Strip Fly-In, Midlands - anyone wanna host?

[poetpilot]

I've undertaken to organise (or at least to get underway) a fly-in for Luton Minor aircraft this summer, and I need to locate a decent strip in the Midlands (ie reasonably reachable by a Minor from most UK bases) which would be prepared to host us.

Our needs would be......... .1. Grass runway (anything from 300yds up is fine)

2. Parking for an absolute max of 15 a/c (thats assuming all UK Minors are all flying !!!) - Prob more like 10 max.

2. Fuel availability - Mogas is assumed OK for this type.

3. Light refreshments available (or facilities for us to rustle up something)

This is intended as a very informal affair, not a public occasion as such, just an opportunity for us to look at each others Lutons (nice!) & generally be anorakky about our a/c for a day.

Anyone operating out of a strip in that area who could assist ?

[Dan Dare]

Yep, I'd be up for the fly-in!

Knowledge of Midlands bases is a bit thin, but Sywell is very nice (but expensive) with bar, hotel, good runways and fuel...

[Genghis the Engineer]

I've nothing to do with Luton Minors, but I'd second Sywell as a good place to choose.

G

[poetpilot]

ah well, ahem, yes, I had originally thought Sywell, but those Luton people who I've so far spoken to seem to prefer something a little less organised/cheaper! Just for starters I bet most of us havent got radios so several of us in one day could rather intrude.... not to mention our speed in the circuit...

Suggestions I'd had were for a number of strips around the Lichfield area, plus Tatenhill or Rougham.

Before I get on the phone and cold call any of these places I was just seeing if anyone actually flew from or owned them .... just so the call wasnt quite so cold.

Actually, I would have like to see them gathering at Old Warden... it would be the right sort of atmosphere.... but of course they have such a lot of events and probably a full calendar by now.

[Shaggy Sheep Driver]

Sherlowe (PPR). If it's still there after the nimby outpourings.

Absolutely delightful farm strip near the Wrekin with a great clubhouse etc. But ensure it's OK with the owner (Bob Pooler - a good egg).

SSD

[QNH 1013]

PP, Yes, stay away from Sywell; far too expensive for PFA aircraft.. .I would suggest Tatenhill, 700m of wide grass 26/08, AVGAS, Food at weekend, see if you can negotiate a special landing fee for a fly-in.

Alternatively, about 5 miles south of Tatenhill is Roddige, a super microlight strip with two runways meeting your criteria and a small clubhouse with a kettle. They are used to non-radio, the strip is easy to find next to the A38 dual carriageway (Roman Road) and I've always been made most welcome when I've taken the Jodel in there. They are in the farmstrips guide and also (I think) the AFE flightguide.

Can't get much more central than that.

[poetpilot]

Thanks Shaggy (coo, never spoken to a popstar before...) & QNH...

I was thinking of bobbing over to Sherlowe to check it out & meet the owner, as I'm working in Telford in the weekdays, so I'm minutes away by road.

I havent heard what the latest is on it (yes, I wrote my letter to the council supporting it). I sincerely hope it wins its battle, it would be nice to commute to Telford by air in the summer & have a few evening trips over the wrekin!

[DOC.400]

How 'bout Croft Farm,(01386 750400/248) east of the Malverns? 570m of level grass, Oak Inn 400yds away 01386 750327. Landing fee is a donation to Mercy Flying in Africa.

Easy to spot coz there are enourmous radar golf balls at earby RAF Defford.

Rgds. .DOC

[Dan Dare]

I DO like the idea of Old Warden as an ideal venue. I suspect they would be game too. I would be more than willing to make arrangements with them if you like.

For those who don't know Old Warden - GET TO KNOW IT! Its wonderful!

[Negative 'G']

I believe Old Warden have recently introduced a new ruling on group fly-in's, which essentially requires the aerodrome to be licensed therefore providing Fire cover and their "ATC unit" to be manned,this additional fixed cost is charged to the organising group before the event takes place plus any landing fee's on the day !!! <img src="frown.gif" border="0"> <img src="frown.gif" border="0"> <img src="frown.gif" border="0"> <img src="frown.gif" border="0">

I heard this Via a VAC/Piper club friend of mine who said that they would not be using the venue in the near future because of these changes <img src="frown.gif" border="0"> <img src="frown.gif" border="0">

Please don't take this as gospel,find out and then it can be confirmed to us all <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

Neg G

[Negative 'G']

Hey what about Baxterly ? I know nothing about the place having only overflown it several times and seeing a program on discovery about it's Bi-plane residents, but it looks nice from up there :) :)

Neg G

[poetpilot]

Sherlowe - chatted to the owner last night, he'd love to host it but he has planning & neighbour problems right now, so can't commit to anything. A reminder to all to please write to Teklford council supporting his continued operation there (see Action for Airfields site).

Old Warden - great isnt it, a shrine to aviation which is now excluding us because of beancounters. Lovely place, shame its in the UK.

Good news - I've had an initial positive response from a suitable site in the Midlands, which I'll identify when negotiations are a bit further advanced & I know what the conditions are. Date also to be arranged.

But I wont throw out any suggestions at this stage, and maybe we could change locations in different years..... (if this thing takes off).

[LowNSlow]

Try Top Farm approx 30nm miles Eastish of Old Warden. Fiver landing fee, get in touch with Cahliban and see if he can negotiate a discoun :)

TP is in Pooleys and I must stress it is very much PPR by phone before departure. No takeoffs after 18:00 either or so I understand due to a rash of nimbys in the area. <img src="mad.gif" border="0">

Re Old Warden, I would imagine it's an insurance requirement rather than a meany old beancounter issue. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

Do you mind an Auster joining in the fun <img src="eek.gif" border="0">

[Lew Ton]

Don't write Old Warden off just yet. I'm 'the other' FISO there, e-mail me if you are interested. They will want some form of 'landing fee', it all goes to the Collection after all. Currently it is the museum entry fee, £6 per person. The museum is well worth it, good restaurant and shop too.

Baxterly is owned by a DH Moth Club member (I'm involved with the DHMC), I'm sure he'd welcome you too. E-mail me for contact details.

[poetpilot]

OK will do, thanks people! Just rather busy at work this week (yawn), but will hopefully get more done on this next week.