Weston Airport

flyingpopeye · 17-05-2012 10:53pm #1

Any update in relation to the sale of the airport?

Su Campu · 17-05-2012 11:32pm

Don't know of any updates, but I was using it yesterday and it's sad to see its decline in the past 6 months, with so many aircraft removed. Still, nice to walk around Padraig Harrington's GIII!

Quebec Delta Mike · 23-05-2012 6:39pm

"Weston in decline"...that must be music to the ears of all the objectors, nay sayers and begrudgers...oh and the wannabe TDs who make crass headlines in the local rags..."We will strenuously object to the sale of Weston..." etc etc etc....

Watch this space, as they say...:D

QDM

Davidth88 · 24-05-2012 8:22am

The radio was reporting it was sold to an ' English Investor '

lets hope whoever it is builds it up to be the GA centre it should be .

emo72 · 24-05-2012 11:04pm

heard it was too. the buyer was making queries about the extended part of the runway (that has no planning permission?). they have big plans i believe. think they may be surprised at the "help" that the local councils will give them.

Quebec Delta Mike · 25-05-2012 12:55pm

When did the radio or papers ever get these things right?

The sale has not gone through yet, but the next couple of weeks should be interesting.:D

The "extended" part of the runway, as emo72 calls it, is a legal clearway/stopway, and has planning permission. There are no illegal developments at Weston, the IAA and Kildare CC, SDCC, and Bord Pleanala have have all seen to that!
Please stop the ignorant remarking and speculation, unless you are one of the serial objectors to all things Weston, who gleefully rub their hands at every negative they hear or read, even when it's not the truth.

QDM

Kenny2012 · 27-05-2012 1:23am

A few from Weston this afternoon

G-EEJE PA-31 Geeje Ltd
G-MEGN Beech 200 Dragonfly Aviation Services
G-OUGH Yak 52 Ian Gough
N239MY OH-6A Southern Aircraft Consultancy Inc
PH-BIT C172 Newflying PH-BIT Ltd

Pictures
G-EEJE http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7276128592
G-MEGN http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7276213048
G-OUGH http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7276195608
N239MY http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7276105832
PH-BIT http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7276169132

Ken

BrianD · 27-05-2012 2:36pm

Quebec Delta Mike wrote: »

"Weston in decline"...that must be music to the ears of all the objectors, nay sayers and begrudgers...oh and the wannabe TDs who make crass headlines in the local rags..."We will strenuously object to the sale of Weston..." etc etc etc....

Watch this space, as they say...:D

QDM

Well it is good news and rightly so. We all know the history of this airfield in recent times and quite frankly it's disgraceful. Send it back to its roots or close it. I'd say no loss if it's closed other than many light aircraft users would be disadvantaged. I've used it myself in the past.

Kenny2012 · 27-05-2012 6:22pm

A few visitors from Wales probably for the rugby final.

D-EGHL C182 AeroVisions
G-FANL C172 Jonathan Rees
G-OUGH Yak 52 Ian Gough
N583CD SR-22 Internatioal Air Services Inc
SP-DLP DA-42 Direct Fly

pictures

D-EGHL http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7280398406
G-FANL http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7280501678
N239MY http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7280336350
N583CD http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7280467948
SP-DLP http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7280539580

Ken

bombs away · 28-05-2012 8:38am

BrianD wrote: »

We all know the history of this airfield in recent times and quite frankly it's disgraceful

What recent history exactly would you be referring to

Kenny2012 · 28-05-2012 9:08pm

G-CEDG R-44 PJ Barnes
M-CICO FA50EX City Air Services
N458LM EMB500 Advocate Holdings / Capital Holdings 164

pictures
G-CEDG http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7289283232
M-CICO http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7289227132
http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7289227692
N458LM http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7289130612

Ken

BrianD · 28-05-2012 10:49pm

bombs away wrote: »

What recent history exactly would you be referring to

Read this and you'll get the general drift.

Tenger · 28-05-2012 11:04pm

flyingpopeye wrote: »

Any update in relation to the sale of the airport?

Still there this morning!!!:

Weston Airfield by tearbringer, on Flickr

xflyer · 28-05-2012 11:08pm

I'm puzzled BriandD, you say the closure would be 'no loss'. Yet the letter you posted pretty much demolishes most of the objections to the development of Weston.

