Barwon Heads Airport has a bright new future!

[pall]

The Geelong Advertiser
Airport dogfight ends out of court
Britt Smith
October 4th, 2008
A BITTER saga between the bosses of Skydive City and Barwon Heads Airport has ended out of court.
Businessman Luke McWilliam and airport owner Barbara Begg reached the agreement on Monday, allowing the parties to walk away from the Federal Court trial.
Mrs Begg would not reveal the details of the settlement, and said only that the airport had been saved.
It is believed Mr McWilliam agreed to sell his neighbouring property to a consortium of about 20 local people, pilots and aircraft owners for almost $2 million.
The out-of-court resolution came as a relief for Mrs Begg, who faced being sued for millions of dollars.
But she will have to pay up to $100,000 for her legal costs as part of the agreement.
Mr McWilliam accused Mrs Begg of conspiring to destroy his business by persuading the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ban skydiving at the airport.
He sought compensation for a loss of income for projected earnings up to 2010.
She denied the claim and said that it was Mr McWilliam who breached the rules and regulations by conducting dangerous jumps.
Justice Tony North repeatedly urged the parties to resolve the matter during the five-day trial.
Mrs Begg said that his advice finally "sunk in".
"He said we should sort it out because it is going nowhere (and) there would be no winners," she said.
"I was glad to get out of it. It's been a very expensive and traumatic few years. I have been too scared to add up (the costs). I would scare myself if I did."
Mr McWilliam, who has repeatedly refused to speak to the Geelong Advertiser, now faces liquidation of his business.
He owes $64,000 to Geelong Aero Club members Bryan Hawke and Les Tyack after dropping legal action against them.
The court issued a notice for Mr McWilliam's company to pay the money to Mr Hawke by 5pm on Monday or his company could be placed in liquidation.
Mr Tyack said his and Mr Hawke's legal bills were about $200,000.
"It's terribly wrong. But he's the one now behind the 8-ball, fortunately," Mr Tyack said.
The winding up of legal matters has done little to repair relations between Mrs Begg and Mr McWilliam.
In the beginning, they had worked amicably together as he tried to realise his dream.
He had just completed his 10,000th jump in 1996 and was scouting for properties where he could start a business.
By chance, he met a flight instructor who suggested he speak to Mrs Begg. She agreed to lease him a hangar and use the airport facilities, and in 2000 he bought a neighbouring property to expand the business.
Mrs Begg said yesterday she could never have foreseen the events which unfolded, but she curses the day Mr McWilliam made the purchase.
On Monday she was set free, she said.
"I was just thinking, 'I don't want to be here, this is so futile'," Mrs Begg said, of the long days sitting in court.
"I have survived it, and that's the main thing.
"We can move on now all the clouds have departed from over my head. They have lifted.
"The airport has been my life and flying is in my blood."
Mr McWilliam did not return the Geelong Advertiser's calls.

This new development has secured a bright new future for YBRS. The bitter conflict between Mr McWilliam and the airport management IS OVER.

Plans can now be formulated to make this small airfield into a vital hub of General Aviation and Ultralight activity. Many of the past problems can be addressed and a new management structure can be formed to maximise involvement from those with a passion and expertise in aviation.

Those at the heart of this new venture represent a virtual cream of the crop of local people with a vast and diverse experience in aviation and development. This week support should be established from planning and regional authorities.

I was at the airfield yesterday and the place was filled with unprecedented enthusiasm. Aircraft movements were significant and new visitors were seen.

I feel privileged to be able to witness this new birth of an exciting new venture. The last few years of struggle have brought a new opportunity for change. This small well situated airfield has now the capacity to reach its full potential.
:ok:

[themit]

I was flying today and had never seen so much traffic. Weeks ago, the plane I was in was the only plane but today the aircraft numbers for so early were unbelievable. Well done to Airport Management for getting a just outcome and preparing to establish a new aviation facility.

