The Friendliest Airfield - I dont think so!
Unfortunately there seem to be a lot of parents who bring their children to an airfield and expect someone else to keep them in order.
Last week I saw two children climbing on the fence as their parents sat alongside. The mower was going up and down, getting ever closer to the fence. Eventually, the mower had to stop and one of the Ops staff had to come out and ask the parents to remove their kids until the mower passed.
I assume that the main job of the Ops staff is to operate the air activity safely, taking phone calls, operating the radio and providing a service to pilots. When they see children behaving unsafely, I imagine that they do not always have time for "a quiet, smiling word from the airside of that little fence." ( Although sometimes I have actually seen them do that)
If parents do not have sufficient situational awareness to keep their kid under control perhaps they shouldn't be near an airfield anyway.
Last week I saw two children climbing on the fence as their parents sat alongside. The mower was going up and down, getting ever closer to the fence. Eventually, the mower had to stop and one of the Ops staff had to come out and ask the parents to remove their kids until the mower passed.
I assume that the main job of the Ops staff is to operate the air activity safely, taking phone calls, operating the radio and providing a service to pilots. When they see children behaving unsafely, I imagine that they do not always have time for "a quiet, smiling word from the airside of that little fence." ( Although sometimes I have actually seen them do that)
If parents do not have sufficient situational awareness to keep their kid under control perhaps they shouldn't be near an airfield anyway.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London
Age: 68
Posts: 1,269
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Pulse,
I agree with you, the parents should be spoken to, but certainly not over a tannoy, especially not as there seemed to be ample time for a quiet word.
But this seems quite a side-track from the original thread....
Is the airfield trying to improve its image through a "comments invited" page on their website, which is then being frustrated by the pedant checking the internet postings and/or is the same pedant being dominated by his wife at home so much that he needs to use the tannoy at his club to compensate? Check the staff car park for red cars!
It would be a shame.... We all love genuinely friendly aerodromes with warm and hospitable and understanding yet cautious staff........
I agree with you, the parents should be spoken to, but certainly not over a tannoy, especially not as there seemed to be ample time for a quiet word.
But this seems quite a side-track from the original thread....
Is the airfield trying to improve its image through a "comments invited" page on their website, which is then being frustrated by the pedant checking the internet postings and/or is the same pedant being dominated by his wife at home so much that he needs to use the tannoy at his club to compensate? Check the staff car park for red cars!
It would be a shame.... We all love genuinely friendly aerodromes with warm and hospitable and understanding yet cautious staff........
vanHorck,
I would be interested to hear how you know that. How can you possibly know how busy Ops were at that particular time. Were you there?
As a regular visitor I can tell you that the place is always busy at w/e, even in Winter. The young team who run it are constantly coming up with ways of improving it. Maybe they could increase the landing fee and employ a child warden to be ready "with a quiet word".
especially not as there seemed to be ample time for a quiet word.
As a regular visitor I can tell you that the place is always busy at w/e, even in Winter. The young team who run it are constantly coming up with ways of improving it. Maybe they could increase the landing fee and employ a child warden to be ready "with a quiet word".
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London
Age: 68
Posts: 1,269
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Pulse
you wrote:
Last week I saw two children climbing on the fence as their parents sat alongside. The mower was going up and down, getting ever closer to the fence.
so I read from this they did not go on the fence just prior to the lawn mower arriving?
No other reason for my assumption.... Like I said, the parents are responsible and should act accordingly, no discussion about that. The question is how to deal with irresponsible parents, the pedant's tannoy way or perhaps the friendly aerodrome approach?
jxc well said!
:-)
you wrote:
Last week I saw two children climbing on the fence as their parents sat alongside. The mower was going up and down, getting ever closer to the fence.
so I read from this they did not go on the fence just prior to the lawn mower arriving?
No other reason for my assumption.... Like I said, the parents are responsible and should act accordingly, no discussion about that. The question is how to deal with irresponsible parents, the pedant's tannoy way or perhaps the friendly aerodrome approach?
jxc well said!
:-)
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Hampshire
Age: 46
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe I have been at the wrong time... I have four visits to Compton in my logbook, the last being yesterday evening when we diverted there just as they were closing. Let us park outside the club house, sorted out a coffee althought the cafe had closed and were generally welcoming.
The airfield is in a lovely location, the runway is in good condition and it is not difficult to find (due North of Blandford Forum and the only thing on top of a hill with a runway and aircraft on it).
The airfield is in a lovely location, the runway is in good condition and it is not difficult to find (due North of Blandford Forum and the only thing on top of a hill with a runway and aircraft on it).
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London
Age: 68
Posts: 1,269
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've posted the following comment on the Compton website:
There is a thread running on the PPRUNE private flying forum about a rather irritated reply a poster received on his suggestions on this contact us form (ed: obviously the Compton Abbas one).
