This is a
summary of web site updates and general news items.
29/01/2012
2102 Memberships are due by 31st January 2012.
After this date a "New Joiners" fee of £15 will
be strictly applied making the full membership
fee £150 for existing renewals. Remember,
you could have renewed your membership for £125
if you had done it by the end of December 2011!
06/01/2012
2012 Popham paid-up membership cards are now in
the box on the ATC desk (along with those from
2010 and 2011 that have still not been
collected)!
06/01/2012
Just a reminder that the airfield is now in its
usual winter state with the cones out to protect
the high usage area between the clubhouse and
the fuel bay. We have a sign on the fence
outside ATC by the signals square that can be
viewed from the webcam that will state either
"No circuits" (meaning the surface is very soft
and will deteriorate rapidly with high usage),
or "Closed" (which should be self explanatory!
No sign means the airfield is fully serviceable.
Usual caveats apply: if the sign is wet it is
raining, if the sign is all white it is snowing,
if the sign is crooked it is very windy!
03/01/2012
2012 Popham memberships are now full price (the
2011 early payment offer is now withdrawn)!
After 31st January you will be asked to pay a
"new joiner" fee as well!
28/12/2011
Events List updated to include Saturday 30th
June and Sunday 8th July 2012
19/12/2011
We will hopefully be stocking the new UL91 aviation fuel
early in the New Year which should be
considerably cheaper than 100LL (initial
estimate is £170/Litre but don't quote us on
that yet!) for those who
can use it. Airborne Aviation will be using it
and might well turn out to be one of our biggest
customers. It will be dispensed from a
stationary Bowser in the compound but
considerable preparation is required to the fuel
compound beforehand so watch this space.
09/11/2011
You can now get your 2012 Popham membership
renewed for 2012 at a discount rate until 31st
December 2011. Please pick up a form at
the ATC desk.
09/11/2011
NATS want all GA pilots to file a test flight
plan on 12th November 2012 to test the Olympic
Airspace system. Please see the link to
the NATS web site on
www.airspacesafety.com/olympics
02/11/2011
The Popham Web Cam has a new IP address.
The access from the "Web Cam Page" has been
updated. Anyone who uses a direct IP
address access should change it to the new
address of http://81.149.27.57
02/11/2011
A document has been added to "Popular Links"
giving information about crossing Brize Zone.
02/11/2011
We are experiencing problems with our BT
Internet connection. Please bear with us
if the web cam is not working.
26/10/2011
Please note - 2011
membership subscriptions
are now well overdue and some notable people are
still flying here! You must be a member if
you fly or are in a group at Popham.
26/10/2011
Winter
hours are 08:30 to 16:30. The cafeteria
will now open at 09:00 on Saturdays and Sundays.
12/10/2011
The
eastern end of runway 26 is coned off for
repairs (where all you guys and gals start your
take off roll!). This will take place
throughout the winter. This also means
that R26 is shortened by about 40 meters.
There are two new entrances to the runway just
short of the coned area. Note that holding
point is still at the bottom of the slope!
12/10/2011
2012
Events list updated
27/06/2011
As of 1st August2011, aircraft fuel price will
increase to £1.85/litre inclusive of VAT (plus
landing fee for non-members). Non-aircraft
fuel will be £2.05/litre.
27/06/2011
The Popham Web Cam should now be working.
27/06/2011
The Popham Web Cam is NOT working. This is
due some changes being made to the Router by BT.
We will advise when it is "up" again.
05/05/2011
We are
advised that there will be two periods of
Gliding Competitions originating from Lasham
Airfield (EGHL) this summer. They are:-
1, A regional Competition 28th May to 5th June
involving 80 Gliders.
2, National and Regional Competition 20th August
to 28th August involving 80 Gliders
The period of activity will be from 0830UTC
until Sunset
The competition tasks will be weather dependant
but will range in length from 75nm to in excess
of 350nm.
The tasks will be set between various points on
the UK Landmass south of 53.00N. The tasks will
be set in Class G Airspace.
The gliders will fly at heights of between 500ft
above ground to the top of the convective layer,
will not observe quadrantal rules and may fly in
cloud.
It is unlikely that many will be transponder
equipped.
