Elstree - Unlicensed?
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Harrow
I understand that the runway is going to be completely resurfaced later in the year so the management have to decide if they are going patch now and resurface later or try and resurface now.
And why does everybody dislike Cabair so much ?
I have been a member of Cabair since 1997. I have never felt unwelcome at either Elstree or Denham - the airfields I use. I enjoy flying on the Elstree regular Sunday trips but can't make the regular Wednesday trips because of work. Cabair is more epensive than other schools but I get a choice of PA28s to fly including Archers and Arrows and have never been unable to fly because an aircraft has become unserviceable. Once an aircraft was flown in from Biggin so that my pre-booked rental could take place - thats good customer service.
And why does everybody dislike Cabair so much ?
The key to getting money into GA is to make it a more social activity, but this goes against the business model of schools/clubs who don't generally want people hanging around once they have got the bit of paper. A school like Cabair will be an extreme example of this.
the main resident flying school is overpriced and provides cr*p customer service at sky-high prices
Joined: Jan 1999
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 2
From: north of barlu
You get what you pay for!
On the one hand we have people giving out at the poor state of GA airfields and on the other hand they won't pay £ 30 to use GA airfields.
I get the feeling that some people o this forum have no idea whatsoever of the costs involved in running an airfield. I guess that I should expect this from the people who roll up in a new BMW and then spend hours in the cafe banging on about the labour rates charged by the maintenance companys.
I get the feeling that some people o this forum have no idea whatsoever of the costs involved in running an airfield. I guess that I should expect this from the people who roll up in a new BMW and then spend hours in the cafe banging on about the labour rates charged by the maintenance companys.
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,807
Likes: 10
From: Ansião (PT)
I cannot imagine any aerodrome can be operated to a financial profit by the sole payment of whatever landing fees from recreational pilots. Either a lot of volunteer work is required, as is usual at club aerodromes, or the a/d must have sufficient income from professional operators.
How many landings "from outside" per weekend at the typical recreational airfield? At perhaps 35 flyable weekends per year? How much yearly revenue at what landing fee?
Whether 10£ or 50£, the contribution to the total yearly running cost will be marginal.
How many landings "from outside" per weekend at the typical recreational airfield? At perhaps 35 flyable weekends per year? How much yearly revenue at what landing fee?
Whether 10£ or 50£, the contribution to the total yearly running cost will be marginal.
Avoid imitations
Joined: Nov 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 15,116
Likes: 1,091
From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
I never cease to be amazed how much folk winge over landing fees near London.
If it puts it in perspective, look at the pricing structure at this website, at a landing place not far south of Elstree....
London Heliport
If it puts it in perspective, look at the pricing structure at this website, at a landing place not far south of Elstree....
London Heliport
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: LONDON
Club Facilitys
It seems that is why Microlight Pilots have all the fun. Their instructors can earn a living and therfore give more time to their students as they are not just hour building. The conversion rate from a trial lesson to a PPL M would be much higher. The social side is massive and although they maybe in a field their facilities are often far better.
I am not a Microlight Pilot.
I did come across a discount code for www.pooleys.com just type in pooleys in the promo code box and you get a discount! I wonder if they know this is still active?
I am not a Microlight Pilot.
I did come across a discount code for www.pooleys.com just type in pooleys in the promo code box and you get a discount! I wonder if they know this is still active?
Last edited by david michael; 19th July 2010 at 11:53.
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 13,787
Likes: 0
From: EuroGA.org
The social side is massive
There is a real need for an airfield without a massive social side though; one where you can simply fly from, without hassle, and which is usable for flying to London.
Currently, London doesn't have a single GA-accessible airfield which is usable in any kind of "weather", which to me is just amazing.... for all the masses of money kicking around there.
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: A galaxy far far away
Those are not exactly close to London, however.
I know somebody who flew out of Biggin and he lived in East London and it still took him ages to get there
I know somebody who flew out of Biggin and he lived in East London and it still took him ages to get there
London Victoria to biggin hill, 40 minutes by public transport, 1 train, 1 bus.
Realistically how much closer to the centre is feasible?
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,631
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, USA
When I flew into Elstree I brought my little foldable Brompton bike. It took about 25-30min to get to the tube and then the tube was a good 35-45mins off peak into Soho, if I recall correctly. So it takes time. For me living in Hastings and flying up to London is never faster than taking the car, door to door. But it's not about that, of course. It would be nice if there was a GA airport that had slightly better communications so it actually could be an alternative to the car on nice days. The stress is a lot less, I find. Sitting in traffic makes me doolally.
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 51
Likes: 17
From: London
the runway was patched up and the airfield is now open again.
it will be completely resurfaced later on in the year. i understand that the new management have now taken over and are rectifying the problems.
as far as comments above go, i don't know which toilets you stepped into but at cabair they're spotless.
completely agree with jimmellish, never had a problem at cabair and are always really helpful and accommodating.
i'd rather pay a bit extra to go there and go somewhere reliable than pay a bit less and go to some tinpot school which will fold when the market goes tits up again.
mick can be temperamental sometimes but he's harmless, just ignore it. he's there to provide you with a service so don't feel intimidated by his attitude.
it will be completely resurfaced later on in the year. i understand that the new management have now taken over and are rectifying the problems.
as far as comments above go, i don't know which toilets you stepped into but at cabair they're spotless.
completely agree with jimmellish, never had a problem at cabair and are always really helpful and accommodating.
i'd rather pay a bit extra to go there and go somewhere reliable than pay a bit less and go to some tinpot school which will fold when the market goes tits up again.
mick can be temperamental sometimes but he's harmless, just ignore it. he's there to provide you with a service so don't feel intimidated by his attitude.
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 13,787
Likes: 0
From: EuroGA.org
London could do with an ILS airfield which is near a tube station.
Runways without an IAP are about as useful as a chocolate teapot for going anywhere for a serious purpose - and not many people go to London otherwise because everything there is such a hassle. Due to the VFR cancellation rate, it becomes simpler to never fly at all.
The filthy toilets were in the main building, next to some cafe. The Cabair loo was OK
Runways without an IAP are about as useful as a chocolate teapot for going anywhere for a serious purpose - and not many people go to London otherwise because everything there is such a hassle. Due to the VFR cancellation rate, it becomes simpler to never fly at all.
The filthy toilets were in the main building, next to some cafe. The Cabair loo was OK
