Solentflight - Lee on Solent
CaptAirProx
The "out of hours" operation isn't a rumour, it happened.
If you have flown from Upham, if my memory is correct, there is an Airfield OPS Manual, published by the owner. I believe that there is an indication therein which indicates that flying must not take place before 8.00AM or after sunset. This is apparently a condition of the planning consent for the site. If idiots are permitted to abuse this, what next a thread "Save Lower Upham?"
Its a great place place to fly from, one of a dying breed on the south coast.
I sincerely doubt that out of hours flying is taking place with the knowledge of the owner.
The "out of hours" operation isn't a rumour, it happened.
If you have flown from Upham, if my memory is correct, there is an Airfield OPS Manual, published by the owner. I believe that there is an indication therein which indicates that flying must not take place before 8.00AM or after sunset. This is apparently a condition of the planning consent for the site. If idiots are permitted to abuse this, what next a thread "Save Lower Upham?"
Its a great place place to fly from, one of a dying breed on the south coast.
I sincerely doubt that out of hours flying is taking place with the knowledge of the owner.
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Yes my point entirely.
By shouting it out on here do you really think this is going to help the "save Lower Upham Campaign"?
If you are not happy - don't shout it to the locals from here but go and speak to the owner in private and discuss your fears.
At the moment mud slinging is the last thing anyone would wish for.
By shouting it out on here do you really think this is going to help the "save Lower Upham Campaign"?
If you are not happy - don't shout it to the locals from here but go and speak to the owner in private and discuss your fears.
At the moment mud slinging is the last thing anyone would wish for.
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In an attempt to get the thread back towards the original topic....
I have a trial flight voucher to use at Solentflight, and having done some research on them, I intend to use them to get a PPL.
I have tried calling their office number a few times today to book a flight, but it just rings for ages then goes to voicemail.
Is the expectation still that they will be back on site from tomorrow (Monday 20th) or what?
Does anyone know what their normal opening hours are during the winter months? Their website is a jumble of current and not so current information!
Rob
I have a trial flight voucher to use at Solentflight, and having done some research on them, I intend to use them to get a PPL.
I have tried calling their office number a few times today to book a flight, but it just rings for ages then goes to voicemail.
Is the expectation still that they will be back on site from tomorrow (Monday 20th) or what?
Does anyone know what their normal opening hours are during the winter months? Their website is a jumble of current and not so current information!
Rob
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The website will be getting updated as soon as Solent have a better of understanding of where they will be operating from on a more permanant basis. They wont be back at Solent tomorrow (20th Nov) but might be back soon (we hope).
Okay, I will try and make clear my understanding of things to date. Firstly, Solent Flight are currently opertating out of Lower Upham and in ordered to meet PPL requirements are providing ferry flights for students to Bembridge for the lesson to commence.
The reasons that Solent are struggling to get back to Lee is down to, in my opinion, small minded individuals who should concentrate on building their own buisness as opposed to trying to destroy Andy's. I use the word 'trying' deliberatly as it would be understandable for Andy to toss in the towel but hes working 24/7 to keep us all in the air and enjoying our time.
I dont know much about the "flouting rules" with regard to the operating times but im sure that it would have been a simple mistake and no more, if it was as bad as some on here make it out to be.
Anyway, Happy flying folks. Andy and the club treat new members well and as ive said before, the FI's are superb, the atmosphere is great and the training is well planned.
Okay, I will try and make clear my understanding of things to date. Firstly, Solent Flight are currently opertating out of Lower Upham and in ordered to meet PPL requirements are providing ferry flights for students to Bembridge for the lesson to commence.
The reasons that Solent are struggling to get back to Lee is down to, in my opinion, small minded individuals who should concentrate on building their own buisness as opposed to trying to destroy Andy's. I use the word 'trying' deliberatly as it would be understandable for Andy to toss in the towel but hes working 24/7 to keep us all in the air and enjoying our time.
I dont know much about the "flouting rules" with regard to the operating times but im sure that it would have been a simple mistake and no more, if it was as bad as some on here make it out to be.
Anyway, Happy flying folks. Andy and the club treat new members well and as ive said before, the FI's are superb, the atmosphere is great and the training is well planned.
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Thanks for the update green baron.
Bearing all that in mind, what is the best method of me contacting Solentflight to arrange my lesson, taking into account that their office is unmanned until further notice, and emails seem to go unanswered?
Add to that the fact that the trial lesson voucher is time limited (expires on Boxing day actually), means that potentially I may be unable to use the voucher, bought by my wife as a wedding gift.
Rob
Bearing all that in mind, what is the best method of me contacting Solentflight to arrange my lesson, taking into account that their office is unmanned until further notice, and emails seem to go unanswered?
Add to that the fact that the trial lesson voucher is time limited (expires on Boxing day actually), means that potentially I may be unable to use the voucher, bought by my wife as a wedding gift.
Rob
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My contacts this weekend now say there are loads of complaints at Lower Upham now although this may be increase in noise.
