Solentflight - Lee on Solent
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: waterlooville
Age: 65
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
solentflight
I passed my ppl with solentflight in march 05,and my imc in oct 06 and have flown with them at southampton, lee and now lower upham. I find them all to be very professional and friendly, i look at andy as a friend as well as owning solentflight. I am shocked that some people have nothing better to do than to try and character assasinate both him and the school, nothing is too much trouble for him.
This year has been a hard year for him and karen and its times like this that we should all rally round and show our support for what must be the best flying school on the south coast. I would like to tell the narrow minded idiots to shut up and let an honest hard working man run his business.
This year has been a hard year for him and karen and its times like this that we should all rally round and show our support for what must be the best flying school on the south coast. I would like to tell the narrow minded idiots to shut up and let an honest hard working man run his business.
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: England
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
who cares, you are **** stirring. If you have something to say about them come out and say it. put up or shut up.
Comments such as 'we should all stick together and support them' are pointless as no matter what the views on this forum are, it will make no difference to SF return to Lee, that decision is with the police at Lee.
I'm amazed at the people here accepting that things 'just happen for no reason' and that if we stick together it will be OK. It's our duty as pilots to find out why GA is getting a hard time and when things like this happen, ask why and how can we avoid it in future, not just shout '**** stirrer'. Arrogant comments like that are the main reason GA is having a hard time, everyone else is to blame apart from ourselves.
Join Date: May 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 4,631
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have only taken a fleeting interest in this thread and I cant say I have totally worked out who is who and who might have an axe to grind.
However, I think what is potentially far more damaging and seen occasionally in the past on other threads, is dealing with an issue by innuendo.
Put simply if you have an issue or know about some concerns that may have been expressed tell everyone what they are and let the other party have an opportunity to defend themselves. If you cant do that dont bother.
.. .. .. and so I may have got the wrong end of the stick but if some beleive there is a good reason why this school has not be allowed back, for goodness sake say what it is or else it all gets completely tedious.
Also do not forget there is no such thing as bad publicity so at the moment all this school is getting is plently of good advertising
.
However, I think what is potentially far more damaging and seen occasionally in the past on other threads, is dealing with an issue by innuendo.
Put simply if you have an issue or know about some concerns that may have been expressed tell everyone what they are and let the other party have an opportunity to defend themselves. If you cant do that dont bother.
.. .. .. and so I may have got the wrong end of the stick but if some beleive there is a good reason why this school has not be allowed back, for goodness sake say what it is or else it all gets completely tedious.
Also do not forget there is no such thing as bad publicity so at the moment all this school is getting is plently of good advertising
.
Join Date: May 2004
Location: in a hotel
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have been following this thread for a while now and feel it is time to add my two pence worth. I have absolutely no real idea why SFL are not back in LoS. But I imagine it has something to do with other operators upset and maybe a little jealous as to how well Solent is doing. They have always done well because Andy and Karen have always put there heart into it and the instructors are dedicated professionals who work long hours for low pay. It’s a hard job requiring piloting skills, people skills, and many other skills too. Mistakes happen. They happen in the heady world of commercial aviation all the time as well. These mistakes are made by Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers and everyone else. Never believe anyone who says they haven't. I know this because it is I who "beat up the Tower at EGHI" but you will have to read my response to the MOR to know the full facts and this is not the place. And I have seen some real howlers made by Southampton Tower controllers and many others the world over, accept it because we are all human. If indeed a Saints did land after hours at LU (and has that actually been proven) then it was probably a mistake. They happen, so you would hardly call it an after hours operation.
I think there are a few jealous people around fearful that LU might get shut down because SFL are using it. Why the hell don't you all get together and discuss your concerns and iron out what’s troubling you. As for LoS, why don’t some of the loyal Solent flight customers get together and apply some pressure to the police and find out what’s going on.
And as for some of you on this thread, stop insinuating things on this thread. If you have something to say, an opinion based on fact or some actual facts then be up standing, stick your neck out and say it like it is and stop hiding behind your username.
I learned to fly at Solent Flight long before Andy had it, I worked as an Instructor for a few years working along side Andy and Karen to help make the school a success. I have since moved on to bigger things but one thing I can absolutely guarantee is that you will not find a better flying school any where on the south coast if for nothing else than for the enthusiasm shown by everyone evolved in the club, weather that be the Boss the instructors or the legions of good and loyal members.
