First Sandown, now Bembridge!
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For me it is not so much the landing fee as the hassle factor involved. If you need to give 24 hrs PPR by semaphore, wear pink underpants and stand on your head before they will accept you, I can't be bothered.
If on the other hand if I can be flying along, decide I need a pee and a cuppa and simply land with no agro (a la USA), park in a nice area and enjoy a tea in a nice cafe then I don't mind paying £20 for the pleasure. Would be nice if that included over night parking for a number of nights too, especially at places like Bembridge.
That is why Bembridge was so good, you could just drop in as and when if you were passing and wanted a break.
If on the other hand if I can be flying along, decide I need a pee and a cuppa and simply land with no agro (a la USA), park in a nice area and enjoy a tea in a nice cafe then I don't mind paying £20 for the pleasure. Would be nice if that included over night parking for a number of nights too, especially at places like Bembridge.
That is why Bembridge was so good, you could just drop in as and when if you were passing and wanted a break.
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Quite right.
There are a number of airfields I've stopped using because of the hassle factor or unreasonable landing or parking fees.
Some small regional airfields think they are international airports and charge accordingly - some grass strips do too!
Perhaps we should start a GA-friendly rating system and shame those at the bottom.
There are a number of airfields I've stopped using because of the hassle factor or unreasonable landing or parking fees.
Some small regional airfields think they are international airports and charge accordingly - some grass strips do too!
Perhaps we should start a GA-friendly rating system and shame those at the bottom.
Join Date: Jan 2011
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BN and the landlord cant agree the terms of a new lease so the landlord has taken back the field is currently unlicensed no radio and no fuel.
Only resident aircraft can fly and the field is closed to BN.
Also the facilities at Bembridge are pretty good and the landing fees not high compared to say goodwood and Shoram. It has full rt, landing lights, papi a good café a pub with 5 Min's walk with a good menu. It normally has fuel and the staff are always helpfull and polite what more do you need?????
I must correct IO540 on just about everything they have said, the Island has a highly skilled work force and a lot of hi tech business are based here which are doing very well. He is just about wrong on everything he said apart from the Island is a great place to visit. BN uses the runway most days and they need a licensed operation for their MOD contracts. I am not sure that a move to Lee would improve the situation and would almost certainly mean the end of Bembridge as we know it.
Only resident aircraft can fly and the field is closed to BN.
Also the facilities at Bembridge are pretty good and the landing fees not high compared to say goodwood and Shoram. It has full rt, landing lights, papi a good café a pub with 5 Min's walk with a good menu. It normally has fuel and the staff are always helpfull and polite what more do you need?????
I must correct IO540 on just about everything they have said, the Island has a highly skilled work force and a lot of hi tech business are based here which are doing very well. He is just about wrong on everything he said apart from the Island is a great place to visit. BN uses the runway most days and they need a licensed operation for their MOD contracts. I am not sure that a move to Lee would improve the situation and would almost certainly mean the end of Bembridge as we know it.
Bembridge
Well said LG, Bembridge would be a loss to GA and it set standards others would find hard to follow. When i was involved with the running of a GA field down west i have to say that the vast majoity of users were "pleased" that the facility was there.Unfortunately running an airfield is more a labour of love rather that a path to riches but the average pilot has no idea what is involved therefore only see's the cost to him.
As with boating, flying is going to get more expensive as we go on so if your aircraft needs a runway and facilities be prepared to pay for it or see it go.
The ideal set up would see "a club" run the airfield as part of being there, but as they themselves are under strong financial pressure these days are rapidly going.
I suspect someone will see the sense of making Bembridge available again (even if unlicenced) so wish them luck for 2011.
As with boating, flying is going to get more expensive as we go on so if your aircraft needs a runway and facilities be prepared to pay for it or see it go.
The ideal set up would see "a club" run the airfield as part of being there, but as they themselves are under strong financial pressure these days are rapidly going.
