Got my Blades November issue today also!!:D

I haven't got mine...I never do, it is impossible to get on their mailing list...farcical really...

Perhaps someone could be bothered to scan it/convert it etc. and put it in 'e' format on here ?

:ok:

Absolutely agree about the inconsistency of any kind of subscription.

I've really enjoyed the issues I've received, but not now seen one for several months - and I think I'm a typically good target for many of their advertisers.

Got mine yesterday.
I've just spent 10 minutes wondering where to start.
Maybe a discussion about Phil Croucher's advice to buy a helicopter on completion of PPL, or Alan Mann Aviation Group implying (surely they can't be serious!) that you can train to fly on an Agusta 109. Perhaps they mean that you can train to fly an Agusta 109. I have to confess, I'm still reeling from Captain Q's revelation in an earlier publication that helicopters can't fly backwards.
Maybe I could start with ignoring the schoolboy grammatical errors.


No, can't be bothered.

And if anyone finds any errors -grammatical or otherwise- in this post, just remember that I've not charged you £2.75 to read them.:=

I picked up on both of those points, but far be it from me to question those with more experience... Whilst I can see the sense in a cheap aircraft to build hours and then re-sell, I'm fairly sure you can't do a PPL on a 109 ;)

Blades & Loop
 

Happily received my October issue of 'BLADES' today and a good read it is with some nice articles and news items. Still no October LOOP tho' ... anyone able to confirm confirm it has appeared? DRK

Hi Dennis,

This is confusing: I've just received my 'Bi Monthly' copy of Blades! But you said you had just taken delivery of the October issue yet mine says November on it!

If it is 'Bi Monthly' then it should say October as it follows Issue 10 February, Issue 11 April, Issue 12 June, Issue 13 August so Issue 14 should be October yet the one that arrived through my door yesterday says Issue 11 November!!!!:confused:

Was there ever an October issue?

As regards Loop, that arrived yesterday too...........Issue 62 November.

spoke to a friend tonight who came in from work wet and tired yet was glued to blades from the moment he came in and never bothered with his bath!!! i want a copy please!!!!


how does a mere mortal like me pay for a subscription!!!


chris.

Try here:


Nice as we are here on RH, advertising is expected to be paid for :hmm:

Splot

ETA: Oops, sorry - perhaps try googling it then ;)

Blades.
 

Sorry K77 ... you have to make make allowances for we COFs .... yup, mine says November too! And November LOOP arrived at the same time but I still don't know if an October issue came out. Anyone help?

My piece on the double DFC, 90 year-old ex RAF ... ex Armstrong Whitworth 'Whitley' bomber instructor at 1940s RAF Sleap should be with the Loop December issue. (And he's still instructing at Sleap Aerodrome today.)

Dennis Kenyon.

Hi again Dennis,

I called Blades today to clarify and the 'November' issue should in fact have been 'October' as the previous one was August!

The next issue is December!

Hope this helps,

K77.

Oddly enough, I've just received a copy of Loop (no Blades), despite not being a subscriber or having given them my details in at least 3 years (or having had anything else out of them in said 3 years). Or, in fact, having anything to do with fixed-wing aviation.

I suspect Loop's admin/subscriptions dept are easily confused, poor dears.

The Beater - perhaps you should have written an article for the magazine. Those that have seem to enjoy it! :)

I just got my copy, it must be from g-info as i have never sighned up. Some fantastic pictures of heli's on yatchs
Just need a yatch now ? and a bigger helicopter

Blades
 

Thanks for the check K77 ... much appreciated.. I've completed a piece on the Essex Police ASU flying their EC 135 so I guess the Editor will now publish with the December Blades. Hope you lads out there enjoy our writing work. I've no complaints as I get to fly types that wouldn't normally come my way.

Take care all, Dennis Kenyon.

Subscription?
 

What concerns me now is that people seem to be getting Blades who are not paying for it!!