[techrec]

Congrats to all parties, lets see BHA become a thriving GA aerodrome and put all this in the past where it belongs,, :D

Clear Skies

[POQL]

Just back from O/seas and spoke to a mate in the area who happened to call into BHA on Sunday to get some fresh seafood from the fish shop on the airport.
He reported that he could not believe the activity, airport looking a treat, grass cut for a change and a lot of aircraft activity and people at the BBQ held on Sundays.
He spoke to a few people and there appears to be a lot more activity than the newspaper report indicated. He got the impression the consortium have also bought the airport land.
If this is the case we can expect to see a lot of development which will be great for aviation.
Does anyone have the full information? :ok:

[Crash Lander]

Does that mean that the caravan will soon be moved? and the people who live in the huse that put the caravan there in the first place will be moving out?

[pall]

Yes the airport has been sold to the ne4wly formed consortium minus an annexed section of land for Mrs Begg which remain hers.

McWilliam will leave as his home has been sold to the consortium. The caravan will go but don't expect it to happen quickly. :ok:

AND!! Guess What? You DIDN'T hear these FACTS from THE INSIDER!

[Lukeatme]

Yeah hooray good on you pall for the story, good news all round I think.

(insider the mystery man with views that do not add up, no his suggestion of actually being an insider is in his head.)

[povopilot]

It sure was a hive of activity on sunday, but more aircraft flying out of Barwon Heads means more pathetic R/T - and boy was it pathetic on sunday.

"Ahhhh all stations ah Barwon Heads, Alpha Bravo Charlie 5 miles ah west runway 35".

What the frig does this mean? Care to disclose a/c type, altitude and intentions?, Didn't the all stations call at a CTAF go out with MBZ's and Flightwatch?

It is great that this place can now prosper as an airfield, but someone needs to go down there and educate those that use the aerodrome and alert them to the fact that there are 2 CTAF's and a CTAF(R) / CTR in very close proximity, not to mention weekend warriors from MB/EN going down the coast.

I was up with a mate on sunday that has no idea about aviation at all and even he made a comment like "What the f**k are these guys trying to say?".

I am sure that they have lots of students and weekend warriors flying out of Barwon Heads but i think a CASA would have a bit to say if they were to listen in on a days flying out there.

povo aaahhhhhhhhhh pilot.

[pall]

povopilot, I agree. Making sure the brain is engaged before the transmit button helps. It can be very frustrating.

There is a particular retired individual with a home built aircraft who is positively DANGEROUS. He cut me off by turning inside me when I was on base forcing me to go around. When confronted he laughed mocking my concern.

[povopilot]

Pall, good to see someone who frequents the strip sharing my sentiments. It looks like another PPRuNer has started a similar thread RE: Homicidal RAA aircraft, so i think i'll go over there and vent!. Are there any plans for sealed runways at Barwon Heads? Once Grovedale is gone there will be nowhere with half decent, long runways around the Geelong area.

[PlankBlender]

pall, report the guy. If he's dangerous and he's not open to discussion, he needs to be told by the authorities. Some people only understand one kind of language :ugh:

[Lukeatme]

Pall is it a red unit?

[Sunfish]

Pall:

There is a particular retired individual with a home built aircraft who is positively DANGEROUS. He cut me off by turning inside me when I was on base forcing me to go around. When confronted he laughed mocking my concern.

I am thinking seriously about flying in to Barwon Heads airport to re familiarise myself with it and perhaps pick up a couple of Crays.

My enthusiasm for Barwon Heads has waxed and waned over the years because of:

(A) Skydive cowboys, and

(B) What appear to be Airborne cowboys in autogiros and trikes.

I would like to say that I take my safety, and that of my occasional passengers, very, very, seriously, and if anyone deliberately threatens it, as apparently this joker threatened the safety of Mr. Pall, they are going to be very, very, very sorry.

I strongly suggest someone "Talk to" the gentleman concerned and perhaps report back on this thread when that has been done, because I assure you he won't like what happens to him if, by chance, he pulls this trick when I'm on base.

