Who is Billy Pickles?
Guest
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To paraphrase a certain Welsh comic, I was there on Saturday and unfortunately most of what agent.mulder is true. There was nothing wrong with the air racing - although how the CAA can exempt this activity with the low flying rule escapes logic - but the preparations made by Billy Pickles left much to be desired.
He should be down on his knees thanking the Big Air Traffic Controller that there were no serious incidents on the airfield last weekend. The risk he ran was incredibly high and Billy should be thankful the CAA didn't see what he was up. Unless of course they did and are even now preparing action against him.
In the meantime call him up, on 01286 830800, and ask for a pleasure flight and listen to the excuses. The website claims these flights are 'off' because of the foot-and-mouth crisis. The airfield was in an infected area but isn't now and the flights go nowhere near the infected farms in South-west Anglesey. The air races at the weekend did so, and at about 500ft AGL (or less). What's the big deal?
Could it be that Billy doesn't have an AOC? Has been told to 'cease and desist' and can't take the shame of having to admit to being wrong?
I'm sure we'll hear more about Silly Billy and his Pickles before long.
He should be down on his knees thanking the Big Air Traffic Controller that there were no serious incidents on the airfield last weekend. The risk he ran was incredibly high and Billy should be thankful the CAA didn't see what he was up. Unless of course they did and are even now preparing action against him.
In the meantime call him up, on 01286 830800, and ask for a pleasure flight and listen to the excuses. The website claims these flights are 'off' because of the foot-and-mouth crisis. The airfield was in an infected area but isn't now and the flights go nowhere near the infected farms in South-west Anglesey. The air races at the weekend did so, and at about 500ft AGL (or less). What's the big deal?
Could it be that Billy doesn't have an AOC? Has been told to 'cease and desist' and can't take the shame of having to admit to being wrong?
I'm sure we'll hear more about Silly Billy and his Pickles before long.
Guest
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Yes I was there on the Sunday and what a day that was,most of the points have been mentioned above but I feel that I must say my piece as well if only to clear my conscience.
Before I start I'd just like to say that the Air-Racing was brillant and was run in a very professional manner as always(No I don't race).
The shear lack of airfield understanding & discipline that I witnessed within those few hours is hard to describe,how any airfield operator can expect to 'get away' with such laxed measures is beyond belief:-
Several A/C were cleared to land at there discretion whilst at one point 6 rally cars were on the runway (26),it also became common throughout the day for cars just to cross the active runway with no help from a radio or marshaller.
The A/G Radio service was almost non existant with A/C calling for radio checks until another A/C would come on frequency and answer them.
It appeared that the rally cars took priority over the A/C as at one point an A/C on a 1/2 mile final was asked if he could land over the backtracking rally cars! When he declined he was told to orbit present position !
I would have liked to have had a look at the amount of FOD being dropped on the runway off the cars,especially considering that as part of the rally circuit they went on & off fields with sheep grazing in them,thats a really responsible attitude to the F&M outbreak is'nt it !
A friend of mine waited 25 minutes for fuel whilst the two 'multiskilled' dozy idiots in the fire truck drove aimlessly around the airfield playing a cross between Fireman Sam & Colin McRae.
On a serious note I only hope that the standards improve quickly before someone is seriously injured,especially with the summer coming up as on a good day Caernarfon can see 100+ visiting A/C
One final point,does anybody know what happened to the Pup with a missing propellor,I presumed that it had dropped in a Rabbit hole as there was a 8" deep cut taken out of the grass nearby.
Before I start I'd just like to say that the Air-Racing was brillant and was run in a very professional manner as always(No I don't race).
The shear lack of airfield understanding & discipline that I witnessed within those few hours is hard to describe,how any airfield operator can expect to 'get away' with such laxed measures is beyond belief:-
Several A/C were cleared to land at there discretion whilst at one point 6 rally cars were on the runway (26),it also became common throughout the day for cars just to cross the active runway with no help from a radio or marshaller.
The A/G Radio service was almost non existant with A/C calling for radio checks until another A/C would come on frequency and answer them.
It appeared that the rally cars took priority over the A/C as at one point an A/C on a 1/2 mile final was asked if he could land over the backtracking rally cars! When he declined he was told to orbit present position !
I would have liked to have had a look at the amount of FOD being dropped on the runway off the cars,especially considering that as part of the rally circuit they went on & off fields with sheep grazing in them,thats a really responsible attitude to the F&M outbreak is'nt it !
