PHOTO of the DAY...

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
09/04/21


Aviation is an emotive subject. From the days of the early pioneers whose machines struggled into the air and crowds flocked to see them, to the pre-pandemic air shows where thousands flocked to see and hear the best 21st Century's offerings, to the modern day 'environmentalists' who proclaim aviation is a demon in the atmosphere yet scream and cry out for their rights to have a jet take them to a holiday destination in the sun - even when the pandemic's agents will be waiting for them! Aviation is an emotive subject... Some of us are born, it would seem, to have it in our bloodstream with no cures as yet available. While people thus afflicted would not mind air traffic from a nearby airfield causing a degree of background sound effects, others buy property in a similar position and proceed to create merry hell if a flying machine should have the audacity of flying from an airfield within earshot. They too are happy to board a sunshine jet and soar into the wide blue yonder regardless of who might hear them below..Aviation is indeed a most emotive subject where large servings of hypocrisy are dolloped on a regular basis.

Take the very current council deliberations over Southampton Airport. The Airport, a major employer and business generator in the Southampton area, is the current focus of furious councillor powered arguments as to whether to permit 164m of runway extension thus facilitating the opportunity of heavier take off weights and larger aeroplanes expanding the value and viability of their precious aviation asset. The local BBC TV News channel continues to sway the argument into an emotive subject stressing heavier aircraft and majoring on the words, "more noise and more pollution/climate change". You would think that a small number of flights would have been welcomed considering the pandemic damage to business and the lives of so many? The council considerations continue tonight from 6pm. God help Southampton, her Airport and all who depend on her... Airports are the life blood of their locality. Southampton has been, and nearer to home Blackbushe would also play an increased role in supporting its locality if reasoning could be applied to her own particular circumstance.

If you are still with the story I would encourage you to visit the Forum's "Non Blackbushe" department and read the 'Science alert' report I included last night. It paints a clear picture as to aviation's role in global emissions and reminds of the very small percentage aviation contributes to our global climate gases...The argument that a few extra flights from Southampton are tantamount to a 'climate emergency' is driven into irrelevance. If you have a couple of minutes you'll find the report here >>> blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/15485




Aviation is an emotive subject. Here one of her children celebrates Blackbushe's 75th Anniversary, one of her children who first flew from Southampton just over 85 years ago. Most of us are probably rather glad she did...




Here's an emotive point of view. Blackbushe. The long hard runway on a plateau, showing once again her environmental qualifications surrounded by open land and forest yet close to London, five minutes from the Motorway, and clearly awaiting a fabulous flying future when her battles for survival have finally been secured.



Aviation is an emotive subject. Blackbushe Airport is one of its most emotive players...

PB

[PB]

9th April, 2021..




PRINCE PHILIP, THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH HAS SADLY PASSED AWAY THIS MORNING. WE SALUTE HIM AND SEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN AND THE ROYAL FAMILY. MAY HE REST IN PEACE...

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
10/04/21


Yesterday "Photo of the Day" paid its respect to the sad passing of Prince Philip, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, by placing a photo of an occasion in the 1950's when he and the Queen departed Blackbushe Airport.

The photo is included on the large "Airlines of Blackbushe Airport" sign located adjacent to Blackbushe's Terminal Building today where treasured recall of the Airport's historic past is always on view.



Whilst awaiting the deliberations of Southampton Councillors and their decision as to Southampton Airport's small runway extension - a bureaucratic result that will make or break yet another airfield - some possibly better news was forthcoming from the All Party Parliamentary Party on General Aviation. Making contact with them yesterday, as I do from time to time, there is encouraging news. Following the new National Planning Policy Framework the APPG have been awaiting confirmation from the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, as to the inclusion - and protection - of civil airfields across the United Kingdom the NPPF. While that assurance has not yet been received, it was confirmed the APPG's Airfield Working Group do now have regular meetings with top planning officials at the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick's Ministry... The APPG will pass our regards to Grant Shapps and update him on Blackbushe.




The eternal spirit..whatever the mood those wings and that sound surely bring a smile to all who witness their passing? Neil Williams and the Spitfire. Blackbushe Airport.

PB

[PB]

STOP PRESS..