17/04/2011
Bembridge Airfield re-opens as an unlicensed
airfield managed by the Vectis Gliding Club Ltd
(VGC). VGC conducts gliding operations on
Wednesday (BST), Saturday and Sunday also Bank
holidays weather permitting , however gliding
operations may take place on any day. There are
also a number of resident power aircraft, and
model flying at any time to the North side of
the 23 grass runway up to 500 feet agl.
Gliders are launched by aero tow behind a Piper
Super Cub aircraft call sign “Tug”. Gliders may
be launched either from the concrete runway or
from the grass to the South of the runway. VGC
may also use 23 grass in some conditions. Blind
radio calls to “Bembridge Traffic” are given.
Visiting aircraft are welcome however Prior
Permission is required (PPR) for any aircraft to
land at Bembridge. PPR and a briefing should be obtained by
telephoning 07770228852.
As of 16th April 2011, aircraft fuel price will
increase to £1.80/litre inclusive of VAT (plus
landing fee for non-members). Non-aircraft
fuel will now be £2.00/litre.
13/04/2011
03/21 now has runway numbers and shortly there
will be a new windsock
at the southern end.
23/03/2011
Landings are now free at Old Warden. You
still have to pay to get in the Museum but it's
a nice place to go.
25/02/2011
Don
Binks (your Tuesday/Thursday controller) is leaving for the
wilds of Norfolk in April. He is holding a small
get-together at 12:30 on 7th April in Popham Clubroom.
Anyone wanting to say goodbye to him (and the end of an era)
please add your name to the list in the Clubroom and you will be
welcome to tea/coffee and sandwiches.
25/02/2011
As of 1st March 2011, aircraft fuel price will
increase to £1.76/litre inclusive of VAT (plus
landing fee for non-members). Non-aircraft
fuel will now be £1.95/litre.
06/02/2011
As of
31 January 2012, we
now have
314 members
listed for 2011, plus 128 members
(listed for 2010) who have not yet renewed! 87 members on
our 2009 listing did not renew in 2010 and some notable people
are still flying here!
Have you paid your membership for 2011? Remember, if you fly
at Popham and/or are a member of a group aircraft you must be a
member of the Spitfire Flying Club. N.B. We do not post
anything to you unless you provide an S.A.E! All paid up membership cards
are available for collection in the box on the ATC desk (and if you ain't
paid it ain't there)!
02/02/2011
There will be a TV series on the Starlight Foundation commencing
Wednesday 16th February at 19:30 on Channel 5. Popham
Airfield will be featured on the 3rd episode to be aired on 2nd
March 2011.
21/01/2011
News received about the current status of Bembridge Airport:
As of 1 January 2011, Bembridge Airport has reverted to the
day-to-day control of Bembridge Airport Limited.
With effect from the above date, Britten-Norman will not be
involved in airfield operations at Bembridge and the company is
therefore regrettably unable to grant access to the main
airfield. Airfield information is available via the NOTAM
system or by calling Bembridge Airport Limited.
The tower at Bembridge continues to be staffed by our fully
trained personnel and we welcome any rotary traffic to our
heliport. The Aero club also remains open to visitors.
PLEASE NOTE - NO FIXED WING VISITORS!
Our sincere apologies to customers who are unable to gain access
to Bembridge Airport since the transfer of management to the
land owner.
Britten-Norman remains
willing and able to continue to manage Bembridge Airport . If
you would like to support the company in returning to the role
of airfield manager, please contact Peter Dalby, Fly BN Ltd, on
the number below.
Bembridge Information: +44 20 3371 4980
11/01/2011
Chinook presentation
Popham Clubroom on Friday 25th February 7.30 for
7.45 sharp
£5 per person on entry - this is mainly to cover
the food which will be platters of assorted
cheeses and hot crusty breads
Speaker is Sqn. Ldr. Russ Norman OC B Flight 27
Sqn. at RAF Odiham who will give a presentation
of the Chinook's capabilities and what they get
up to on Operations in Afghanistan and other
places.
It is most important that anyone who wishes to
come lets Dick know either by e mail, phone or
writes their name on the new list in the
clubroom so that we have enough chairs and food.