A friend of mine waited 25 minutes for fuel whilst the two 'multiskilled' dozy idiots in the fire truck drove aimlessly around the airfield playing a cross between Fireman Sam & Colin McRae.
On a serious note I only hope that the standards improve quickly before someone is seriously injured,especially with the summer coming up as on a good day Caernarfon can see 100+ visiting A/C
One final point,does anybody know what happened to the Pup with a missing propellor,I presumed that it had dropped in a Rabbit hole as there was a 8" deep cut taken out of the grass nearby.
Guest
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Spent the weekend at Caernarfon.
Saw the racing on Saturday and Sunday - breathtaking.
But that wasn't the only thing that took my breath away. Seeing youngsters eing allowed to walk up to the runway's edge was dreadful. I was too far away and the wind was too strong for anyone to hear my shouts.
Certainly the dozy twits on duty couldn't be arsed.
Now I'm not the only one to have seen these goings on at Caernarfon so everyone who's got any info, pictures, videos etc let the CAA have it - asap.
This weekend there's a Spitfire coming in. If that's publicised in the press there could be similar crowds there again.
Silly Billy's probably counting the loot already but someone could get hurt. It could be one of your family.
Let the authorities sort Billy once and for all before that dreadful day arrives.
Saw the racing on Saturday and Sunday - breathtaking.
But that wasn't the only thing that took my breath away. Seeing youngsters eing allowed to walk up to the runway's edge was dreadful. I was too far away and the wind was too strong for anyone to hear my shouts.
Certainly the dozy twits on duty couldn't be arsed.
Now I'm not the only one to have seen these goings on at Caernarfon so everyone who's got any info, pictures, videos etc let the CAA have it - asap.
This weekend there's a Spitfire coming in. If that's publicised in the press there could be similar crowds there again.
Silly Billy's probably counting the loot already but someone could get hurt. It could be one of your family.
Let the authorities sort Billy once and for all before that dreadful day arrives.
Guest
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Squadgy, Agent Mulder, Farm Strip, Good Shepherd, between the 4 of you, you've not had more than 15 posts, and you all registered in March 2001, Hmmmmm, sounds like you're the same person with a personal vendetta against Billy Pickles, or at most a group of sheep, who have no inventive mind of your own. Lets not forget Billy bought Caernarfon from Air Atlantique, it is they who have allowed it to run down to the state it was in in March 2001. Billy Pickles has now turned the run down airfield into a very vibrant training establishment, and a very nice place to visit. The Restaurant is now refurbished and the food is yummy, and is open! There is fuel available, and a warm welcome is extended to all visitors. Lets not forget it's air - ground radio, if you know what I'm talking about Agent Mulder, then you'll appreciate P1 decides when/where/if to land or orbit.
Make your own minds up about the comments from the other(s). I know Caernarfon's a great place to visit / train. And my name's not BP.
[This message has been edited by Vanessa Feltz Type Rated (edited 02 May 2001).]
Make your own minds up about the comments from the other(s). I know Caernarfon's a great place to visit / train. And my name's not BP.
[This message has been edited by Vanessa Feltz Type Rated (edited 02 May 2001).]
Guest
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Negative G - welcome the support for someone who is trying to encourage GA, but why the negative comments. I was there on Saturday, and thought it was a wonderful day, I can't remember the last time there were that many people at Caernarfon Airport, and for someone who has got to make the airport profitable, what's wrong with that ? The alternative is CLOSURE. We should all encourage GA.
Guest
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Jeez...I'm confused. I used to fly into Caernarfon quite a bit when Air Atlantique had it - nice restaurant, nice airfield, nice people, not at all run down. I haven't been there since Billy Pickles took over. But a friend started learning to fly and had a bad time - lessons cancelled at the last minute for no good reason, lack of instructors as they'd left suddenly, and what sounded like general disorganisation. I advised her to go elsewhere, as she was obviously wasting her money.
So who's right? I hope to fly there sometime this summer; if I do I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile, I'll enquire among friends who I know fly in there, and see what I can find out.
And I've been registered ages and have over 600 posts, as you can see
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Whirly
To fly is human, to hover, divine.
So who's right? I hope to fly there sometime this summer; if I do I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile, I'll enquire among friends who I know fly in there, and see what I can find out.
And I've been registered ages and have over 600 posts, as you can see
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Whirly
To fly is human, to hover, divine.