Since this morning's POTD advice has been received as to Southampton's council voting on the application to extend the Airport's runway by 164m.

While Blackbushe lives under threat from bureaucratic issues common sense has prevailed at Southampton Airport. Council deliberations concluded at 02.15 this morning; I'm advised voting on the Airport's runway extension of 164m was approved by 22 in favour, 13 against, and 1 abstention.

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
11/04/21

Yesterday's POTD was followed by a bit of late news from Southampton where clearly the application of common sense has arrived at least in southern Hampshire, the council powered vote on whether to permit a small runway extension was approved in favour by 22 votes for, 13 against and one who abstained... Aircraft may now execute departures at heavier take-off weights permitting greater range and lifting the Airport's viability accordingly. Good for them, Hampshire just needs its frustrated business/GA airport in the north of the County to enjoy the path to viability too..

Looking through the window at 07.00 it might be Sunday but the weather looks good... Hope it lasts? The dawn chorus finds its voice ever earlier nowadays sign at least that we're hopefully moving forward and with that movement will come something called 'freedom' or at least something better than the past months that have become the new 'normal'...

From tomorrow, 12th April, GA businesses will be able to open following COVID-secure guidance,although rules on social contact will apply in these locations, flight training for all pilots, and flights with an instructor, can resume. No doubt the movements figures will reflect some improvements...

We are moving in the right direction!





There she lies, once second only to LHR as a London airport, the most environmentally perfect airfield with a long hard runway packed full of potential for General Aviation in a perfect location for the environment, for business, for access, for fog free weather, and as an asset for the county of Hampshire... and its people!



According to the ZOE Covid analysis Blackbushe's Hart District currently has just 41 active cases in its area, down by 5 from last week.. another step in the right direction.

Stay well, stay safe!!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
12/04/21

Hurrah!!!!!!! Lockdown easing up, we can eat out outside, flying training resumes!! Brilliant!

It's snowing.

Robert Browning wrote, "Oh, to be in England now that April's here..". I guess the weather can be variable at this time of year.

One of the great facets of the human mind is its ability for imagination. Today, for example, one might care to imagine a bright sunlit morning as spring blossom radiates its colours, maybe any bees who have avoided extinction buzzing around doing what they do, while the cuckoo's call could be added if you're old enough to have experienced their delightful message.

If you glance upward to this morning's Forum 'Header' photo you'll pick up a clue to an imagination of mine that has lingered for sixty years and one.. From witnessing the post closure Blackbushe where all the movement surfaces were intact in the summer of 1960 to the actions of Yateley Parish Council and their spending untold fortunes on the bloody destruction of all they could as Blackbushe 'east' sadly fell under their remit - to the present day's wild entanglement that has become of the promised 'public open space for recreation'. Just a weakness of mine, but often I let my imagination go its own way and 'see' the Airport's users of today taxiing out to the 25 hold across the once vast apron to the old holding point beyond the original Control Tower. 6000ft of runway would await and Blackbushe would not endure the amputated look she lives with today.. If AVM Bennett had secured the 'east end' hangars and local politics had appreciated what fortune had bestowed upon them instead of desecrating all today Blackbushe would be a little more complete in her appearance. I guess having watched the full sized Airport in action as a young boy images of those olden days have left something of a want! Quite harmless to enjoy our private imaginations, but wouldn't it be nice!!




Going east. A Royal Netherlands Navy Neptune leaves the main apron heading for the eastern taxiway.




A Royal Air Force Shackleton arrives via the eastern taxiways.




Parking space. An RAF Comet rests up on runway 14/32's long lost southern end. It made excellent provision for parking when needs required.. The other end that survived we parked our many Farnborough Air Show visitors in the 1970-80's period.




A BOAC Britannia arrives from the east, Blackbushe east!




The way we were....





A Blackbushe 'regular' on the eastern taxiway seen from atop the original Blackbushe Control Tower out on the east...




Wide open spaces..one can imagine IF?




The sight of the airfield being torn up was painful to all whose eyes had surveyed the unforgettable sight of a once complete Blackbushe...I snapped this in 1962.




No point crying over spilt milk, it's a miracle we have what we have today of Blackbushe Airport. A tree lined and scrubby background are all that we have of the days when "going east" for a 26 departure was a distinct possibility!