[John Walters]

povopilot

your comment re activity at Barwon Heads Airport last weekend was justified on the call that took place but get your facts right.

The call was made by a GA pilot visiting BHA so don't insinuate that it was a BHA pilot and that those flying out of BHA need to be re-educated. It is a case where obviously you need to be educated in diplomacy particularly if you want to use BHA in the future.

If you bothered to listen on a regular basis and compare to other airfields you would find that radio calls are made according to requirements. Because you heard one unacceptable call don't label everyone at BHA with the call made last Sunday by a visitor who decided to take his first flight in 6 months on a sunny day.:ok:

[pall]

No Lukeatme it wasn't a RED unit but rather one that belongs to a close associate of the owner of the RED unit.

He was confronted by the Chief Pilot from BHA who witnessed the event. I don't know the outcome.

Further let me say a few weeks later I witnessed him following a Gazelle in on final very closely with the significant differential in their speeds resulting in the two aircraft being very close together on the strip during roll out. Clearly another example of unsafe practice.

[Crash Lander]

Further let me say a few weeks later I witnessed him following a Gazelle in on final very closely with the significant differential in their speeds resulting in the two aircraft being very close together on the strip during roll out.
:eek: :ooh:
.......but did he make decent radio calls? If not, that's even worse, but if I'd been in the Gazelle and he had made accurate calls, I think I'd have gone around knowing how close behind me he was, then had words when I got back.

[Lukeatme]

John Walters

In my opinion the visitors get a shock when leaving the big city with long fancy runways and he may have got a little intimidated when he saw a country strip that does not have the bells and whistles attached, that would make a scenario that may have taken the words from his mouth.

It is jest folks do not bother to answer,the caravan being on the east-west could give a little apprehension knowing if it had a cross wind he may not have felt comfortable and calls may be a little off, know all the facts before opening mouth. (Mr provopilot)

At 21 (provopilot) I am sure you have 50 years experience as all new pilots do so just cool down and observe with you eyes, radio does a good job but looking does a better effort for you to survive just like on road situations.

[Crash Lander]

So, if the adjoining property is now part of Barwon heads airport, I wonder if we will soon be having a choice between 17L and 17R ? :p
Oh sorry, forgot it's just a road.

[povopilot]

John Walters, I realise that the worst calls were coming from the GA 172 that was bashing around but you can't tell me that the RAA guys have the best radio calls either. Barwon Heads is served by a bit of a legend in the Geelong area in Mr R.T and if he was there on last sunday as he normally is then i'm sure he would have been horrified.

Perhaps all of the RAA guy's could sit down with him and a few copies of the AIP and correct radio proceedures, T/O and landing separation minima and the other things that are a bit lax around there could be ironed out.

I often fly in the area and not all of the pilots that fly out of there are bad but the one'e that are, are bloody horrendous.

Lukeatme, I have my eyes well and truly wide open when flying in the area as i value my life.

[Lukeatme]

Povopilot

Good for you, the eyes have been a wonder at finding aircraft for over 40 years for me and the radio calls have been pretty normal over that time especially the persons who feel a life story is warranted ever time the lips move.

The regulator has had many methods of radio use from babbling on to being quite and use only as needed, a lot of pilots have been frustrated over the years by this.

R.T. now that is cryptic I cannot place that one? Just remember there are other RAA users very close to this field that do not actually come in and do other things that may be blamed on the guy's at BH so unless you know who they are be a bit more prudent in accusations mate.

[pol]

Gee

I wish I was 21 again and knew the lot.:ooh:

No place for me in Povopilot,s world.:ugh:

pol:ok:

[POQL]

Povopilot

I suggest you pull your head in at 21 your are a novice but already you consider yourself an expert in aviation circles because you drive a VH registration.

You obviously are not aware that many commercial pilots, 747 captains and the like are members of RAA for recreation and enjoyment of flying smaller aircraft.

One day sonny you will understand that there are radio problems in ALL areas of aviation in relation to understanding direlect, poor radio transmission and poor information.

