Thu 06 May 2010

Bad news if you're planning to fly in to the air shows at Duxford later this month and in October.

The airfield has stopped all GA visitors to the shows due to the cost of dealing with GA visitors being too much. We spoke to Mick Martin, the Head of Airfield at Duxford, and he said, "It is indeed the case that we are not permitting visiting GA aircraft for our May and October Air Shows in 2010. The reason for this is entirely business based. Our experience averaged over the past five years has shown that because of unpredictable weather we have achieved less than 20% of pre-booked arrivals. In order to support the GA visitors there are a number of associated costs - hire of minibuses, additional FISO and support staff etc.

These are real costs to the museum which over the past five years have amounted to an extra cost of £120 for each GA visitor.

"We are continuing to welcome GA visitors in July and September where the numbers justify our expenditure. Whilst I regret the decision which has had to be taken, in the current financial climate I must ensure the business viability of the Air Shows to ensure that they continue."

Mick went on to suggest that pilots could instead fly in to nearby Fowlmere and get a taxi to the shows. Alternatively, if a sufficient number of pilots were prepared to pay for their air show tickets in advance, the potential exists for the ban on pilots to be lifted in the future.

He also added that he is happy for GA flyers to contact him on mmartin@iwm.org.uk to discuss the matter.

However, he pointed out that due to the workload involved with the shows, he might not be able to reply straightaway or personally to each message.

Source: Flyer Airportal