SANDOWN, Isle of Wight up-dates

I was at Sandown again, to-day. I have heard that the person responsible for blocking the runway was, allegedlly, John Woodhouse.

The Police were called and the motor vehicle was removed. The a/c remained. I understand that up to nine visiting a/c called in and were turned away resulting in loss for those who gain a living from an operational airfield.

Quite what this person hopes to gain or his legal entitlement to enforce his writ remains to be seen.

Would anyone who planned to fly into Sandown on Saturday, 26th May and was subsequently turned away or, who is similarly baulked on any future occasion and is prepared to sign a prepared affidavit please PM me.

John Green

Reported elsewhere as currently having the runway blocked with a car and an aircraft.

I wonder what goes on?

Moggy

UPDATE – SUNDAY 27 MAY 2012.

JUST BEEN ADVISED SANDOWN NOW OPERATIONAL. CAFE BEHIND TOWER OPEN.
ANY QUERIES CALL TOWER ON 01983 405125

UPDATE ENDS

So do we all, Moggy.

At first thing this morning (Sat 26 May) a light aircraft and a car were parked on the runway such that it was not possible to either take-off or land. It appears that these obstructions were placed by a person associated with the ‘flying school’ located on the north side of the airfield, a person who decided that throwing teddy out of the pram was not sufficient protest at not getting his own way. Pathetic, childish, stupid and extremely dangerous actions by someone who should know better. A pilot, so I am told.

By this afternoon it appeared that the car had gone but a twin (aircraft) filled its slot.

There are reports that a ‘membership’ is being offered of some organisation on Sandown – I have been advised that the very last thing that you should do is to apply for this membership as heavens know where it could lead you. It appears to give details of ‘free landings’ – you may well get a bill form the airfield operator.

What next – your guess as good as mine. Will try to keep you updated, meanwhile please pass the word that all is being done to resolve this stupid impass just as soon as possible. Please advise on other forums as well.

Finally, donations of prams, complete with teddies, will be gratefully accepted.

Reported elsewhere as currently having the runway blocked with a car and an aircraft.

I wonder what goes on?

Moggy

Go south this weekend, to Sandown of course

Looks like being a good weekend, so how about a little over-water flying to Sandown (EGHN). Park south side (where the tower is) and enjoy a cuppa with old friends. Bring a few friends with you as well.

See you here!

Sandown update.

Flew over yesterday Wed. Carla and her son were busy in the cafe. The Sun was beaming and many visitors sat at the tables inside and out. I hope that all who read these forums will visit the airfield and Carla’s cafe as frequently as time and the weather will permit. This energetic and so pleasant lady needs as much support as possible.

John Green

Yes, ‘Tibbers’ is almost in the OB ATZ.

I should be around then 🙂

Moggy

Will do. I’m off to the French fly in at Old Buck by the way in Sep. You’re just over the road I think?

You are welcome 🙂

Let me know when you are going. I wouldn’t mind another trip there

Moggy

WCO to Didcot looks good too, thanks for that.

If VFR, then WCO to overhead Didcot gets you clear of most of the gliding / meat bombing sites.

If you can do IFR then that’s probably a better option though

Moggy

Moggy-Waddington.

Fieldhawk, I’ll def be down sometime (Atlas starts July 14th I think till mid August) I put the track on Skydemon yesterday and it looked pretty congested but I had tinker last night and if I route via Cranfield and S’ham VOR it looks OK. I’ll come down IFR.

Where are you based Dave?

Moggy

Not done the Islet of Wight yet. Looks a bit hairy threading south through all the gliding/military sites south of Northampton. What’s the score on getting a Solent/Southampton zone crossing? Do Solent clear you through Southampton? Are they amenable to GA? Looks a bit cockeyed to me.

Looks interesting, I’ll try to get down sometime after the Atlas nonsense is over.

Dave – Plenty make it down to the Isle of Wight and, to date, no known reports of any being shot down. Solent are very helpful and most certainly worth a call. On an average day you can be one of fifty or so; on a good day as many as 100+ make it.

See you soon?

Not done the Islet of Wight yet. Looks a bit hairy threading south through all the gliding/military sites south of Northampton. What’s the score on getting a Solent/Southampton zone crossing? Do Solent clear you through Southampton? Are they amenable to GA? Looks a bit cockeyed to me.

Looks interesting, I’ll try to get down sometime after the Atlas nonsense is over.

Excellent news!

I’ll be down as soon as the weather changes and things dry out a bit.

GOOD NEWS FROM SANDOWN

GOOD NEWS FROM SANDOWN – CARLA’S CAFE TO RE-OPEN

With FlyBN / Britten-Norman signing a new 2-year lease for the operation of Sandown Airport, the cafe at Sandown is set to fully open on 16 MAY. Additionally it will be open (limited menu only) on Bank Holiday Monday, 7th May.

The cafe has re-located to the south side of the airfield, just behind the tower, where it will be easier to park, particularily for the later arrivals.

Any enquiries relating to the cafe, please call Carla on +44 (0) 7930 242488. For matters air traffic the number is +44 (0) 1983 405125. PPR is not required, so you can just call Sandown A/G on 119.275MHz. For the GPS – EGHN

All are very welcome 7 days a week – smiles are NOT optional. 🙂

See you soon.

I’ve been told that there maybe an agreement at sometime during the coming weekend regarding future plans for the cafeteria at Sandown. It was alleged that some pretty harsh treatment was meted out to the former proprietor of the cafeteria on the north side.

There might be a new agreement in the offing. If I get any news, I’ll put it on the forum. The very pleasant and hospitable lady who will run the new arrangement will need lots of our support.

John Green

It was alleged that whoever is in charge or owns the airfield gave the lady proprietor of the cafeteria on the North side just 24 hours to pack up and get out – for reasons of which no one seems aware. All in all, a dismal scene.

John Green

John, If you call the lady concerned (Carla) I am sure that she will tell you the whole story. Her number is on post #1 above.

I could say more, in fact a lot more, but there is a definite risk that I may tell the truth. Sufficient to say – Carla was NOT at fault.

Having first carefully checked the fuel, flew first to Dunkeswell and then back to Sandown. All I can optimistically report is that it is open. Only half of the runway was today usable. Spoke to some very pleasant guys in the tower.

It was alleged that whoever is in charge or owns the airfield gave the lady proprietor of the cafeteria on the North side just 24 hours to pack up and get out – for reasons of which no one seems aware. All in all, a dismal scene.

John Green

Sandown up-date 28JAN12

Yes, we are still going, despite what the doom mongers are saying, and we are looking forward to seeing you too.

By the way, the complimentary refreshments are available only at weekends. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t come weekdays!!

It is hoped that there will be a further update in the next few days and that, soon, Carla’s Bacon Baps will be once again available. 🙂

Keep smiling. Keep flying.