I suspect someone will see the sense of making Bembridge available again (even if unlicenced) so wish them luck for 2011.
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It has full rt, landing lights, papi a good café a pub with 5 Min's walk with a good menu. It normally has fuel and the staff are always helpfull and polite what more do you need?????
1. I am not sure what you mean by full rt, I think it has A/G,
2. I have never noticed a PAPI in 20 odd years, but maybe they passed me bye,
3. Sadly the pub is not good, nor is the ever popular Crab and Lobster any more.
All that said, the staff are great, the cafe is very good as airport cafes go, the island is beautiful with many good resteraunts if you are willing to go a little further afield, and the airport just needs a dozen or so bikes L2K style.
Having been involved with some businesses on the Island I would also agree that there are a number of world classes companies based on the Island.
It is a great place and a great shame - lets hope they sort themselves out.
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It is/was an A/G service but what is slightly odd is the slant LaurieGav puts on the situation at Bembridge which clearly differs from what others are saying.
Read this: Doubts over airport future
The airfield owner seems not to want to let B&N have their cake and eat it so B&N decide to use the strongest option open to them - withdraw.
If the Taylor family wanted to operate the airfield I am sure they could find people living on the Island who are more than willing and capable of doing it, with or without an ATZ.
Call their bluff and let B&N transport their aircraft by road.
ooh this makes me feel so militant
Read this: Doubts over airport future
The airfield owner seems not to want to let B&N have their cake and eat it so B&N decide to use the strongest option open to them - withdraw.
If the Taylor family wanted to operate the airfield I am sure they could find people living on the Island who are more than willing and capable of doing it, with or without an ATZ.
Call their bluff and let B&N transport their aircraft by road.
ooh this makes me feel so militant
Last edited by Nibbler; 5th Jan 2011 at 10:19.
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The problem is that B&N probably can move right out. Maybe not today but soon enough.
In general terms, one cannot p*ss around with big companies. Many politicians have discovered this to their cost. The company just moves to another location. They tend to not have great emotional attachments.
I have visited the B&N factory ~ 2 years ago (on a tour) and I think their biggest real activity was the Cirrus assembly, which involves shipping almost whole airframes to the IOW by road+boat, so there is little advantage to the present location. I would not mess with them if it was me.
I also know that an awful lot of people working on the IOM commute there on the ferry. For any given company moving to for example Lee on Solent, only a part of the workforce is going to be sorry.
In general terms, one cannot p*ss around with big companies. Many politicians have discovered this to their cost. The company just moves to another location. They tend to not have great emotional attachments.
I have visited the B&N factory ~ 2 years ago (on a tour) and I think their biggest real activity was the Cirrus assembly, which involves shipping almost whole airframes to the IOW by road+boat, so there is little advantage to the present location. I would not mess with them if it was me.
I also know that an awful lot of people working on the IOM commute there on the ferry. For any given company moving to for example Lee on Solent, only a part of the workforce is going to be sorry.
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IO540 - I agree companies can and do cut off their nose to spite their face and B&N are trying to make out this is how they are going to be playing it. However there are additional cost implications to the 'by road' threat and there are many more issues to deal with if they decide to relocate. In such economic times it would be a risky decision and at the very least could set the company back in their development.
I don't know the history of what has gone on between owner and operator, clearly this will have a baring on current issues and perhaps I am being too critical of B&N who might be at their wits end.
I don't know the history of what has gone on between owner and operator, clearly this will have a baring on current issues and perhaps I am being too critical of B&N who might be at their wits end.
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Some one told me once a deal is only good if it is good for both parties. It is a nice old fashion sentiment perhaps not often remembered these days.
I can imagine if this is about rent both parties have very different standpoints. The landlords doubtless feel the rent should be commensurate with a "large" commercial operator occupying the field and B&G doubtless feel that were they not there no one else would be interested in taking the site on other than at a very much reduced rent.
The unusual "opportunity" of cheap accomodation at Lee may have brought matters to a head in that B&G would seldom have had the opportunity in the past to move to another on airport site that was close too hand.
