New Year's Day

[russ82]

I have never got the first day of the year in my logbook and thought I would try this year however I don't know where is open. Does anyone know where is going to be open within 100nm or so from the Cambridge area?

I know Compton Abbas and Popham normally have the fly in but as was mentioned on another thread I guess they will be closed due to all this rain so I guess hard runways may be the only option.

[AndyR]

Shoreham
Lydd
Southend
Biggin Hill
Leicester

and many more

[russ82]

Thanks Andy, I didn't think there would be that many although Southend and Biggin would not really be very interesting destinations.

Do you know if there are any fly in's happening at the airfields that are open?

[MichaelP]

I've been first to fly from Redhill several times, White Waltham at least once, Boundary Bay once or twice... I try to make a habit of beating everyone else into the air from where-ever I'm based.
This was not easy at Redhill as the Tiger Club was full of enthusiasts eager to do the same thing.
Boundary Bay has been no problem as people are not as enthusiastic about doing such things there, bed is a better idea!

Redhill was usually boggy but there was always the peritrack

Heathrow used to accept private aeroplanes I believe.

[AndyR]

russ82, you didn't say it had to be interesting

Knock Lydd off the list too then, though they are a friendly airfield there is very little to do locally.

Shoreham - great new restaurant, great views on approach and option to go into Brighton or walk into Shoreham town. Would meet you there but if the weather is ok we shall be flying.

Other hard runways south of London are at Fairoaks, Blackbushe and Denham, all open I believe. Not sure what they have to offer.

Oxford is very swish and not that expensive but it's not cheap to get into the town and there is little on site.

Coventry has lots of aviation history on display and worth a visit if you've not been.

Leicester has a great club atmosphere and good grub, as well as RobL to chat to if he's around.

[Keef]

Umpty years ago, I took a C150 from Southend to Compton Abbas on New Year's Day. I was surprised at the number of people, and the dearth of aeroplanes there.

[russ82]

russ82, you didn't say it had to be interesting

I have flown in to Biggin Hill before and it certainly has all the facilities some may want but I am more of an interesting grass airfield like Compton Abbas kind of chap.

I doubt I will be leaving the airfield so if the grass airfields are out of action maybe Shoreham will be a good place to head as it has been a couple of years since I flew in.

[QSD]

There is a New Year's Day fly in at Compton Abbas - Cubair are planning to send a couple of aircraft from Redhill if the weather is good enough.

[Peter Gristwood]

How's the runway state?

[russ82]

There is a New Year's Day fly in at Compton Abbas - Cubair are planning to send a couple of aircraft from Redhill if the weather is good enough.

I have just spoken with Compton Abbas and they have advised me that if the rains carries on like this then it is likely to be cancelled, however I will be keeping my fingers crossed.

[davey]

How's the runway state?

It's been closed since the 21st.....

[Spirit]

Looking at the forecast for that area, it isn't going to be getting any better. I'd suggest we consider some hard runway alternatives Russ.

D.

[russ82]

Popham are also not that confident the runway will be open for the fly in either but will hopefully have a better idea on Monday.

Maybe Shoreham could see us on New Years Day then. Ether that or head north if the weather is ok up that way.

[Lefty]

I've just rung around airfields in the south - with a hard runway.

Only Coventry, Leicester and Shoreham are open.
Food definitely available at Leicester - probably at Shoreham (best to phone the restaurant). Unable to contact the flying club restaurant at Coventry.

Old Buckenham open - but no food / refreshements.
Henstridge open - but no food
Southend - Open - but no food

The following are closed:
Lydd, Connington, Wellesbourne, Wolverhampton,Gamston, Gloucester, Kemble, Shobdon, Panshanger, Stapleford.

So looks like Leicester or Shoreham.

Sywell - no answer

[A le Ron]

Might try Leicester then... Weather willing....