Isle of Man
 

In these days of increasing landing fees and apparent total lack of interest in GA at many UK airports, I have pass on details of a very different experience flying in to Ronaldsway, Isle of Man yesterday.

Despite being fairly busy with scheduled jet traffic, I was slotted in with great courtesy and parked on the main apron (overnight). On departing today, the Flight Briefing staff were superb - all the info I could ever want without having to ask AND, best of all, landing fees and 28hrs parking on the main apron for less than £15!! Can this be beaten at a "proper" airport in the UK?

p.s. I believe fuel isn't cheap there though!


[This message has been edited by Diplomate (edited 13 March 2001).]

Was the low cost directly or indirectly conditional upon you purchasing fuel from the same operator?

In the US for instance you get free tie down and courtesy car if you refuel the aircraft.

Not at all - I didn't refuel on the island. I filled up at Blackpool at 10p per litre cheaper!

I,v always found the Isle of man very good when i,v been it gets a bit hectic TT week so they have a slot system but i have never had to change my plans by more than 30 min.

All round i think that the IOM airport authority treats GA very well and do remember that we bring a lot of spending power to the IOM economy ,this is something that other island goverments/councils would do well to remember.

Have always found Ronaldsway, very friendly and helpful. Both ATC and FBU staff, why can't other airfields take note?

Could it be due to lack of movements compared to other airfields? As the Island is a Tax Haven, the Manx government has so much money in the kitty they don't know what to do with it. I doubt that aviation contributes a great deal to the total wealth. In contrast, the price of fuel is so high the locals fly to West Freugh to refuel.

Strate:

It could be, although it is certainly no calmer than Norwich or Teesside, and infinitely better than both.

-2Donkeys