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Post by muttley on Mar 14, 2010 1:48:47 GMT
Solway Aviation Museum have been offered a Nimrod aircraft complete. - one of the few Museums in UK next to an active runway. However it would appear that the new airport director has squashed the plans on the basis that he might be left with the aircraft if the Museum closes or if the Nimrod rusts away !!  Museum members have managed to keep the Vulcan maintained for 27 years so what's the problem with a Nimrod? Stobarts appear to have altered their tune since the new airport director arrived, people made redundant, staff unhappy and it appears he has no great love for having some Museum taking up his precious airport land. It looks like Stobarts want to make a buck out of everything now as someone at the Museum told me that they can't even get a lease for the Museum and that their future is no longer certain under the new regime. Anyone know the current scrap value of a Vulcan and a few other aircraft?  |
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Post by Chris Gurney on Mar 14, 2010 12:54:48 GMT
Right, who do we contact to put some pressure on the airport owners? If they need a hand for publicity i know a few people in the press that might be able to lend a hand  . |
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Post by carlislewatcher on Mar 16, 2010 13:16:04 GMT
Quite annoyed at this. Stobarts do seem to be changing their tune much for the negative all of a sudden. A friend of mine that was responsible for the Prince Harry shots behind the bar at the cafe was told now by 2 staff members on the air side of things that he cannot take photos airside anymore despite having a pass to get through there, because he 'may be taking photos of top secret things' . Now I've been up there and airside with military kit on the apron, from the MH53 and Merlin HC3A to the Dutch Air Force, they're quite happy to let you snap away at THEIR equipment, and if there is something they dont want you to take they tell you. Besides, the same 'top secret' stuff can be snapped from through the wire, the only reason I'd prefer to get it from the active side is to get an unobscured shot from a slightly different angle. The arrival of a Nimrod would have been a great thing for the airport and museum alike. Just hope somehow pressure can be put on things before the RAF offer it elsewhere. |
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Post by Chris Gurney on Mar 16, 2010 21:51:28 GMT
I've e mailed the Stobart group tonight, lets see if i get a response. |
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Post by muttley on Mar 18, 2010 0:02:36 GMT
Be interested to know if you get any reply  And friends in the media is what they need out at the Museum. |
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Post by themightyhunter on Mar 27, 2010 18:20:11 GMT
As the bloke who would bring the jet to Carlisle, I am keen to provide the Solway Aviation Museum with a reminder of 41 years of Service to UK Defence. My wife comes from Carlisle and reminds me of how keen I am to do this regularly! However, if this is to happen, Stobart will need to change their mind soon. The Nimrod MR2 leaves military service next Wednesday!
Good luck!
themightyhunter
I may even cancel my membership to the Eddie Stobart Fan Club!
If friends in the media or the Stobart group require indication of the strength of feeling regarding this, my wife will happily tell them her views!
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Post by Chris Gurney on Mar 28, 2010 5:56:21 GMT
Redeived a reply from Stobart Group....
Dear Mr Gurney,
Thank you for contacting us. Your note made various comments and we'll try to respond in turn:
1. Future of Solway Aviation Museum - Carlisle Lake District Airport is currently working with the Solway Museum as it looks to setting a future business plan. We look forward to a positive dialogue with the museum on this matter.
2. Nimrod arrival - we are aware that a suggestion has been made that a Nimrod aircraft could be flown into Carlisle. The runway currently has a weight limit on licenced movements of 12.5t. Understandably, the Nimrod, weighing over three times this limit is not an aircraft we could responsibly allow to operate into Carlisle at present.
3. Photography - we are unclear what you are referring to - obviously people are free to photograph the activities at the airport from one of a number of locations at the airport - including the airport café. If you have any more specific observation on this, please do let us know and we'll check it out.
Finally, if you'd like to discuss these in more detail, please do contact us directly.
Kind regards
Nicola
Mrs Nicola Charles
PA to Alastair Welch
London Southend Airport Co. Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 1702 608115
Fax: +44 (0) 1702 608110
Email: nicola.charles@southendairport.com
London Southend Airport Co. Ltd.
