PC12 operations at Elstree
 

One flight and a few beers later I'm here to ask for everyones opnion on PC12 operations from Elstree, these are becoming more frequent. First it was one aircraft now it appears to be two!

Elstree is a cramped little airfield and in my opnion these operations are potentially dangerous and should stop! There were two PC12's at Elstree today. One was parked on the ramp area next to the holding point and when the other came in it had to park on the taxiway leading to other aircraft being obstructed and having to make a u-turn after fuelling at the pumps.

I'm airing this because I don't believe that the whole airfield should come to a stop so that some ponce who wants to transfer from his PC12 to a helicopter in a flash or fly his kids back from wherever can do so. There are plenty of more suitable airfields just as near to London for this type of operation, so why is this going on at Elstree! Guys lets stand up for GA and prevent this dangerous mixture, because its my aircraft or yours thats getting smashed in by the wing tip of a taxing PC12 sooner or later!

Sounds like someone's a little bit jealous.
There is no reason to expect the qualified pilot of a turboprop to pay any less due care and attention to other aircraft than each of us would.

If they are blocking the taxiway for an extended period that's another matter but that has nothing to do with the type.

Perhaps you should post again with a less beery head!

...
 

Yep, I'm up for that!

While we're on, let's ban King Air's - at 16m they're just as big (but they've been around for years!) oh, and Islanders also - they're nearly as big at 14 metres wide.

Now that we've banned Islanders - let's move on to Cessna 421's - they're 12 metres wide - oh, where should we stop? PA-42's at 13m. Next? the humble 182 at 10m, that must be a candidate?


:ugh::ugh::ugh:

I would ban Elstree. Too many aircraft crammed into a shabby little airfield which has ideas above its station. Oh, and such a ridiculous cct procedure.
Go and have another beer.:O

Elstree is a sh*t hole of a place to go. Avoid at all costs.



shy_one

I object to the PC12 and only the PC12 because there is not enough ramp space for the aircraft, its as simple as that. I have never seen a King Air plonked on the taxiway at Elstree obstructing all the other movements....... If elstree had the ramp space and a taxiway system that was not bumper to bumper, wing to wing then why not, but guys lets be honest its not really a compatible type now is it?

Why don't many people like Elstree? I have been flying there for a few years now, can't say I have had any problems. It's centrally located, easy for me to get to. Don't have any problems getting in or out of the place. Don't often get queues trying to get out. Sometimes ATC get a bit grumpy, but they are just trying to do their job and make sure evrything flows well.

The problem is Elstree, not the PC12! B200 are just as big and create just as much congestion.

Don't forget that these larger types usually pay much more than us in landing fees, helping to subsidise our flying.

Unfortunately I have to fly in/out of Elstree on a regular basis. The whole pace has a run-down air about it and last week was infested with flies, most unpleasant. The solution for me would be to close it down and re-locate at Radlett, but I'm not sure that's really feasable any more.

TheOddOne

Flyboy,

As others have alluded to, these bigger birds contribute to the financial health of airfields and by doing so keep them viable.

Yes I know this only too well, I work in Business Aviation, but there has to be a limit at every airfield and I feel that the PC12 is going beyond the airfields limit in terms of taxiway and ramp space. In flying terms the aircraft fits in well with the other traffic, its the ground congestion and the potential for damage where I see the problem. If the owners of Elstree really want to support this kind of operation then why don't they invest in some more ramp space?

As an airfield in general I find elstree ok, but as pointed out it lacks in places. I'm not going to write another post on this thread as I have had my rant for the weekend!

I think that's a first for PPRuNe - the words "invest" and "Elstree" appearing in the same sentence. Unfortunately, if rumours are to be believed, the owner's longer term plans would make any such investment a waste of money.

I love seeing the larger craft at Elstree and two together was great. Lets try and encourage this kind of traffic.

"the owner's longer term plans would make any such investment a waste of money."

hahahahahahaha. His "longer term" plans? Have you met the owner?

He makes George Burns look young......

...and still flying that twin thing of his around. Amazing.

TOO

I think it was George Burns who said,

"Sex in your nineties, is like shooting Pool with a rope..."

Many people get confused between John Houlder, who operates the aerodrome, and Lord Aldenham who owns it.

PC12 operations at Elstree

I saw two of these land and taxi last week at elstree. I must say my only thought was how excellent it would be to get into the left seat of one of these beautiful looking craft.:) Sadly little hope of this and it is back to the old spam can for me.
Also impressed at their reversing ability which seemed to make the most of the tighter taxi space at the field

So what are these rumours about his longer term plans then?

Please don't encourage Mr Grumpy to think he is ATC. He already does !!