What is disgraceful is that the small minded people locally and the both councils have acted in a manner designed as much as possible to obstruct the use of Weston as an airport.

If Weston was to close it would in fact be huge loss because it is in fact to only practical and affordable airport for general aviation near Dublin, in fact in Dublin. In many countries it would be seen as a vital asset, not just countries, counties. Look at the reaction to risk of closure to Galway airport?

It won't be closing though but it remains to be seen how the local authorities will deal with the new owners.

As for the objectors, to hell with them particularly the clowns in Kew Park and Weston lodge who bought houses directly under the flightpath of an airfield then woke up to the fact that aeroplanes fly over them.

I've no time for the nimbys, not least because I have had personal and unpleasant experience of airfield objectors. The truth doesn't interest them and they more closely resemble the appearance of a lynch mob than people with justified fears.

emo72 · 28-05-2012 11:32pm

xflyer wrote: »

As for the objectors, to hell with them particularly the clowns in Kew Park and Weston lodge who bought houses directly under the flightpath of an airfield then woke up to the fact that aeroplanes fly over them.

not quite accurate. "the clowns" in kew and weston bought their houses in the sixties and late eighties/early nineties and had no problems with the local airfield. weston was a welcome local amenity. no problems whatsoever.

when mansfield took over and ramped up development and encouraged bigger and noisier planes thats when things got fractious.

it would be nice to keep the debate civil as i am with everyone here. and if you are interested i will give you the view from my side of the fence.

best of luck,

Suits · 29-05-2012 12:01am

emo72 wrote: »

not quite accurate. "the clowns" in kew and weston bought their houses in the sixties and late eighties/early nineties and had no problems with the local airfield. weston was a welcome local amenity. no problems whatsoever.

when mansfield took over and ramped up development and encouraged bigger and noisier planes thats when things got fractious.

it would be nice to keep the debate civil as i am with everyone here. and if you are interested i will give you the view from my side of the fence.

best of luck,

There isnt really a steady flow of jet traffic into weston though.

If you buy a house beside an airfield you know what you are getting into, there is always the chance that you will have noisey planes overhead. Weston's noise abatement policy is a bit of a joke for pilots at present, we bend over backward and fly right to go left and vice versa. Residents just like to whinge I think.

xflyer · 29-05-2012 12:23am

emo72 wrote: »

not quite accurate. "the clowns" in kew and weston bought their houses in the sixties and late eighties/early nineties and had no problems with the local airfield. weston was a welcome local amenity. no problems whatsoever.

when mansfield took over and ramped up development and encouraged bigger and noisier planes thats when things got fractious.

it would be nice to keep the debate civil as i am with everyone here. and if you are interested i will give you the view from my side of the fence.

best of luck,

With due respect that is nonsense. Weston was an very active airfield when those houses were bought particularly Weston Lodge. No one but no one could have any illusions about what they were letting themselves in for. Not only that it's complete exaggeration to say Mansfield ramped up development with bigger and noisier aeroplanes. The jets that fly in and out are easily outnumbered by a factor of ten or more by the smaller lighter aircraft that always frequented the field. There was an increase of use over the years simply as an natural progression of the increased affordability and popularity of flying

I have to say I'm not interested in the view from your side of the fence. As someone who flew out of there regularly over the years. We've had your view beaten into us to the point where we often had to fly ludicrous and possibly unsafe noise abatement departures and arrivals. The airport and the operators bent over backwards to accomodate the locals. But it was never enough, far from seeing it at a welcome local amenity there was a sustained concerted and personalised campaign to close it down permanently. This is a common factor in all anti airfield campaigns. Unreasonable fears are drummed up and downright lies are told. The truth is invariably ignored.

The debate was and is far from civil, your attitude notwithstanding.

More like a lynch mob as I said earlier.

emo72 · 29-05-2012 1:02am

Suits wrote: »

There isnt really a steady flow of jet traffic into weston though.