I know neither the original poster nor the airfield but whatever the relationship between the aerodrome and the original poster, I think the reply defeats the object of this form a little.
Because obviously Compton Abbas Aerodrome is trying hard to be a great place (and achieving this to a large extent) , perhaps some guidelines could be given to those replying to comments as well as perhaps an explanation on the forum could be in order?
Kind regards from Holland
There is a thread running on the PPRUNE private flying forum about a rather irritated reply a poster received on his suggestions on this contact us form (ed: obviously the Compton Abbas one).
I know neither the original poster nor the airfield but whatever the relationship between the aerodrome and the original poster, I think the reply defeats the object of this form a little.
Because obviously Compton Abbas Aerodrome is trying hard to be a great place (and achieving this to a large extent) , perhaps some guidelines could be given to those replying to comments as well as perhaps an explanation on the forum could be in order?
Kind regards from Holland
Pompey till I die
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Guildford
Age: 51
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
GA
Pilots + GA sorts, a funny old breed.
It's expensive, so straight away you get a certain "type" that takes up flying. Generally has a few ££££££ spare and is very used to getting their own way. In business they are generally the boss and so spend their time telling others what to do. They don't, naturally, like being told what to do. In fact they hate it.
Thing is flying is also dangerous and so if you don't let people tell you what to do then you end up dying. Then the game is, which people to let tell you what to do ? It's a spicy, vindaloo of a political game.
Add to this heavy melting point the fact that most people are older, and therefore more conservative Telegraph reading types, and you end up with a phall
In my view, out of all the leisure activities I pursue aviation is the most peculiar. Whilst, initially, very welcoming that welcome can quickly (and I mean only slightly after your flying club fee is paid) turn into a bunch of bitching / back biting and politics that can be a real mine field to tread.
People booking lots of slots then not flying them, people not arriving back with the plane when they are meant to, let's not even get started on the fellows who can't wait to slate dead pilots before they're even buried.
I think there's a law somewhere that any thread on PPrune more than 3 pages long MUST be comprised of bickering only.
This thread is just going to run and run.
GA / flying, it's a funny old game.
It's expensive, so straight away you get a certain "type" that takes up flying. Generally has a few ££££££ spare and is very used to getting their own way. In business they are generally the boss and so spend their time telling others what to do. They don't, naturally, like being told what to do. In fact they hate it.
Thing is flying is also dangerous and so if you don't let people tell you what to do then you end up dying. Then the game is, which people to let tell you what to do ? It's a spicy, vindaloo of a political game.
Add to this heavy melting point the fact that most people are older, and therefore more conservative Telegraph reading types, and you end up with a phall
In my view, out of all the leisure activities I pursue aviation is the most peculiar. Whilst, initially, very welcoming that welcome can quickly (and I mean only slightly after your flying club fee is paid) turn into a bunch of bitching / back biting and politics that can be a real mine field to tread.
People booking lots of slots then not flying them, people not arriving back with the plane when they are meant to, let's not even get started on the fellows who can't wait to slate dead pilots before they're even buried.
I think there's a law somewhere that any thread on PPrune more than 3 pages long MUST be comprised of bickering only.
This thread is just going to run and run.
GA / flying, it's a funny old game.
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Essex UK
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well lets see if we can get it to 3 pages and prove your point PP
Actually what I think is at the core is a complete lack of people skills from the OP. OK maybe from the reply too, but more from the original 'feedback' that was sent which wasn't in my mind at all reasonable. It would be the sort of thing one might bring up at a meeting not a feedback form.
Feedback expected I suspect would be:
Had a great day, I'll tell all my friends about it, food was OK but a bit expensive. Will come again.
Not:
A list of gripes, moans, silly suggestions, demands for a new car park for parking a £40,000 car etc. Not really sensible is it.
It's also very noticeable how quiet the OP has been since the first post. Fire a broadside and watch the damage done. Personally I'm taking the same view as some above, never really thought about the place but it sounds a lot like my club, nice place to spend the day watching aeroplanes go by, so might drop in soon.
PS take a look at a feedback form at other GA fields, which read much more like my 'expected' response rather than the OPs suggestions to re-invent the place.
Actually what I think is at the core is a complete lack of people skills from the OP. OK maybe from the reply too, but more from the original 'feedback' that was sent which wasn't in my mind at all reasonable. It would be the sort of thing one might bring up at a meeting not a feedback form.
Feedback expected I suspect would be:
Had a great day, I'll tell all my friends about it, food was OK but a bit expensive. Will come again.
Not:
A list of gripes, moans, silly suggestions, demands for a new car park for parking a £40,000 car etc. Not really sensible is it.
