Bournemouth Airport
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Bournemouth Airport
Hello
As of this week, a number of the access points for resident pilots have been padlocked shut. This is going to cause difficulty for the Flying Club and anyone based with one of the maintenance companies there, especially out of hours.
One of the maintenance companies has put up a webpage explaining new procedure for their Bournemouth-based pilots.
(Airside Access at Bournemouth Airport. | Airtime Maintenance)
As of this week, a number of the access points for resident pilots have been padlocked shut. This is going to cause difficulty for the Flying Club and anyone based with one of the maintenance companies there, especially out of hours.
One of the maintenance companies has put up a webpage explaining new procedure for their Bournemouth-based pilots.
(Airside Access at Bournemouth Airport. | Airtime Maintenance)
Last edited by papasmurf; 3rd Dec 2012 at 07:41.
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Thank you
Very interesting and the document on the website is the only news I've heard of this new 'initiative', thanks for posting it.
This is going to be a bit of a pain for those of us who use the facilities at Bournemouth, particularly when tying to access these outside normal working hours.
This is going to be a bit of a pain for those of us who use the facilities at Bournemouth, particularly when tying to access these outside normal working hours.
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DfT being Dept for Transport??
If they stop transport, then their job seems to be self defeating and means, eventually, the department won't be needed.
All it will do is drive GA onto the grass strips to annoy residents.
If they stop transport, then their job seems to be self defeating and means, eventually, the department won't be needed.
All it will do is drive GA onto the grass strips to annoy residents.
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The part about "DfT Inspectors managed to “tailgate” pilots through the airside gate (following pilots through without being challenged)" will still happen as pilots with passes are not being asked to challenge anyone, or is the inference that we should? I'm not sure I would given the potential reaction of any serious intruder with malicious intent.
Seriously if I were of a mind to gain access to the airfield it definitely wouldn't be opportunistic as suggested or even attempted through a security gate. Anyone researching the area would find easier methods of access. In fact a determined individual with a simple readily available tool from any good hardware store can gain access to an airfield unnoticed given the length and nature of perimeter fences.
These security cards usually require a CRB check and that's for every pilot operating out of Bournemouth.
It does beg the questions; Who is paying for this and what or whom are the DfT attempting to protect the airfield from exactly?
Seriously if I were of a mind to gain access to the airfield it definitely wouldn't be opportunistic as suggested or even attempted through a security gate. Anyone researching the area would find easier methods of access. In fact a determined individual with a simple readily available tool from any good hardware store can gain access to an airfield unnoticed given the length and nature of perimeter fences.
These security cards usually require a CRB check and that's for every pilot operating out of Bournemouth.
It does beg the questions; Who is paying for this and what or whom are the DfT attempting to protect the airfield from exactly?
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Johnm
You have hit the nail on the head, the whole security thing in the UK is just being ramped up as a way or the parasitic security industry to make more money and the DfT just run along with it because they don't want to be seen to be weak on security.
They are lining there pockets while forcing more costs onto business with unrealistic regulation.
They are lining there pockets while forcing more costs onto business with unrealistic regulation.
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Is the issue just with the gates at Airtime? I cant see any other notices on the web
Also a notice reminding pilots of their responsibility would have been enough. Even a warning shot would have been good.
A number of the fences at Bournemouth are still only 4 feet high, so if they were really serious about security, i would tackle that first....
Also a notice reminding pilots of their responsibility would have been enough. Even a warning shot would have been good.
A number of the fences at Bournemouth are still only 4 feet high, so if they were really serious about security, i would tackle that first....
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Airport Security
You are all talking out of your a@#es.
25 years or so ago, I frequented international airports in my PA-28.
The Flying Show at the NEC reminds me that 25 years ago, it was reasonable (on grounds of both cost and convenience) to fly into Birmingham to visit the NEC or the motorcycle museum. 25 years ago, they let you use the main terminal but, before returning to your aircraft, you went through the same baggage and ID checks that the peasants suffered (bag searched and x-rayed). Then they led you to that special door.