The arguement of saying Solent Flight may have made a mistake by back tracking a few times and not really understanding the rules, what does that show the students? Don't bother reading the airfield rules as some other stranger will hilight the mistakes we make? Not so good if the mistake is busting Heathrow airspace (I'm not saying Solent have done that, just an example).
The arguement of saying Solent Flight may have made a mistake by back tracking a few times and not really understanding the rules, what does that show the students? Don't bother reading the airfield rules as some other stranger will hilight the mistakes we make? Not so good if the mistake is busting Heathrow airspace (I'm not saying Solent have done that, just an example).
Thread Starter
Contact Established
Have finally made contact with Solentflight who are even more peeved at not being able to pursue their legit business at Lee on Solent than I was by not being able to locate them. They are hoping to be back at Lee in the near future on a sound and permanent basis and I joint in their desire that it happens quickly.
As is often the case on PPRuNe, my original simple enquiry has spawned some interesting and divergent views, ah the richness of the span of aspirations and intentions one sees across these forums
.
Thanks for all the help and the contact details and for the time being at least .. from my point of view .. it's subject closed.
DGG
As is often the case on PPRuNe, my original simple enquiry has spawned some interesting and divergent views, ah the richness of the span of aspirations and intentions one sees across these forums
.Thanks for all the help and the contact details and for the time being at least .. from my point of view .. it's subject closed.
DGG
Last edited by Dave Gittins; 20th Nov 2006 at 13:19. Reason: Coz I'm a carp speller
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Ahem....did you get either of the following pieces of information when you made contact:
1) Why are they not allowed back in when Carill and gliding club are? There must be an official reason whether its overcrowding, noise complaints or rule breaking etc.
2) An exact date of when they expect to be back.
1) Why are they not allowed back in when Carill and gliding club are? There must be an official reason whether its overcrowding, noise complaints or rule breaking etc.
2) An exact date of when they expect to be back.
Dave Gittins
Thanks for starting the thread, have a nice day - we now have control!
Another one for the pot - microlight flying from Upham with a "Saints" callsign? Is this where it is going, microlight training = unlicensed training opportunity=Solent Flight to see out their twilight years at Upham? Wish them luck with Southampton ATC agreeing to that in their own backyard.
Hopefully they will not be permitted to again p**s off Southampton ATC who go out of their way to accomodate the responsible flyers at Upham, Roughay, Longwood and Uncle Ron at Durley. A mate of mine witnessed the day when a Solent instructor, in a PA 28, beat up the tower at Southampton, instantly removing them from the tower Christmas card list!
Doors in automatic - looking forward to going manual!
Thanks for starting the thread, have a nice day - we now have control!
Another one for the pot - microlight flying from Upham with a "Saints" callsign? Is this where it is going, microlight training = unlicensed training opportunity=Solent Flight to see out their twilight years at Upham? Wish them luck with Southampton ATC agreeing to that in their own backyard.
Hopefully they will not be permitted to again p**s off Southampton ATC who go out of their way to accomodate the responsible flyers at Upham, Roughay, Longwood and Uncle Ron at Durley. A mate of mine witnessed the day when a Solent instructor, in a PA 28, beat up the tower at Southampton, instantly removing them from the tower Christmas card list!
Doors in automatic - looking forward to going manual!
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Solentflight
I did a lot of hours with SolentFlight in 2000 (IMC + hire) and from my perspective they were absolutely brilliant. Can't help but annoyed at, what appears to be, nothing more than malicious gossip.
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Dave Gittins
Thanks for starting the thread, have a nice day - we now have control!
Another one for the pot - microlight flying from Upham with a "Saints" callsign? Is this where it is going, microlight training = unlicensed training opportunity=Solent Flight to see out their twilight years at Upham? Wish them luck with Southampton ATC agreeing to that in their own backyard.
Hopefully they will not be permitted to again p**s off Southampton ATC who go out of their way to accomodate the responsible flyers at Upham, Roughay, Longwood and Uncle Ron at Durley. A mate of mine witnessed the day when a Solent instructor, in a PA 28, beat up the tower at Southampton, instantly removing them from the tower Christmas card list!
Doors in automatic - looking forward to going manual!
Thanks for starting the thread, have a nice day - we now have control!
Another one for the pot - microlight flying from Upham with a "Saints" callsign? Is this where it is going, microlight training = unlicensed training opportunity=Solent Flight to see out their twilight years at Upham? Wish them luck with Southampton ATC agreeing to that in their own backyard.
Hopefully they will not be permitted to again p**s off Southampton ATC who go out of their way to accomodate the responsible flyers at Upham, Roughay, Longwood and Uncle Ron at Durley. A mate of mine witnessed the day when a Solent instructor, in a PA 28, beat up the tower at Southampton, instantly removing them from the tower Christmas card list!
Doors in automatic - looking forward to going manual!