If that has combined with a rent review or lease renewal one could easily imagine how this situation has arisen.
Both parties need to find a way of there being something in it for each of them otherwise the landlord might find himself operating an airport in the not too distant future. Who knows if he turns his hand to it and is able to rent the on site premises he might make a good go of things.
Financial considerations aside all credit to B&G who have in my opinion done much for Bembridge in terms of making it one of the most pleasant airports to visit.
I can imagine if this is about rent both parties have very different standpoints. The landlords doubtless feel the rent should be commensurate with a "large" commercial operator occupying the field and B&G doubtless feel that were they not there no one else would be interested in taking the site on other than at a very much reduced rent.
The unusual "opportunity" of cheap accomodation at Lee may have brought matters to a head in that B&G would seldom have had the opportunity in the past to move to another on airport site that was close too hand.
If that has combined with a rent review or lease renewal one could easily imagine how this situation has arisen.
Both parties need to find a way of there being something in it for each of them otherwise the landlord might find himself operating an airport in the not too distant future. Who knows if he turns his hand to it and is able to rent the on site premises he might make a good go of things.
Financial considerations aside all credit to B&G who have in my opinion done much for Bembridge in terms of making it one of the most pleasant airports to visit.
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Bembridge Airport Help Needed Please !
It could be helpful, I understand, if those so inclined, could drop a line by email to
the BN Airfield Operations Manager Pete Dalby - [email protected] - along the lines of : " I enjoyed the airport whilst run by BNG and would like it to continue as a licensed airfield with full facilities & run by a professional air traffic team etc " OK, before anyone points it out its air - ground, I know !
I am not sure exactly how this will be used and have given up trying to second guess the politics, but Pete D is a good guy and if it helps safeguard the airport for all I think it worthwhile. I have sent my letter.
the BN Airfield Operations Manager Pete Dalby - [email protected] - along the lines of : " I enjoyed the airport whilst run by BNG and would like it to continue as a licensed airfield with full facilities & run by a professional air traffic team etc " OK, before anyone points it out its air - ground, I know !
I am not sure exactly how this will be used and have given up trying to second guess the politics, but Pete D is a good guy and if it helps safeguard the airport for all I think it worthwhile. I have sent my letter.
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I passed the PPL last year and my first solo trip out was Bembridge and the IOW.
I'm really disappointed about the rumoured closure and hope like many, that an amicable arrangement can be found. It was a flight with friends to IOW that finally pushed me into doing the PPL - it would be a great shame to loose it.
I'm really disappointed about the rumoured closure and hope like many, that an amicable arrangement can be found. It was a flight with friends to IOW that finally pushed me into doing the PPL - it would be a great shame to loose it.
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‘Blockade’ row could cost jobs at airport
Link provided by my local sister ?Blockade? row could cost jobs at airport
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BN this week
I have just visited BN at Bembridge and have an insight of the problems they are facing.
Although money does form a part of the dispute with the land owner, the real problem seems to be about the control of activities on the airfield. In the interests of flight safety, what BN needs as an airfield manager is to be in control of all the airside activity. At the moment, there is also a gliding club and a model aircraft club who use the airfield without any reference to BN, and this creates dangerous conflict on a weekly basis. The land owner seems to be taking advice from his own representative who is also a member of the neighbouring gliding club. (Is that a conflict of interest?)
This same person used to work for Pilatus BN some time ago and the reason for his departure is not clear, but there seems to be some acrimony there. As I understand it, he has been responsible for the closure of the airfield twice before.
The main point I would make is that BN are extremely happy to continue managing the airfield even though it seems rather costly. If this cannot work, BN will be equally happy to simply have access to the airfield, access which is currently being blocked by the land owner.
Apparently, a BN customer was supposed to bring an Islander into Bembridge this week for modification, and the land owner wanted him to pay GBP1800 for the landing, and would not give any assurance that the aircraft would be able to depart again after modification! From Pete Dalby I understand that until a couple of weeks ago the standard commercial landing rate for an Islander at Bembridge was GBP50!!