So what has changed??
Now you are handled because the airport can't be bothered with you but you end up with a big bill. But, from my POV, the security is not as invasive as it was. Instead of being subject to full body scans, pat-downs, etc, the last big airport I flew into still allowed me to carry large bottles of water, my leatherman, my life jackets and luggage onto my aircraft without subjecting it to search (or worse, confiscation) because I was not going through the main terminal but through the flying club.
We, in our puddle-jumpers, enjoy a good deal more freedom that the general travelling public.
25 years or so ago, I frequented international airports in my PA-28.
The Flying Show at the NEC reminds me that 25 years ago, it was reasonable (on grounds of both cost and convenience) to fly into Birmingham to visit the NEC or the motorcycle museum. 25 years ago, they let you use the main terminal but, before returning to your aircraft, you went through the same baggage and ID checks that the peasants suffered (bag searched and x-rayed). Then they led you to that special door.
So what has changed??
Now you are handled because the airport can't be bothered with you but you end up with a big bill. But, from my POV, the security is not as invasive as it was. Instead of being subject to full body scans, pat-downs, etc, the last big airport I flew into still allowed me to carry large bottles of water, my leatherman, my life jackets and luggage onto my aircraft without subjecting it to search (or worse, confiscation) because I was not going through the main terminal but through the flying club.
We, in our puddle-jumpers, enjoy a good deal more freedom that the general travelling public.
Last edited by Bob Upanddown; 2nd Dec 2012 at 13:57.
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Just take a ladder. It's not breaking and entering because you're not breaking anything. And it's not unlawful access if you have a right to be there...
The assumption must be that not every pilot will have access to their website.
The assumption must be that not every pilot will have access to their website.
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Is the issue just with the gates at Airtime? I cant see any other notices on the web
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Just take a ladder. It's not breaking and entering because you're not breaking anything. And it's not unlawful access if you have a right to be there...
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Just take a ladder. It's not breaking and entering because you're not breaking anything. And it's not unlawful access if you have a right to be there...
Grow up guys. If you are based at such an airport, it seems very low-key security to me.
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In most cases these sudden restrictions are the result of somebody taking the micky. Because it is a civil matter, the airport has no (practical) sanction against that person/operator.
At Shoreham, we lost the out of hours concession because a certain outfit there was abusing it. The airport cannot do anything about them, cannot terminate the lease before it's up, and anyway needs the rental income, so we got the predictable kneejerk reaction.
And when anything like this happens, the H&S yellow-jacketed crowd get an immediate upper hand which they positively delight in using. These incidents are a godsend to them. If nothing bad happened they would be superfluous.
Same in an ISO9000 business. If somebody cocks up, the ISO9000 manager
ends up running the company - until the management wakes up and winds him back into his hole. But often the management doesn't wake up...
At Shoreham, we lost the out of hours concession because a certain outfit there was abusing it. The airport cannot do anything about them, cannot terminate the lease before it's up, and anyway needs the rental income, so we got the predictable kneejerk reaction.
And when anything like this happens, the H&S yellow-jacketed crowd get an immediate upper hand which they positively delight in using. These incidents are a godsend to them. If nothing bad happened they would be superfluous.
Same in an ISO9000 business. If somebody cocks up, the ISO9000 manager
ends up running the company - until the management wakes up and winds him back into his hole. But often the management doesn't wake up...
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it is disappointing that some here dismissed this as DfT just doing their job.
As a matter of fact it affected all airside locations not just Airtime. Airtime is the only one which has tried to communicate with its based pilots. Kevin's notice on the Airtime website downplays it quite a bit so might give wrong impression.
In reality there was a huge hoo ha at several establishments. EGHH Security had several individual meetings during the week leading up to last Friday and as usual ignored everything then Friday padlocks were slapped on all gates.
For those who are happy that this is just DfT doing their job or 'what do you expect at such an airport' please realise the powers that be read these fora hungrily and seize on such statements as evidence that their actions are the 'norm' and anyone objecting is 'out of line'.
