expressed views into a more effective vehicle when that becomes apparent (a WIP but not top priority - we are going to pursue a High Court Injunction urgently).

Posters to the thread would not have to be local to Lee, if they would fly in to visit the local area, refuel, whatever, the point is to express the demand that is out there for public access to the Department for Transports MCA Daedalus airfield. You paid for it, the government policy is to encourage use of such facilities, so Say You Want To Access it.

Well I shall start this off by saying that I wish to use this as a base for my private flying and would use it, personally, AT LEAST a couple of hours a month.

KEEP LEE OPEN TO GA!!

Spamcan

[Mike Cross]

I've flown into Lee in the past and would do again if it were open to visitors.
For someone needing a hard runway the nearest choices to Portsmouth are Southampton, which is short of space and will not permit aircraft to be based there, Shoreham, or Farnborough.
Lee's got a lot going for it. It has the hovercraft museum on site and with the right access you could exit the airfield, cross the road and be on the beach.
It's also got excellent potential for aviation related businesses. Those that are already on site have been given 30 days notice that they will no longer be able to use the airfield because the aerodrome manager has failed to properly manage the airfield. In particular he has failed for over a year to sign the letter of agreement with DARA Fleetlands, whose ATZ encroaches on the aerodrome boundary and he has not applied for a dedicated radio frequency for Lee.
It is a farcical situation that the person charged with running the airfield is now using his own failures as a reason to deny the use of the facility to others.
That said, the airfield is owned by The Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the responsibility is ultimately theirs.

[Contacttower]

If Lee was open to all GA, not just aircraft based there, I would visit quite a lot.

If in the future I decided to buy an aircraft Lee would be a good place to base it....and if a share in an aircraft came up that I was interested in location at Lee would be ideal.

[Dave Gittins]

I normally fly at Fairoaks but have over the past 9 months started flying occasionally with Carill Aviation at Lee. Indeed I even did my "hour once every 2 years" there, last month.

This suits me admirably becuase I spend a couple of weekends a month in Gosport and it allows me a 5 minute drive to the airfiel;d and to use a different "local area" and just to do what GA pilots do, bimble around sightseeing and enjoying being airborne.

Lee is very convenient to me for that and I want it to continue.

If there were more general aviation at to Lee, it might even be a good place for me to buy a share in something I could use to fly across to France (being 25 minutes closer than Fairoaks.)

Insofar as there being any lack of safety in operating GA, Gliding and "Blue Light" activities all at once, that is nonsense. The Surrey Police Helicopter is based aboutb 50 yards away from our aeroplanes at Fairoaks and we co-exist perfectly peacefully (indeed so do numbers of other heliciopters). I also used to mix with the Chiltern Police Helicopter at Luton .. again no bother at all.
There are planty of other places where GA and gliding also share facilities ... and I have done so at Lee in the past, perfectly safely.

LONG LIVE LEE

:ok:

[Saab Dastard]

I have friends in both Portsmouth and Southampton - Lee on Solent would be an ideal GA airfield to use to visit them, with the additional possibility of then taking them on to other destinations.

I have never attempted to use it in the past (since obtaining PPL in 2003) because of the perceived extreme difficulty in getting permission to land there.

SD

[FullyFlapped]

I concur with the previous poster : I would love to be able to use Lee for both business and access to Portsmouth-based family and friends. However, I was under the impression it was closed to non-based GA and so have never tried to obtain PPR.

Currently using other fields, I would think my usage profile would be between 1-3 visits per month.

FF :ok:

[Fuji Abound]

I have always wanted to use Lee on a regular basis.

None of the other surrounding airports are as convenient for Portsmouth, and Southampton, being the obvious alternative choice, in recent years has limited GA slots on a regular basis as the airport has become busier with commercial traffic.

I have clients in the area and would be a regular user.

I do not understand as a "publically" owned airport why access is not given to the public.

[Propped-up]

I would use Lee if it were available generally. That area is otherwise poorly served for GA.

[Genghis the Engineer]

I first learned to fly at Lee with Southampton UAS. I've been back in once since, on a formal visit to one of the various units there - since it hasn't for some time been welcoming visitors.