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Believe it or not I'm a great supporter of GA. Its what I spend most of my heard earned on and want to see it flourish, most of all in the aviation-desert that is North Wales and I don't want to see the airport at Caernarfon closed.
The potential for development of aviation in the region is immense but it'll get nowhere if Silly Billy and his Pickles behave like plonkers causing serious injury to an innocent person.
That sort of behaviour was on show in great abundance at their event last weekend. You didn't need to be an expert to see that the preparations were planned on a postcard and carried out with a budget of about 20p.
Most of the hundreds of people who turned up at Caernarfon Airport last Saturday and Sunday had never been near the place and had no idea what an aircraft looks like close up. Most of them appeared to be there for the rally cars and there are plenty of forests in North Wales for that sport.
Having one crash truck manned by two dozy, multi-skilled idiots and a few marshalls who don't know what they're doing is not good practice.
Not telling hardly anybody locally about the event poor pr when a struggling business like BP needs all the support it can get. Telling residents who complain about the nuisance to "get a life" is bad community relations.
Silly Billy and his Pickles have been shown up as liars in an employment tribunal; their website alleges pleasure flights cancelled because of foot-and-mouth when there are NO restricted areas in North Wales - the nearest is in Monmouth; their attitude to safety is all wrong. Their promises of great things at the airport haven't happened - where are the microlights, the seaplanes, the scheduled flights, the music concerts?
There's an iffy smell about the place which needs to be looked at by the sewage operatives from London's Kingsway. The sooner they do so the better.
Slagging off those who bring this to light will do nothing if a serious incident occurs. What will be the attitude then?
The potential for development of aviation in the region is immense but it'll get nowhere if Silly Billy and his Pickles behave like plonkers causing serious injury to an innocent person.
That sort of behaviour was on show in great abundance at their event last weekend. You didn't need to be an expert to see that the preparations were planned on a postcard and carried out with a budget of about 20p.
Most of the hundreds of people who turned up at Caernarfon Airport last Saturday and Sunday had never been near the place and had no idea what an aircraft looks like close up. Most of them appeared to be there for the rally cars and there are plenty of forests in North Wales for that sport.
Having one crash truck manned by two dozy, multi-skilled idiots and a few marshalls who don't know what they're doing is not good practice.
Not telling hardly anybody locally about the event poor pr when a struggling business like BP needs all the support it can get. Telling residents who complain about the nuisance to "get a life" is bad community relations.
Silly Billy and his Pickles have been shown up as liars in an employment tribunal; their website alleges pleasure flights cancelled because of foot-and-mouth when there are NO restricted areas in North Wales - the nearest is in Monmouth; their attitude to safety is all wrong. Their promises of great things at the airport haven't happened - where are the microlights, the seaplanes, the scheduled flights, the music concerts?
There's an iffy smell about the place which needs to be looked at by the sewage operatives from London's Kingsway. The sooner they do so the better.
Slagging off those who bring this to light will do nothing if a serious incident occurs. What will be the attitude then?
Guest
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Yeah Air Atlantique really ran the place down didn't they!
They only spent their own money resurfacing 02/20 to double the number of runways available at the airport and to make sure one of threm was (nearly) always into wind. They only spent their own cash on improving the navaids and had plans to put in lights when they pulled out.
They had the restaurant done up tastefully and the museum had a genial and knowledgable curator.
They used their experience and know-how to ensure the airport was run efficiently and safely by workers who were happy in their jobs.
They ensured that the paying public were welcome and encouraged visitors to flyin, chat, eat and watch other aircraft come and go.
They added to the fun by bringing in aircraft from their vintage flight and regularly brought in their larger types. Even the DC-6 made a spirited fly-past once.
Air Atlantique pulled out after Alastair was killed and we got BP instead.
BP wants public money to upgrade the facilities, £500,000 of taxpayers cash, but no details of what he wants to do have emerged nearly a year later.
BP wants to start up scheduled services to Cardiff and Ireland but he doesn't have a suitable aircraft let alone an AOC.
BP has systematically sacked or got rid of those staff who had the experience who dared challenge the changes and replaced them with Boy Scouts.
The BP welcome to most flyers get is cool - its only a bit warmer if they actually spend money.
BP is not the only chancer like this in aviation. They usually have their wings clipped, or fingers burnt, after a short time.
