Airfield Blacklist?
 

Been reading some poor accounts of some airfields. Maybe there's a case for a blacklist. A simple where and why? Blackpool has recently come in for some stick. Any more?

Norwich pain in the backside.

And how about a Whitelist. There must be more than a handful of airfields where you're guaranteed a great welcome and/or fabulous scenery etc etc

And how about a 'Private Flying' forum where everyone can post a thread about their favourite/least favourite airfield with their reasoning and there could be a bit of debate then it falls into mud-throwing where a moderator then steps in and throws the thread away, or a 'Airlines, Airports & Routes' forum where exists a good number of airfields including debate.... :ok:

I would put both the airfields quoted above on my blacklist, as for a white list both Biggin hill (overall value for money) and Troyes (quick customs clearance) spring instantly to mind.

And they help loading the champagne. :)

worrab pretty much every airfield I have visited in Scotland I would give the big thumbs up to.

Even the big ones although expensive always seem to have some sensible way to deal with GA.

Leicester. 1997. If that counts.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so here's my list of places I'd rather not go again..

Panshanger (what can I say that others haven't already?.....the sooner it's a housing estate the better)
Blackpool (Security nightmare)
Norwich (Security nightmare)
Compton Abbas (Great airfield, shame about the management)
Redhill ('ATC' think they are at Heathrow)

Most airfields in the UK I'd be happy to visit, but not those listed above...

Anywhere that insists on charging mandatory "handling" for visitors in SEP spamcans...

Looked into taking a PA-28 up to Aberdeen for an overnight to visit some friends etc., mandatory "handling" and other sundry charges totalled up to a somewhat amusing >£100. They must think us pilots are all radge. Well not me. Bugger that, will take the train or the car instead. Or take the -28 into Insch and meet someone there.

Smithy

Try getting to Troyes at lunchtime when you need fuel and there's a frontal system up your chuff on your way back to the UK.........

Cusco

Blacklists

. Elstree (EGTR) when Mick's on the radio
. Bembridge (EGHJ) ... for the "Jobs Worth" security guard

Otherwise both fantastic places to visit .. just shame about the individuals that tend to spoil things

. Blackpool (EGNH) for their inane and GA unfriendly security procedures coupled with exorbitant gas prices


Whitelist

Denham (EGLD) - great friendly welcome from the guys in the Pilot Centre
Full Sutton (EGNU) - really friendly people, and well cared for grass strip
Merignac (LFBD) - Bordeuax - really really friendly people, and great food/wine just round the corner
Ronaldsway (EGNS) - Manx Flyers, helpful and friendly .. just a shame about the £35+ handling/landing fees each time - especially when they're not even around to help push your plane back :)


just as a start .. many many more, but these are at the top of my list(s)

I recently joined the Shropshire Aero Club at Sleap, Shropshire after thirty years flying in the south east of England. It has been a revelation-friendly and helpful staff, no CAS, laid back, no security/spotter issues, sensible flying currency rules, value for money flying, no jobsworths, the list is endless!!!!

Bourne, EGSN - Not very welcoming staff, and it felt like such a remote and dead airfield. (sorry, personal experience)

Why Norwich? I will be flying there next month.

Fields with an overly developed hi viz fetish.

Caernarvon seems to have fallen.

Someone put Oban on the other list. Based on experiences last summer I think perhaps it was misposted.

That was me. I went to Oban last month for a short visit and was very happy. Will be back again soon. Friendly folks and a very nice airfield. Scenery is marvellous too :ok:

Smithy

I second Captain Smithys experience- at Oban yesterday and was pleasantly surprised after what I'd previously heard. :D

<<Redhill ('ATC' think they are at Heathrow)>>

Bit of an insult to Heathrow methinks.....

Someone said Elstree. Mick's bite is far worse than his bark, Actually he's a great bloke and I won't have many words said against him! (known the daft b***er for years and he is a really good sort.)

I just don't uderstand how Elstree can justify their latest trick of a 100% levy for landing fees paid by credit card. I went the other day, landing fee £50 paid by Mastercard and got charged double for using plastic.

Its about time someone shot the senile old t*** who has the lease and did something about making Elstree more attractive to GA.
VH