Which Solent FI caused the problem at So'ton ATC? Id love to know. And they got removed from the Christmas card list...this is like an episode of a bad Australlian soap. How do you get "permitted" to p*** off an ATC? Whats the R/T call for that "Southampton ATC, Saints XX, currently at Lower Upham, requesting permission to p*** you off?" Im only just getting into R/T so ive probally got that wrong!
Keep us updated TCAS...
Oh, where are you flying from? What club are you with? Just so we all understand the motivating factors here.
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Oh, where are you flying from? What club are you with? Just so we all understand the motivating factors here.
we now have control!
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What a fuss....
Crikey people, surely you must have better things to do than just slag off other operations. Luckily, those that are close to the SF operation at LU, know exactly what is going on and can but laugh and gaffaw at the ludicrous speculation.
Both the Owners of the respective organisations are extremely able and responsible businessmen, any hiccups have been outside of their control, but rest assured the ship is being further tightened as we speak.
For those supporters of SF, get on down to LU and give the Boss your support. For those that take a perverse satisfaction in trying to wreck other peoples enjoyment, take a good look at yourself and ask why you are not part of a team trying to keep GA active and affordable.
Rant over
Both the Owners of the respective organisations are extremely able and responsible businessmen, any hiccups have been outside of their control, but rest assured the ship is being further tightened as we speak.
For those supporters of SF, get on down to LU and give the Boss your support. For those that take a perverse satisfaction in trying to wreck other peoples enjoyment, take a good look at yourself and ask why you are not part of a team trying to keep GA active and affordable.
Rant over
Last edited by RonAir; 20th Nov 2006 at 19:40. Reason: empasis
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For those supporters of SF, get on down to LU and give the Boss your support. For those that take a perverse satisfaction in trying to wreck other peoples enjoyment, take a good look at yourself and ask why you are not part of a team trying to keep GA active and affordable.
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Unbelievable. It seems some people really have an axe to grind.
Since gaining my PPL with Solent Flight in 2003 I have had cause to check out with a few different flying clubs when working away from home. None of the clubs that I have flown with have ever measured up to Solent Flight in terms of professionalism, friendliness, instruction and quality of aircraft.
It's very easy for people to mouth off on pprune because perhaps someone backtracked when they shouldn't have done, perhaps an instructor showed a lack of judgment and landed after sunset, maybe one of their aircraft did clip the fence at Lee. I'm sure most of us have made mistakes or errors of judgment when we're flying and anyone who thinks they don't are extremely arrogant and will get a shock one day when they discover they are human too.
I guess if the rumours are true and the incidents did occur it's just unfortunate that 3 people flying with Solent made their mistakes in the same month giving ammunition to anyone who has a personal agenda against Solent. I don't believe for one minute any of this has anything to do with them returning to Lee on Solent.
For anyone considering flying with Solent, go and visit them, speak to people who have trained with them and don’t be put off my the small minded individuals trying to ruin Solent Flights great reputation.
SW
Since gaining my PPL with Solent Flight in 2003 I have had cause to check out with a few different flying clubs when working away from home. None of the clubs that I have flown with have ever measured up to Solent Flight in terms of professionalism, friendliness, instruction and quality of aircraft.
It's very easy for people to mouth off on pprune because perhaps someone backtracked when they shouldn't have done, perhaps an instructor showed a lack of judgment and landed after sunset, maybe one of their aircraft did clip the fence at Lee. I'm sure most of us have made mistakes or errors of judgment when we're flying and anyone who thinks they don't are extremely arrogant and will get a shock one day when they discover they are human too.
I guess if the rumours are true and the incidents did occur it's just unfortunate that 3 people flying with Solent made their mistakes in the same month giving ammunition to anyone who has a personal agenda against Solent. I don't believe for one minute any of this has anything to do with them returning to Lee on Solent.
For anyone considering flying with Solent, go and visit them, speak to people who have trained with them and don’t be put off my the small minded individuals trying to ruin Solent Flights great reputation.
SW
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Rumours and gossip to one side.... Does anyone know why they are not allowed back in? What is the official reason?
Saying SF are very professional etc etc is fine but they must have been told themselves why they are not allowed in. Come on SF supporters tell us the official reason.
As I've said, the facts are Carill and gliders are back and SF is not, why is that?
Saying SF are very professional etc etc is fine but they must have been told themselves why they are not allowed in. Come on SF supporters tell us the official reason.
As I've said, the facts are Carill and gliders are back and SF is not, why is that?
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I am lead to believe that the return to LoS of all GA was accompanied by a severe limitation on a/c movements imposed by the police on all parties. Once they had been doled out on a 'longest in/most movements allocated' basis, SF, last in, were left with barely enough to run 1 a/c, let alone a school & rental a/c.
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But even if they only had a one aircraft limit they would be back wouldn't they?
I have heard (rumour) that SF may be allowed back with movement restrictions but these were not applied to Carill at all.
I have heard (rumour) that SF may be allowed back with movement restrictions but these were not applied to Carill at all.