Helipads, hotels and Others: Requests, Recommendations & Rip-offs
Speech House Hotel near Cinderford
Even pop stars refuse to land if the fee is too high....
Adele refuses to pay £75 for her helicopter to land in Forest of Dean
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Adele refuses to pay £75 for her helicopter to land in Forest of Dean
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Good on her! I'm sure she thought 'why am I being asked to pay £75 for a piece of grass?'.
Let's hope Adele doesn't want to land at Silverstone for the MotoGP either: £185 landing and £232 parking. Errr, no.
See ya at Turweston!
Let's hope Adele doesn't want to land at Silverstone for the MotoGP either: £185 landing and £232 parking. Errr, no.
See ya at Turweston!
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Helicopter Landing Beaulieu
Hi there
I'd like to drop into the motor museum at Beaulieu with the family. I emailed them and they said they did have a helipad but it was only for business use? Anyone know of any local landing sites?
Many thanks
David
I'd like to drop into the motor museum at Beaulieu with the family. I emailed them and they said they did have a helipad but it was only for business use? Anyone know of any local landing sites?
Many thanks
David
Just back from a splendid lunch at The Mason Arms, 2 east of Witney, Oxon. inside the Brize zone (class D). This is a fabulous pub for discerning petrolheads and gastronomes, with zillions of images of helicopters and vintage racing cars/motorbikes all over the walls. No landing fee and the finest food I've had for ages. Personally recommended by MPW and Raymond Blanc (no less!), it's on the extended centreline, 4 miles from the 26 threshold, so you'll need to talk to the tower. This is Gerry Stonhill, the very accommodating proprietor:
Last edited by toptobottom; 11th May 2012 at 17:21.
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Dartmouth area - Buckland Tout Saints/ Burgh Island
Hi all,
Just back from a fabulous 3 nights via R44.
We stayed at the Dart Marina Hotel for 2 nights and then on to the legendary Burgh Island for the full black tie/ Art Deco experience.
For Dartmouth we used the lovely Buckland Tout Saints Hotel near Kingsbridge as a base. The pad is overlooked by the reception so security isn't an issue.
A gorgeous Gergian pile sitting within the most glorious Rhododendron and Azalea manicured gardens, Buckland TS gets my vote for a stay soon. We had two very nice lunches on the sun terrace, checked out the rooms and were impressed. Lovely girls too!
OK, we could have found a heli site closer and cheaper to Dartmouth - a caravan park and a go-cart track are £20 and £15 respectively. Security is a worry for me though and the extra cost was well worth it IMO.
However, we parked at BTS for 2 nights and did 4 'ferry' trips out to Burgh Island, returning on the 3rd for our friends car. We were charged a very reasonable £50 for unlimited movements.
Sorry about the exhaust burns on your lovely lawn BTS. We'll be back for sure.
The BTS pad is tricky and requires a good power reserve to get in an out of the valley and to clear the trees. There are noise abatement procedures to follow too.
Burgh Island is a breeze, with no issues. It is an absolute 'must visit'. It is possible to find a last minute room midweek ( live 'period' band on Wednesdays and Saturdays) so if the weather looks good and you are looking for somewhere special to take the missus, look no further.
Exeter were helpful but we of course avoided it for fuel in view of their huge prices and landing fees, using the very friendly Dunkeswell instead.
HP
Just back from a fabulous 3 nights via R44.
We stayed at the Dart Marina Hotel for 2 nights and then on to the legendary Burgh Island for the full black tie/ Art Deco experience.
For Dartmouth we used the lovely Buckland Tout Saints Hotel near Kingsbridge as a base. The pad is overlooked by the reception so security isn't an issue.
A gorgeous Gergian pile sitting within the most glorious Rhododendron and Azalea manicured gardens, Buckland TS gets my vote for a stay soon. We had two very nice lunches on the sun terrace, checked out the rooms and were impressed. Lovely girls too!
OK, we could have found a heli site closer and cheaper to Dartmouth - a caravan park and a go-cart track are £20 and £15 respectively. Security is a worry for me though and the extra cost was well worth it IMO.
