Shoreham Closed
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 13,787
Likes: 0
From: EuroGA.org
Much depends on what the lease says about insolvency of the tenant. I believe the local authority still owns the freehold of the site, and they want to keep it as an airport.
Normally, anybody purchasing the assets from insolvency would be bound by the restrictions on the original lease.
Shoreham closing would be a disaster for the private piots based there because there would be nowhere else to go. Lydd is great but is a 2hrs' drive, Goodwood is no good (too tight), and that's about it south of London. The aerobatic owners could disperse to farm strips around Sussex OK. Closure would mean the end of training within a huge area; the schools have nowhere else to go.
However, Erinaceous is a long way from actually going bust.
Normally, anybody purchasing the assets from insolvency would be bound by the restrictions on the original lease.
Shoreham closing would be a disaster for the private piots based there because there would be nowhere else to go. Lydd is great but is a 2hrs' drive, Goodwood is no good (too tight), and that's about it south of London. The aerobatic owners could disperse to farm strips around Sussex OK. Closure would mean the end of training within a huge area; the schools have nowhere else to go.
However, Erinaceous is a long way from actually going bust.
niknak
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,335
Likes: 0
From: UK
IO540
In reallity Erinacious are in very deep and very serious financial do do and I wouldn't be suprised if their creditors pulled the rug this week, in the grand scheme of things, they owe £millions and have few assets.
Because of the somewhat "relaxed" approach of the two main directors to previous dealings, it is to be hoped that they didn't buy the freehold at Shoreham.
If they did, the airport is doomed to being sold to the highest bidder, and that's the end of aviation and the start of a housing development on the site.
Given the company's directors record, one has to ask if the previous owners did carry out the proper due dilligance to ensure that the airport would never become a housing estate.
Even if they still own the leasehold, there will be a strong argument for selling the site for the best price , to give all the money, which the ratepayers have paid in the past to prop up a loss making facility, to a more worthwhile benefit to the community.
In reallity Erinacious are in very deep and very serious financial do do and I wouldn't be suprised if their creditors pulled the rug this week, in the grand scheme of things, they owe £millions and have few assets.
Because of the somewhat "relaxed" approach of the two main directors to previous dealings, it is to be hoped that they didn't buy the freehold at Shoreham.
If they did, the airport is doomed to being sold to the highest bidder, and that's the end of aviation and the start of a housing development on the site.
Given the company's directors record, one has to ask if the previous owners did carry out the proper due dilligance to ensure that the airport would never become a housing estate.
Even if they still own the leasehold, there will be a strong argument for selling the site for the best price , to give all the money, which the ratepayers have paid in the past to prop up a loss making facility, to a more worthwhile benefit to the community.
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: UK
The existing leasehold was granted on the basis that the site would remain an airport for the next 35 years. I heard it on good authority that there is no intention to change that basis in future lease agreements.
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 13,787
Likes: 0
From: EuroGA.org
Another thing is that the aviation businesses based there have leases which give them the right to carry on being there. IMHO the airport can't just be closed on a whim.
But 10-20 years down the road, anything could happen. A major factor in planning is the "fait accompli" principle
You are restricted by a planning restriction from developing for property. So.... you run the place down, make it an unviable business, and eventually the planning restriction will be removed because nobody wants an eyesore. OTOH everybody knows about this old trick...
GA (excluding the farm strip scene) will die out in the UK within 20 years through the lack of airfields, IMHO, unless there is a change in planning policy to enable the development of a small new airfield in the open countryside.
But 10-20 years down the road, anything could happen. A major factor in planning is the "fait accompli" principle
You are restricted by a planning restriction from developing for property. So.... you run the place down, make it an unviable business, and eventually the planning restriction will be removed because nobody wants an eyesore. OTOH everybody knows about this old trick...GA (excluding the farm strip scene) will die out in the UK within 20 years through the lack of airfields, IMHO, unless there is a change in planning policy to enable the development of a small new airfield in the open countryside.
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: London
As far as can be seen, Erinaceous' main interest is money. The recent ruling that even go rounds are charged as touch and goes suggests that aviation and even flight safety are not uppermost in their mind.
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 0
From: Surrey
While I know nothing about the company involved, a low approach and go around (as a planned maneuver) takes pretty much the same airport resource as a T&G so I don't think it is any more unreasonable to charge this than a T&G. IIRC there was a rant thread on this and the conclusion was that an ATC initiated Go around or a non-training one (i.e. a real safety issue) were not being charged.
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 1
From: Near the Mountains of Sussex
Shoreham Closed
Currently the airfield is closed for all movements.......... the company which operates it has gone into administration.
http://www.erinaceousir.com/erinaceo...0521nRNSN2676S
http://www.erinaceousir.com/erinaceo...0521nRNSN2676S
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
From: The front end and about 50ft up
Just heard the news but saw it coming some time ago. As someone who regularly uses Shoreham this is very bad news, and is largely a result of mismanagement by the dodgy outfit that has been running the airport. I sincerely hope it doesn't turn into another retail park or housing estate but that seems to be what everyone other than local pilots wants.
With movements ceased you can bet that many of the companies based there will go under and then the spiral dive towards 'brownfield eco-village' is fully developed.
Perhaps Erinacious should be renamed Avaricious. W@nkers.
With movements ceased you can bet that many of the companies based there will go under and then the spiral dive towards 'brownfield eco-village' is fully developed.
Perhaps Erinacious should be renamed Avaricious. W@nkers.
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: London UK
Those clowns also 'own' Fairoaks where I am learning to fly. One last exam to do and near to my solo nav - this news is making me anxious. Hope this has a good outcome for GA and not the local housing association.
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Garden of England
Shattering news, but maybe the behind-the-scenes activity that I believe is in progress will succeed in maintaining flying at this historic airport.
I have a modest vested interest, a flying lesson booked for later this month!
I have a modest vested interest, a flying lesson booked for later this month!
Joined: Sep 2007
Aviation Qualifications: ATCO
Posts: 90
Likes: 5
From: UK
This is very sad news 
I am currently nearing the end of my PPL training at Shoreham airport with a really nice flying club and it would be really upsetting for it to all to come to an end. Shoreham Airport is such a unique place and I'm sure many people would be dismayed if it were to close.
I am currently nearing the end of my PPL training at Shoreham airport with a really nice flying club and it would be really upsetting for it to all to come to an end. Shoreham Airport is such a unique place and I'm sure many people would be dismayed if it were to close.
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
From: UK,Twighlight Zone
Nothing like the usual panic mongering. The administrators have been called into the company that operates it. It is a bit early for all the crying and wailing. Give the administrators a few days to get there feet under the table and work out what needs to be done.
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: UK
I heard the Airport Manager has applied for a licence at the CAA for the airfield to operate under a shell company (which was agreed with the administrators). He's hoping to get things in the air again within hours.
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: UK
Shoreham has a great atmosphere not just for pilots but for all the other visitors who enjoy watching the aircraft. I really hope that something can be done to save it from turning into a housing estate - it is the oldest licensed airfield after all.
Our PA-28 is sitting on the ground today at Shoreham not able to get out! Not sure what happens next!
Our PA-28 is sitting on the ground today at Shoreham not able to get out! Not sure what happens next!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Sussex
Not suggesting that this might be the future for EGKA, however what is interesting is the number for 'ex airfields' the government approved for their spun 'Eco Towns'. Looking at that short list the otherday most are or have been airfields, in the southeast Dunsfold and Ford both targeted, Tangmere has already been well built around. GA seems to be very unlucky of late.