You cannot start laying blame on RAA pilots only when ALL forms of aviation no matter which group you belong too have problem radio transmissions.

Get real and grow up fly to other areas of the country and nothing will change the poor radio transmissions will still be there and if you are competent enough you will make sense of the call in most cases.

If only this was a perfect world.:=

[pol]

It was another busy weekend at Barwon Heads with aircraft now happy to visit the airport.:D

So busy, the guys in the RAA hangar put on a BBQ both days.:D

I am advised all are welcome to the BBQs (Sunday 12.30pm) snags and or burgers in bread and a cold drink help yourself @ $5.00 ea.:ok:

See ya there.;)

pol :ok:

[Rocket Rob]

POL


It is a good deal and good guy's to boot.

[Rotor n Wings]

Great BBQ's I hear down there, keep it up more will fly in on Sunday's.

[Rocket Rob]

You bet they will good place and good company.

[Sunfish]

Hamburger, sausage and sauce - pure ecstasy yesterday.

[Allan L]

SF

re your post #13, and Povo's and Pall's earlier ones, how did you find the airmanship issue (or is that non-issue)?

[Sunfish]

Non issue at present, no traffic apart from Geelong Airport Circuit, Geelong Seaplane, One Jetstar Flight inbound at YMAV, One Rex(?) outbound at YMAV, one student on a practice RNAV approach at YMAV and the very busy Tiger Moths further North. Separation organised and/or confirmed by radio in each and every case.

I like to hear a voice on the other end as Professional as Mr. Jetstar, or at least sounding as concerned about the possibility of a mid-air as I am.

What worries me is the possibility of a member of the "No Radio" brigade or someone who doesn't think they should need to use it near the South Coast / going coastal, or is so situationally unware that they don't even understand that there might be a problem.

It's my guess that about 30% of the skippers I've raced against in yachts have a problem with "situational awareness", and blithely do the stupidest things you ever saw as a result. I just hope the proportion is way lower in aviation.

[Lukeatme]

Sunfish did you call into have a feed? good on you!

[the fat lady]

Anyone know when the new hangars will be constructed and if any bays are still available???

tfl

[John Walters]

To the lady,

I understand since the approval for the establishment of an extra 51 hangar bays the boys are buying McWilliams property and the airport and are looking at some exciting further developments.

Suggest keep in touch with this site no doubt more information will be forthcoming.

[themit]

Does anyone know when the other runway will open for light aircraft?

[John Walters]

to themit,

Contacts tell me at the time of mediation McWilliam was asked to remove the caravan from the runway and he refused.

Settlement on his property I am told will be late January. So until then this fool still creates some danger to the tinnies but not the lighties using the east west runway.

Those in the know tell me it will be worth waiting for the BBQ and caravan burning. All will be invited.

[themit]

What does he still think he has to prove? At least winds have died down a little lately so crosswind component is reduced. I am writing in the caravan burning date to keep it free.
Thanks- themit.

[accc]

Themit

Begg did not want mcwilliam to have access to the field, so she wanted the caravan to remain.

[Rotor n Wings]

ACCC so you raise your head once more with a load of CRAP

[pol]

accc

You and your mates the wiz, theinsider and other McWilliam supporters are done and dusted.:\:uhoh::O

The consortium of 20 local pilots will take over McWilliams property and the airfield in Feb 2009 and that will be GOODBYE LUKE. (why am I smiling? HA HA HA):D:D:D

I wonder if the consortium will reinstate skydiving???:uhoh:

pol:ok:

[inbetweenthesheets]

The goss is it will become one of Australia’s premier airparks and training facilities.:cool:

Go for it guys I wish you all the best.:D

sheets:ok:

[topview2]

Reinstate Skydiving ?????:ooh:

That would shake up Tiger Moth World.:E

The fat old man would not be pleased would you Bayles and Randy well ballistic would be an understatement.:ugh: (He,He,He)

toppy:p

[POQL]

Just back from OS again and great to see what is going on at the old trouble spot and apparently even better news to come for the future.
My relation in the area tells me it could become the real tiger moth world as there will be many more tigers than Handy Randy's got and parachuting to the reg's is a possibility and the range of aircraft available at the airport will be large.