If you buy a house beside an airfield you know what you are getting into, there is always the chance that you will have noisey planes overhead. Weston's noise abatement policy is a bit of a joke for pilots at present, we bend over backward and fly right to go left and vice versa. Residents just like to whinge I think.

agreed there is not a steady flow into weston anymore. its definitely quieter now than it was a couple of years ago. as an enthusiast i find the current level enjoyable.

im pretty sure im not whinging though.

emo72 · 29-05-2012 1:19am

xflyer wrote: »

With due respect that is nonsense. Weston was an very active airfield when those houses were bought particularly Weston Lodge. No one but no one could have any illusions about what they were letting themselves in for. Not only that it's complete exaggeration to say Mansfield ramped up development with bigger and noisier aeroplanes. The jets that fly in and out are easily outnumbered by a factor of ten or more by the smaller lighter aircraft that always frequented the field. There was an increase of use over the years simply as an natural progression of the increased affordability and popularity of flying

I have to say I'm not interested in the view from your side of the fence. As someone who flew out of there regularly over the years. We've had your view beaten into us to the point where we often had to fly ludicrous and possibly unsafe noise abatement departures and arrivals. The airport and the operators bent over backwards to accomodate the locals. But it was never enough, far from seeing it at a welcome local amenity there was a sustained concerted and personalised campaign to close it down permanently. This is a common factor in all anti airfield campaigns. Unreasonable fears are drummed up and downright lies are told. The truth is invariably ignored.

The debate was and is far from civil, your attitude notwithstanding.

More like a lynch mob as I said earlier.

yes, absolutely i agree, weston was very active back in the eighties. but it was the smaller planes which we hardly hear when they fly over us. when i bought my house i never even noticed them.

surely we agree that when mansfield took over there was a big increase in bigger jet engined planes flying in and out?

i cant answer for what went on in the past about lynch mobs, i was never aware of that. if you lived here when the dc10? (cant be sure, big silver ww2 plane) was flying over my house every five minutes non stop, on summer evenings, well, you might understand why some locals got fed up. try put yourself in my position, living here became unbearable.

i think when you are talking to a stranger on the internet its easier to be hostile, its something that saddens me about boards. if we were having this chat in real life im sure it would be a lot more pleasant. anyway im just trying to explain my view and how it was formed.

as it stands, i have no issue with the planes flying over my house. its been great since mansfields gone. normal service has been resumed. so i hope the airport and residents move forward on good terms.i take offence to being called a clown. i cant be fairer than that.

Davidth88 · 29-05-2012 8:12am

You know there is a great story.

A bunch of American tourists going around Windsor Castle were over awed by the size of the place.
Anyone who knows Windsor will know it's right under the flight path for LHR , that day Heathrow was taking off over Windsor and it was very noisy.

The guide was concluding her tour , and asked the tourists do you have any questions, she had to repeat that question twice because right at that moment Concorde was taking off.

One American lady of about 55 yrs , piped up and ask ' Yes Maam , why did they build the castle so near the airport , I would have chosen somewhere more quiet'

Emo72, Of course you don't seem to know much about aviation, a DC10 is a large widebodied airliner , that you would maybe see in Dublin . The largest WW2 aircraft I have seen in Weston in the last 8 years ( since I lived in Celbridge ) is the C47/DC3 and I don't think that did a lot of circuits , maybe as they were prepping it for it's departure last year ? Would you rather they flew off without testing the aircraft and crashed in the Irish sea ?

I was disturbed once at 8am on a Sunday by a departing Citation which did cause me to swear.

Tell me this , would you rather that Weston was sold off to a developer back in the 90's and you now had a new town of badly build boxes/ghost estates on your doorstep ? Because believe me that's what would have happened , you would have ended up with Adamstown 2 .

The development of Weston as a GA centre ( Emo72 that's General Aviation which means non commercial ) ie flight training , maybe business twins and some Exec jets would be great.

I don't think you will ever see Weston become a hub for Ryanair or anything silly like that , ( I am only a lapsed PPL ) but IMO the flight patterns into/out of the airfield and the proximity of DUB would not allow that along with many other restrictions , I am open to correction by more experienced flyers than me.

bombs away · 29-05-2012 9:14am

BrianD wrote: »

Read this and you'll get the general drift.

Having read the letter it seems the issues are with local residents as the airport has complied with all legal planning issues.

As previous posters have said, if you bought property next to an airport no matter how busy it was in the past or now I do not feel any sympathy for you.

You knew exactly what you were getting into and were prepared to pay below cost for a property knowing it was right on the doorstep of an airport with every chance that the number of aircraft operating out of it was going to increase as the years went on. To not realise this would have been extremely naive on your part.