It's also very noticeable how quiet the OP has been since the first post. Fire a broadside and watch the damage done. Personally I'm taking the same view as some above, never really thought about the place but it sounds a lot like my club, nice place to spend the day watching aeroplanes go by, so might drop in soon.
PS take a look at a feedback form at other GA fields, which read much more like my 'expected' response rather than the OPs suggestions to re-invent the place.
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Aberdeen
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I hae to say that I a staggered by some of the pathetic excuses that some posters have posted.
The 'young team'. The nonsense that blasting out orders oer ythe tannoy is an acceptable way of treating anyone, only surpassed by the thought that feedback can only be positive......
What planet are you people from?
The image of Basil Fawlty is actually flattering to the sort of things these people are saying and doing.
Feeback is likely to be negative - if you only want flattery become a celebrity, in the real world people complain- live with it.
If you have gieven them cause to complain you are getting it wrong. A business which might become successful will apologise and take actions. One that doesn't has no future. 'Young team' may be an excuse, redundant team likely to be the outcome with the sort of reply that was posted.
To make ecxuses for that sort of behaviour suggests a strange viewpoint - vested interests or the sort of people who love agreeing with someone they think will be 'good' to them?
The 'young team'. The nonsense that blasting out orders oer ythe tannoy is an acceptable way of treating anyone, only surpassed by the thought that feedback can only be positive......
What planet are you people from?
The image of Basil Fawlty is actually flattering to the sort of things these people are saying and doing.
Feeback is likely to be negative - if you only want flattery become a celebrity, in the real world people complain- live with it.
If you have gieven them cause to complain you are getting it wrong. A business which might become successful will apologise and take actions. One that doesn't has no future. 'Young team' may be an excuse, redundant team likely to be the outcome with the sort of reply that was posted.
To make ecxuses for that sort of behaviour suggests a strange viewpoint - vested interests or the sort of people who love agreeing with someone they think will be 'good' to them?
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Essex UK
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
gasax, I can assure you I have absolutely no vested interest.
I just have a different perspective of what a website feedback form usually functions as. Being the recipient of the contents of several, I can assure you most people DO NOT use them to suggest you totally change your operation, build new car parks etc.
As for the tannoy, sometimes on sunny days we get that at our field, mostly so you can hear the RT as it adds to the atmosphere. I quite like it. Anything over a tannoy probably sounds gruff etc if directed at the public, so yes probably a very small mistake to do so.
I think comments like What planet are you people from? are best answered by saying, the small friendly airfield planet, where I spend a lot of very nice days surrounded by generally pleasant and intelligent people from all levels of flying and all walks of life. I very much appreciate the efforts of my flying club and the staff which btw is in no way connected to this thread. You get the odd total 'a***se' as this thread proves, but fortunately fairly rare.
I don't think feedback forms should be positive, but making the most ridiculous demands when clearly you are a longterm club member who could have brought up any of these points in person seems to me like it had a motive from the start.
I just have a different perspective of what a website feedback form usually functions as. Being the recipient of the contents of several, I can assure you most people DO NOT use them to suggest you totally change your operation, build new car parks etc.
As for the tannoy, sometimes on sunny days we get that at our field, mostly so you can hear the RT as it adds to the atmosphere. I quite like it. Anything over a tannoy probably sounds gruff etc if directed at the public, so yes probably a very small mistake to do so.
I think comments like What planet are you people from? are best answered by saying, the small friendly airfield planet, where I spend a lot of very nice days surrounded by generally pleasant and intelligent people from all levels of flying and all walks of life. I very much appreciate the efforts of my flying club and the staff which btw is in no way connected to this thread. You get the odd total 'a***se' as this thread proves, but fortunately fairly rare.
I don't think feedback forms should be positive, but making the most ridiculous demands when clearly you are a longterm club member who could have brought up any of these points in person seems to me like it had a motive from the start.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London
Age: 68
Posts: 1,269
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you Gasax!
Lets look for the red cars....
Conventional Gear,
I have no interest either and I accept your view on the comments form, however, it is obvious the club is trying hard to being hospitable and modern and for sure somebody (who replied) did not understand the message the management must be trying to give out.
Happy Easter to all forum members!
Lets look for the red cars....
Conventional Gear,
I have no interest either and I accept your view on the comments form, however, it is obvious the club is trying hard to being hospitable and modern and for sure somebody (who replied) did not understand the message the management must be trying to give out.
Happy Easter to all forum members!
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Essex UK
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
it is obvious the club is trying hard to being hospitable and modern and for sure somebody (who replied) did not understand the message the management must be trying to give out.
I once had a member of the public contact me via a feedback form for a voluntary service. I didn't reply and a few days later got a very angry further communication listing all the things that could be changed, what we should do (which we had no budget for) how poor the service we offered was, etc etc, much like the OP's original post.
I remember it well as the reason I hadn't replied in the first place was my business partner had just been diagnosed with cancer. You can guess how I finally did respond, much in the way as appears in this thread, I frankly told them to stuff their suggestions where the sun don't shine.
I think the whole thing stinks of trying to provoke a response so it could be posted here. In this day and age and with the problems faced by GA airfields I really think the whole thing is a 'bad show', but then what would I know.
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Rugby
Posts: 883
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Conventional Gear.
I think you protest too much. The feedback form is likely to generate responses of all types depending on many factors. The date of the next members meeting etc., the proximity of home address of the member concerned to the airfield. I suppose the member could have written to the committee suggesting the changes he proposed, but isn't that what the feedback form was for?
You don't have to agree that his suggestions are practical, affordable or even desirable, but the opportunity to reply presents the person responsible to engage the member in more involvement in the club. (After all if he can afford to fly AND have an expensive car, he might possibly be a new source of funds).
Clearly the response from the club was ill-thought out and possibly a bit rushed. It might however be a true response from someone unable to accept criticism. The initial feedback as reported on here, started off being complimentary, so it wasn't all bad. As a committee member for many years of a boating organisation, I can assure you that not all suggestions received merit much further thought, but they all demand a polite response.
You don't have to agree that his suggestions are practical, affordable or even desirable, but the opportunity to reply presents the person responsible to engage the member in more involvement in the club. (After all if he can afford to fly AND have an expensive car, he might possibly be a new source of funds).
Clearly the response from the club was ill-thought out and possibly a bit rushed. It might however be a true response from someone unable to accept criticism. The initial feedback as reported on here, started off being complimentary, so it wasn't all bad. As a committee member for many years of a boating organisation, I can assure you that not all suggestions received merit much further thought, but they all demand a polite response.
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Essex UK
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well I couldn't argue with your point Dawdler, just been there myself and fired off an email without thinking. Glad it wasn't posted to a forum though with my name etc. as the original post was here, now edited. I just think the 'crime' doesn't really fit the 'punishment', but as I'm not involved in any way I guess I've said more than enough on this thread. 
(3 pages PP)
(3 pages PP
)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Dorset
Age: 49
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Seems to be a fair bit of inverse snobbery here.. Ok making anoint about his (or her) £40k motor is probably not necessary but the comments should not have been rebroadcast by the airfield (read the original post - comments (any comments whatsoever that is) where invited. The airfield resending the OPs comments on to everyone is a breach of trust).
There are no excuses for giving customers the big F Off.. Re read the OPs original comments, they read politely and appear to be from an advocate not a disgruntled member. The airfield management may be young and naive but not naive enough to take upwards of hundreds or thousands (thousands more likely) of peoples money. You have no place in managing (or even working) with such a contemptuous attitude towards customers. Inexperience does not equal bad attitude. Simply saying inexperience is to blame is unfair to all young business people who do a fantastic job with little experience.
Compton Abbas is a great place.. I also don't like to see someone's business shot to pieces on a forum. I'd say they had it 95% right - it's a lot better than many fields I go to..
There are no excuses for giving customers the big F Off.. Re read the OPs original comments, they read politely and appear to be from an advocate not a disgruntled member. The airfield management may be young and naive but not naive enough to take upwards of hundreds or thousands (thousands more likely) of peoples money. You have no place in managing (or even working) with such a contemptuous attitude towards customers. Inexperience does not equal bad attitude. Simply saying inexperience is to blame is unfair to all young business people who do a fantastic job with little experience.
Compton Abbas is a great place.. I also don't like to see someone's business shot to pieces on a forum. I'd say they had it 95% right - it's a lot better than many fields I go to..
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Rugby
Posts: 883
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pudnucker
Compton Abbas is a great place.. I also don't like to see someone's business shot to pieces on a forum. I'd say they had it 95% right - it's a lot better than many fields I go to..
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm still pretty staggered that nobody from Compton Abbas has attempted to diffuse this by issuing an apology or an explanation. It sounds like a great place that is perhaps being held back by one jobsworth. Customers will always complain, whether those complaints are legitimate or not. Its how those complaints are dealt with that is the measure of those running the business.
How about it Compton? You seem pretty good damn good at running a decent airfield, how about proving you're up to to the PR/customer relations side of things as well?
How about it Compton? You seem pretty good damn good at running a decent airfield, how about proving you're up to to the PR/customer relations side of things as well?
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Not a million miles from EGTF
Age: 68
Posts: 1,579
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Great place for a visit. The only criticism I'd make is that the runway could do with a bit of work...!
Not sure of the response I'd get to putting that on the feedback form.
Not sure of the response I'd get to putting that on the feedback form.