However, we parked at BTS for 2 nights and did 4 'ferry' trips out to Burgh Island, returning on the 3rd for our friends car. We were charged a very reasonable £50 for unlimited movements.
Sorry about the exhaust burns on your lovely lawn BTS. We'll be back for sure.
The BTS pad is tricky and requires a good power reserve to get in an out of the valley and to clear the trees. There are noise abatement procedures to follow too.
Burgh Island is a breeze, with no issues. It is an absolute 'must visit'. It is possible to find a last minute room midweek ( live 'period' band on Wednesdays and Saturdays) so if the weather looks good and you are looking for somewhere special to take the missus, look no further.
Exeter were helpful but we of course avoided it for fuel in view of their huge prices and landing fees, using the very friendly Dunkeswell instead.
HP
HP
I know BTS well having stayed there several times in a 109, but it's a nasty place to land. Nestled in narrow, steep sided valleys and surrounded by tall trees immediately adjacent to the small pad - the only way in and out is vertically; a 44 would struggle to get out of there 4 up.
Caution PPRuNe'ers who intend visiting - it's another case of a smart hotel wanting the 'glamour' of a pad, when it's not really equipped to provide one
PS and I think £50 is a rip off!
PPS Now Plymouth has gone, Jet A1 (and soon Avgas) is available at Staddon Heights, overlooking Plymouth (the old Hovercam site), right on the edge of EGD009. PM me for contact details.
I know BTS well having stayed there several times in a 109, but it's a nasty place to land. Nestled in narrow, steep sided valleys and surrounded by tall trees immediately adjacent to the small pad - the only way in and out is vertically; a 44 would struggle to get out of there 4 up.
Caution PPRuNe'ers who intend visiting - it's another case of a smart hotel wanting the 'glamour' of a pad, when it's not really equipped to provide one
PS and I think £50 is a rip off!
PPS Now Plymouth has gone, Jet A1 (and soon Avgas) is available at Staddon Heights, overlooking Plymouth (the old Hovercam site), right on the edge of EGD009. PM me for contact details.
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hp
i also think that £50 is a rip off they dont charge for cars do they , also they dont provide special facilitys for helicopters why should you pay
you have paid for your hotel and restaurant bills like any other Guest
if we all start to refuse to go to places that charge extra fees for no extra services they would stop charging
i called sywell regarding landing fees for the expo this weekend as on the website it only shows single engine airplane £10 and Twin airplane £20 , i asked about helicopters when i confirmed it was a turbine helicopter they said it was £30 thats a blatent rip off so i wont be going ,i will vote with my feet in fact i feel that unless i was going to loose out my self i wont ever go to sywell again
rant over
i also think that £50 is a rip off they dont charge for cars do they , also they dont provide special facilitys for helicopters why should you pay
you have paid for your hotel and restaurant bills like any other Guest
if we all start to refuse to go to places that charge extra fees for no extra services they would stop charging
i called sywell regarding landing fees for the expo this weekend as on the website it only shows single engine airplane £10 and Twin airplane £20 , i asked about helicopters when i confirmed it was a turbine helicopter they said it was £30 thats a blatent rip off so i wont be going ,i will vote with my feet in fact i feel that unless i was going to loose out my self i wont ever go to sywell again
rant over
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500e
It happens at a few airports here, Manchester barton charges it's a total rip off for example a Gazelle would be £30 or a fixed wing weighing the same as a Gazelle [1800 kg]would be £19.17 what would yours cost??
Even the smallest 22 would be £18.75 we are either not wanted so get charged more or the landing fees are based on aircraft price.
fixed wing charges
Up to 500kg £9.17
501-1000kg £11.88
1001-1600kg £14.04
Above 1601kg £19.17
Helicopter Landing Charges
Helicopter Landing Charge categories based upon manufacturers published or CAA registered MTOW.
Landing Charge
Up to 1200kg £18.75
1201-2200kg £30.00
422201-3200kg £42.71
3201-5800kg £68.33
Above 5801kg £104.17
It happens at a few airports here, Manchester barton charges it's a total rip off for example a Gazelle would be £30 or a fixed wing weighing the same as a Gazelle [1800 kg]would be £19.17 what would yours cost??