Davidth88 · 29-05-2012 9:36am

Actually Emo72 , was it the Beech 18 doing Circuits ?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/48073612@N04/4725809696/

urajoke · 29-05-2012 10:22am

Absolutely NO sympathy for someone who knowingly buys a house beside an Airport and then complains about noise. In fact the noise from the N/M4 is louder and generally lasts 24hrs a day. I find that more annoying than aircraft landing or taking off. I'm surprised they didn't complain about the widening of the N4 to 4 lanes each direction as it doubled the amount of noise possible at any one time but there again that was something that was benefiting them by reducing traffic delays so it was something they were and are willing to put up with.

I have no sympathy with anyone who buys a house beside a railway line, main road or airport and then expects to be able to complain about the noise from it, you bought it you weren't forced to so put up with it.

To those who will moan on here are you living with your parents if so complain to them they bought it and unless they bought it prior to 1939 well then tough.

Quebec Delta Mike · 29-05-2012 11:14am

Well if it wasn't enough that some councilor was making headlines in the Liffey Champion a few weeks ago, now we have an elected TD, Catherine Murphy, jumping on the bandwagon, on the radio this morning!!

Of course he and she are being fed by vested interests (users of Weston know who I mean) trying to frustrate the sale of Weston. Her downright inaccuracies and lies defy belief. But it sounds good, and she is "on the case" so to speak.

Well done Ms Murphy, taxpayer money being wasted again...

QDM

xflyer · 29-05-2012 11:52am

Well Emo72, my hostility is not just an internet affectation. It's born out of bitter personal experience of anti airfield protestors. Not at Weston admittedly but there are strong similarities there. False and frivolous accusations against pilots and others. Vandalism, intimidation, threats and lies. Local politicians jumping on the bandwagon even a minister abusing his powers. I have personally come face to face with sneering abusive antis. They have no interest in the truth or reality.

If I told the truth here on this forum, Boards could itself facing a legal challenge. It's really that nasty.

In all that there was a concerted effort by everyone on the airfield side to take into account the locals 'genuine' issues and to tell the truth. But it's always pointless.

So forgive me if I don't see your point of view.

QDM what was Murphy saying on the radio?

Quebec Delta Mike · 29-05-2012 11:53am

Forgot to mention...it's heartening to see so many posts FAVOURABLE to Weston here. So many jobs rely on Weston, and it's truly an alternative to Dublin Airport for GA in the East.

The DAA have priced the airport beyond the pocket of ordinary, and some executive flyers, hence the almost total absence of light aircraft there.

If you need proof...a visitor last weekend, SR22 from the UK, was quoted €600 for landing fees and overnight parking at Dublin (...jeez!) He was told (while still in the UK) about Weston, and came and turned around for a lot less than that, departing Weston a very happy customer, delighted with the value and customer care.

The objectors to "all things Weston" should be careful what they wish for....

QDM

Quebec Delta Mike · 29-05-2012 11:59am

XFlyer,

She was ranting about so called "illegal" use of the 25 stopway. Claiming it's being used for take offs, and that it was prohibited by planning for use even for taxying...where does she get this crap? Oh wait...yes I know who from...

All lies of course, but the truth should not get in the way of a good story...or a wannabe elected again politico...

QDM

xflyer · 29-05-2012 12:06pm

I'm guessing 'you know who' is one of the chief instigators of this? There's always one. No lie is too big for them and they have all the local politicians on speed dial and probably the IAA.

Quebec Delta Mike · 29-05-2012 12:10pm

XFlyer,

You are "spot on" there my friend....

QDM

Suits · 29-05-2012 12:37pm

Quebec Delta Mike wrote: »

XFlyer,

She was ranting about so called "illegal" use of the 25 stopway. Claiming it's being used for take offs, and that it was prohibited by planning for use even for taxying...where does she get this crap? Oh wait...yes I know who from...

All lies of course, but the truth should not get in the way of a good story...or a wannabe elected again politico...

QDM

What station was she on? Someone should have rung in and put her straight.

I got blanked in Leixlip Village by a shop owner when I was buying some food one day because I had my NFC jacket on....I said "Hi" to draw his attention to me and he said cuttingly "oh I hear you dont worry, I cant help but hear you lot" so I put down the items and walked out.....was a bit petty and I was hungry too....:(

They dont have planning permission to extend the runway to create a balanced field do they? I thought I heard that before but was unsure and would assume that would be the cause of much local saber rattling.

