Airport Consultative Committee [Questions & Responses]

[Galaxy]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

How about going a step further and suggesting it as an official pedestrian viewing area, with some picnic benches? It wouldn't bother me if car access was blocked and cars had to park at Yeadon Tarn car park, I would also suggest a pedestrian crossing so people could walk there safely from Yeadon Tarn car park. It could actually be a money spinner for LCC, they could charge the ice cream van rent for occupying the bottom bit of the road.

Stopping cars from being there will also reduce crime by dissuading the chavvy boy racers who just want somewhere to park up while they do what they do.

It could be 'sold' to the council as an extension of Tarnfeld Park.

 

[a300boy]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

I believe the Airport Operators care little for the aircraft enthusiasts unless they are gaining income from them. The Multiflight area now generates them some money from car parking fees so making it difficult to park elsewhere to gain a good view of arrivals and departures may be a sensible option. On the subject of the graveyard anyone other than the family and friends of the deceased people who are buried in the grounds should not be entering the area.
It is easy to see and photograph aircraft without causing offence to people who have lost loved ones.
Bringing the subject up at the meeting might have a very negative outcome.

 

[Aviador]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

I agree with what Galaxy has said. It's only a couple of minute walk from Tarn Field Park.

 

[tleeds]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

I think it should be raised.

As Galaxy said, if the worst does come about it and the area does become blocked then matters will have to be taken further. I certainly enjoy going up there in all weathers, but the convenience of your car when it gets nippy or starts to rain will be something of a pain if it does become blocked.

For as long as I can remember, spotters have always gone there, so I don't think they would shut it off to spotters anyway.

The council should in theory, as Aviador said, keep it tidy anyway! The fact that the bushes have overgrown is ultimately the councils problem and just encourages people to sit on the wall and enter the cemetery, which eventually ends in conflict... end of!

I don't know what people think about the idea of an "official" spotting area being mentioned eventually in these meetings which should be a collaboration with the airport and the council..?

Going back to the initial question Heather, I say raise it!

 

[Aviador]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

Tarn Field Aviation Viewing Park has a good ring to it. :s_yes

 

[White Heather]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

In the draft email I have prepared, my final paragraph is to ask the airport to consider the future creation of an official viewing area, along the lines of a smaller version of what they have at Manchester (without the aircraft attractions of course as we don't have any and there isn't room for any really). I have pointed out that for a very small outlay they could create something that would then bring in revenue for years to come with low maintenance requirements, especially if they charge a reasonable amount. What Manchester charge (£6 for 2 hours, £11 for 3 hours or more) is rediculous, even with the aircraft to look at. I am sure they could find a small corner near the entrance to Multiflight with a view of the runway and apron. I am certain they won't be interested, particularly as being an investment company they won't be around for the long term to benefit as they'll possibly sell up once they feel they have taken the airport as far as they can and maximised its value. They did that at Birmingham didn't they?

With regard to the cemetary we obviously have a bit of a mixed view on this one, as I have myself. Personally I can see an accident happening at the cemetary road before long with all the cars in and out, backing up, children around, the ice cream van etc. Having no cars there would have its benefits but for many older spotters they couldn't stay there long in the winter! Or when its raining. On the plus side it would rid the area of the fish and chip eater who occupy the area while they eat their dinner even though they are probably not that interested in aircraft. I will let the debate go on a while longer as I don't need to send anything in until Tuesday, but it seems that whether I do or I don't, some will not be very happy with me especially if the outcome is not what we want.

 

[Aviador]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

White Heather

In the 90's the council received complaints about children playing in the cemetery and running over the graves. The councils response was to come and paint double yellow lines on the road where the spotters park. This had absolutely no effect and spotters and enthusiasts carried on parking there regardless. Clearly that wasn't the answer. Trimming the shrubs right back, providing new picnic benches, more bins, new fence and raised platform would resolve the problem.