31/12/2010
As of 1st January 2011, aircraft fuel price will
increase to £1.70/litre inclusive of VAT (plus
landing fee for non-members). Non-aircraft
fuel will now be £1.90/litre.
19/12/2010
Due to an
administration error (viz. Dick's cock up!) the
dates for the Europa Rally and the de Havilland
fly-ins have been swapped. Please amend
your current printed "Events List" accordingly.
A new batch of "Events" will be printed and will
soon be available in the Clubhouse.
05/12/2010
Christmas Newsletter posted to known member
addresses on 3rd December.
07/11/2010
Popham will be closed on Christmas Eve and
Christmas Day. We will be open as usual on
Boxing Day if you want to escape from over
eating and garbage TV!
28/10/2010
Your
2011 Memberships will be due again on 1st
January 2011. The bad news is that
the rate of VAT will rise by 2.5% so the current membership fees
will increase a little and also include this tax. We are
currently allowing you to renew for
Full £120, OAP £80, and Social £40.
From 1st January 2011 the fees will be Full
£125, OAP £85, and Social £45.
If you
think about it, it will therefore be "cheaper"
if you renew for next year now! What a
bargain!
05/10/2010
Please put your thinking caps on and write
something for the annual newsletter. As
you know, the newsletter has grown over the
years into an enjoyable Member's publication.
This can only happen with your input. Have
you made an interesting trip ... got some
funnies to tell ... anything to sell ... flight
safety issues ... anything of interest? It
need not be aviation related. Photos go
down well when illustrating a story BUT please
do not embed them as our Editor requires them to
be separate to your text. He will then add
them during the publishing process.
05/10/2010
Statement issued by Sandown:
"We would like to confirm that we have obtained
a High Court Injunction for our continued use of
the runways and taxiways at Sandown. We are open
for business and welcome any aircraft wishing to
visit. PPR is required on 01983 402402. The cafe
is open and proving very popular with Carla's
excellent food and hospitality." The
developers had apparently intended to make the
runway unusable from 2/10 but now they can't.
If you do go there just be aware that with
Sandown now unlicensed the Bembridge ATZ is a
complete circle so is much closer to the Sandown
circuit.
05/10/2010
WInter hours are now in effect until 31st March
2011. The airfield is now only open from
08:30 to 16:30 daily. If the weather is
bad then keep an eye on the webcam to see if the
airfield is closed - it might save you a trip!
05/10/2010
A list of 2011 Events has
been added to the Events page
14/09/2010
THE IMPORTANCE OF BOOKING OUT ! ! !
You may have heard in the news of the
unfortunate accident to our Piper Tripacer that
crashed in the Totton area on its way back from
the Isle of White. The pilot and passenger
sustained many injuries but as we understand it,
they are stable and recovering - we wish them well.
They did book out and so we were able to
fairly quickly
ascertain who was flying.
We have had remarks such as "I will book out/in when we return" -
would this help in the above
situation? It could happen to you!
13/09/2010
In the light of the item below regarding the
closure of Sandown, there is a petition running
to keep the airfield open. Please find
the time to sign the form on the ATC desk.
27/08/2010
A statement issued 19th August 2010 reference
the closure of Sandown Isle of Wight
Airport reads:
"You will be aware that the airport has long
standing viability issues. In our opinion this
is unlikely to change in the future. With regret
we write to inform you of the closure of the
airport as Friday 1st of October. All flight
operations will be prohibited and the runways
and taxiways will cease to exist from this date.
Groundwork investigations for the future
development of the site will begin in October'".
17/08/2010
Competition - Here is an old picture from
Popham. Can you identify the year and/or
any of the planes/people? Please send
replies to the
Webmaster.
07/07/2010
As you may
know, Sandown is no longer licensed and no
longer has an ATZ. Whilst over there
yesterday, Carla who now runs the little cafe
asked that anyone wanting to land at Sandown
should call the main airport number which is
01983 405125 - she cannot give you permission to
land. If there is no reply then leave a
message on the Answerphone stating when you
intend to arrive and then make blind calls on
the Sandown frequency. If there is no
official person there then Carla will collect
your landing fee. If you want to check if
the Sandown cafe is open then call Carla 07930
242488. If it is not open then the Garden
Centre, a very short walk (right) up the hill
from the airfield, has a very good cafe.