They only spent their own money resurfacing 02/20 to double the number of runways available at the airport and to make sure one of threm was (nearly) always into wind. They only spent their own cash on improving the navaids and had plans to put in lights when they pulled out.
They had the restaurant done up tastefully and the museum had a genial and knowledgable curator.
They used their experience and know-how to ensure the airport was run efficiently and safely by workers who were happy in their jobs.
They ensured that the paying public were welcome and encouraged visitors to flyin, chat, eat and watch other aircraft come and go.
They added to the fun by bringing in aircraft from their vintage flight and regularly brought in their larger types. Even the DC-6 made a spirited fly-past once.
Air Atlantique pulled out after Alastair was killed and we got BP instead.
BP wants public money to upgrade the facilities, £500,000 of taxpayers cash, but no details of what he wants to do have emerged nearly a year later.
BP wants to start up scheduled services to Cardiff and Ireland but he doesn't have a suitable aircraft let alone an AOC.
BP has systematically sacked or got rid of those staff who had the experience who dared challenge the changes and replaced them with Boy Scouts.
The BP welcome to most flyers get is cool - its only a bit warmer if they actually spend money.
BP is not the only chancer like this in aviation. They usually have their wings clipped, or fingers burnt, after a short time.
Guest
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Reading this thread I was confused. I've been flying to Caernarfon regularly since the early 1990s and knew it as a nice friendly place. Nothing could change so quickly and it did look to me as if a vendetta was being waged by a couple of pos(t)ers against the new operator. So I decided to go down to Caernarfon last weekend to see for myself.
What is being reported here is no vendetta against Billy Pickles - its the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Indeed it should be even stronger than that. Last weekend was an absolute disgrace.
I saw most of what has been described here go on. If I saw it, and others saw it, then the CAA and the other authorities should be called to account for allowing such behaviour to continue.
What is being reported here is no vendetta against Billy Pickles - its the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Indeed it should be even stronger than that. Last weekend was an absolute disgrace.
I saw most of what has been described here go on. If I saw it, and others saw it, then the CAA and the other authorities should be called to account for allowing such behaviour to continue.
Guest
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There seems to be a common element here Dickybird, lets see. Total posts 1, registered May 2001. Are you sure you're not someone else again in disguise ?
You say you regularly flew in to Caernarfon, where from?
The restaurant is now 1000 times better that it was 6 months ago, making improvements to somewhere DOES take time, be realistic, oh and most airfield operators can't just go out and get £500,000 off the money tree. What planet are you on ? So I can avoid it.
You say you regularly flew in to Caernarfon, where from?
The restaurant is now 1000 times better that it was 6 months ago, making improvements to somewhere DOES take time, be realistic, oh and most airfield operators can't just go out and get £500,000 off the money tree. What planet are you on ? So I can avoid it.
Guest
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My my we have been busy! I never thought that so many of us could have been at the same place at the same time, spooky. But just to clarify a couple of points. I am me and no one else, so I just use one nickname.So Vanessa my dear, if you can't stomach the fact that everyone else has seen through BP, then maybe its you thats on the wrong planet! We can't all be wrong. Oh, and I can see that you miss directed the radio comment this way but I hate to disappoint you, I know exactly what you're talking about, I have held an Ground/Air radio operators licence since 1986. Allthough I'm only a humble PPL, I am pushing towards 1000 hours P1. I first landed at Caernarfon in 1976 and had the privilege to have known and befriended Mr Jim Keen, Capt Ray Blyth, Mr Gareth Aggett and the late Alistair Lynn-Macrae who were all managing directors in their time and all true professionals. I am very proud to be able to say that I, along with a very small band of equally enthusiastic GA pilots were there when it counted. Who do you think was there when this airfield was clawed back from oblivon? I wonder where you were in 1976. This is no vendetta Venessa! This is the way it is. Atlantic ran a safe airfield cause the CAA said so in the annual audits, they all virtualy had clean sheets. In the last 5 years, Mike Collet spent £100,000 on 02-20, £40,000 on refurbishing the restaurant and countless thousands more on other projects. So, by any standard, it was not run down. Now to a more pressing point. I am ALL for GA, I have owned 3 A/C and I actively take part in GA, but what I can't support is an idiot that thinks he can operate an airfield as a theme park. Cars and A/C do not mix as I have already said. Get Mr BP to do the honourable thing and get out whilst the going is good, otherwise he might make a name for himself in the national news and in the files of the AAIB. Oh, and by the way, I do hold a qualification certificate issued by the Institution Of Occupational Safety and Health, so I know what is dangerous or not! May the CAA act with haste before some innocent person pays the ultimate price for BP incompetence.