The airport does have an interest in providing a decent public viewing area. The people who use cemetery road area to view the aircraft will be people who support the airport and want to see it develop. The airport could show some community spirit and provide sponsorship for the viewing area by providing new street furniture and bins. The cost would be insignificant to the airport yet it would show they want to build a relationship with the community. Something they haven't done very well over the last twelve months with the bird cull fiasco.

 

[a300boy]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

they have just spent a lot of money on the Multiflight paking area and the facilites are pretty good over there now, good views, good parking area, good and reasonable cost food in the club house and a free parking period followed by reasonable hourly charges.
However I would love to see the viewing area near the graveyard improved even if a small charge was made.

 

[White Heather]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

Although not many members actually commented on this issue, most that did were wanting the question raising at the next meeting, so I have logged a question today.

I also logged a second question asking LBA to consider the future provision of a dedicated viewing area within the airport boundaries, suggesting a landscaped area (with raised areas for photography over the fences as at Manchester), and car parking. The most obvious area for this would be to the left as you enter the South Side, between the existing perimeter fence and the taxiway from the end of the old runway 28 up to Multiflight. I suggested that they might do something jointly with Multiflight, encouraging more use of the cafe etc, and that car parking would need to be provided nearby - which is easily done in that location.

I would be amazed if they agreed to even consider it for the future agenda, but if you don't ask, you don't get. I did point out that to create such an area would be relatively low cost, but with a reasonable entry fee, they would have a constant stream of visitors adding to their parking income.

 

[Galaxy]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

Thanks Heather, I'd definitely use such an area.

 

[tleeds]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

If you don't ask, you don't get... It's worth a try!

 

[Seasider]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

I didn't reply to "Heather's" original request because due to the distance from the east coast I do not get across very often and when I do it's usually because I am flying out somewhere. I think that the suggestion of a dedicated area on the South side is superb. I also agree that it is doubtful the airport will take it on, but if you stress that it would be an income source, they may take note.

 

[wawkrk]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

I doubt if a dedicated viewing area would make any money with all the whingers on here going on about the 2 quid drop off fee. It's Yorkshire don't forget. People would be tunneling under the fence to save a quid.

 

[lbaspotter]

Re: Airport Consultative Committee [Questions]

Whilst we are talking about hedges been cut, I am the bearer of good news but its not related to the Cemetery..

As for anyone that may venture down towards the Pan area to take photos's of aircraft touching down on the 32 thresh-hold or aircraft taking-off 14,
The bushes have been cut down recently and its made taking photos a lot easier. Even though you'll still have to battle through the mud to get there first.

 

[White Heather]

Re: Airport Consultative Committee [Questions]

Thanks lbaspotter, but am I right in thinking that once you have got past the mud, you also have to find a way to take photos through the fencing without getting the links in the photo? I havent' been up there since they put the new, higher fencing up. Last time I was there you could lean the camera on top of the fence to steady it and get clearer photos with no camera shake. What's it like now and how big are the 'holes' in the fence compared to the size of a zoom lens??

 

[White Heather]

Re: Airport Consultative Committee [Questions]

I have posted the facts from todays Consultative Committee meeting within the various threads, so I hope you find them of interest.

 

[Moo2009]

Re: Airport Consultative Committee [Questions]

White Heather
A few questions maybe you could ask for next meeting
1. When does the airport expect to handle 5 million passengers a year
2.do the airport hope to have a Middle East link and is there a time frame on this

Thanks

 

[Aviador]

Re: Airport Consultative Committee [Questions]

Out of interest, why do you want to know when the airport expects to handle 5 million?

 

[Moo2009]

Re: Airport Consultative Committee [Questions]

Aviador

I just though 5 million should be the airports realistic target

 

[White Heather]

Re: Airport Consultative Committee [Questions]

I will try and ask the question, but the process now is that I have to submit questions in writing, in advance, to ensure they are logged and airport management given time to provide the answers. On the day there are limited opportunities to ask questions like this and only when we are already discussing a topic related to them. It is too late now to log these in writing, but frankly I doubt they will provide answers to either question. I am certain that the answer to both is as soon as they can, but they are very aware of commercial sensitivities and will not normally give information relating to route development until they have something definite to announce.