I flew to Sandown today. Open as usual. £12.50 for a PA28. Stopped by for some food too. Great value for money - full english breakfast for £4.50. Friendly too. Go check them out. No PPR required either. Just call up when close.

Also flew over Bembridge - definitely closed.

That is not what other posters are saying.

No it's not closed- Check the Vectis Gliding club website.
Just call for PPR, then make blind calls.

OK, so went to Bembridge on Saturday -- it was great. The Vectis Gliding club returned my telephone call about PPR within 5 minutes. I flew down in my RV6 from Biggin, the radio calls were simple, I called the aircraft in the circuit in front of me to ask if they would be backtracking or going to the end and taxiing around on the grass. Landed, walked across the runway to the gliding club caravan, paid my £10 landing fee, then walked for 20 minutes to Whitecliffe beach. It was so nice to go back again after thinking it was going to be closed forever. Just remember that more sensible airmanship is required, as no real ATC and the westerly runway is often backtracked to the parking area, so you have to space your circuit accordingly.

Bembridge

Just to add I have been there quite a few times under the "new" arrangements.

Leaving aside the politics the airport has not changed, same runway, same location etc. It is PPR but the gentlemen with the 'phone always answers and always gives a friendly invite. Yes, there is no air ground, but as long as you are comfortable sorting yourself out that is not an issue.

The courtesy box took a little finding the first time (as you face the front door of the Propellor Inn turn right walk along the front of the pub and left down the first passage way) but that is about it.

As it happens the resteraunt beneath the old tower would still seem to be open although I gather you are not meant to cross the bridge which is netted off.

It is still a good bet if you prefer a hard runway or want to be that side of the island.

I hope they resolve the politics and I hope Bembridge continues for many years to come.

I am also pleased to see Sanddown up and running again.

Bembridge
 

This response is to correct some of the information contained in the earlier Britten Norman message. Bembridge is open all week on a PPR basis for both fixed wing and rotary traffic and is being managed by Vectis Gliding Club. We still have a concrete runway not a 'Farmer's Strip'!!!!

Please visit:- Gliding one of the fun activities on the Isle of Wight for full and correct details about the operation of the Airfield and the payment of landing fees. You can also call 07770228852 for more information.

No need to worry about the impending closure of the aero club at Britten Norman as taxis', good hospitality and food are available at the Gliding Club and the Propeller Inn on the south side of the Airfield.

We look forward to seeing you.

Visited be bembridge yesterday, very friendly and helpful bunch at the gliding club. Such a shame what has happened, looks like it has some great facilities there.

I will definitely be popping back

Uav

What gives
 

Why is the farmer in such a tizz. Did he want lots more money or did he just want total control and has thrown his toys out of the pram? :ugh: I expect he will lose a lot of business from the pub The Propeller Inn - isnt that the one he runs. People may boycott it over his attitude.

Why is it that I guess you haven't a clue what happened at Bembridge?

Well I was looking for a bottom line on what caused the farmer to flip out. Was it a cash thing, ie not enough money paid or to be paid in the future. Or was it a control thing where personalities had clashed. I thought someone in PrRune would know. I have searched the net and the farmer remains tight lipped as to why and what his plans are. I think his actions speak louder than words and the term that rhymes with slick come to mind. :E

If you need the other side of the story. Why not fly in and ask ?
this is not the place to discuss it.