04/07/2010
We have been asked by Distress and Diversion
Cell to support their collection for Help for
Heroes. Please use this link to see their
web site detail:
www.bmycharity.com/DanD
02/07/2010
We have been politely reminded that the northern
border of the airfield (the wooded area) does
not belong to the airfield. For many years
people have used this area to camp or dog walk
and we now ask that this practice stops.
The woods belong to the Steventon Estate and
they are important area for the breeding of game
birds. Please respect this request in
future.
26/06/2010
"Sweetheart" the Popham cat passed away
peacefully on Saturday 26th June 2010 at the
tender age of about 100. Val has requested
that if anyone has any pictures of the cat (old
or new) please send them in to DIck at Popham.
09/06/2010
Lasham Gliding "Competition Enterprise" 3rd July
to 11th July will involve 25 gliders.
Lasham "National Regional Competition" 21st
August to 29th August will involve 100 gliders.
Daily tasks and routes will be available on the
ATC desk. Yet another reason to book out!
01/06/2010
As of 1st June 2010, aircraft fuel price will
increase to £1.60/litre inclusive of
VAT (plus landing fee for non-members). Non-aircraft fuel will
now be £1.80/litre.
20/05/2010
Research shows that the average price of fuel
around our southern airfields is £1.76/litre -
we are £1.55 at the moment. On this basis,
all non members will now be expected to pay the £6
landing fee no matter how much fuel they pick
up.
16/04/2010
As of 1st May 2010,
aircraft fuel price will increase to £1.55/litre inclusive of
VAT. Non aircraft will remain at £1.70/litre. Oil will
also increase - click here
to go to the Fuel page.
29/03/2010
As of
1st April 2010,
aircraft fuel price will increase to £1.50/litre inclusive of
VAT. Non aircraft will remain at £1.70/litre.
04/03/2010
We have just installed a wireless extender for
the Internet Router at Popham. This means
that the wireless signal should now be strong
enough to be available in the clubroom area.
Please ask at the ATC desk for the security
access code.
02/02/2010
The Solent area introduced a "listening" Squawk
from 06:30 on Thursday 28th January 2010 ask any
of our
Instructors if you want
more details. Solent is the second most infringed
airspace in the UK. The current list of
"listening squawks"
around England is now:
As of
1st February 2010,
aircraft fuel price will increase to £1.45/litre inclusive of
VAT. Non aircraft will remain at £1.70/litre.
13/01/2010
As of 13th
January 2010, 262 members have renewed for 2010 - 217 members on
our list for 2009 so far have not! Remember, we do not post
anything to you unless you provide an S.A.E! All paid up membership cards
are available for collection in the box on the ATC desk (if you ain't
paid it ain't there)!
16/12/2009
The main entry gates at
Popham have recently been forced open resulting in a bill for
£800 to repair them! If you see anyone tampering with the
gates then please let us know. If you need access and have
forgotten the code then a quick call to Dick's mobile (07818
408041) will give you the required information.
14/12/2009
The 2009 Winter Newsletter
has been sent out to you. If you do not get it in the next
few days than please check what address we have for you on our
system or send an email to Chris on ATC at
crt@alternateair.co.uk
10/12/2009
It is now possible to renew
your membership for 2010. See the ATC desk for a
2010 red form. Fees remain
the same as last year see memberships.
You will also get a reminder and a red form in the forthcoming newsletter.
Note: no discount for early payment but lapsed members rejoining after 1st February
2010 will incur a re-joining fee - this will be strictly enforced!
02/12/2009
On 27th November we had a
"non radio" 40 ton Rumanian articulated lorry "land downwind" on the
field via the A303! This has caused serious damage to the
southern taxiway from abeam the clubhouse going east for about
150 meters. Work will soon be in progress to rectify the
ruts made during its arrival and subsequent extraction but in
the meantime this portion of the southern taxiway remains
unusable. The repairs
progress - Keith Ranger has rolled and filled the main damage
and it is now useable with care. The
fence and the hedging still need to be re-instated.
02/12/2009
Airfield lower parking area waterlogged. Please do NOT
take cars through the gate into the lower aircraft park.
If this practice persists we will have to lock the lower gate!
