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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2012 Popham memberships are now full price (the 2011 early payment offer is now withdrawn)!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.

13/04/2011

MICROLIGHT TRADE FAIR PROCEDURES PLEASE CLICK HERE.

13/04/2011

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:
  • 0010 Birmingham 118.050 MHz
  • 0011 Solent / Bournemouth 120.225 MHz / 119.475 MHz
  • 0012 Thames Radar/Gatwick 132.7 MHz / 126.825 MHz respectively
  • 0013 Luton / Stansted 129.550 MHz / 120.625 MHz respectively
  • 6170 Doncaster Approach 126.225 MHz
  • 7366 Manchester 118.575 MHz
15/01/2010 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
15/11/2009 Aero modelling page updated.
05/11/2009 Events page updated.  Motorcycle Matters page updated.
05/11/2009

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.

Details are on the Blackbushe flyer forum @ http://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=58930&start=45
22/10/2009 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
15/10/2007 2008 Events published

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Last modified: 31-Jan-2012