If it did welcome visitors, then it's likely I'd use the airfield several times per year. Given the lack of availability of Southampton these days for GA, then I imagine it would be a popular airfield to base aircraft at - I'd certainly seriously consider it if I lived in or near Southampton again.

However, I really don't buy the arguments of malign intent or incompetence. It strikes me that most of the reasons why GA is not routinely allowed to use Daedalus (as was) are misunderstandings about the difficulties of co-existing gliders, fixed wing GA, and the police ASU. I'd strongly recommend that everybody stops throwing mud about and just tries to talk about this with the management at LoS politely and constructively.

G

[GRP]

Oh yes... would happily pay to be based there, preferably with hangar space. Currently based at Goodwood where my aircraft is not happy. My aircraft does not work well on grass. Not only a better place to be based, but also close to both where I work and where I live.

[yawningdog]

As a property developer in Southampton, I can assure you that the city is expanding at a dramatic rate. Residential development along the waterfront is increasing in density at an alarming rate, indicating a real demand from the professional market. Commercial development is accelerating with West Quay 2 (I think that's it name) in the construction phase. The old Vosper Thornycroft shipyard site owned by SEEDA is about to be turned into a modern mixed used marine industry site with high tech modern living. The city is host to major international exhibitions such as the Southampton Boat Show which attracts valuable investment to one of the city's primary industries, marine.

This all points towards a strong local market for business at Lee-on-Solent airfield for the future. It would be prudent for the airfield to remain operational and to establish a longer term strategy as a corporate overflow airfield, considering the capacity limitations at Southampton Airport.

Lee would make an excellent international corporate airfield serving not only Southampton, but also Portsmouth. There can be no possible commercial advantage to closing the airfield other short-term greed by developers, which would be an opportunity lost.

As a private pilot visiting the city, Lee-on-Solent would be my first choice as a convenient destination. It is easy to find geographically and is close to the city.

[FBS]

With family in the area I would use the airfield several times a month. The area is badly served by GA and Lee on Solent is an ideal place with clear approaches and relatively friendly neighbours.

Lee has incredible potential as a buisiness and GA airfield and would be perfecly suited to many small businesses.

[Pitts2112]

It depends. If it becomes an officious place with air traffic control and requires people to wear hi-viz vests, and is solely concerned with making a buck (like Redhill), I'll never set foot there. If, however, it sets up more like Leicester with helpful air-to-ground, a good clubhouse and friendly, grass-roots approach to flying, all whilst maintaining a profitable profile, then I'd use it to visit mates in the area.

Pitts2112

[Nipper2]

I would use it for sure. I live 2 minutes from Lee but have to hangar my aircraft 30 minutes away. It's a no-brainer for me.

If I could base my aircraft at Lee I guess it would generate 100-150 movements per year.

[BroomstickPilot]

Hi Guys,

I am an Old Sarum club member. Old Sarum is not far from Lee and would be a good destination to go to for a practice cross-country flight with a 'land out'.

So far, I haven't visited Lee because of the hostile attitude I had heard awaited anybody who called in there.

Given the opportunity, I should most certainly like to be able to fly into Lee.

Broomstick.

[whosyerdaddy]

I would fly there and organise fly outs there too. It's on the seaside!

There's only one of me but loads in my flying club. We're all sick to death of flying to the same places.

[Johnm]

I would visit around once a month were it an unrestricted GA field in order to get easily to Soton and Portsmouth. Southampton is too expensive and restrictive other fields are not more practical than driving.

[muffin]

I need to go to Portsmouth from time to time on business and Lee would certainly be better than driving from the Midlands. Southampton is too crowded and complicated and Goodwood too far away. I actually kept my aircraft at Hamble for two wonderful years just before it closed, but those days are long gone now unfortunately. Don't let Lee go the same way.

[ChampChump]

Absolutely, several times a year, provided it's user-friendly (see Pitts' post above), especially for us littl'uns who don't want or need ATC.

My brother lives nearby, which adds value for me.