Use common sense and ask ATC if you really must take your car to
the plane. Contact Us
18/11/2009
Please note: Winter procedures
now in place as the ground is very soft. When passing the
clubhouse taxi OUTSIDE the cones on the longer grass. Taxi south
side of R26 where possible. Touch & goes may be prohibited and
the airfield limited to "fly away and fly back" or "Essential Use Only" at any time so if
in doubt - CHECK FIRST! Contact Us
Some of you
will already be aware that Blackbushe airfield is hosting a
handicapped service personnel event on Sunday November 22nd.
It's an opportunity for anyone who is/can be around to take part
in a very worthwhile event. It’s for armed forces personnel
currently at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at
Headley Court near Epsom. Landing charges at EGLK for aircraft
involved are being waived.
We don’t know
the exact structure of the day yet, but one for the diaries for
those able to participate in any way. Please pass on to any
other aviators you may know who may be able to assist.
A new web cam (situated on the
anemometer pole on the corner of the ATC area) should now be
working! You will be asked to Login. The UserID is "guest"
and the Password is "guest" (both case dependent). Click
the Web Cam Tab or here
to view. Please note we only have
1MB broadband at Popham and we are not sure at present how many
concurrent streams will be supported so do not leave yourself
logged in to the camera for long periods!
16/10/2009
The October edition of the "Loop"
newspaper advertises that Popham has an End of Season Fly-in on
22nd October 2009 and that flights will be arranged in the
Antonov AN2. THIS NOT TRUE. All Popham events for
2009 are now finished and we do not offer AN2 flights.
October 22nd is a Thursday and we only ever hold fly-ins on
Sundays, additionally our End of Season Fly-in was last Sunday
11th October!
"Loop" will be contacted about
this invalid information.
12/10/2009
2010 Events List updated.
Articles required for the
Christmas Newsletter - please send to DIck asap. Tell us
what you have been up to!
04/10/2009
Effective immediately there will
only be ONE place to book in and out and that is the ATC desk!
The sheets in Wiltshire Aircraft Maintenance and also in all the
Hangars will be removed. This is in response to Customs
and Special Branch requests.
24/09/2009
If you don't like
young children, avoid the clubroom on Friday 11th December from 13.00 to
15.00 as there will be 26 five year olds from the local school having
their annual Christmas Party. If you like children, come along and help
me entertain them! Dick
24/09/2009
2010 Events list added but this is a
PROVISIONAL list......subject to possible amendment as required.
24/09/2009
From 1st October to
31 March 2010, winter opening hours come into effect. These are 08.30
to 16.30 daily. This means clubroom is locked each day at 16.30
reopening at 08.30 in the morning and fuel sales are from 08.30 to 16.30
daily. Club members have the use of the pilot's briefing room outside
these hours of course - provided you know the door code!
The airfield is
closed for all purposes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and the gates
will be locked. Airfield re-opens at 08.30 on Boxing Day - all day
breakfasts will be served!
Contributions for
the Annual Newsletter are now required for the annual Newsletter. All
contributions to Dick please before end of November.
24/09/2009
Fuel price DOWN as from 1st October 2009!
Now Aircraft £1.40/litre. Non-aircraft £1.60 litre.
21/09/2009
As from
the end of September 2009, members will only be able to fax flight plans
to Swanwick if the addressing information is correct. If possible
FPL's will have to be done by AFPEx on your PC before leaving
home. We received this info from them by phone this morning and they
are prepared to stretch the old fax system for us only till the end of
this month. Popham does now have an AFPEx "Tower" ID and if time
permits it may be possible for ATC to enter a FPL for you. It is
advisable to apply yourself an AFPEx ID as soon as possible if you want
to fly "Foreign" as it takes some time for Swanwick to check your
credentials before issuing you with a password!
Swanwick
have a help line phone number which is 0845 6010483. For further
clarification, we suggest you call Swanwick yourself!
24/08/2009
Overton added to noise sensitive areas
(Airfield Procedures)
01/09/2009
Fuel price UP as from 1st September 2009.
Now Aircraft £1.45/litre. Non-aircraft £1.60 litre.
05/08/2009
Fuel price DOWN as from 1st August 2009!