The fact is the measures were rushed (driven by a draconian DfT enforcement notice) ill thought out and not only inconveniencing but commercially damaging. Many pilots this weekend were simply locked out from their aircraft - no option of going through scanners or being patted down - just prevented from using their aircraft.
Those of you who have expressed the opinion that 'its only to be expected' - Do you really think that access should be restricted to the working week? Maintenance businesses are obviously damaged because the padlocks prevent out of hours drop offs.
Anyway there has been a lot of talking and some shouting and there is now a little more flexibility from local security (more keys - previously only 2 issued and only available to senior people from the facility lessee not pilots). Some minor workarounds might be achieved by this weekend but not without a lot more inconvenience.
There are problems looming around the proposed new system which will be turnstiles. For example how to you get luggage through, how do passengers without smart cards get through - visitors etc. - what about emergency egress.
As AOPA rep I have been engaged in the discussions (very much post crisis as EGHH do not proactively consult with the pilot community - you have to knock on their door) to try to come up with a fair system.
AOPA cannot and does not object to security but measures which simply ignore the patterns of GA and impose costs and inconvenience should be challenged (thanks a bunch to those of you who broadcast 'its all normal' (for normal read acceptable).
We believe it is more important to introduce a photo id card worn visibly to be airside than it is to have the most restrictive sorts of gates. Pilots can and should be expected to take responsibility for their party and to challenge any stranger trying to push through without ID but if the security powers ignore these pilots needs and make life difficult, such pilots are likely to say 'up yours' and refuse to be part of the solution.
I know Dft and EGHH security read this so can they please take note of this fact of life - this has to be done together with sensible measures not just imposed without consultation.
For any EGHH based pilots reading here, please speak to whoever you park with. Each organisation is making its own interim arrangements. Also remember that in addition to gate access arrangements you and any passengers must now carry an 'authorisation' chit signed by the facility management at ALL times when airside. Security patrols have been multiplied manyfold so you are likely to be challenged.
Anyone visiting for maintenance - obviously - call your maintenance shop urgently - dont just turn up.
For other visitors no doubt you'll be going to Bournemouth Handling (who are also padlocked) Call them and ask what their arrangements are going to be. Each visit will have to be planned
JM
will try to post updates here and other places - Also Kevin at Airtime shares the AOPA role and provide good general info on the Airtime website which is useful for non Airtime pilots also.
As a matter of fact it affected all airside locations not just Airtime. Airtime is the only one which has tried to communicate with its based pilots. Kevin's notice on the Airtime website downplays it quite a bit so might give wrong impression.
In reality there was a huge hoo ha at several establishments. EGHH Security had several individual meetings during the week leading up to last Friday and as usual ignored everything then Friday padlocks were slapped on all gates.
For those who are happy that this is just DfT doing their job or 'what do you expect at such an airport' please realise the powers that be read these fora hungrily and seize on such statements as evidence that their actions are the 'norm' and anyone objecting is 'out of line'.
The fact is the measures were rushed (driven by a draconian DfT enforcement notice) ill thought out and not only inconveniencing but commercially damaging. Many pilots this weekend were simply locked out from their aircraft - no option of going through scanners or being patted down - just prevented from using their aircraft.
Those of you who have expressed the opinion that 'its only to be expected' - Do you really think that access should be restricted to the working week? Maintenance businesses are obviously damaged because the padlocks prevent out of hours drop offs.
Anyway there has been a lot of talking and some shouting and there is now a little more flexibility from local security (more keys - previously only 2 issued and only available to senior people from the facility lessee not pilots). Some minor workarounds might be achieved by this weekend but not without a lot more inconvenience.
There are problems looming around the proposed new system which will be turnstiles. For example how to you get luggage through, how do passengers without smart cards get through - visitors etc. - what about emergency egress.
As AOPA rep I have been engaged in the discussions (very much post crisis as EGHH do not proactively consult with the pilot community - you have to knock on their door) to try to come up with a fair system.