To the locals all I could say is that Weston has a stupid nose abatement policy in order to keep you all happy, the airport authorities bend over backward to meet you demands and you just create more of them. Weston isnt going anywhere and those who think they can force it to close are sadly mistaken!

Xpro · 29-05-2012 12:38pm

Quebec Delta Mike wrote: »

XFlyer,

She was ranting about so called "illegal" use of the 25 stopway. Claiming it's being used for take offs, and that it was prohibited by planning for use even for taxying...where does she get this crap? Oh wait...yes I know who from...

All lies of course, but the truth should not get in the way of a good story...or a wannabe elected again politico...

QDM

What a nonsense, illegal use of 25 stopway:( I dont think I've ever seen anyone using that part of runway, unless Heavy jets are secretly landing that nobody knows about it.
Thick people like her are destroying the country ffs

Quebec Delta Mike · 29-05-2012 12:55pm

Suits wrote: »

What station was she on? Someone should have rung in and put her straight.

I got blanked in Leixlip Village by a shop owner when I was buying some food one day because I had my NFC jacket on....I said "Hi" to draw his attention to me and he said cuttingly "oh I hear you dont worry, I cant help but hear you lot" so I put down the items and walked out.....was a bit petty and I was hungry too....:(

They dont have planning permission to extend the runway to create a balanced field do they? I thought I heard that before but was unsure and would assume that would be the cause of much local saber rattling.

To the locals all I could say is that Weston has a stupid nose abatement policy in order to keep you all happy, the airport authorities bend over backward to meet you demands and you just create more of them. Weston isnt going anywhere and those who think they can force it to close are sadly mistaken!

It was Kildare FM I think, she's a regular there.

Runway 25 ends at the county boundary with Kildare, so there is no "runway" in Kildare as such (just the stopway). So when huge efforts were made, consultations, planning applications, safety cases etc, to "move" or centralise the runway (a paint job actually, no tarmac laying involved), which would have increased safety both for pilots and nearby residents, all the serial objectors banded together, in case the sky fell in of course. They succeeded in having that effort to improve the infrastructure stopped, mainly on the basis that it involved a "new runway" being built in Kildare...pure poppycock!
There were of course, the usual objections on the basis of " intensification" of the use of the airport. Which of course would have meant more jobs at Weston, are you following their logic...??....wait a minute...aren't there thousands of unemployed...?...oh well...

I hope you passed on your experience in that shop to the others at NFC! Boycott the grumpy bast**d.

QDM

Suits · 29-05-2012 1:09pm

Quebec Delta Mike wrote: »

It was Kildare FM I think, she's a regular there.

Runway 25 ends at the county boundary with Kildare, so there is no "runway" in Kildare as such (just the stopway). So when huge efforts were made, consultations, planning applications, safety cases etc, to "move" or centralise the runway (a paint job actually, no tarmac laying involved), which would have increased safety both for pilots and nearby residents, all the serial objectors banded together, in case the sky fell in of course. They succeeded in having that effort to improve the infrastructure stopped, mainly on the basis that it involved a "new runway" being built in Kildare...pure poppycock!
There were of course, the usual objections on the basis of " intensification" of the use of the airport. Which of course would have meant more jobs at Weston, are you following their logic...??....wait a minute...aren't there thousands of unemployed...?...oh well...

I hope you passed on your experience in that shop to the others at NFC! Boycott the grumpy bast**d.

QDM

That's Ireland I suppose...fear what you dont know and ignore what you dont want to see!
If there was an exec airport at Weston the locals may well like it and irony is I'm sure local TDs would use the economic boost to the area in their next campaign!:pac:

Su Campu · 29-05-2012 1:20pm

I'm totally with the pro-Weston comments on this one and second the opinions of Xlyer, QDM and Suits. Weston is an important facility for the area, and is the only alternative to Dublin Airport for GA. The photos of visiting aircraft posted here in recent days are evidence of that.

I do feel though that it is important to point out that on Sunday, while enjoying lunch in the restaurant there, I did see Citation EI-MED starting its takeoff run from the far end of the stopway (i.e. using R07). I thought it was strange in that I have always been instructed to apply full power only at the threshold to 07.