Even the smallest 22 would be £18.75 we are either not wanted so get charged more or the landing fees are based on aircraft price.
fixed wing charges
Up to 500kg £9.17
501-1000kg £11.88
1001-1600kg £14.04
Above 1601kg £19.17
Helicopter Landing Charges
Helicopter Landing Charge categories based upon manufacturers published or CAA registered MTOW.
Landing Charge
Up to 1200kg £18.75
1201-2200kg £30.00
422201-3200kg £42.71
3201-5800kg £68.33
Above 5801kg £104.17
Last edited by md 600 driver; 25th May 2012 at 11:15.
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I fully agree regarding the landing fees. If I’m visiting a hotel to spend money in either their hotel/restaurant, I’m not paying a landing fee.
I’ve never paid a hotel landing fee and have no intention of doing so in the future. There are many great hotels/restaurants that are helicopter friendly – I’ll support them and will not visit the scammers (£50-£250 to land on a piece of open grass with no facilities ???) It seems the only counter argument I’ve ever received (from those hotels ”trying it on”) is “well, other people are OK to pay a landing fee”.
Example: When Coworth Park opened, I thought that it being part of the Dorchester Group that it would be nice place to fly in for a lunch visit. I call and am told of a £250 landing fee. I said “I’m not paying that, but wish to come in for a lunch for four people; speak with your manager and see what you can do”. They come back to me saying they could reduce it by 50% to £125. I replied, “No you didn’t understand – I’m not paying a landing fee”. I informed them in doing so they only get blacklisted by groups such as HCGB and web forums such as this one.
I’ve never paid a hotel landing fee and have no intention of doing so in the future. There are many great hotels/restaurants that are helicopter friendly – I’ll support them and will not visit the scammers (£50-£250 to land on a piece of open grass with no facilities ???) It seems the only counter argument I’ve ever received (from those hotels ”trying it on”) is “well, other people are OK to pay a landing fee”.
Example: When Coworth Park opened, I thought that it being part of the Dorchester Group that it would be nice place to fly in for a lunch visit. I call and am told of a £250 landing fee. I said “I’m not paying that, but wish to come in for a lunch for four people; speak with your manager and see what you can do”. They come back to me saying they could reduce it by 50% to £125. I replied, “No you didn’t understand – I’m not paying a landing fee”. I informed them in doing so they only get blacklisted by groups such as HCGB and web forums such as this one.
Last edited by RMK; 25th May 2012 at 11:52.
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Bath Hotel
Hi Mady
I live close to,and often land at Lucknam Park. Great hotel and large landing area. In Colerne ATZ but thry have always been very helpful in my experience. No landing fee if eating/staying.
Cheers,
David
I live close to,and often land at Lucknam Park. Great hotel and large landing area. In Colerne ATZ but thry have always been very helpful in my experience. No landing fee if eating/staying.
Cheers,
David
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I agree with toptobottom, landed in BTS yesterday 4 up in a R44 with a strong Easterly wind flowing down the valley I must say it was one of the toughest landings I've had in 20 years, the site looked a lot bigger on google earth.
Very friendly but £50 is way over the top,
Very friendly but £50 is way over the top,
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Just read the Adele article. My immediate thought was what a plonker the hotelier is. To try and rip people off is one thing, but to go running to the Mail when someone famous refuses to be done over is very short sighted. Clown.
Avoid imitations
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Now here's a thought..
If a hotel or other place charges a landing fee, where does that actually place them in law?
Should a written contract, explaining services provided (or not), be provided?
If a hotel or other place charges a landing fee, where does that actually place them in law?
Should a written contract, explaining services provided (or not), be provided?
I don't think any site should be allowed to charge a landing fee for paying guests unless it's satisfied the authorities it's invested in comprehensive training/facilities. It's nothing more than a blatant rip off. Where's the logic in matey turning up at a hotel in a £1.5m Enzo and paying nothing, but matey next door turns up in his £80k R22 - and gets charged £50??!! 
This thread is full of stories about greedy snobs from the hotel industry - boycott them all I say!! The pilots are revolting!!
This thread is full of stories about greedy snobs from the hotel industry - boycott them all I say!! The pilots are revolting!!