LAC and Ashcroft Airfield
 

What on earth is going on between LAC and the owner of Ashcroft ?
I've just looked on the Ashcroft website and they seem very upset about LAC.
It's even says that LAC are not welcome ?
As a member of LAC I am totally unaware of whats gone on, but there seems to be a lot of venom and accusations.

Anyone any ideas ?

Having just looked at the website, all I can conclude is that there are some serious issues at that location. :hmm:

What a load of disjointed rubbish. You can't even work out what point the author is trying to make.

By author I assume you mean of the website ?

Ashcroft Airfield (EGCR)

Seems very upset.
But what is the plane on the poor quality CCTV image ?
If it is an LAC plane it must be one of the Grobs, but it looks like a PA38 possibly ?

I could write pages about what has been going on - but I won't as I don't think I could get the story across without falling foul of various libel laws forum rules etc etc......:eek:

I understand that the owner has issues with Lancashire Aero Club not LAC Flying School - Barton Manchester, North West England.

Looks like 'Rigger Boots' are a pre-requisite of being a member of the Lancashire Aero Club !:)

Aircraft looks like a Piaggio 149 - not sure how many are around?

IO

All very odd - reading the site does not make it clear what the problem is or has been.

Like the LAC landing fee being more than they could ever afford.

Seems odd that it is for sale but the sale will take 10/15 years.

Having some details of the problem may lead to some helpful suggestions as to how to solve it?

I can conclude that I don't want to land there. Avoid the risk of hassle, go somewhere else.

I'd agree. Far less hassle to land at Manchester, Heathrow or Gatwick than that!

One to miss, I think.

I'm sure it's nothing a little pugilism couldn't sort out.:E

Many locals know the story. Have a look on this web site.

Interesting. I work for Network Rail. I've just had to sign for a brief regarding KHF, it's location and what to do in the case of an emergency.

Where does the fine fella from Ashcroft fit in though ?
Does he live near there ? Or do the NIMBYs just represent some allies for his cause, whatever that is.

A mate of mine went to Ashcroft to discuss hangaring his microlight there. He says mid-conversation the owner just walked off and left him there.
He says he's never met such an ignorant ba*t*rd in all his life.

I have been into Ashcroft 4 or five times in my microlight over the last 3-4 years...spoken to Steve a few times...seems ok to me...not had a problem.

2 sides to every story.

The CCTV photo does not show the Lancashire Aero Club or at least some of it's members in a very good light, LAC members are photographed essentially breaking-in to the airfield for whatever reason.

I'm sure there are two sides to this story but the photo of the rigger-booted group climbing over the fence appear an intimidating bunch, who seemingly weren't invited and had no business being there. If it were my airfield I think I'd be upset too, perhaps an apology might be in order and then leaving the owner of Ashcroft alone so he can get on with running his airfield?

I have not flown into Ashcroft since the field, when owned by the delightful gentleman Bryan Lockyear,used to have it's Ashkosh flyins and have only recently become a member of Lancs Aero Club.
I object to the current owner making blanket criticism of all Lancs Aero Club members.
If he has an issue with individuals who were and might still be members then I would expect him to be specific and name them as undesirables or whatever in the same way as he seems to have banned a Mr Parrish and not imply poor or un ethical behaviour on the part of all Lancs Aero Club members.

Too Much Dirty Laundry
 

I'm based in the South and was recently looking at flying up North to visit. I came across Ashcroft and though id give it a look. Now, I have never met the owner and know nothing about this issue with LAC. One thing is for sure: After looking at all the dirty laundry he is dishing out on the website and the bullish nature of the writing, I wont be visiting anytime soon and I know quite a few other pilots feel the same way. All this stuff with LAC should not be plastered all over the airfield website. Very unprofessional.

Seems to be a chap who would benefit from some time spent in a jacket with very long sleeves, fastened to the back!

Shame he is such a fruit cake and so determined to pursue his personal vendetta in any potential public forum.

No idea what the pissing match is about but noticed the following when reading the site:

[QUOTE]I suppose that’s true, apart from… buying flying rights (behind our backs during purchase proceedings) and not forgetting… Ransoming us with these Rights [quote]

Just as a matter of interest what exactly are flying rights and from whom would you buy them from?