A fly-in at Sandown airfield - The Flying Reporter

[@RoryOnAir]

Fantastic. There are some great airfields in the UK but Sandown is right up there with the best of them.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Rory. Yes, it's a fun place to visit...and not far to the seaside, the pier, fish n chips and amusements.

[@t1mr0dg3r5]

Big shout out to Headcorn(Lashenden) Airfield. Not quite in the same social league but it is 'buzzy' with a couple of spits, a T6, parachuting, the odd chinook popping in. Busy at weekends with people just popping in for a picnic on the grass. Another good one to try and, if you see Julie, tell her Tim sent you :-)

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Tim. I do like headcorn...quite near to me too.

[@Senseigainz]

Florida is full of airports like this. The UK has nothing. Im glad someone is doing it and I hope it catches on.

[@maxflight777]

A vote and Pat on the back for 15 year old Perry too ! What a great youngster.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Yep. Good kid, doing something useful!

[@infinite2246]

Just passed my Skills test today! Thank you for your videos as they really have helped me through my training! Looking forward to visiting this airfield in the near future!

[@ufm10xxl27]

Congrats. I got mine last nov.and Jon's vids helped me loads too

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Congratulations. Now you can start enjoying flying.

[@WhiskeyAlphaPilot]

congratulations - I went solo last week, but love watching these videos

[@infinite2246]

@@WhiskeyAlphaPilot 🔥🥳

[@JeanLucCoulon]

About the complaints... Here - in East of France, LFGG - we are a small aerodrome: 1 unpaved runway 900 m long, 5 planes, 4 ULM, gliders and a tow plane (ULM). And the neighbors are complaining about the noise. The "airfield" will have 100 years of existence next year. I can even remember when everything around was fields and pastures... I do like your videos: real life of an "ordinary" pilot/man.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Jean-Luc.

[@Superpom40]

I never knew there was an additional line to the Beans, Beans song

[@TheFlyingReporter]

I never knew it was even a thing...

[@Eructation1]

Apparently they often have live music there too. Best airfield to fly into, always enjoyed going there ( and that was 40 years ago 😱).

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Time for a re-visit?

[@maxflight777]

Cracking video ! Nice disciplined flying and RT ! Well done sir. warmest regards PS Dan is amazing ! No PC crap ! Lots of common sense . 👍

[@benyouleguitar]

I was born, and have lived on the Isle of Wight since I was born(am 28 now), and I've just started on my PPL journey out of Sandown! Learning to fly in a 172 G-BJDE! My 3rd lesson was on the Saturday of the Spamfields event! The radios were an eye opener on such a busy day!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

It was very busy!

[@jean-jacquescamus5605]

Dan is really the one you want to meet when i come in UK. I met him 3 years ago when i went in Sandown. I love Dan, always a new expression to learn for a frenchy. Hope we can come and fly again freely in UK

[@noelphilips]

Flew in for the first time today, largely off the back of this video! Was not disappointed. Such a refreshing way of running an airfield and a lovely part of the world too. Not difficult to see why it's so popular - I read a review today that summed it up perfectly: Oshkosh meets Ibiza!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Glad you enjoyed it Noel. Bet it was busy today?

[@julianwebb6194]

Dan and his wife have done a fantastic job i am one of the most frequent visitors there. What we need now is the empty building next door to the bistro to be converted to holiday lets so we can have week-ends on the island. well done Dan!!! G-CCPJ always there!!!

[@ozzypearson-leach4121]

People: *choose to live near runways* The same people: "f*ck off planes!!!"

[@FlyUK]

I really enjoyed visiting sandown, certainly sets the bar high for other airfields.

[@mikelang58]

My absolute favourite airfield to fly into in Summer as a 1st flight for friends😊

[@TheFlyingReporter]

it has a fun vibe.

[@iainwalker5150]

This is outstanding. I miss the vibrant GA community in the UK having moved back to New Zealand. We need some Dans over here!

[@drdoolittle5724]

Excellent vid, thank you for 'all the effort' bringing to us! Brought back superb memories of when we used to have a mandatory stop there on The Round Britain Microlight Rally - we would leave Barton Friday midday, go as far north as one dared ( single seat rockets managed Aberdeen, us couples in flexwings Newcastle! ) but having to land anywhere before 19:00, then take off at 08:00 to be at Sandown before 18;00. If late, penalties per minute were applied. Too many good stories for now but best one was having to photo turnpoint, Uffington White Horse, and 1000 ft above us was a B17 holding for an air show, possibly Boscombe Down!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Sounds like you have some good memories of your adventures.

[@cavok1984]

I visited Sandown for the first time a little over 20 years ago, and it was quite popular then. Three of us on final all at once it felt like approaching Heathrow! I'd love to go back. Great work Dan and awesome production as always Jon. Was happy to hear OR was able to fly out after the bump she had

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Pete. Yes, good to have the warrior back.