ACCC has let his brain out for a walk again and his post does not make any sense. Why would the owner ask for it to be removed then not want it removed because she didn't want McWilliam on the airport. I believe I read somewhere he was banned from the airport during last year by the court. I would believe John Walters post that the dumbwit would not remove it.

Good luck to the boys and hope you achieve your plans.

[POQL]

Oh something I forgot. The rele also said there was some article in the local press about people chasing refunds after paying for tandem jumps and they cannot contact the operator.

Can someone please post the info for me to read.

[r sole]

poql there was an article in geelong addy this week mon or tues i think about time those advertising signs at airport came down:=

[pall]

DISGRUNTLED Skydive City customers claim the Barwon Heads company owes them thousands of dollars.

Lisa Matchan, of Grovedale, is among at least seven people who want their money refunded after paying for parachute jumps which they say never eventuated.

Ms Matchan said her frustration had grown after unsuccessfully trying speak to the company's boss, Luke McWilliam.

Belinda Kostas and Sarah Ingram, of Melbourne, had also failed to reach Mr McWilliam, they said.

In an email to the Geelong Advertiser, Mr McWilliam said Skydive City was no longer trading but all voucher holders would be contacted soon.

He wrote that the company was offering customers who paid for their vouchers after December 2005 to skydive at Philip Island between November 11 and February 28 next year.

The company is not taking any new bookings, according to the email.

Skydive City stopped operating at Barwon Heads airport after the Civil Aviation Safety Authority banned parachuting at the airport in 2005.

It is believed Mr McWilliam used different drop-zones and continued taking bookings until mid-2007 when the company's Australian Parachute Federation membership lapsed.

Ms Matchan issued a warning to potential customers after discovering the business was still advertising on the internet and at the local airport.

"I want to try to stop other people from being ripped off," she said.

"I have rung him at least 10 times, and emailed about three or five, and have heard nothing back.

"Its a bit upsetting because we bought our husbands' birthday presents but all we got was an expensive A4 piece of paper."

Ms Matchan and three friends bought the $360 vouchers for their husbands in January last year but have been unable to contact the company to make a booking.

Mr McWilliam is reportedly not responding to messages left with his paging service or returning emails.

Ms Ingram said she was at a loss after repeatedly being ignored.

"I gave them my money in good faith and they have screwed me over," she said.

"That money is more than I earn in a week."

The university student is seeking a refund for a $380 voucher she bought last year, while Ms Kostas and her sister are trying to recoup nearly $1000.

She said Mr McWilliam agreed to refund the money last month but she hasn't heard from him since.

"I would like my money back, I don't want to throw away $530 like that."

The women have lodged complaints with Consumer Affairs Victoria.

[pol]

Oh dear

What a naughty little boy!:=

Could the chitchat be correct $250000.00 in deposits?:eek:

pol:ok:

[Rocket Rob]

The a*seh*le needs to be taken to court again by those disgruntled people whom paid in good FAITH but I would think that would be a useless action too. This person lives next to the aerodrome perhaps they could get the money back by visiting as the email machine must be broken down and the phone must be out of action?

[POQL]

Thanks pall.
very interesting article

and pol
if that figure is anywhere near correct the various government departments should be having a close look at the operation.

Just checked the Aust Parachute Federation web sight and Skydive City is no longer listed as a jump operator but Skydive City is still advertising tandem jumps on the net, and yes his 206 TCZ is now registed with Melbourne Skydiving at Lilydale.
No wonder people are getting caught?

What is going on?