[Yankee]

With the ever growing new breed of light GA aircraft ideally needing a hard surface runway to operate from the central South Coast area is in dire need of not only keeping Lee, but may be even opening another airfield in the area, not close one. For a conurbation the size of Portsmouth and Southampton not to have access to a GA field is unbelievable.
Bournemouth is far to the west but we are picking up members to our group there who live in the Gosport area and it would be a great help to be able to position our group plane there from time to time to help them out.
I know of no other airfield that could offer potential fly-in visitors so much naval heritage on its doorstep, which if the airfield remains open should be promoted to the full.
I am a member of the International Grumman owners club and it can sometimes be a challenge to find a suitable venue for our Annual European Convention. What a venue Lee would make, so many attractions to entertain our guests. It’s excellent position on the coast allowing fly in visitors from abroad to route along the south coast avoiding any lowish cloud all the way from Lydd or Dover. It could be a big draw for many other association fly-ins also.

[AdLib]

I would use LEE for business and pleasure. A wonderful airfield in a superbly convenient location.
In fact I'd be landing there on Monday if I hadn't been informed over the phone today that I had to be on "official business" (any LEE users care to invite me over for some official business? - you can have a trip in the Chippy in return).

[Sleeve Wing]

Really sad that the management are apparently unable to visualise the potential in such a site. This is particularly so now that Bournemouth and Southampton clearly feel they have outgrown the need and no longer encourage private/small business traffic. So few aerodromes along the South coast now available to us.

My knowledge stems from the glory days when HMS Daedalus was the Headquarters of the Fleet Air Arm. What a place then and what a history.
I've wanted to go back in the past just to look around again. Not only was I not allowed to fly in but, when I drove up to the gates recently, I was politely informed that, unless I was associated with the developers, there was no way I could be allowed in. Even Chiv allowed me to fly in recently, courtesy of the open-minded RM CO.

Any ideas anybody ?

:(

[Weekend Flyer]

Should the opportunity present itself in the future, I would be visiting Lee on around half a dozen occasions per year, possibly more. If Fly-Ins were to be held there and if access to the Hovercraft Museum proved practical, I could see this figure increasing.

All that is needed is a reasonably-priced cafe, sensible landing fees and a friendly atmosphere - it already has the Solent on the doorstep. Throw in a Training organisation and a Maintenance outfit and you have a recipe for a successful GA airfield.

[BEXIL160]

Hello All,
I flew from Lee on a regular basis for 4 years and would do so again without question.

The Airfield is ideally placed on the South Coast for flying to the Channel Isles (I used to go to Alderney fairly often, it's only 77 miles from EGHF) and for flying to France.

I really don't think to would take too much to operate Lee as a viable GA site and fully agree with the previous poster that[/All that is needed is a reasonably-priced cafe, sensible landing fees and a friendly atmosphere - it already has the Solent on the doorstep. Throw in a Training organisation and a Maintenance outfit and you have a recipe for a successful GA airfield.

Rgds BEX

[PompeyPaul]

It's near my home town. Would be ideal for me.

[rotorboater]

LoS is ideal for getting to the Hamble for my yacht racing, I and quite a few other bot owners would use it a lot if it was available.

[ChrisS]

I live in a flat right at the end of the runway.. a couple of hundred meters from the 05 threshold.

I started to learn to fly from Lee and have recently had to move to Goodwood.

I run an IT company that specialises in Dealership Management software, we need a new office. I want to have that at Lee. Also I want to create a Plane/Boat/whatever dealership to use that software as a showpiece. I want that to be at Lee.

If it cant be at Lee, then I will move the IT company (we can work anywhere) and anything else away from the area, loosing several significant salaries from the area economy.

Lee has such a great location, is a brilliant facility and underused/not managed. It would be a huge loss to the community and to GA if the situation cannot be reversed.

My 2 pence worth, I am a member of LFA and will be contributing to the fighting funds.

Chris

[LowNSlow]

I flew into Lee On Solent many moons ago under the auspices of the original Solent Flight and had my Aerobat based there.

I think the airfield has the potential to be a great asset to the GA infrastructure of the South Coast and could offer more than most airfields as a coastal destination.

[MikeJ]

I know I would got into Lee several times a year as an variation from the limited number of South Coast airfields attractive to light aircraft.

Just one more vote!