[This message has been edited by agent.mulder (edited 03 May 2001).]
[This message has been edited by agent.mulder (edited 03 May 2001).]
Guest
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My experience and knowledge of the field or any of the organisations mentioned in this thread is nill - but it seems to me that there may be more substance in this thread than 'just' a vendetta on an anonymous bulletin board.
I hope if somebody saw me doing something that was potentially dangerous they'd try to stop me.
Has anybody with any evidence, anecdotal or otherwise, actually informed the CAA? Or are you all just hoping that they'll magically find out?
Isn't that what CHIRP could be used for?
Steve R
--
Recently qualified PPL(A) at Rochester (and Lydd). Read my log book and store your own backup at: http://www.e-logbooks.co.uk
I hope if somebody saw me doing something that was potentially dangerous they'd try to stop me.
Has anybody with any evidence, anecdotal or otherwise, actually informed the CAA? Or are you all just hoping that they'll magically find out?
Isn't that what CHIRP could be used for?
Steve R
--
Recently qualified PPL(A) at Rochester (and Lydd). Read my log book and store your own backup at: http://www.e-logbooks.co.uk
Guest
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I for one have contacted the CAA directly - did so as soon as I got home last weekend. I did it to clear my consciene. Still waiting for a reply though!
The weather forecast this weekend is good, there's a Spitfire (display?) at Caernarfon and the Aeronca's are due to fly in. Will Billy be taking more risks? I won't be there this time to watch but I hope there won't be any incidents.
The weather forecast this weekend is good, there's a Spitfire (display?) at Caernarfon and the Aeronca's are due to fly in. Will Billy be taking more risks? I won't be there this time to watch but I hope there won't be any incidents.
Guest
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Well done Dickybird! There's a need for more like you. I called the CAA a few minutes ago and was stonewalled between departments so be prepared for a long wait.
It seems that the people who will 'deal' with Silly Billy are the air enforcement branch. I think these are the big blokes with black coats, dark glasses and coshes in their pockets. They swoop down on unsuspecting pilots and drag 'em off to court for doing things like opening the cockpit door with your right hand or sounding the stall warner at 2am. Then fines and costs are levied which mean the poor pilot is grounded due to lack of funds. Its too much like hard work to actually gather evidence against toerags like Silly Billy, who appears to have quite a pull with the lads at Gatwick. Could it be that he has insiders at the CAA? The cleaners perhaps or someone behind the curtains?
If action is eventually taken by the CAA (Cancel All Aviation) then perhaps we here at Pprune could claim the credit.
It seems that the people who will 'deal' with Silly Billy are the air enforcement branch. I think these are the big blokes with black coats, dark glasses and coshes in their pockets. They swoop down on unsuspecting pilots and drag 'em off to court for doing things like opening the cockpit door with your right hand or sounding the stall warner at 2am. Then fines and costs are levied which mean the poor pilot is grounded due to lack of funds. Its too much like hard work to actually gather evidence against toerags like Silly Billy, who appears to have quite a pull with the lads at Gatwick. Could it be that he has insiders at the CAA? The cleaners perhaps or someone behind the curtains?
If action is eventually taken by the CAA (Cancel All Aviation) then perhaps we here at Pprune could claim the credit.
Guest
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Good Shepherd, you really are an angry bunny are'nt you! Time of the month perhaps?
Is Caernarfon a licensed aerodrome? If so, contact the relevant department at the CAA (Aerodrome Standards)and tell them whats going on. If it's as bad as everyone is making out, then they should be concerned enough to investigate. Give clear and concise evidence of what is happening, like breaches of the Air Nav order etc, otherwise they will just think its another anti-aeroplane nutter on the phone again.
P.S. I take it the airshow advertised later in the year at Caernarfon is off then?
Is Caernarfon a licensed aerodrome? If so, contact the relevant department at the CAA (Aerodrome Standards)and tell them whats going on. If it's as bad as everyone is making out, then they should be concerned enough to investigate. Give clear and concise evidence of what is happening, like breaches of the Air Nav order etc, otherwise they will just think its another anti-aeroplane nutter on the phone again.
P.S. I take it the airshow advertised later in the year at Caernarfon is off then?