Pilot fined for landing at a closed RAF Valley
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Pilot fined for landing at a closed RAF Valley
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Not jumping to defend the pilot and am not a fan of internet Lynch mobs reading the article in full is a bit more revealing and highlights the differences between the UK and North American flying. North America everything is open and available whereas we demand permission for everything. The pilot had only recently moved to the UK from Canada so I can see how his expectations may have been different. Probably should have invested in some quality time with an experienced Instructor to show him the ropes.
Not jumping to defend the pilot and am not a fan of internet Lynch mobs reading the article in full is a bit more revealing and highlights the differences between the UK and North American flying. North America everything is open and available whereas we demand permission for everything. The pilot had only recently moved to the UK from Canada so I can see how his expectations may have been different. Probably should have invested in some quality time with an experienced Instructor to show him the ropes.
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Yes you were, however you are misguided to do so.
At the time, as everyone knows, Wales was in complete lockdown so even if we disregard his total ignorance of "pilotage" like we were taught, he knew he couldn't land in Wales from England.
He's a typical bell-end and the CAA have been proven once again to either be toothless or spineless when people flagrantly, deliberately break the rules.
Pull his UK licence and all the piggybacks fall off too.
At the time, as everyone knows, Wales was in complete lockdown so even if we disregard his total ignorance of "pilotage" like we were taught, he knew he couldn't land in Wales from England.
He's a typical bell-end and the CAA have been proven once again to either be toothless or spineless when people flagrantly, deliberately break the rules.
Pull his UK licence and all the piggybacks fall off too.
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Pull his UK licence and all the piggybacks fall off too.
Getting off lightly is putting it mildly. If he had tried this stunt in the US I imagine he would be wearing an orange jumpsuit for quite a while.
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Not jumping to defend the pilot and am not a fan of internet Lynch mobs reading the article in full is a bit more revealing and highlights the differences between the UK and North American flying. North America everything is open and available whereas we demand permission for everything. The pilot had only recently moved to the UK from Canada so I can see how his expectations may have been different. Probably should have invested in some quality time with an experienced Instructor to show him the ropes.
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Why are people always looking for a fight. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone......
highlights the differences between the UK and North American flying. North America everything is open and available whereas we demand permission for everything
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In the US the "pilot" would have been treated as the criminal he was for landing unauthorised at a Military base, for departing again with no clearance and no permission, *and* for breaking the lockdown rules: Here he has been treated like the victim. Shouldn't be allowed near the controls of an aircraft again. Who knows what other rules don't apply to this entitled prat?
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The question has to be asked "What were the RAF doing?" According to the article, the culprit was told he would have to stay at Valley overnight so ATC would be back at work and he could clear legitimately. So he got back in his plane and left anyway. How was he allowed to do that? Aren't the RAF police able to arrest someone who has trespassed onto their airfield?
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Can you land at a closed military airbase in America or Canada then? Serious question
There is a private ski resort airport in the western US, which is very serious about do not land on our privately owned runway. I have read a number of news stories over the years, where a ski happy private pilot lands in anyway (probably with the: It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission approach), and is told that the plane will not be taking off - ever. I have read about planes being trucked out with the wings removed - a very strong message! But, it's private property, and well identified as such.
From what I read in the news article, I would not rush to defend the pilot, It seems his choices showed disrespect on several levels. He was lucky to be allowed to fly the plane out.
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He was not "allowed" he disregarded the instruction to wait until 0800 next day when airfield manned and ATC available. Like a thief in the night he just "buggered off". Maybe HMRC should take a look at the chap for a giggle.
Prosecutor Elizabeth Dudley-Jones said Wood landed at the base - where Prince William was based with his RAF Sea King team - on a Bank Holiday Monday despite not having permission from the controllers in the tower.
Magistrates chair Alastair Langdon said: 'These were very serious offences.