[one2go]

at least twice a month for a lunch stop,chance to use a tarmac runway for a change.

[flyingsteve55]

It would certainly be on my list of regulars. Friends live just outside the gate in Lee and others in Stubbington and Fareham. I'd guess at least 6 times a year.

[flyingpig2303]

I have been based at lee for the past 5 years, have had no problems mixing with GA, police and Coastguard, would love the chance to continue, flying around 70 hours a year.:{

[The Grim EPR]

I would use it weekly as it's very handy for me, both for business and pleasure. It's a great airfield and needs to stay for us all to use.

[tnowak]

I would fly in a few times per year and probably more often. It is well placed for the south coast area, adjoining towns and tourist areas, especially as Southampton and Hurn are anti (or close to anti) GA. Will be worth doing whatever to try and retain LoS for GA purposes.

[Nipper2]

Keep going guys. We need all the help we can get.

[Windrusher]

I'd certainly love to be able to fly into Lee, and would do so several times a year. It's a superb airfield (I finished off my PPL training from there), and the nearest alternatives (Popham, Goodwood, Old Sarum - the Island is just a bit too difficult to reach) are all a good way off. If funds at some stage permit, I'd also be very interested in a share in a syndicate aircraft there.

For what it's worth, I think GA and gliders, on a decent sized airfield like Lee, make an excellent mix.

Windrusher

[DRJAD]

I would certainly use Lee-on-Solent if it were available. I often have business in the Portsmouth area, and to be able to get close would be a major attraction in flying there from the far north of England. I also have friends in the area, so availability of landing, parking, and overnight would encourage me to visit more often.

[Chilli Monster]

Parents and other family live just outside Portchester - I would probably be a frequent visitor if it were permitted.

The sooner we get rid of these idiots who can't see what an asset a decent, useable airfield near to a conurbation can be (as opposed to some water logged field in the back of beyond) the better.

[execExpress]

I would like to see Lee-On-Solent used as an asset to generate inward investment (via Business GA flying in from across the UK and Europe) for business discussions in the Portsmouth-Southampon area), and bringing in some air touring business to the local economy.

I would like to be able to be part of or set up a Cirrus group at Lee if that becomes possible.

I would also like to be able to organise a Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) Europe weekend event at Lee, with a safety theme: Ditching classroom talks/sessions, dunker drills in the dunker up the road at Andark, and a session with the MCA SAR crews about how we could help them help us once we are ready to be found and picked up.

A sort of soup to nuts theory and practical training weekend with fun and meals, local tourism to boot. Not hard to see Lee becoming an asset in many ways really is it... ...with GA contributing to the offsetting of costs that we as taxpayers have to bear in any event.

[stickandrudderman]

As a london based PPL, with several business interests in the Southampton area, I would consider access to Lee-on-Solent to be of great advantage, and would estimate my usage to be something in the order of 12 times per year.

[Thumpango]

I regularly fly from Lee with aircraft hired from Carill Aviation.

In the days of mixed use, gliders and powered flight seemed to get along fine and I wasn't aware of any safety issues, although the gliding activity was quite intense at times.
Police and MCA movements are few but obviously demand the highest priority.

The current threatend ban on GA from the 16th is devastating to the businesses and users on site.

Lee has an excellent runway, quick access to class G airspace and is a joy to fly from, I hope the current problems will be resolved by reasonable compromise - I am sure there is a way forward here to suite everyone's needs.

[Fokkerwokker]

There is every chance the company I fly a business twin for, occasionally, would want to use Lee on Solent on a fairly regular basis. Unlike grass you can use concrete/tarmac whatever the weather.

Use it before you lose it!

[egld1]

I totally agree, with Bournemouth and Southampton pricing GA away Chichester only grass... the nearest proper GA user friendly airport Shoreham I might as well drive from London?... I very often visit the portsmouth and fareham areas on business and a useable Hard runway with easy transport links to Portsmouth would be a major boost!!! We need more GA / Business GA fields available... I know Lee has been proposed for many things in its history including an imigration centre...But why not use it for what it has been designed for... Having spoken to many locals in Lee and surrounding areas I am sure there would be popular support!!

