Fire at the Aviator at Sandown - Old Cafe re-opens!
 

If there is one group of people I hate, it is the little b*st*rds who torch a valuable facility for no good reason.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/h...re/7165514.stm

Let's hope that the local Plod find and deal with these little s*ds as they deserve. Perhaps make them rebuild the structure.

Many condolences to the airfield owners and operators

I hope that the many relics can be saved.
Unfortunately this is only the latest of many arson attacks on the Island. With a bit of luck the perpetrators will get caught inside their next target.

agree
 

The Island is a run with TROUBLE. This is the second Major Fire in Sandown this Month.

Oh yes they'll get what they deserve!! Probably a trip to Alton Towers with a bloody Social Worker courtesy of the tax payer. ****ards

Sad news, I was planning a trip down here in the next couple of weeks for lunch, look's like it'll have to be a trip to Bembridge now unless we go into Sandown for lunch

FC

That's REALLY sad news. Nowhere is safe anymore.

I've regarded Sandown as a destination of choice for 25 years now and I really hope that a new facility wil arise here like a Phoenix from the ashes.

TheOddOne

Hang the :mad: B*stards. Was a favourite destination for Brekkie - look forward to it being rebuilt...

String 'em up from the windsock.

Island ABOS
 

I volunteer to take the culprits for a trip in my aircraft, as a way rehabilitating these underpriviledged kids and then see if they can


F:mad:G FREEFALL without parachutes!!:D

..... Good idea Ken. I'll take their parents up in another plane so they can watch! Perhaps they then might realise their failings.

How are things there now? Use to hop there many years ago!!

Update on Sandown?
 

Hi Folks.

Anyone got any update on the facilities at Sandown following the fire?

No news on their website that I can see.

Cheers

Dogfighter.

The Aviator site has been cleared of the burnt bits leaving the foundations but no sign of the rebuild getting under way as yet.

The original Portacabin Cafe has been renovated and teas/coffees/snacks are available. Should this be closed when you visit, the ever-friendly staff in the tower will make you a hot drink. Sandown is still one of my favourite destinations and well worth a visit on a sunny day... if we ever get any!

Or you can get tea and buns in a very nice cafe at the flying school on the north side of the field. You can also book in and pay your landing fee there.

Bembridge is now unlicensed at weekends.
However it is good news at Sandown, the old cafe(portacabin) is going reopening in a couple of weeks (bacon butties,fried egg sarnies and soup in a basket) not the same cuisine as the Aviator, but its a step forward. It is going to be run by a local guy (ppl and aircraft owner) and his lovely wife. Please pass the message around. It wont be the same as the Aviator but it will be the same Sandown Airport as it was a few years ago.

I actually preferred Sandown the way it was. Great news that the portacabin is re-opening :ok:

Flew into Sandown last week. canteen was not open but if you turn right out of the gate there is a Garden centre just a short walk away.
you can see the green roof from the airfield .
Food was very good. Give it a go.:ok:

So whats the current situation regarding tea & bacon sarnies at Sandown?

Has the predecessor to 'The Aviator' been resurrected and are there any plans to rebuild 'The Aviator'?

I was there yesterday. The airfield is in superb condition, they've done a lot of rolling and cutting and it shows.

The "Aviator" is still just a pile of breeze block footings, but I was told that the Old portakbin affair should be resurrected shortly... dunno how long "shortly" is though.

In the meantime you can make yourself a cuppa (and leave a donation for same) in a room in the FireSection next to the tower entrance.

A very pleasant aerodrome... with nothing happening, which quite sad.

BEX

the Aviator burned down nearly 2.5 years ago. That must be nearly as long as it was open before the fire. How can it take so long to sort out the insurance and get it rebuilt? The place is/was a commercial property so presumably the insurance company is paying the "loss of income" associated with its condition. You would think that they would hurry things along to reduce their payout.

A sad loss.