Enjoy the eased lockdown today, but do mind how you go in the snow! Happy landings..........

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
13/04/21

Variety, it's said to be the spice of life. That being the case meteorologists viewpoint of yesterday's weather show would have been spicey if not hot...

The weather shifted from a winter's scene and a blanket of snow turning Blackbushe white into a very pleasant spring day albeit with a chill in the winds that still drag in from the frozen north. Following a check on the progress of major refurbishments at Blackbushe's cafe facility a brisk walk across Blackbushe 'east' and the disused runways for the standard Mk1 Blackbushe walk.

Two points of note. First, the Airport cafe is progressing very nicely, lots of activity and still lots to do. The new flooring should go down today. It is going to be a focal point of the Airport's life and one to be proud of! Second point, consequences of walking on the disused and Hampshire County Council's Blackbushe 'east'. Sadly, the County Council's Blackbushe 'east' is once again Blackbushe 'poopsville' liberally punctuated with that that the canine population leave behind for the unwary. Noted far less doggie poop bags hanging from the undergrowth, more unbagged examples instead. Litter continues to enjoy the Blackbushe 'east'.. However, it was joyful to walk on the hallowed ground with the sound of aero engines to accompany one's long overdue exercise as circuit bashing is again in vogue.

Walking on airfields of wartime origin it's quite natural to reflect on what scenes those acres hold in their memory? Looking back to 1945, as we have been doing of recent, today registers a degree of activity at RAF Blackbushe. Group Captain Constable-Roberts and Group Captain Carpenter visited the airfield in connection with the proposed take over of Minley Manor for use by 110 Wing. Large number of vehicles continued to form convoys arriving at Blackbushe. 41 vehicles with 64 personnel would arrive on the 14th putting something of a strain on catering and accommodation as they stayed overnight. The 14th would also see a large fire break out in the forest on the south side of the airfield but prompt action by the airfield personnel averted its spread to neighbouring plantations. Some two acres of forest were destroyed.

Visitors to the Blackbushe Forum are always welcome to leave comments. Yesterday under the "non Blackbushe" department I included comments received by AVweb on a couple of their recent articles. One on the Cessna Sky Courier, the other on future aviation propulsion.. If you're interested here's a link to each. As always, your opinion would be valued.. blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/15502 and blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/15503




A flashback to life on Blackbushe's apron in earlier times....



PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
14/04/21

Mid April, give or take a few hours, the temperature at 06.00 racing towards +2C, maybe as high as plus three by now having had time for tea and head scratching. A good indication of the morning's improved temperature coming from our new tulip bed. Yesterday at this time they had flopped each with its bloom bent earthwards, today all are standing erect and ready for duty..Spring and hope spring eternal, amazing what a bit of warmth will do.

Astute Forum followers, of whom there are several, will have noted our remarks and results concerning the recent voting by Eastleigh Borough Council on the complex subject of Southampton Airport's wish to pop down 164m of runway expanding take off viability to heavier weights than of previous. The request was approved!! A refreshing moment in the annals of bureaucratic vision. However, as is the way nowadays an NGO body has flared its nostrils at the news, the "Independent" has carried an enthusiastic report the body of which may be found amid the Forum's "None Blackbushe business"...here's a link to make your day. blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/15511


Brilliant to see the magnificent PC-24 return to Blackbushe Airport yesterday. Blackbushe and light business jets make a perfect partnership, plus the added relief of resident flying schools logging hours and circuits as life picks up somewhere towards where it once was. Massive thanks to Paul for his photos on our Forum's Airport Movement pages, here's a link to his coverage of some of yesterday's activity... blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/15509 You'll need to be a Member to see this section of the Forum.




In January Pilatus celebrated the sale of their 100th PC-24, the perfect jet for Blackbushe operations!!



Today, as everyday, aviation has a hold in history. 14 April, 1966, witnessed Pan Am place the first order for a new aeroplane that was expected to change air transport, maybe change the world? It was called the 747 by Boeing. Also on this day going back in time to 1945, an Avro Lancaster on a night mission against Potsdam becomes the last British bomber to be shot down by a German night fighter during World War II.