[valenii]

There really should be no debate about this at all. This area of the country desperately needs a good GA airport, and aircraft movement capacity is growing, and needs runways and facilities like Lee.

Think of Cannes on the south of France - the runway at Lee is probably bigger! The authorities should be looking for ways to utilise this fantastic resource to the good of the local economy, making it possible to be used for all sorts of air operations.

Personally I have flown into Lee many times, I live and fly from the London airports, but visit as I have family that live on the airfield perimeter. All the locals love the airfield that gives character to the whole sea front just like in Cannes...

If it was more friendly and open to GA - it could become a very desirable destination for private pilots and beyond.

The "hostile" nature of the way it has been administered over previous years has kept non-locals away from the field, but still aviation thrives there! Imagine what a success story to the local tourist industry, retirement property valuations (much easier to fly than drive, many well off people could retire there with their aircraft). The airfield also has huge potential to attract local aviation related businesses.

Opening up LoS to flying in the same way as Shoreham or Lydd is not only necessary, but should be a "no-brainer".

[Nipper2]

There must be more of you who would use Lee on Solent.......

[BobH]

Of course I'd visit LoS if the Constabulary let me!
Why they're operating airfields instead of nicking villains defeats me - must be down to the owners failing to appoint a proper aviation outfit to do this.
Considering the owners are public bodies, it's even more disgusting the public will not have access to a fine airfield. Surely there is a market for a GA airfield serving a place as big as the Southampton/Portsmouth conurbation? (Eastleigh doesn't count any more, on cost and ATC grounds).
The lack of ATC at LoS must be only a pretext for closure; plenty of aviation happens in the world outside with no ATC at all, under VFR, using the proper procedures, Safetycom, and good airmanship. Agreed local procedures cope with a mix of traffic types very well at plenty of other aerodromes.
An AFISO or even Air/ground radio would be a bonus, and give most of the 'benefits' of full ATC at less expense.
If it's not the eco-lobby, it's the council; if not avaricious property developers, it's the CAA; now even our protectors are out to Cancel All Aviation . . .

[stickandrudderman]

I estimate that I would use LoS around 12 times per year if it were possible, and I very much wish that it was!

[skipper Steve]

I live in Gosport, own a tourism business in Gosport and frequently travel to the north of England. I would dearly love to have my plane at LOS. To have a locally based plane would open all maner of different business avenues.
If the plane was able to be based at LOS I would probably use it 2 or 3 times a week, say 150 movements each year.

[shortstripper]

I would most definately visit if it were opened to visiters. It's also a go emergency strip for those using the IOW - Stoney Cross route.

SS

[S-Works]

I would use it.

[CRX]

As a 'local' but now living in Scotland, It would be my firm intention to use it at least a dozen times per year. I would also be happy to contribute to a 'fighting fund' were it deemed necessary.
DONT LET IT BECOME ANOTHER GRAVEL PIT!!!

CRX

[julian_storey]

I would have been to Lee several times had it been available for non based aircraft.

[TheOddOne]

I'd use LOS regularly to visit my sister who lives in Alverstoke.

I'm sure the place would be a very popular. There's a vacuum along the south coast. Just don't put ATC in there, just a FISO, though! Don't let it become another Shoreham!

Cheers,
TheOddOne

[execExpress]

Lee-On-Solent Update - 5 JAN 2008
Lee Flying Association - 5 Jan Members Update (posted with permission)

The LFA have been campaigning since May 2007 for talks to achieve a solution whereby general aviation can continue and flourish at Lee-On-Solent. As a result of approaches by the LFA solicitor, Hampshire Police Authority (HPA) have deferred closure of the airfield a second time, until 14th May 2008, to enable the consultation process to get under way.

It is expected that the talks will begin later this month, under the auspices of a forum created by Fareham Borough Council. The start of talks however is long way from saving the airfield for General Aviation. Members cannot allow themselves to be complacent as we have no substantive reason yet to believe that either Hampshire Police Authority, SEEDA or the MCA have in any way changed their stance, and therefore the LFA will continue to campaign vigorously.