Southend Airport
Southend on Sea
Essex
SS2 6YF
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Post by themightyhunter on Mar 28, 2010 16:13:40 GMT
I guess that means that there will be no more C130 sorties into Carlisle in the future then; based on the 12.5t weight limit.
themightyhunter
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Post by themightyhunter on Mar 28, 2010 17:41:25 GMT
However, if you read this link www.carlisleairport.co.uk/documents/APFminsJuly09.doc you will note that the Airfield Director (R Gordon) stated "C Nicolson asked what the PCN value of the new runway would be. R Gordon answered that it would be no less than 31. After further questioning R Gordon said that the initial PCN would be greater than 31 but less than 40 so that even with natural wear and tear the minimum value would be maintained at no less than 31 over the expected lifetime of the runway S Benson asked what PCN meant? And what did 31 represent? R Gordon explained that PCN is an abbreviation of Pavement Classification Number and the number refers to the weight tolerance of the runway. This weight tolerance had been chosen as it was sufficient for the airport to accept 40 to 50 seat aircraft it expects will use the airport." If you look at this table transportation.wes.army.mil/acnpcn/Default.aspx you will note that other than Max All Up Weight there would be no problem landing a Nimrod at PCN 31. themightyhunter |
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Post by muttley on Apr 1, 2010 0:22:24 GMT
The Runway argument is a diversion - I hear from my contact that the crews at Kinloss were quite happy to land a Nimrod at Carlisle and they don't make these statements without having checked the facts - they land on a lot worse than Carlisle's runway when they fly in ops all over the world. Does that mean that when the runway is resurfaced that a Nimrod could land? It would also be lighter because a lot of equipment would have been removed and it would not be carrying a full load of fuel. Quote from Chris's reply letter "Carlisle Lake District Airport is currently working with the Solway Museum as it looks to setting a future business plan. We look forward to a positive dialog with the museum on this matter." That sounds like management speak for you'd better think of ways we can make money out of you. We shall see - actions speak louder than words Stobarts.  |
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Post by carlislewatcher on Apr 2, 2010 13:06:01 GMT
2. Nimrod arrival - we are aware that a suggestion has been made that a Nimrod aircraft could be flown into Carlisle. The runway currently has a weight limit on licenced movements of 12.5t. Understandably, the Nimrod, weighing over three times this limit is not an aircraft we could responsibly allow to operate into Carlisle at present. Rubbish. I can't have seen that BAe 146 not so long ago on the apron then. If anyone would care to convert its EMPTY weight (52,600lbs??) into tonnes I'm sure it comes to in excess of 20tonnes. Just out of curiosity, but is it the norm for an airfield to charge (money) for an aircraft wanting to do a touch and go at the airfield. Namely a USAF C-130? |
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Post by carlislewatcher on Apr 5, 2010 18:02:37 GMT
Well, I've been informed from someone that knows the museum destination of the MR2's that the Nimrod allocations have been made, and Carlisle now has no chance of acquiring one anymore.
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Post by westie on Apr 5, 2010 19:37:38 GMT
And of course the runway PCN only applies to public transport flights (incl freight). That's why C130s can use the airport
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Post by themightyhunter on Apr 5, 2010 21:00:40 GMT
Carlisle was only removed from the list of museums to receive a Nimrod MR2 when the differences between the museum and the airfield operator became apparent.
themightyhunter
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Post by carlislewatcher on Apr 6, 2010 1:12:46 GMT
Carlisle was only removed from the list of museums to receive a Nimrod MR2 when the differences between the museum and the airfield operator became apparent. themightyhunter So essentially are you saying the PCN issue stated in the letter, although perhaps true, was not the cause given to the RAF/Kinloss about their inability to take a MR2, but the reason given was the fear of the Museums financial uncertainty would lead to potential inability to take care of the aircraft in the future? |
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Museum members have managed to keep the Vulcan maintained for 27 years so what's the problem with a Nimrod? Stobarts appear to have altered their tune since the new airport director arrived, people made redundant, staff unhappy and it appears he has no great love for having some Museum taking up his precious airport land. It looks like Stobarts want to make a buck out of everything now as someone at the Museum told me that they can't even get a lease for the Museum and that their future is no longer certain under the new regime. Anyone know the current scrap value of a Vulcan and a few other aircraft? 
.
And friends in the media is what they need out at the Museum.