My very best wishes and good luck to Andy and Karen and all the current instructors there.
Brooksie.
I think there are a few jealous people around fearful that LU might get shut down because SFL are using it. Why the hell don't you all get together and discuss your concerns and iron out what’s troubling you. As for LoS, why don’t some of the loyal Solent flight customers get together and apply some pressure to the police and find out what’s going on.
And as for some of you on this thread, stop insinuating things on this thread. If you have something to say, an opinion based on fact or some actual facts then be up standing, stick your neck out and say it like it is and stop hiding behind your username.
I learned to fly at Solent Flight long before Andy had it, I worked as an Instructor for a few years working along side Andy and Karen to help make the school a success. I have since moved on to bigger things but one thing I can absolutely guarantee is that you will not find a better flying school any where on the south coast if for nothing else than for the enthusiasm shown by everyone evolved in the club, weather that be the Boss the instructors or the legions of good and loyal members.
My very best wishes and good luck to Andy and Karen and all the current instructors there.
Brooksie.
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Sussex, UK
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Sussex, UK
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I see their website is in the process of having a makeover, and the new news page explains the status quo.
http://www.solentflight.com
Looking good.
However, their voicemail system is evidently full up, and it won't allow me to leave a message.
http://www.solentflight.com
Looking good.
However, their voicemail system is evidently full up, and it won't allow me to leave a message.
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Littlehampton
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
He (or she?) rammed the fence at very high speed.
Not a good advert for SF instruction or supervision and probably a contributory factor in their continued absence from EGHF...
Not a good advert for SF instruction or supervision and probably a contributory factor in their continued absence from EGHF...
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thats pathetic smallpiece. I cant believe you posted an image of a damaged wing that probally cost the confidence of a student pilot not to mention SF alot of money to repair. Its people like you who ruin GA.
Get a life!!!!.
Get a life!!!!.
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What a pity that there exists a tiny minority of people who feel compelled to post detrimental and uncomplimentary comments and photographs with respect to Solent Flight. I can only imagine that those individuals who are resorting to such desperate measures are ever-so-slightly envious of Solent's success and excellent reputation.
In the time I have been with them, I have found Solent Flight to be a very friendly and welcoming flight school. They manage to strike exactly the right balance between professionalism and enjoyment of flying. For anybody who might be interested, I suggest you pay them a visit. I am sure you will not be disappointed.
The website is currently undergoing maintenance, but should be up and running properly in the very near future.
I would like to wish everybody at Solent Flight all the very best and keep up the good work! You have my full support.
In the time I have been with them, I have found Solent Flight to be a very friendly and welcoming flight school. They manage to strike exactly the right balance between professionalism and enjoyment of flying. For anybody who might be interested, I suggest you pay them a visit. I am sure you will not be disappointed.
The website is currently undergoing maintenance, but should be up and running properly in the very near future.
I would like to wish everybody at Solent Flight all the very best and keep up the good work! You have my full support.
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: England
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thats pathetic smallpiece. I cant believe you posted an image of a damaged wing that probally cost the confidence of a student pilot not to mention SF alot of money to repair. Its people like you who ruin GA.
Get a life!!!!.
Get a life!!!!.
Smallpiece is not the sort of person who ruins GA, it's the other people who refuse to acknowledge problems within GA and do something about them, just saying a flight school has your support does not change past events or excuse incident/accidents.
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: north wales
Age: 70
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Your message implies that such a briefing doesn't happen - is that with no evidence? IMHO the professionalism of the team is at least as good as any of the seven schools I've dealt with.
There are actually two similar fences & gates at Lee - one on the taxiway from SF, prior to the 23 runway and one on the taxiway about 2/3 of the way back from the 05 end - both are built in the same way and finished in the same shade of blue. Its just that the 05 gate is too narrow for a pa28 (by a metre or so) and a non-parallell grass taxiway needs to be used - plus the taxiway centrelines aren't so you do have to be awake even on the wider gate.
The fences appear somewhat substantial and given it would be the gate post that was hit - I'd be surprised if it even had a paint scratch from a pa28 wing - let alone cause any disruption.
