I found a site on the east side of Cardiff last week and landed there. Had a really nice welcome and there is enough room on the front lawn by the fountain. Take a look:- St Mellons Hotel - Luxury Country Hotel Between Cardiff & Newport
If you want somewere on the west side of Cardiff then you have http://www.miskin-manor.co.uk/ a dedicated helipad there to the south of the back lawn, and the owner Colin is a Helicopter pilot himself. again you always have a nice welcome.

Thanks, Miskin Manor looked good when I recced it last week.

Haverfordwest isn't open on Weekends.

Why would anybody use Haverfordwest when they want to go to Cardiff anyway? They are 70 nm (and at least 2 hrs driving) apart. A bit like saying land at Shoreham if you want to go to Oxford!!! And yes, I know there is an airport at Oxford!!

And there I was thinking that Oxford Airport was near London with their branding?

Not wishing to extend the thread creep, but Haverfordwest IS open at weekends. It is just NOT licensed.

Going back to Cardiff, my experience was that it was quite useful for those who used it. However, aside from Rugby matches, FA Cup Finals when Wembley was closed, it was never very busy.

The airport is a disaster for GA. Can't recall ever going in there with a hele. Does anyone have any experiences?

However, the Council have paid for the heliport and it would be a shame to lose it: it is in a wonderful position for getting into Cardiff. Does anyone know the background? I thought the second version of Veritair got taken over by Patriot. At one stage, they seemed to want to take over the World (or a least most of the UK). Julian will no doubt want to retire by now, but they could have got someone else to front it up.

I did speculate about a float-equipped flying school being based there........... I am out of touch these days, but I guess the PPL training market is not very lively.

Julian Verity retired some time ago and Veritair was already under the ownership of Sir Peter's ambitious aviation plans.However he allegedly wanted Cardiff Council to subsidise the running costs of the heliport,which the council own ,and Veritair closed the operation when they couldn't reach an agreement. The city council is looking for a new operator but the Veritair lease still has some time to run .......real mess.
Meanwhile ,whilst other options exist on both sides of the Bristol Channel,the problem is fuel .The Helicopter Museum at WSM has crew fuel( bacon sarnies etc) but no avtur , as the previous fuel provider closed his business and not enough throughput to warrant setting up fuel in house. With Filton closed too there is a potential need though,to avoid the high charges at Cardiff and Bristol Airports.

I shall have to recheck on Haverfordwest, maybe I was caught out by the winter schedule or some such when I wanted to go there...

As you know BS, I am based at EGFE these days.

At weekends the radio is manned by the flying school and training and private flying goes on. I believe Jet A1 is available, but getting it to your (relatively) large bird might require some pre-arrangement at weekends. As you know, my current steed sips Mogas from the local garage, so the Jet A1 thing should be checked.

The airfield did rather go into hibernation over a rather extended period over "Christmas". That may be what caught you out..........

It is a shame to hear the fate of the heliport, as detailed by heli1. It was useful to helicopter operators and the city, and occasionally pivotal. It is no surprise that the 2 parties are playing hard-ball, but once you no longer provide the service, the customers have to find alternatives.

South Wales has VERY limited GA facilities. It is a great shame.

I would not have thought that the length of the lease would preclude another operator from moving in. If they have both "walked away" in effect the contract no longer exists.

Cardiff Heliport closing
 

Any further news?? Loads of enquiries for the Rugby World Cup

Still closed, bits of the roof falling off and the rain coming in. The windsock is working again though!:D

Any idea whether we can still use it as an unlicensed landing site? We don't require fuel or handling, just somewhere to drop passengers as close to Cardiff city centre as possible and park for a few hours.


Anyone know who would be best to speak to at the Council?


Thanks!

Cardiff Heliport Re-Opening
 

I have today been told Cardiff Heliport will be reopening with a new landlord very soon.
Has anyone ells got any more information?

Cardiff news
 

Helihub have just published this update..... HeliHub UK ? Change of control at Cardiff Heliport

Cardiff City Heliport
 

Well Cardiff City Heliport [ former Tremorfa Heliport] is open again so start booking in!. Under the ownership of Cardiff City Heliport Ltd with Mr Roy Steptoe from Caernarfon Airport fame in charge the heliport is open SEVEN days from 0900-1800 in summer and 0900-1700 in winter. The website Home - Cardiff Heliport is taking shape so please take a look. You can call them on 02920-465880 if you wish and no doubt the friendly team will try and help you.

Also the Wales Air Ambulance are basing a 135 there any moment now if its not already there...

I was told the prices are the same as before.

Also Paul who used to run the office is back as well, so all-round good news.

Great news. To learn of a helicopter base opening up again (rather than closing), always is!