Elstree..Coming Soon?

[andover]

A new initiative for us...perhaps allowing access if you are a social member (as per Breighton)?



The message below was noted via flyelstree.co.uk/coming-soon/




IN PLANE MOOD ELSTREE



A NEW PLACE FOR AIRCRAFT ENTHUSIASTS TO MEET AND SOCIALISE



DEDICATED ROOM OVERLOOKING THE RUNWAY



MEMBERSHIP FEE TO INCLUDE SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP TO THE FLYING CLUB


Onwards and upwards

andover

[graham]

Sounds like a great plan, shame more airfields don't offer such facilities

[andover]

Many thanks for the like, Graham.

It seems to be slowly gaining in popularity doesn't it. Some airfields of course, suggest a donation to a local cause.

Cynically we could say that a day out touring airfields would add to the cost, however, it would perhaps add
to our feel good factor of having done some good through our visits.

[graham]

It's peculiar isn't it that there never appears to be any centre ground as far as the relationship/tolerance or whatever you'd want to call it between enthusiasts and airfields are concerned? We seem to be either welcomed and even catered for, or viewed as the devil's disciples to be kept out at all cost. Fortunately, most of my experiences have been of the former variety. There used to be a particularly rude chap at Henstridge many years ago, first time I ever visited I asked for hanger access and was told, " not f***ing likely, we don't want your sort here". Now, to an extent, I understand the reluctance after all, hanger access is no different really to asking to look around a building full of privately owned expensive cars and the fuss that would ensue should a person inadvertantly brush past a vehicle and scratch it. But I've always felt that a polite "no" is far better than an expletive laden refusal from some power crazed idiot who gets his kicks from being rude.

[michael]

I agree ,but I must admit never interested in any GA airfield (spotting choice only)
But I think at times we have SOME "god given right sorts" in our hobby that dont help us

While over at Coolidge,Arizona in February we actively looked for a "boss man" when we found him (South African guy) he told us we had complete access including the ramps,but not into the hangers-outside fine,although he said the airfield was an open public area of the ramp.

But he said "Thanks for asking as we see so many of your hobbyists,that never give that courtesy"

[graham]

You're completey right Michael, I've encountered idiots who profess to be enthusiasts who have total disregard for courtesy and private property. A few years ago, several of us went to the Gazelle Squadron airfield in Hampshire ( its name escapes me..) and afterwards, I decided to pay a quick call at Thruxton. There was a carload of people there as I pulled up who had also been at the tour, not AFA-ers I'm pleased to say, they'd been rather disrespectful to our host there by wandering away from the tour and photographing an area that our guide asked us politely NOT to photograph. As I got out of my car at Thruxton, opposite the Heli Air hanger, these idiots piled out of their car, walked across the road and straight through the barrier adjacent to the hanger where a chopper was running up preparing to depart.

Needless to say, they were almost instantly told to clear off by a guy who had presumably been out of my line of sight and as they walked back to their car, all I could hear was "what a power crazed **** he was". Awful, condsidering it was they who had caused the issue in the first place.