Barwon Heads Airport has a bright new future!
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Barwon Heads Airport has a bright new future!
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.
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.
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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.
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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?
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?
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McWilliam WILL LEAVE!
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.
AND!! Guess What? You DIDN'T hear these FACTS from THE INSIDER!
McWilliam will leave as his home has been sold to the consortium. The caravan will go but don't expect it to happen quickly.
AND!! Guess What? You DIDN'T hear these FACTS from THE INSIDER!
Last edited by pall; 7th Oct 2008 at 10:28. Reason: Additional text.
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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.)
(insider the mystery man with views that do not add up, no his suggestion of actually being an insider is in his head.)
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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.
"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.
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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.
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.
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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.
Pall:
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
.......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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.