I used to get it delivered FOC, then got a letter enclosed with it saying that it was moving to a subscription fee.

My partner did the honours and I got the Nov issue delievered ok, the question is - Did we need to bother if some people are still getting it for nowt...

I'm not moaning as I enjoy the content but I do wonder how/if some people are still qualifying for a 'freebie'?

Jeff Hall
PPL(H) R44

As has been alluded to, their subscription side is shambolic and neglected....so don't expect an answer to your question.....

Anyone got the December issue yet?

Hmm, not sure about doing a PPL(H) on a 109, but you can certainly fly one as a PPL(H) holder, provided you do a mini-CPL(H) course with a long title :)

Continuing the lateral thinking theme of my article, if you know someone with a 109, it may be beneficial for them to give you cheap flying because they may otherwise pay much more in tax - I'm not an accountant so get advice on this (maybe whirls knows something about it). It would appear that larger helicopters can only be written down over shorter periods if they do lots of flying (say over 600 hours per year). For some reason, the taxman thinks they don't need so much maintenance (yeah, I know, go figure).

Similarly, a helicopter that doesn't fly a lot still needs maintenance every 60 days or so - and it goes unserviceable more often. You may know such an owner who would be willing to help out with hour building in return for a small contribution.

I know of at least 2 people who have bought their own helicopter and built their own hours - one even set up his own AOC and hired his own pilots. He was doing so well, he nearly didn't bother finishing his licence. He's now flying a 76.

Phil

Just got December's edition of LOOP today but no Blades! Has anyone got December's Blades yet?

I just tried Aubrey's suggestion of Googling it, and got:

"Blade Magazine is the web's best resource for information on current knife news and all knife related information in the knife market"

Looking forward to reading Dennis K's full-test review of the 'Dress Bowie' or any of the 'switchblade/automatic knives' in their sister publication.

PM sent ;)

come on sort it out
 

Subscribed in October to both Loop and Blades...still awaiting my first copy of either!!! Was wondering if I would get them as a bundle for xmas, no joy!!:sad: Maybe get them in time for next year then

Blades / Loop - What a joke - Don't waste your money
 

Subscribed in October to both loop and blades. I am receiving loop but not blades. I have emailed them and sent messages via the form on their web site - not a single response. I have called them 3 times over the last 6 weeks asking for my blades. Every time someone promises faithfully to send me a copy, personally - I'm still waiting.

Fortunately I have paid by credit card so if this shambles carries on I can just get a refund off them. This is not the ideal outcome but its better than paying for something and not receiving it.

Call me a sceptic but I noticed that R44-pilot was very quick to post when he got his new job. He doesn't seem so keen to post now. Hmmm.

Blades
 

Ah ... yes. Now that the mince pies are thoroughly digested and the fog of the Rioja has passed, I'll settle in to a quirky piece on the Bowie.

Sorry lads to hear of the distribution troubles. Even as a contributor, I seem to have dropped off their radar too but I have drawn both Editor's (LOOP & BLADES) attention to what is going on at Babraham. They are good guys up there and I feel sure that they will have the distributions sorted SAP.

Dennis Kenyon

I assume Brabhams are the distributor. Don't blame them for all their woes, Dennis. As I said, I have called 3times and 3 separate people have checked my subscription details and promised to personally send me a copy of Blades. I'm still waiting.

Please can you provide a name and phone number so that people like myself can call an individual who will take responsibility and send us what we have paid for ?

Cheers,

John

I've had an identical experience :ugh:.

The incompetence defies belief.

Loop/blades
 

Hallo John & others,

I'm really surprised to hear of your poor experiences. The positions at LOOP/BLADES are as follows and I know they will not mind me giving the following details since this matter is of such importance.

Editor of BLADES is a nice guy called Dave Calderwood and he won't like hearing of such reports and will tackle the problem with his distribution man. Editor of LOOP is Richard Fairbairn and the same remarks apply. The buck will finally stop with the owner ... Sam Spurdens but you should call Dave and/or Richard first. Another contact is Dave Foster who is a director.

I've already sent e-mails to both Editors bringing their attenton to the problems being reported here. I have to repeat I'm more than dismayed to hear of the problems. Address. LOOP (Publishing) UK Limted, 9-11 The Mill Courtyard, Copley Hill Business Park, Babraham, Cambridgshire, CB22 3GN.

Hope some of this helps. Dennis Kenyon.

Blades/loop
 

Hallo Pruners ... I'm sorry to have to tell you all, especially those who have signed up to the magazines ... the company called in a receiver on 24th December. The liquidator's notice was sent to an old address so I've just discovered the situation today.

Creditors might like to note there is to be a meeting at 14.45 hrs on Friday 14th January at the Radisson Hotel, Stanstead. We may be asked to vote on some forward options.

Very sad news as the staff up at Brabraham are a great lot. Enthusiastic, and devoted to the three magazines. Just thought you should all know and I'm especially sad having been writing for both magazines since the first issue in October 2005. I don't think my piece on the Essex Police ASU at Boreham will now see the light of day.

Dennis K.

what about
 

Why not post your article here? Plenty of interested readers.

Cheers

Another £30.00 down the drain then (Loop and Blades Subscription).

:mad:

Not if you paid with a credit card.

It's a shame - I looked forward to receiving my (3 duplicate) issues...

Posted this on Flyer forums, for your info...

Interesting...
I had somebody from Loop on the phone yesterday wanting to know if I'd like to pay £19.99 (?) to renew my subscription.
A bit sneaky if there's not going to be any more copies published...or it could have been a researcher from the administrator trying to guage the market?

Oh dear
 

Hello Dennis,

I am sorry to hear the news.

I'm off to phone visa for a refund.

Cheers,

John

That is indeed very sad news.

Best of luck to the hard working staff.:ok:

Not surprised though if they couldn't sort out the distribution of their mag.

Lop - Blades
 

Hallo again lads ... just to make things clear. On 24 December 2010, the LOOP directors instructed a firm of liquidators to call a 'creditors meeting.' This is scheduled for Friday 14th PM at Stansted. I expect to be present. The creditors will be required to accept and confirm the nominated liquidators. I have the company's BS and last year's accounts but have no business association with Loop Publishing (UK) Ltd other than as a contributor.

It isn't inconceivable perhaps, that a purchaser could be found for all the Loop publications as most of us feel the two magazines are especially good. How about a dozen or so creditors getting together with a view to buying the wreck and getting it going again on a different (profitable) basis?

Afraid I can't publish articles on Pprune 'cos ....

(A) Doubt if the mods could allow it.
(B) I need to be paid!

E-mail me privately if more info is required. AND... as has been mentioned unfullfilled and paid for subscriptions can normally be recovered when paid by credit card.

Dennis Kenyon.

Sad but not a surprise given that we get 4 copies of each magazine to a private address and the fact we had to wait some 3 months for payment from Loop.... Shame

Good luck Dennis

As has already been expressed, perhaps a little organisation with their distributors and customer service would have been able to prevent this :hmm: the only reason I (and i'm sure a good few others) didn't subscribe was because I thought the chances of receiving anything would be slim to say the least, although the copies I did see elsewhere were very interesting, and well put together.

Perhaps someone will see that managed correctly with a reputation revamp to suit they would be able to bring 'em back to life :ok:

I rang the Subscriptions Department today to see if there was any chance of my money being refunded (I paid by debit card, not credit card) and was told that all they could do at this stage was if/when a new buyer was in place my subscription would be honoured!

Surprised to see this, and rather annoyed. I had a call last Friday (7th January) and paid for a £30 subscription to Loop and Blades. Surely it's not right to still be trying to claw in money for something they know won't materialise if the company is in administration?

:ugh: