The Friendliest Airfield - I dont think so!
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Join Date: Apr 2011
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The Friendliest Airfield - I dont think so!
See below.
Quoted on the Compton Abbas Website:
"Compton Abbas Airfield is well known as being one of the friendliest and most picturesque airfields, not just in the UK, but around the world."
Then, members receive this email:
ANONYMOUS FEEDBACK FORM
Hi Everyone,
We are aware that sometimes it is too busy to chat to us in person about anything you may be concerned about/not happy about/think we could do better with.
So we have created a means whereby you can give us feedback, without putting your name on the form if you don't want to, about anything you like.
We want to make sure we provide you with the best possible service - so please get in touch if you feel we're not up to scratch whether us on operations, your instructors, anything!
Here it is! Compton Abbas Feedback
From XXXXX and XXXXXXXXX.
THEN, read this! Scandalous!
To the writer of this feedback from the new form as per below...
I think you're perhaps a little out of touch with reality - and I suggest you get in touch and let us know who you are. If you are that unhappy then you should consider somehere else! Henstridge is just down the road (not sure about the organic food there though). We have a waiting list for hangarage so if you are in the hangars then we can easily fill your slot. I don't have time to reply to every comment you've made as I am busy arranging fly outs for you, Bournemouth tower visits, events etc etc etc to keep this airfield in its current position of one of the most successful in the country. Read the reviews!
We wouldn't be here for you if we weren't busy so I suggest you enjoy the fact you are part of a thriving airfield with good facilities at reasonable prices that is not in danger of collapse as so many are. The idea of this form was for constructive critisism, not an onslaught of unrealistic 'suggestions' and essentially a slamming of our entire operation. We enjoy the company of all our incredibly supportive members and if you are not one of them you should not be here.
Kind Regards,
XXXX.
ps I would suggest you speak to an engineer before you think about using a pressure washer on your aircraft. And vacuum cleaners are widely available in the shops. And there were two people that regularly used the airfield after hours last year despite my continued encouragement.
> The Feedback is: Compton Abbas is undoubtedly one of the nicest looking
> airfields in the country.
>
> The new pilots room and drinks for flyers behind ops is a good idea. Other
> (constructive) criticsm:
>
> Car Parking - Members need parking spaces. When you pay substantial
> amounts for hangerage etc, its only reasonable that you can expect to park
> your car. I\'m not happy parking my £40\'000 vehicle in the overspill
> carpark (especially overnight). How about a members car park up the other
> end of the hangar? Worth thinking about as I know this is a major nag for
> all the residents up at compton. You are probably only talking 20 cars at
> any one time.
>
> Hours - understand that you have had to change the key arrangements
> becuase of individuals not shutting gate etc. Having that removed
> suddenly, without notice felt like you didnt care at all. Some arrangement
> for after hours flying (and refuelling) would be REALLY good for
> residents.
>
> Clean down facility - to have a pressure washer available for cleaning
> down aircraft would be awesome. You could even charge for the previlige. A
> (Very good) quality pressure washer with detergent costs no more than
> £500. Charge £5 per use - thats 100 clean downs and then you are in
> profit. A good quality cordless hoover could also be offered with a
> similar deal. Another value added sale!
>
> The food hasnt changed in years at Compton and is not up to par with what
> else is available locally. Dorset has some great local suppliers, a more
> organic feel to the menu would be good. Evening meals would also make your
> airfield more of a destination and extend your money earning hours.
My thoughts:
1. Dont ask for feedback if you arent happy if people are not blowing smoke up your @rse
2. This sounds like a German Gestapo Prison Camp Comandant
3. Poor members, one word out of line and they are toast!
4. Keep going with that attitude and your business will be finished.
5. Comments were made in private, they should have been kept private. This is the height of unprofessionalism.
Quoted on the Compton Abbas Website:
"Compton Abbas Airfield is well known as being one of the friendliest and most picturesque airfields, not just in the UK, but around the world."
Then, members receive this email:
ANONYMOUS FEEDBACK FORM
Hi Everyone,
We are aware that sometimes it is too busy to chat to us in person about anything you may be concerned about/not happy about/think we could do better with.
So we have created a means whereby you can give us feedback, without putting your name on the form if you don't want to, about anything you like.
We want to make sure we provide you with the best possible service - so please get in touch if you feel we're not up to scratch whether us on operations, your instructors, anything!
Here it is! Compton Abbas Feedback
From XXXXX and XXXXXXXXX.
THEN, read this! Scandalous!
To the writer of this feedback from the new form as per below...
I think you're perhaps a little out of touch with reality - and I suggest you get in touch and let us know who you are. If you are that unhappy then you should consider somehere else! Henstridge is just down the road (not sure about the organic food there though). We have a waiting list for hangarage so if you are in the hangars then we can easily fill your slot. I don't have time to reply to every comment you've made as I am busy arranging fly outs for you, Bournemouth tower visits, events etc etc etc to keep this airfield in its current position of one of the most successful in the country. Read the reviews!
We wouldn't be here for you if we weren't busy so I suggest you enjoy the fact you are part of a thriving airfield with good facilities at reasonable prices that is not in danger of collapse as so many are. The idea of this form was for constructive critisism, not an onslaught of unrealistic 'suggestions' and essentially a slamming of our entire operation. We enjoy the company of all our incredibly supportive members and if you are not one of them you should not be here.
Kind Regards,
XXXX.
ps I would suggest you speak to an engineer before you think about using a pressure washer on your aircraft. And vacuum cleaners are widely available in the shops. And there were two people that regularly used the airfield after hours last year despite my continued encouragement.
> The Feedback is: Compton Abbas is undoubtedly one of the nicest looking
> airfields in the country.
>
> The new pilots room and drinks for flyers behind ops is a good idea. Other
> (constructive) criticsm:
>
> Car Parking - Members need parking spaces. When you pay substantial
> amounts for hangerage etc, its only reasonable that you can expect to park
> your car. I\'m not happy parking my £40\'000 vehicle in the overspill
> carpark (especially overnight). How about a members car park up the other
> end of the hangar? Worth thinking about as I know this is a major nag for
> all the residents up at compton. You are probably only talking 20 cars at
> any one time.
>
> Hours - understand that you have had to change the key arrangements
> becuase of individuals not shutting gate etc. Having that removed
> suddenly, without notice felt like you didnt care at all. Some arrangement
> for after hours flying (and refuelling) would be REALLY good for
> residents.
>
> Clean down facility - to have a pressure washer available for cleaning
> down aircraft would be awesome. You could even charge for the previlige. A
> (Very good) quality pressure washer with detergent costs no more than
> £500. Charge £5 per use - thats 100 clean downs and then you are in
> profit. A good quality cordless hoover could also be offered with a
> similar deal. Another value added sale!
>
> The food hasnt changed in years at Compton and is not up to par with what
> else is available locally. Dorset has some great local suppliers, a more
> organic feel to the menu would be good. Evening meals would also make your
> airfield more of a destination and extend your money earning hours.
My thoughts:
1. Dont ask for feedback if you arent happy if people are not blowing smoke up your @rse
2. This sounds like a German Gestapo Prison Camp Comandant
3. Poor members, one word out of line and they are toast!
4. Keep going with that attitude and your business will be finished.
5. Comments were made in private, they should have been kept private. This is the height of unprofessionalism.
Over the last couple of years the young team running Compton Abbas have introduced many small changes which have improved the Club atmosphere and friendliness. I see the introduction of the Feedback Forum as another interesting, if slightly naive, move to encourage positive feedback to improve the club even more.
As a young team, they will inevitably make a few mistakes along the way and this may be one of them, but at least they are trying to make the place even better than it is. What they don't need is people like Oddnos making public capital out of it when they do get it slightly wrong.
This thread should be closed.
As a young team, they will inevitably make a few mistakes along the way and this may be one of them, but at least they are trying to make the place even better than it is. What they don't need is people like Oddnos making public capital out of it when they do get it slightly wrong.
This thread should be closed.
Join Date: Mar 2011
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My reaction would be 'bad day in the office', cut them some slack.
Outside of aviation I run a number of public facilities, yes one can react badly to what was made as constructive criticism particularly if it arrives in the form of a cold email if one isn't having the best of days.
Posting it all on a public forum though is much worse form than venting a little steam at a demanding club member.
Outside of aviation I run a number of public facilities, yes one can react badly to what was made as constructive criticism particularly if it arrives in the form of a cold email if one isn't having the best of days.