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: England
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My point exactly, the grass taxiway should have been used to avoid the small gate. Also, taxiing any aircraft in tight areas should be as slow as possible, the damge shown on the photo shows some considerable speed at the moment of impact.
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Actually it would still cost SF money whether or not this photo was published. The pilot who did this was actually a PPL (ex) hirer and his confidence was probably shattered when he was asked to leave and quite rightly so. There is a grass taxiway which avoids the area of the narrow gate where this incident happen. Perhaps if clear instructions/proper checkouts were performed by the school as to where it is safe to taxi this wouldn't happen.
Smallpiece is not the sort of person who ruins GA, it's the other people who refuse to acknowledge problems within GA and do something about them, just saying a flight school has your support does not change past events or excuse incident/accidents.
Smallpiece is not the sort of person who ruins GA, it's the other people who refuse to acknowledge problems within GA and do something about them, just saying a flight school has your support does not change past events or excuse incident/accidents.
This thread is getting very boring with the same moronic minority trying to stain a good FS with some very dodgy arguments i might add. It really is people like smallpiece that ruin GA for alot of people Cabin doors. Constantly whinging and brining up past mistakes that im sure have already been analysed in greater depth by the authorities just to score points is poor show, no argument.
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Sussex, UK
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
None of this cheery banter changes the fact that I am still unable to contact or leave a message for Solentflight on their office number, and they are still not responding to emails.
I have heard many good things about them, and I want to spend money with them in order to learn to fly.
Not withstanding the current issues, what does their booking list look like, on average? I would generally look to fly at weekends, and possibly during the week as well (I'm an IT contractor - Boo! Hiss! - So in theory I can take a day off if I feel like it!)
I have heard many good things about them, and I want to spend money with them in order to learn to fly.
Not withstanding the current issues, what does their booking list look like, on average? I would generally look to fly at weekends, and possibly during the week as well (I'm an IT contractor - Boo! Hiss! - So in theory I can take a day off if I feel like it!)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Stubbington
Age: 62
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For all the doubting Thomas's out there, I visited Solent Flight at Lower Upham today to discuss booking a PPl package. The telephone didn't stop ringing for most of the time I was there so rest assured you will get through eventually.
First impressions:- Very professional outfit, friendly, patient and happy to talk about anything (including the issues surrounding LOS joint site ownership).
My son, a military pilot, introduced me to this flight school with nothing but praise.
Now I have met the people involved I couldn,t agree with him more.
Living close to LOS airfield I am surprised that only the fence incident involving SF has been discussed and not the other 5 that have occurred with other operators.
First impressions:- Very professional outfit, friendly, patient and happy to talk about anything (including the issues surrounding LOS joint site ownership).
My son, a military pilot, introduced me to this flight school with nothing but praise.
Now I have met the people involved I couldn,t agree with him more.
Living close to LOS airfield I am surprised that only the fence incident involving SF has been discussed and not the other 5 that have occurred with other operators.
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For all the doubting Thomas's out there, I visited Solent Flight at Lower Upham today to discuss booking a PPl package. The telephone didn't stop ringing for most of the time I was there so rest assured you will get through eventually.
First impressions:- Very professional outfit, friendly, patient and happy to talk about anything (including the issues surrounding LOS joint site ownership).
My son, a military pilot, introduced me to this flight school with nothing but praise.
Now I have met the people involved I couldn,t agree with him more.
Living close to LOS airfield I am surprised that only the fence incident involving SF has been discussed and not the other 5 that have occurred with other operators.
First impressions:- Very professional outfit, friendly, patient and happy to talk about anything (including the issues surrounding LOS joint site ownership).
My son, a military pilot, introduced me to this flight school with nothing but praise.
Now I have met the people involved I couldn,t agree with him more.
Living close to LOS airfield I am surprised that only the fence incident involving SF has been discussed and not the other 5 that have occurred with other operators.
I am really pleased that you are considering a PPL course with Solent Flight, everything you have mentioned about their professionalism and friendliness, is what I have encountered since becoming a student pilot with them. As you say, it is amazing how only Solent Flight's misfortunes with gates have been mentioned on this thread as there have definitely been others - you only have to read the local newspapers to find that out!