Quebec Delta Mike · 29-05-2012 1:23pm

Thousands of people come to Weston every week for various reasons, whether just to look at the aircraft, or take a flight. People have a natural fascination with aviation. Check out the happy faces getting off the very successful helicopter flights over the city on a Saturday/Sunday...It seems to me that of the many who love what goes on at Weston, very few of them voice this on forums (or council chambers). So we are left with the whingers and objectors, who make the most noise, and get politicos on their side for a few votes. It's so sad...

QDM

Davidth88 · 29-05-2012 1:32pm

It's only since this thread started and the info came out that I looked at the charts etc.

It seems a bit mad to me ( as a lapsed PPL ) , basically there is a whole chunk of runway there that can only be used as a stop area for runway 27 .

So Aircraft taking off from 07 can't use it , but if they could wouldn' that mean they would be higher/ further away from the houses / built up area ? Talk about shooting themselves in the foot.

Or have I got things wrong ? ( wouldn't surprise me )

jasonb · 29-05-2012 2:05pm

Yep, the stopway at the 'end' of Runway 25 ( or the 'start' of Runway 07 ) isn't to be used for take offs or landings. Aircraft do taxi on it ( to get to the threshold of Runway 07 for example ) but that's it. Oh, and it's obviously there if there's an emergency while taking off or landing on Runway 25.

I suppose that if an aircraft on Runway 07 went to full power at the start of the stopway, and not at the proper threshold, it would be in the air earlier up the runway, and therefore higher when going over the end of the runway / boundary with the nearby buildings / fields.

However, I'd imagine that some of the objectors ( rightly or wrongly ) assume that a longer runway means bigger and noisier aircraft? That's just an assumption though, I'm not well versed in the objector's main complaints, or any ( perceived or otherwise ) illegal goings on.

Personally, as someone who recently got their PPL, I love Weston. It's great being near the aircraft, it always seems to have people visiting just to watch, and it's nearby to me for GA. As already stated, Dublin is a joke due to costs, so Weston is really the best bet. It has great facilities and there are a lot of procedures in place to try to keep the noise to a minimum.

Of course, I'm sure those procedures are sometimes not adhered to by individuals ( either through lack or understanding or caring ) but in my experience those mistakes are not accepted and people will be told what they should be doing.

It's all a shame, it's really in everyone's interest that Weston is a successful business that brings people, money and activities into the area. But people on both sides seem to be entrenched now...

J.

Suits · 29-05-2012 3:12pm

I believe jet aircraft line up on the stopway and taxi into position for a rolling take off at high speed and full power.......*cough*

The locals assume a longer runway means an a380 may swoop overhead. Many of them dont know anything about aviation and they fear that commercial jets like 737s, A320s etc may start to use the airfield. They dont understand the mechanics of the industry etc and lack of knowledge breeds fear.

CharlieOscar · 29-05-2012 4:22pm

As an in-training PPL'er, I can see and understand arguments from both sides.

But a solution to all the rants on here (both from pilots, enthusiasts and "whingers as they are so kindly referred to/or just local residents"), might be instead of random gossip as to what is happening, to publish a document either here or on the Weston Executive Airport website, to outline what the intentions of the airport are, what type of traffic is in operation, when this traffic is operating (08:00 - 19:00), what are the plans for development and growth of the airfield. What are the plans to extend if any, just put it all in black and white.

For god sake, the aviation industry is so attention to detail anyway, I dont see how or why it has not been done to date. It is not like there is any competition within 100 miles (except Dublin) that can compete in anyway with the airport/facilities that Weston has (not underminding clubs or other airfield at all), so it is not as if the airfield owners would need to keep any commercial secrets. It might actually prompt or promote the local residents to assist in its development/growth and make GA a more pleasant experience for all.

Just my two cents.....

Suits · 29-05-2012 4:47pm

CharlieOscar wrote: »

As an in-training PPL'er, I can see and understand arguments from both sides.

But a solution to all the rants on here (both from pilots, enthusiasts and "whingers as they are so kindly referred to/or just local residents"), might be instead of random gossip as to what is happening, to publish a document either here or on the Weston Executive Airport website, to outline what the intentions of the airport are, what type of traffic is in operation, when this traffic is operating (08:00 - 19:00), what are the plans for development and growth of the airfield. What are the plans to extend if any, just put it all in black and white.