AOPA and LFA have been lobbying government departments (including the Secretaries of State for Transport, and Defence) to confirm the the identity of the regulator for the airfield, which could be either the CAA or MoD-DPA. This selection is a fundamental aspect of airfield operations, and a regulator assessment is required as part of the way forward for Lee-On-Solent. The government’s own legal review of this matter, triggered by LFA solicitor action, has been taking some considerable time. However indications are that Queens Counsel may now be close to making its decision on this matter.

Nonetheless and with great regret we have to announce the closure of the last remaining flying school at Lee-On-Solent. Carill Aviation has ceased trading, ending 22 years provision of highly reputable aviation training and aircraft rental services in South Hampshire. The situation was forced on the Owner by the operating restrictions imposed by the HPA since May 2007, and the continuing uncertainties created by the HPA closure decisions.

Lee on Solent has already lost both of its flying schools and one of the 2 maintenance companies. This is far from the declared objectives of encouraging the growth of aviation businesses at Lee on Solent. Further aviation related businesses are expected to cease trading in the near future, unless a supportive approach is adopted immediately and continues for the duration of the talks between SEEDA, the MCA and HPA. This more positive stance is being sought. Further member updates, press releases etc will be available later this month.

The LFA Membership is continuing to grow, and fighting fund donations are being received from across the U.K,

There are many current and ongoing actions being pursued by the LFA on behalf of the membership. It is important that the LFA encourages all members and as many local supporters as possible to express their support for aviation, through the consultation process below, now (before Jan 12th). We sincerely hope you will email a pro-aviation response to SEEDA, and encourage others you know to do so as well.

Please Respond urgently to the SEEDA Concepts for the Daedalus Site by 12th January at the latest:

The South East of England Development Agency (SEEDA) recently unveiled their concepts for the airfield site at Lee-On-Solent. They are available for review on-line at http://www.Daedalus-seeda.co.uk/content/default.asp?PageId=135 (http://www.daedalus-seeda.co.uk/content/default.asp?PageId=135) and include potential locations for aviation activities.

SEEDA wants to hear your thoughts and views about them, and the Lee Flying Association would like to encourage you to have your views included at this crucial stage of the consultation process.

Please email any comments you have in relation to the SEEDA concepts to [email protected] ([email protected]). Lee Flying Association would be pleased if you would copy [email protected] ([email protected]) on your email, so that we can also be informed of your views regarding the site in general and aviation in particular.

LFA's own co-coordinated response to the SEEDA concepts is available at www.eghf.co.uk (http://www.eghf.co.uk/)

Respondents keen to see general aviation continuing at the airfield might like to consider consider expressing the following preferences in their letter or e-mail of support:

- A range of General Aviation activities at the airfield (such as gliding, powered light aircraft, helicopter and police operations

- Private and recreational flying opportunities available to all

- Formally agreed access, without unique restrictions, to the MCA runways from SEEDA (and possibly MoD) owned adjacent land for local and visiting aircraft

- A flying club or clubs for trained pilots of various types of powered aircraft and gliders

- Flying training for various types of powered aircraft and gliders (even if training flights position to Isle of Wight airfields if necessary)

- A place to socialise, watch the flying, eat out at airfield clubhouse; accessible to the public and a centre for encouraging young peoples interest in aviation

- Business aviation (.e. travel by private/charter aircraft - not airliners)

- No more development encroachment on the airfield open space which would curtail aviation use of the runways and taxiways

- Improvement or replacement of existing aviation infrastructure on SEEDA-owned land, rather than the construction of new facilities in the MCA-owned open land

- Community uses of the open space, similar to those which were accommodated prior to MCA and SEEDA land purchase; such as practice areas for Children's Motorcycle Display Teams and Aero Modellers clubs

- The creation of a strategic integrated aviation education and training initiatives on-site, providing skills to the many aviation-related employers in the region

- Preservation of aviation heritage through projects, education opportunities, on site

- Aviation support businesses such as aircraft maintenance, fuel services

Donations to fighting funds still required. MANY, MANY THANKS to all who have contributed so far!!! NOW is the time to pitch in and help please, thank you.

Lee Flying Association
www.eghf.co.uk (http://www.eghf.co.uk/)
[email protected] ([email protected])


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