Now Aircraft £1.35/litre. Non-aircraft £1.60 litre.
03/08/2009
Doug Ranger of Wiltshire Aircraft
Maintenance passed away after a short illness. All at Popham pass
condolences to his family at this difficult time. The funeral was at 11:00 at Overton Church on 3rd August.
26/06/2009
Popham web cam suspended until we can
make it more reliable!!
23/06/2009
Additional "fly-in" added. See
"Help for Heroes" on the events page.
09/06/2009
Fuel price UP as from 9th June 2009.
Aircraft £1.45 Litre. Non-aircraft £1.70 litre.
17/04/2009
Location/Local Info page updated
08/04/2009
May Bank Holiday Aero Auto Jumble Classic
Car entries CLOSED - Now over 900 booked in!
04/04/2009
May Bank Holiday Trade Fair and Aero/Auto
Jumble procedures updated.
26/03/2009
Popham Web Cam live (access from our "Notam's & Weather" tab)
25/03/2009
Flight Shop chart validity updated
10/03/2009
Fuel price DOWN as from 9th March 2009!
Now Aircraft £1.35/litre
10/03/2009
Link to LAA web site addded
05/03/2009
Weather information updated with
additional links
02/03/2009
Events updated with links to Microlight
Trade Fair procedures and TRADE STAND request forms added.
12/02/2009
Motorcycle Matters updated
10/01/2008
Fuel price DOWN as from 10th January 2009! Now Aircraft £1.40/litre
03/02/2009
Landing fees £6.00 single, £12 twin.
Membership £120, OAP £80, Social £40
26/11/2008
Fuel price DOWN as from 1st December 2008! Now Aircraft £1.45/litre
- Non-aircraft £1.70/litre
11/11/2008
2009 Events (Airfield and Motorcycle) finalised.
29/10/2008
Advance Membership information.
2009 full member will be £120 (£110 if paid before 31/12/2008).
2009 OAP will be £80. Social
member £40. No discount for the last two! New joining administration fee £15. Remember,
you must be a member if you own, or are in a group aircraft at Popham.
17/10/2008
Fuel price DOWN! Now Aircraft £1.50/litre
- Non-aircraft £1.75/litre
16/10/2008
Provisional 2009 Events added.
05/10/2008
CHRISTMAS LUNCH 2008
There will be a full Christmas lunch in
the clubroom on Wednesday 10th December and as numbers are limited to
30, can you please append your name on the clubroom list as soon as
possible with a £5 per head non refundable deposit and the balance
to be paid by the 1st December. The cost will be £15 per head and those
diners who wish to imbibe should bring their own wine etc.
A Full menu will be available shortly.
27/09/2008
For those who
have received invitations to the Starlight Function on the evening of 18
October are reminded that this will now take place on Saturday 1st
November 2008.
We are preparing
the Winter 2008 Newsletter and if any member would like to contribute
news items, articles, etc., they would be welcome and ensure another
interesting read!
From the 1st
October 2008 until the 31st March 2009 the clubroom and fuel pumps will
be closed from 16.30 until 08.30 daily.
19/08/2008
24th August 2008 Pooley's Open Day Fly-in
cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control. However, we
will still treat this as a Fly-in (No landing Fees) because it has been
published in all the general flying magazines.
16/06/2008
Fuel price UP as from 16th June 2008.
Aircraft £1.55 Litre / Cans £1.80 Litre
30/04/2008
2008 Microlight Trade Fair & Aero/Auto
Jumble postponed. The re-scheduled date
will now be 2nd & 3rd August 2008. "Events" updated
accordingly.
01/05/2008
Fuel price UP as from 3rd March 2008.
Aircraft £1.40 Litre / Cans £1.65 Litre
18/12/2007
Oil prices increased as from 1st February
2008.
16/12/2007
2007 Christmas Newsletter published.
01/12/2007
Fuel price UP as from 1st January 2008. Will
then be £1.30/litre.
18/11/2007
Entire
Web
Site updated to reflect
2008 items and price revisions
29/01/2012
"Sweetheart" the Popham cat passed away
peacefully on Saturday 26th June 2010 at the
tender age of about 100. Val has requested
that if anyone has any pictures of the cat (old
or new) please send them in to DIck at Popham.