I see your point and it would be an ideal solution, but the issue that weston has is that the people they deal with in the local area are unreasonable and wont listen when they are told the facts. They let fear and hysteria overtake them and cant be talked down. If weston issued a document that said "We plan to move the runway to a more central position thus allowing a larger clearance of obstacles etc", the locals would claim it is so Capt Jean Luc Picard could land the Enterprise there or something. They assume any change from the current layout would mean large jets. This situation exists because of ill informed dickheads in the area filling people's heads with idle gossip and fear mongering amongst locals who are trying to have their cake and eat it as far as house price:airfield proximity goes.
You then get TDs stoking these fears so as to create an issue out of nothing and make it look like they are doing something about it for the community. It's utter nonsense!

Bottom line is no matter what weston do it will never be good enough. A shower of opportunists bought cheap houses under a flight path and then complain when the aircraft make noise. Like building a beach house and then complaining that the ocean keeps you awake.....or those people who bought cheap land on a flood plain and complained when their houses flooded after heavy rain, even though the people who build Newgrange and the people in the Stone age knew it was a bloody flood plain!!:rolleyes:

L1011 · 29-05-2012 6:17pm

If someone who claims they're being disturbed by the airport that was already there when their house was built is willing to sell it to me for, oh, maybe 120k for a 4 bed? I'll buy it. As clearly its somehow valueless, going on the whining that gets emitted - from the houses!

xflyer · 29-05-2012 6:47pm

Charlie Oscar as a matter of fact that is exactly what Weston tried to do but the reasonable considered truthful approach to objectors just doesn't work.

An example, at one airfield the objectors scoured the regulations and decided that once the runway was lenghtened that locals would be unable to build houses in the vicinity because of obstacle clearance rules. This refused to go away even when the IAA pointed out it would practically have to be a skyscraper at the end of the runway for it to be an issue. Similarly fears were stoked up that it would be turned into a 24 hour operation with the likes Ryanair flying in and out, despite the location being completely unsuitable, the cost of setting it up astronomic and the fact that a half empty international airport was only ten minutes flying away.

Nothing will convince them otherwise. Local TDs and councillors invariably take the side of the objectors because quite frankly despite the fact that an airfield may be beneficial to the community they are more interested keeping their votes and will quite cynically use it to garner popularity.

But the biggest problem is usually the simple fact that the whole campaign is often organised by a single individual or small group often with a grudge. They keep the pot boiling and will manufacture complaints out of nowhere. The lengths they go to are extraordinary. In one particular case shotguns were produced and used near the airfield with a clear implication. Nothing 'illegal' of course.............

Where that doesn't exist airfields are often popular locally to the extent that people will turn out in droves of a Sunday just see what's happening at 'their' airfield.

But that could change overnight if one person sets out on a campaign to close it.

Kenny2012 · 29-05-2012 9:18pm

C-GBCO TBM700 Lorne Brett Motors Ltd
G-CEDG R-44 PJ Barnes
M-CICO FA50EX City Air Services dep at 17.20
N458LM EMB500 Advocate Holdings / Capital Holdings 164

Pictures
C-GBCO http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7297061154
G-CEDG http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7289283232
M-CICO http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7289227132
http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7289227692
N458LM http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/7289130612

Ken

LeftBase · 30-05-2012 12:03am

Funny I just joined and I am straight into an issue I am passionate about.

Those who surround Weston have no right to complain about aircraft as there was a runway there before most of the houses. Simple as for me I'm afraid!

DannyD · 30-05-2012 9:19am

Su Campu wrote: »

Don't know of any updates, but I was using it yesterday and it's sad to see its decline in the past 6 months, with so many aircraft removed. Still, nice to walk around Padraig Harrington's GIII!

Nice photo. Does Padraig own this? I looked up the registration and it's registered to SIMS STUART P, WALNUT CREEK, CA.

Davidth88 · 30-05-2012 9:22am

Kenny2012 wrote: »

M-CICO FA50EX City Air Services dep at 17.20

Ken

Thanks . I saw the Falcon as I drove past at 3:30ish . Always one of my fav aircraft.

xflyer · 30-05-2012 12:00pm

DannyD wrote: »

Nice photo. Does Padraig own this? I looked up the registration and it's registered to SIMS STUART P, WALNUT CREEK, CA.

You have to be an American citizen or resident alien to officially own an FAA registered aircraft. There are companies which facilitate this arrangement. They officially own the aircraft but the beneficial owner can be anyone.

It's entirely possible that Harrington doesn't own it at all. It may be leased or some other arrangement.