[pol]

POQL

This is a SCAM TO LINE McSKYDIVES POCKET and if the APF does not condemn this RUSE it is as GUILITY as McSkydive in DECEIVING the PUBLIC.:mad:

pol:ok:

[inbetweenthesheets]

Pol

A SCAMM you say

Could you be mistaken???? these guys are

AMBASSODORES for SKYDIVING & the APF

Graham Windsor the past CEO of the APF was a witness for McSkydive at the AAT and the Federal Court:ooh:

Maybe your opinion is tainted because the AAT & Federal Court records will disclose that:-

Windsor boasted he had jumped without the required separation from cloud. :(

Windsor also sanctified all of McSkydives OPERATIONS even though they were in breach of APF and CASA Regulations.:(

sheets:ok:

[pol]

accc
remember this 18th April 2007 04:31 :\:ugh::8

"Mr Hawke... is in a position to purchase and re-run a well set up dive school"

Dream On!! Hawke is not even out of Nappies yet and is well off from wearing pull ups !. so Barwon Heads is now safe for a drop zone?
pleassssse get a grip, or should I say, leave Mrs Palmer and her five daughters alone!

WHO’S GOT HOLD OF Mrs PALMER AND DREAMING NOW?????:D
Not Mr Hawke he has put his money where his mouth is :)



pol:ok:

[topview2]

Hi ya all

I see the SKYDIVING SIGNS HAVE DISSAPEARED and not b4 time.:ok::D:cool::p

YAHOO things are on the move.:):D:cool:

toppy:ok:

[the wizard of auz]

You and your mates the wiz, theinsider and other McWilliam supporters are done and dusted.
I was never a McWilliams supporter. I was anti knobhead. just because you fell into that category doesn't mean I supported McWilliams. oh, hang on..... you have such narrow vision that anyone that doesn't agree with you is a Mc.Williams supporter....... sorry. :ugh:
Good luck to the crew at Barwon Heads. I hope the new expansion is a success. A safe and thriving airfield can only be a good thing for aviation. :ok:
:ok:
Wiz.

[Rocket Rob]

Onya Wizz love ya action!!

[pol]

Well RR

You have to love his style, just when you think he is done and dusted surprise, he springs out of the wardrobe.:E

I bet he looks a sweetie in his batman outfit.;)

pol:ok:

ps. Wiz thanks for the good luck with the airport.

knobhead (one of the crew):}

[inbetweenthesheets]

pol

That WA water sure has a lot to answer for:eek:

sheets;)

[themit]

Saw the guys taking down the sign on Sunday, great work.

[r sole]

keep an eye on ebay those signs might be for sale collectable:8

[pol]

the fat lady



If you want hangar space at BHA there is a waiting list and you can put your name on it by email to [email protected]



Hangar bays 13mtr x 13mtr will be sold off the plan with a deposit payable on order and progressive payments to completion.



NOTE

Only the structure is for sale not the land, there will be an annual rental fee for the land upon which the hangar stands.



The owner will have exclusive use of the bay and may sublet portions or the entire bay providing the airport management committee approves of the proposed tenant.



These bays will be a resalable item when no longer required by the owner.



Further details will be available to applicants.



pol:ok:

[Mach E Avelli]

Are itinerant recreation class aircraft now welcome? Is it secure to leave an aircraft overnight or for a few days? Is fuel available?
I have been reluctant to go there in the past because of all the uncertainty - did not know whether the place was closed or what!

[Rocket Rob]

Mach


The place has always been "Safe" before skydiving and now after it has stopped,fuel is available (it is not the back woods ) and Hangars are as you can see being programmed for construction. If you visit you will notice very large hangars 10 I believe already standing for quite some time (years) Fuel is dispensed from the normal 1,000 - 2,000 gallon system with all filters etc. A very good club exists with wet privilages. Recreation A/C do exist in quite a few numbers already and yes A/C park overnight and for a few days as well.

As always do ring the Airport for advice and authority to land/park etc. and the number is on the net and other means.

[Mach E Avelli]

Thank for info. Any idea what the hangars will cost to buy/lease?

[pol]

The construction of the hangars is out for tender and prices to purchase bays will be available once all costs have been equated.

pol:ok: