Sandown update

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Member for

12 years 11 months

Posts: 6,535

Carla, from Sandown Airfield, IoW has asked me to let the Forum know that despite further recent difficulties regarding the future of the airfield, the airfield is very much open for business.

She asks that visiting pilots should ring her on: 07930 242488 and make blind calls to Sandown Traffic. She says that Henry will be working the Sandown frequency at weekends only.

The airfield is insured but without fire cover.

John Green

Original post

Member for

20 years

Posts: 3,902

Copied from GA Board PPRuNe.

''Sandown and Daedalus (Lee-on-Solent) Airports
Message from Fly BN

Dear All

After 18 months as leaseholders and managers of Sandown Airport, our tenure has now sadly come to an end, effective 31 August 2012. We understand that from that date the airfield will remain open as usual, though the field will be managed by a new management team. No details have yet been published regarding opening times and contact information.

We would like to thank you all for your support and generous custom during our time at Sandown and hope very much that we have taken good care of you during your visits to our field.

The efforts of Pete Dalby and team will now be primarily focussed on Daedalus Airfield at Lee-on-the-Solent, where visitors remain most welcome. In addition to our modest Aeroclub facility at Daedalus, where you can get a cup of tea and free WiFi, we will also be opening up pedestrian access to the LoS area so that visitors can make their way down to the sea front and beaches. No PPR is required for Daedalus, but you are advised to get in touch if arriving on Wednesday pm or at the weekend so that we can advise you about gliding activity.

Please note that Sandown tower will no longer be available via our old telephone number. Details for Daedalus, however, will remain as they were before:

020 3371 4980
[email]ats@flybn.com[/email]

Weather permitting, we look forward to seeing you at Daedalus soon.

Happy landings...''

Member for

14 years 9 months

Posts: 239

The start of yet another new era at Sandown. Let's make it the very best ever.

Come on down to Sandown. You will always be welcome both on the field and at Carla's.

Member for

12 years 11 months

Posts: 6,535

More on Sandown. There are apparently one or two administrative difficulties regarding the current use of the Sandown Radio frequency; 119.275. Until these are resolved, Carla asks that all pilots call either her phone number; 07930 242488 (see above) or 07802 490707 (Dick Steele),

In addition, when approaching or leaving the airfield, make radio calls to Sandown Traffic on SafetyCom 135.475.

Let's give Carla all the support we can. She has struggled long and valiantly to keep this most pleasant of airfields open and thriving. Our arrivals help her to do so.

John Green

Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 16,832

More on Sandown.... radio calls to Sandown Traffic on SafetyCom 135.475.

Let's give Carla all the support we can. She has struggled long and valiantly to keep this most pleasant of airfields open and thriving.

Perfect day today, and I'm working. Damn.

But +1 to the above

Moggy

Member for

12 years 11 months

Posts: 6,535

More from Carla at Sandown. Sandown frequency 119.275 is now operational, seven days per week. She says there might be occasions when the radio doesn't answer. In which case, please make blind calls on that frequency.

This message is warranted free from phobic taint.

John Green

Member for

12 years 11 months

Posts: 6,535

Sandown update.

Carla has asked me to let you know that, due to recent rains, the airfield is very wet and has had to close. Normal service will be resumed asap.

Member for

12 years 11 months

Posts: 6,535

Carla reports to-day, that Sandown's runway has been cut and is now dry and usable.

Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 16,832

Thanks for the update. Had planned Calais today, but the Channel weather looks dreadful.

Moggy

Member for

12 years 11 months

Posts: 6,535

Sorry to be the bearer of not good news. Carla reports that after yesterday's soaking plus all that has gone before, Sandown runway is not fit for use and is closed.

Member for

12 years 11 months

Posts: 6,535

Carla reports that still the Sandown runway is wet and unusable. Due to ongoing administrative difficulties, the cafeteria by the Tower is now closed and Carla has vacated.

On a near date, Carla expects to open a new mobile, sit in cafeteria on a site adjacent to the Tower. As soon as an agreement is made, she will give the Forum an opening date.

Member for

12 years 11 months

Posts: 6,535

Carla from Sandown reports that there is a possibility that her new mobile cafeteria will be in place and open by this weekend.

If not, she says that she will provide tea,coffee, biscuits and cakes from one of the rooms on the ground floor adjacent to the Tower.

Please check first that the runway is usable. Should anymore rain fall, the runway will remain closed.

Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 16,832

This from elsewhere:

Sandown EGHN
by Embassy » Sun Nov 11, 2012 22:42

Back in 2010, the future of Sandown "EGHN" was looking very bleak. An investment group set its sights on closing the airfield for development. One organisation stood in their way, Embassy Air Services Ltd.

With rights over the airfield, Embassy Air services Ltd. sought and won a High Court Judgement (which left them little change from £50,000) so Sandown would in fact remain open.

Right now Sandown is in receivership, so yet again the future ownership of EGHN is uncertain, yet one thing will always remain clear, Embassy Air Services Ltd. will continue the good fight to secure a happy future for the airfield.

Would you rather pay your landing fees to a receiver or to the organisation that is directly responsible for keeping Sandown EGHN open for all?

Embassy Air Services Ltd. is now taking Membership Applications for 2013. Membership costs only £60 for the year, and will entitle you to £5 landing fees - no matter what type aircraft, with overnight parking fees also at £5.

As an early bird incentive, all applications received before 31st December will be discounted to £50.

For a Membership Application Form please email:- [email]embassyflyingclub@hotmail.co.uk[/email]

Moggy

Member for

12 years 11 months

Posts: 6,535

The above, reproduced by Moggy C, is taken from other popular Forums - many of you will know who they are.

The airfield, while still operating, is largely still in 'receivership'. I do know something of these matters and until a buyer of those parts of the airfield that are still in receivership can be found, anyone thinking of doing so, would be ill advised to pay any money to anyone not authorised by the receiver to receive such.

Carla reports that Sat. 11th was a very busy day with many arrivals and pledges of support from visitors. She tells me that she expects to receive a letter endorsing her position on the airfield from the person appointed by the Receiver to manage the affairs of the airfield pending a sale.

It is worth pointing out that contrary to the information on other Forums the redevelopment of Sandown Airfield was a matter which seemed to exist mainly in certain people's imagination. The Local Authority were and have been for many years, adamant that the airfield land must be maintained as an airfield primarily because it was seen as a valuable and necessary community benefit.

With Carla as the present central focus for all Sandown's flying activities it is essential that we give this valiant lady our unqualified support and dismiss the pretensions of mischief makers.

Member for

12 years 11 months

Posts: 6,535

Spoke to Carla late to-day, Saturday. She reports the Sandown runway is dry and therefore open, Henry is in the tower and her cafeteria is open for drinks and snacks.

Member for

14 years

Posts: 1,234

I may pop in on Sunday (25th) for a Cuppa tea and a slice-a-cake.
In car, I don't fly.

Member for

12 years 11 months

Posts: 6,535

More on the present and future of Sandown.

It's reported that the runway is dry (ish) and useable. Henry (radio) is in the Tower at weekends.

Please be careful about paying to certain third parties any money up front for special deals relating to landing packages or anything else connected with certain parts of the airfield. All monies in connection with these matters should, I'm told, go via the normal routeing, (Carla) to the Official Receivers.

I'm told that the runway and other parts of the airfield unspecified are now up for sale. Offers are invited. The Receivers handling the sale are: Agents: Spence Willard & Co. I.oW. and Eddisons & Co. London. Evidently the Local Authoiry are sympathetic to some residential development but retaining the runway and ancillary buildings.

Member for

12 years 11 months

Posts: 6,535

Further to the last comment.

The indicated price for Sandown Airfield comprising:

Runway
Taxiways
Control Tower
Hangars

is £800,000. Propective buyers don't forget to factor in the possibility of planning consent for some residential development.

Perhaps this is an opportunity for Forum members? 500 members to put in £1600 each? Doesn't sound bad. Or, 1000 to put in £800? Could be an extremely good investment.

Member for

14 years 9 months

Posts: 239

.

Perhaps this is an opportunity for Forum members? 500 members to put in £1600 each? Doesn't sound bad. Or, 1000 to put in £800? Could be an extremely good investment.

John - Is it possible that a trust fund, or similar, could be set up whereby potential interested parties could leave their money and such that, if the bid failed they got it back or, if successful and over subscribed then duly re-imbursed?

Member for

12 years 11 months

Posts: 6,535

Fieldhawk

Yes. What is needed initially is, a number of valid pledges from would-be co-owners to cover the asking price. With the total assured, negotiations with the receivers could begin.

The administrative vehicle for this could be a company limited in liability or, as you write, perhaps a charitable trust.

It seems to be the case that there is much interest in the future of Sandown and perhaps with the approval of Key, that could be expressed on this forum by members indicating their wish to pledge and leaving a name and contact details for future private contact.

Time is of the essence and with that in mind, I'll make the first pledge of £800. 999 to go !

Member for

11 years 3 months

Posts: 1

There is a poll running on the Flyer GA Discussion forum to gauge interest. Over £10k so far.