Quebec Delta Mike · 01-06-2012 12:43pm

Well, here we go again, today's (June 2nd issue) Liffey Champion, Page4, has TD Catherine Murphy off on her personal vote catching crusade against Weston again....

Whether there's any truth in the headline, "Weston Airport is sold, but new owners still unidentified", is debatable, but her attitude is apalling. Instead of welcoming new investment, and hopefully new jobs, she is siding with the complainers and whingers, the same old same old....:(

Before any new owners take over, she is setting out her stall, along with I am sure the "Everything about Weston is bad" brigade, who will pop up soon enough...

There is no unauthorised use of any runway taking place, ask the IAA, Ms Murphy, they oversee it's licence, and should know. There are very strict noise abatement measures in place, and used by all aircraft. The locals reporting "extreme levels of noise pollution" should not whinge to her, but report it to the IAA. What do they expect living next to an airport?

Get off your personal high horse, and get this country working again, it is after all what you are supposed to be elected for.

QDM.

LeftBase · 01-06-2012 2:24pm

Quebec Delta Mike wrote: »

Well, here we go again, today's (June 2nd issue) Liffey Champion, Page4, has TD Catherine Murphy off on her personal vote catching crusade against Weston again....

Whether there's any truth in the headline, "Weston Airport is sold, but new owners still unidentified", is debatable, but her attitude is apalling. Instead of welcoming new investment, and hopefully new jobs, she is siding with the complainers and whingers, the same old same old....:(

Before any new owners take over, she is setting out her stall, along with I am sure the "Everything about Weston is bad" brigade, who will pop up soon enough...

There is no unauthorised use of any runway taking place, ask the IAA, Ms Murphy, they oversee it's licence, and should know. There are very strict noise abatement measures in place, and used by all aircraft. The locals reporting "extreme levels of noise pollution" should not whinge to her, but report it to the IAA. What do they expect living next to an airport?

Get off your personal high horse, and get this country working again, it is after all what you are supposed to be elected for.

QDM.

Yet another top class watershed story from everyone's favorite broadsheet: The Liffey Champion!!

When I flew a circuit of EIAB in my PPL training I was actually quite uneasy at not having to make a 300' right turn and then a turn left and a loop over and around and then a barrel roll to land backwards!:D

Xpro · 01-06-2012 2:36pm

She could do with a few emails and help her get off her high horse:D
catherine.murphy@oireachtas.ie

LeftBase · 01-06-2012 4:04pm

Xpro wrote: »

She could do with a few emails and help her get off her high horse:D
catherine.murphy@oireachtas.ie

Does she quote in any of her material anybody who actually knows aviation? Do CAWA quote anyone who knows anything? Or do they just make stuff up and guess what the law is or what they think it should be?

Some tosh for you here : Children 'in fear' of low-flying planes

RESIDENTS living near a small aerodrome were given leave by the High Court yesterday to serve notice on a flying school to prevent dangerous over-flights.

Ms Justice Mary Laffoy told Mr Brendan Kilty SC, for Combined Action on Weston Airport Ltd in Lucan, Co Dublin, that the court was giving leave for the organisation to serve notice of the proposed injunction on two defendants, National Flight Centre Ltd and head of training and aircraft owner Kieran O'Connor.

The residents' group is also seeking an injunction restraining the defendants from trespassing on their property at Weston Park, Hillcrest, Kew Park, Cooldrinagh, Cooneyboro.

In an affidavit, Hugh Collendar said the object was to take action to prevent aircraft from posing a danger to the life and property of over 4,000 residents.

Mr Collendar added that for some time individual residents had complained about dangerous flights as low as 100ft and 150ft, causing fear, upset and stress. The complaints had been met with platitudes.

Between 12.04pm and 2.01 pm on November 13, said Mr Collendar, 47 aircraft flew over Weston Park and Cooldrinagh at a height of approximately 150ft over houses.

He was personally aware of several instances where house and car alarms of residents were set off due to low-flying aircraft and children were "very frightened" of low-flying aircraft.

John Maddock

Excuse my french and pun but they can take a flying **** to themselves!

If ANYONE was at 150ft over those houses they'd be in a go around straight off NOBODY would be that low nomatter how bad they are!! You pass over them at 500ft ish at lowest on the QNH and that is roughly 350ft give or take. How do they know the height of these aircraft anyhow??

Weston Airport

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