Posting it all on a public forum though is much worse form than venting a little steam at a demanding club member.
Join Date: Jan 2008
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I know neither party but it seems to me that the feedback form was used in a positive way, by not slagging off things, but simply suggesting what further improvements could be achieved.
So the response from the airfield operators was disappointing in my view
So the response from the airfield operators was disappointing in my view
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Well they say all publicity is good publicity - I hadn't visited or even looked at the Compton Abbas website before so I just did. Will have to visit now, looks like a lovely airfield. I'll just be sure not to offer constructive feedback
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It seems that the response to the feedback is somewhat immature. The feedback started by saying how the good things worked. Having then raised some issues by suggestion (which had been asked for) you may not agree with all that was suggested, but there is no reason to tell the respondent to take his aircraft and leave!
If they genuinely wanted feedback ( and not fishing for compliments) they should expect that some of the feedback will raise issues of which they hadn't thought.
Time to grow up gents and treat your customers with respect.
If they genuinely wanted feedback ( and not fishing for compliments) they should expect that some of the feedback will raise issues of which they hadn't thought.
Time to grow up gents and treat your customers with respect.
G
It has something of a reputation for being a "stealth airfield"
last time I went there was mid seventies. I was getting very worried about the airfield location. Guess it's a bit easier with GPS today.
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If you cant find the airfield at Compton Abbas just make the radio calls and land at Sywell instead; far easier to find.
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Da membership
The whole point of customer feedback forms is to find the negative - not the positive
We all know we are fantastic, our businesses are the best run of all businesses, all of our customers are ecstatic, happy, and content
Lets do a form to confirm that - oh someone disagrees with us. Never liked him anyway.
We all know we are fantastic, our businesses are the best run of all businesses, all of our customers are ecstatic, happy, and content
Lets do a form to confirm that - oh someone disagrees with us. Never liked him anyway.
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The friendliest airfield??
Flew into Compton today, beautiful weather, had a good lunch in the sunshine, watching the Tiger Moth giving joy rides. There were lots of people, mostly non-aviators eating and drinking and just watching the aircraft. what a good business model for a restaurant.
Then some bloke who obviously has an official hat got on the tannoy to tell two delightful and well behaved kids to stop climbing on the railings."For your safety" he proclaimed. He had, of course, to repeat himself a few minutes later we thought because he likes the sound of his hat.
Come on, whoever runs Compton Abbas, lighten up...next thing the man with the hat will be on the tannoy insisting we all wear high vis jackets and steel toed boots before we can walk back to our aircraft. It didn't quite fit with the world's friendliest airfield image you want to project.
Then some bloke who obviously has an official hat got on the tannoy to tell two delightful and well behaved kids to stop climbing on the railings."For your safety" he proclaimed. He had, of course, to repeat himself a few minutes later we thought because he likes the sound of his hat.
Come on, whoever runs Compton Abbas, lighten up...next thing the man with the hat will be on the tannoy insisting we all wear high vis jackets and steel toed boots before we can walk back to our aircraft. It didn't quite fit with the world's friendliest airfield image you want to project.
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Perhaps Marchettiman was more referring to the use of a tannoy to get the kids off or the tone of voice on the tannoy rather than the content of the message?
Where there is smoke (now from two sides) there must be fire.....
Perhaps it is a most friendly airfield with a pedant in charge of something (like the tannoy or the website)?
Where there is smoke (now from two sides) there must be fire.....
Perhaps it is a most friendly airfield with a pedant in charge of something (like the tannoy or the website)?
Using the Tannoy for that kind of thing is jobsworth overkill and extremely bad PR. An official looking person should have a quiet, smiling word from the airside of that little fence. I fear that there are now several people who will not return, having had their thoughts of flyers as an elitist and unfriendly group confirmed.
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Well I have been there twice, and thought it a very special airfield, set in beautiful countryside. The food was ok, and sitting out watching the aeroplanes was fun. The use of the tannoy did grate however, a bit like being in Stalag Luft II. But the most irritating thing was to be queue jumped by some 'superior' local persons when refueling. Their posh English accents and arrogant manner reminding me of 'hooray henrys' often seen at ski resorts. Still a great place to visit.