The 747 and the Lancaster both played their part in forming our todays.

Hope your day is a good one, see you tomorrow?

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
15/04/21

The tulips drooped overnight again. Minus three at 06.00. but CAVOK, another busy day in the Blackbushe circuit!

Looking again at the Forum's current 'header' photo taken in November, 1959, we see apart from the multi engined transports the Blackbushe Control Tower around which a number of personnel may be seen. Doubtless Airport personnel, but I wonder if they appreciated the vista before them? A fully intact Airport, intact infrastructure, wide open and fully manicured and diversions from the aerodrome over at Hounslow making for an interesting day. You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone probably fits the discussion? I never dreamed as a young lad on his bike that the wondrous scene would one day soon be wiped out, or that certain parties would do all in their power to destroy it - preferring a waste land to the most significant employer and creator of wealth in their domain.... We can but imagine the view those who stood by the Tower on that November day were capturing?

A few years ago Blackbushe enjoyed a resident Beech agency based in the hangars that today are the domain of a second hand car sales operation. We can but hope that Blackbushe has yet to fully enjoy her own aviation 'bonanza'...if and when common sense is unbottled and sprinkled across the land known as Blackbushe..

Unfortunately POTD's photo source is having a lie-in this morning or they're tinkering with the plumbing again. However, all is not lost. Yesterday the Forum's "Non Blackbushe business" department relayed an article celebrating an historic aeroplane that has been in production as long as some of us have been alive...75 years. Complete with photos, the Beech Bonanza celebrates 75 years in production, "the longest continually produced aircraft in history". Your link to the report... blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/15516

An early breakfast today... back tomorrow!! IF you decide to look at the Beech article you'll find a few other accounts from the world of aviation that might be of interest....

Have a great day!!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
16/04/21


And so we meet again on another chill but cloudless April morning. The call of the sky will no doubt be answered by good numbers once again as UK skies indicate General Aviation making something of a come back after months of adversity. Yesterday, talking of making a comeback, the Forum carried an article received from 'Devonlive' as to the reincarnation of FlyBe and plans to put some of the old airline back into UK skies. Here's the report.. blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/15521 I think you'll agree this would be the best possible news for regional airports around the UK, convenient trans UK travel, not to mention the great FlyBe crew whose lives have been 'complicated' by the company's withdrawal from business last year. However, as I mentioned in a subsequent update the promises made regarding a reincarnation might be on thin ice.

Subsequent reports paint a less optimistic picture suggesting selling their valuable LHR slots might be more akin to the plans, and apparently only one aeroplane is available. Southern BBC TV news reports last night cast their usual gloom over matters aviation, what to believe is questionable, but for the sake of FlyBe's faithful flock from days gone by false claims of a new FlyBe would be a bitter blow if they prove to be unfounded. There is no question, the UK needs a domestic network linking our centres of commerce and the more outlying regions of the British Isles.. Perhaps if our Members or guests have the latest and accurate information they would share accordingly? Interestingly, FlyBe's Director of Route Planning, or some similar title, once stated to me that Blackbushe would have been a perfect location for their Q400 services had it offered the infrastructure necessary for regional flights to operate. We can but hope that nationally the level of network provided by FlyBe will once again be provided to serve commerce and the UK as a whole. Compared with the cost (£billions) of getting to Birmingham from Central London a few minutes quicker by HS2, the UK would surely benefit far more from fast efficient and increasingly green air services serving the entire nation?

Back to Blackbushe matters. Again, sincere thanks to the crew who supplement the Forum's "recent Blackbushe movements" section with their most excellent photographs, we are indebted to you. We're sure Blackbushe will keep providing, please keep 'em coming!!


















Our thanks for the above to "pphillips", "controller", and "lyonthehammer" for their excellent and ongoing photgraphic support, and to all who update on the Airport's activity.. The Swedish Hercules somehow found its way into this week's collection, it was at Farnborough, but what the heck it's fun to imagine such an arrival at EGLK! We had an RAF Herk prepared to join us for the 2016 Air Day, sadly duty took him elsewhere at the last minute.

Here's to many more visitor photos as the summer unfurls and life (touch wood) picks up something more akin to what was once 'normal'...

PB