AOPA cannot and does not object to security but measures which simply ignore the patterns of GA and impose costs and inconvenience should be challenged (thanks a bunch to those of you who broadcast 'its all normal' (for normal read acceptable).
We believe it is more important to introduce a photo id card worn visibly to be airside than it is to have the most restrictive sorts of gates. Pilots can and should be expected to take responsibility for their party and to challenge any stranger trying to push through without ID but if the security powers ignore these pilots needs and make life difficult, such pilots are likely to say 'up yours' and refuse to be part of the solution.
I know Dft and EGHH security read this so can they please take note of this fact of life - this has to be done together with sensible measures not just imposed without consultation.
For any EGHH based pilots reading here, please speak to whoever you park with. Each organisation is making its own interim arrangements. Also remember that in addition to gate access arrangements you and any passengers must now carry an 'authorisation' chit signed by the facility management at ALL times when airside. Security patrols have been multiplied manyfold so you are likely to be challenged.
Anyone visiting for maintenance - obviously - call your maintenance shop urgently - dont just turn up.
For other visitors no doubt you'll be going to Bournemouth Handling (who are also padlocked) Call them and ask what their arrangements are going to be. Each visit will have to be planned
JM
will try to post updates here and other places - Also Kevin at Airtime shares the AOPA role and provide good general info on the Airtime website which is useful for non Airtime pilots also.
Last edited by martello; 4th Dec 2012 at 09:24.
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It is so important that Bournemouth doesn't evolve into another Edinburgh - with £95 handling fees, £50 security charges and 20% tax on top.
GA was here first, not BizCorp Airways PLC.
Beneficiary pays principle is vital.
GA was here first, not BizCorp Airways PLC.
Beneficiary pays principle is vital.
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Yes but it isn't so simple because if an airport can live off scheduled services alone, yet the bulk of its "security issues" (whether real or perceived) come from GA, they will just kick out GA.
That is how it works here in Europe. That is the sort of airport management which is present at most places. It's the result of the "Univ of Upper Warlingham MBA" and "Masters in Risk Management" culture which has penetrated through Europe, and presumably the USA too but they have lots more safeguards there in GA.
Scheduled service passengers can be funnelled through a small gate, like cattle, whereas Bournemouth is a huge place, with countless aviation businesses around the periphery.
I've been there countless times and there are so many entrance points that the chance of a taxi driver meeting you at the correct one is very small
The saviour of Bournemouth is ultimately likely to be its huge commercial property portfolio which is mostly aviation related and needs airside access. The place will go bust if it ever relies on scheduled services.
If you let this kind if stuff get out of hand, you end up with say Gatwick, which herds scheduled services through cattle gates (where the security is easy to do) and where GA is handled by Harrods or Signature Handling who have set up £400+ cartels which have excluded light GA access.
That is how it works here in Europe. That is the sort of airport management which is present at most places. It's the result of the "Univ of Upper Warlingham MBA" and "Masters in Risk Management" culture which has penetrated through Europe, and presumably the USA too but they have lots more safeguards there in GA.
Scheduled service passengers can be funnelled through a small gate, like cattle, whereas Bournemouth is a huge place, with countless aviation businesses around the periphery.
I've been there countless times and there are so many entrance points that the chance of a taxi driver meeting you at the correct one is very small
The saviour of Bournemouth is ultimately likely to be its huge commercial property portfolio which is mostly aviation related and needs airside access. The place will go bust if it ever relies on scheduled services.
If you let this kind if stuff get out of hand, you end up with say Gatwick, which herds scheduled services through cattle gates (where the security is easy to do) and where GA is handled by Harrods or Signature Handling who have set up £400+ cartels which have excluded light GA access.
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Yes but it isn't so simple because if an airport can live off scheduled services alone, yet the bulk of its "security issues" (whether real or perceived) come from GA, they will just kick out GA.
That is how it works here in Europe. That is the sort of airport management which is present at most places.
That is how it works here in Europe. That is the sort of airport management which is present at most places.
