Sandown Closing?
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 899
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From: Middle Earth
Is there anywhere else on the IoW to site an airfield (say on the Western side of the Island away from Bembridge)? Obviously there has to be a business case for it.
It'll be a shame if it does close for good, I guess they'll have to find a new home for Spamfield!
FC
It'll be a shame if it does close for good, I guess they'll have to find a new home for Spamfield!
FC
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Sussex
I have flown to both Sandown and Bembridge frequently and must say that I much prefer Bembridge for its facilities, very welcoming radio operators, restaurant, scenary and runway quality and its the same price to land as Sandown.
Bembridge in my opinion offers much a much better experience for the average GA pilot and it seems that Sandown has nothing better to offer.
Maybe this is a reason?
Obviously everybody is entitled to their own opinions.
Bembridge in my opinion offers much a much better experience for the average GA pilot and it seems that Sandown has nothing better to offer.
Maybe this is a reason?
Obviously everybody is entitled to their own opinions.
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 190
From: 11 GROUP
Bembridge has always worked on the "back" of whatever aircraft company that was based there at the time.I seem to recall there have been several times when it was closed due to said companies demise.The current situation there does not reley on GA movements to survive,and is excellent.Sandown operated as a typical grass club/visitor airifeld for years,but the costs of such an operation will not survive A, the rising CAA charges,and B,the developers,and rates. It is not a local field for me now,but i always found it a friendly spot, a pleasure to use,and it has a long history.Sadly in this very commercial world such places are going to be a thing of the past,and at least there was somewhere to visit when you went to Sandown.The plain facts are that GA pilots will not pay the true cost of keeping such places going,and therefore unless they have a patron the end is nigh.Use them or loose them has never been so true.
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 0
From: Midlands
I will say this again as no one is listening. The airfield is being taken over by another operator. The BMAA are running a big fly in there in the summer. It appears that the airfield is not closing, at least not for long.
Rod1
Rod1
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,631
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From: UK
Rod1
Great news, heard loud and clear - thank you.
I wish them every success and we should all try and support the new operators.
I always feel it is well worth anyone running this sort of oepration taking a look at how Headcorn go about their business - I think they are an excellent example of how a grass strip should be oeprated.
Great news, heard loud and clear - thank you.
I wish them every success and we should all try and support the new operators.
I always feel it is well worth anyone running this sort of oepration taking a look at how Headcorn go about their business - I think they are an excellent example of how a grass strip should be oeprated.
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: uk
One thing about the "recession" is that airfields such as Sandown may have a little longer stay of execution,shame it may come to an end because ive been going to Sandown on and off for over 20 years.The isle of fright is a nice place to visit and its like going abroad!! although my girlfriend says visiting the shops is like going back to the 60s.I can honestly say that if i won the lottery i would like to keep the place open for aviators and restore the original old hut/cafe.
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Dorking, England
Notams
Checking the Notams today unfortunately shows:
Aerodrome (alternate) - EGHN (ISLE OF WIGHT / SANDOWN)
Q) EGTT/QFAXX/IV/NBO/A/000/999/5039N00111W005
B) FROM: 10/01/28 10:07C) TO: PERM
E) REMOVE AIP ENTRY FOR AD AS AD LICENCE HAS BEEN REVOKED
Aerodrome (alternate) - EGHN (ISLE OF WIGHT / SANDOWN)
Q) EGTT/QFAXX/IV/NBO/A/000/999/5039N00111W005
B) FROM: 10/01/28 10:07C) TO: PERM
E) REMOVE AIP ENTRY FOR AD AS AD LICENCE HAS BEEN REVOKED
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 523
Likes: 1
From: Kent
Not closing - just changing to unlicensed
This gives a clear description of what is happening there: Microlight Forum (read the post this links to and next one).
This is the site of one of the companies which are continuing operating: Specialist Flying School.
And finally an event taking place in June at Sandown - which looks like fun: Spamfield 2010.
Please don't spread the rumour that Sandown is closing. IMHO the more people hear it the less visitors they will get and the more likely closure will become.
OC619
This is the site of one of the companies which are continuing operating: Specialist Flying School.
And finally an event taking place in June at Sandown - which looks like fun: Spamfield 2010.
Please don't spread the rumour that Sandown is closing. IMHO the more people hear it the less visitors they will get and the more likely closure will become.
OC619
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Basingstoke
For the smaller grass strip airfields that primarily cater for private flying, maybe a microlight school etc... I see a good cafe as essential along with a strong and active club. Compton Abbas, Popham and Old Sarum being good examples local to me. They will attract the bikers, classic car owners, families at the weekend etc...
Bigger licensed airfields which have tarmac runways with all the staffing that requires are often part of a bigger business plan. There may be industrial premises, various businesses, maintenance facilities, FTOs, hangarage/parking etc... Thruxton being a good example.
It strikes me that the difficulty lies when an airfield is somewhere between the two - many of the costs but less of the income streams.
Bigger licensed airfields which have tarmac runways with all the staffing that requires are often part of a bigger business plan. There may be industrial premises, various businesses, maintenance facilities, FTOs, hangarage/parking etc... Thruxton being a good example.
It strikes me that the difficulty lies when an airfield is somewhere between the two - many of the costs but less of the income streams.
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Dorking, England
Sandown used to have the wonderful Aviator Restaurant of course, with those great burgers, until it burnt down. The restaurant was a magnet for pilots flying in. The Specialist Flying School web site refers to their bar and bistro with inside and outside seating so that'll be certainly worth a go. Let's hope you can pay the landing fee there without having to cross the runway (I'm assuming the school's on the Northern side).
I really hope the airfield continues and thrives in whatever form that takes. I shall make the effort to go back!
I really hope the airfield continues and thrives in whatever form that takes. I shall make the effort to go back!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Isle of Wight
Update
Went to Spamfield as a ground visitor and it certainly seemed to have the usual great atmosphere and very good attendance. Not sure what the future holds for Sandown itself though. Apparently Avgas has since run out and will not be replenished. Also there's an ominous NOTAM cancelling the ATZ in August!
Q) EGTT/QAZAW/IV/NBO/AE/000/030/5039N00111W005
B) FROM: 10/06/09 11:59C) TO: 11/06/30 23:59
E) ISLE OF WIGHT/SANDOWN ATZ. FOR THE PURPOSE OF RULE 45 OF THE RULES
OF THE AIR REGULATIONS 2007 THE ISLE OF WIGHT/SANDOWN ATZ IS
CANCELLED WEF 02 AUG 2010
What next - bulldozers parked on the numbers? What a tragic loss if so!
Q) EGTT/QAZAW/IV/NBO/AE/000/030/5039N00111W005
B) FROM: 10/06/09 11:59C) TO: 11/06/30 23:59
E) ISLE OF WIGHT/SANDOWN ATZ. FOR THE PURPOSE OF RULE 45 OF THE RULES
OF THE AIR REGULATIONS 2007 THE ISLE OF WIGHT/SANDOWN ATZ IS
CANCELLED WEF 02 AUG 2010
What next - bulldozers parked on the numbers? What a tragic loss if so!