As a contingency to sustain business, I hear BN are looking at options at Sandown and a few close UK airfields other than their existing facility at Lee On Solent.
In my view, without BN, or some similar organisation brought in to manage the airfield, it is unlikely that Bembridge will survive very long particularly as BN own the control tower, cafeteria and fire station.
IO540 and others, I am certain the Cirrus assembly at Bembridge ceased in 2009 as a result of the impact of the GFC on Cirrus sales. Sir George Cayley has hit the nail on the head if he is talking about a nail in the coffin for Bembridge Airfield.
Although money does form a part of the dispute with the land owner, the real problem seems to be about the control of activities on the airfield. In the interests of flight safety, what BN needs as an airfield manager is to be in control of all the airside activity. At the moment, there is also a gliding club and a model aircraft club who use the airfield without any reference to BN, and this creates dangerous conflict on a weekly basis. The land owner seems to be taking advice from his own representative who is also a member of the neighbouring gliding club. (Is that a conflict of interest?)
This same person used to work for Pilatus BN some time ago and the reason for his departure is not clear, but there seems to be some acrimony there. As I understand it, he has been responsible for the closure of the airfield twice before.
The main point I would make is that BN are extremely happy to continue managing the airfield even though it seems rather costly. If this cannot work, BN will be equally happy to simply have access to the airfield, access which is currently being blocked by the land owner.
Apparently, a BN customer was supposed to bring an Islander into Bembridge this week for modification, and the land owner wanted him to pay GBP1800 for the landing, and would not give any assurance that the aircraft would be able to depart again after modification! From Pete Dalby I understand that until a couple of weeks ago the standard commercial landing rate for an Islander at Bembridge was GBP50!!
As a contingency to sustain business, I hear BN are looking at options at Sandown and a few close UK airfields other than their existing facility at Lee On Solent.
In my view, without BN, or some similar organisation brought in to manage the airfield, it is unlikely that Bembridge will survive very long particularly as BN own the control tower, cafeteria and fire station.
IO540 and others, I am certain the Cirrus assembly at Bembridge ceased in 2009 as a result of the impact of the GFC on Cirrus sales. Sir George Cayley has hit the nail on the head if he is talking about a nail in the coffin for Bembridge Airfield.
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Sandown is not closed!
Despite a lot of talk to the contrary, Sandown is very much open! Yes it requires PPR, no there is no fuel but the cafe in the Specialist Flying School (opposite side of the field to the tower) make a nice cuppa! Sandown needs as much support as possible in order to help prevent its closure at the hands of the usual greedy developers. Until the ongoing disruption at Bembridge is (hopefully) resolved, Sandown is also the only remaining option for visiting traffic to the Island. As far as I am aware, the annual Spamfield Microlight fly-in in the summer will be going ahead as usual as well, unless somebody knows any different?
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I enjoyed a fabulous fly in to Sandown this morning, to be welcomed by friendy staff on the radio and in the cafe 
Just £10 to land then less than a fiver for hot breakfast and coffee. The grass runway was in a good state, dry, though you have to weave past the mole hills taxying to the R23 hold! When the sun shines their outdoor seating will be hard to beat for a quick rest and view of the field.
Bembridge Airport Limited should take note otherwise it will be their loss
Just £10 to land then less than a fiver for hot breakfast and coffee. The grass runway was in a good state, dry, though you have to weave past the mole hills taxying to the R23 hold! When the sun shines their outdoor seating will be hard to beat for a quick rest and view of the field.Bembridge Airport Limited should take note otherwise it will be their loss
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latest developments
BN have now signed a 2 year lease on Sandown and are apparently planning to get it relicenced. They will also be running Lee on Solent from 1st April, not sure on exactly what basis. Still no fuel anywhere on the Island at present, although hopefully this will be changing fairly soon.