[@tonyhalsall3170]

Great place and well done Dan. 👍

[@TheOrangeGodOfTheSkies]

Possibly your best video yet. Really well narrated, kept the interest right to the end. Dan is a fab character, nothing on this earth plastic about him, what you see is what you get!

[@kevchilton908]

I've just read another comment on here about this being top notch and similar to a TV documentary. My reaction too, as with all your productions, Jon. Head and shoulders, mate.. 👌 Head and shoulders! 👏👏👏

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Kevin. You're very kind. It's my skillset obviously, just haven't really had the free time until now to put it into action on the KZbin channel.

[@jemwinder]

John another great video. I'm really pleased you kept the two videos.... separate and showed off Sandown in such a positive way. Well done. I've not yet had the pleasure of visiting, but definitely going to now

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Jeremy.

[@kpreynard9213]

Great entertaining video. As a 14 year old in 1978 had my first flight from here aboard a Dragon Rapide G-AIDL. Spent my Birthday money much to my Mum's frustration and have always enjoyed visiting since. Good to see it doing so well. An Airfield welcoming visitors....Refreshing change..

[@stuartessex4535]

Language Timothy! What a character. Defo turned the place around and I wish him every success! Although H&S is the vein of my life, I actually agree with Hi Viz vests around operational aircraft. However reference noise, if you don't like aircraft noises don't live near an airfield!😄😄 Looked a great place to visit (Unless you are on a diet!)

[@SimilAir]

Hey John, as I am sure you are aware this kind of meet up occurs fairly regularly in other countries especially the US. In the UK the issue is two fold. 1 is the weather and 2 is the CAA. Perhaps you can get past the weather but the CAA does not want GA to be fun and the people who own airports want to push GA away and the CAA are backing that. Great vid I hope that BHOR is on the mend. Thanks Paul

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Paul.

[@ShaneFleming]

Dan really doesn’t give a shit about anyone or their opinions, does he!!!

[@plumberparts]

Top man!

[@elixier33]

Yes that would be my uncle Danny. He didn't see his father who was dying from dementia for almost a year and when he did come it was only for his funeral. Narcissist Paradise

[@lerouretan1937]

I have visited Sandown now on a couple of occasions, when less busy: a delight. My homebase is Cannes: one of the oldest airfields in France and we still get complaints from neighbours; like the idiots who don't like the sound of church bells on a Sunday, or cocks in the country, or cigales in Provence!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

I need to visit Cannes one day. Have flirted with landing there a few times. Must try to meet up, and you can help me out with local info.

[@droge192]

...there's nothing worse than cocks in the country!

[@jeanettecairns748]

good video but........no mention of the Wight Aviation Museum at the airfield.....well worth a visit!!!!!!

[@SuperRealityKid]

Dan is the Man. He has done so much for Sandown, pizza heaven, luckily for me, just 10 minutes flying time from my farmstrip. Go Dan. (I mean stay, of course). Ps. Don't forget Henry !!!

[@angelreading5098]

Great aerodrome run on common sense,great to see the fun aspect of private flying returning at last,not to mention the comraderie,thanks for another interesting video.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks for watching.

[@geoffreycoan]

Great video Jon, very well presented (wonder where you learnt those skills 🧐?) and informative. Sad the flak you received on social media about the prior video, hope OR is on its way to recovery

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Geoffrey.

[@WhiskeyAlphaPilot]

people always moan on social media.

[@JodelFlyer]

Great video Jon. Dan is certainly a character and has done a really tremendous job turning around an airfield which was about to close. Good to have included other staff that help make the place very special.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Tim. I didn't know it was going to close, so I'm glad he's secured the future.

[@StefanDrury]

I dislike high-vis and love pizza *Adds Sandown to list of world airports to visit*

[@TheFlyingReporter]

It's a simple combination! Nice to see you flying again Stef.

[@gdwnet]

Dan is a former network engineer in IT. As a network engineer in IT I know his type, unconventional, loud, brash and incredibly good at anything they do. The best thing to do is get out their way and let them do whatever they want to do because when they are done it'll be amazing.

[@darrenhillman8396]

Great airfield. Charismatic airfield manager! But what a refreshing attitude. It would be great to see som many of the smaller mainland airfields which are perhaps struggling for numbers (and thus finances) adopt Bens no nonsense approach. Too many of these are threatened with development so it would be nice to see the tide turned back on some, if not all of them. Great report, Jon. Hope Oscar Romeo is soon reunited with its repaired aileron! Best wishes from the Wirral.

[@TheMicroPilot]

Jon, I genuinely think that was one of your best videos yet! I've been a few times and I believe it's so popular as it's simply a break from the way general aviation is and the way it's going. I'f I'd of known you were going I'd of joined you haha.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Tom. Very kind of you to say.

[@grahamwelby]

I've been flying to Sandown airfield pretty regularly since 1994 and it's always been very popular, but since Dan took it on it's really got a buzz now. Yes it is about location, but it's more than that, it's a happy place and I love it!

[@FamilyFlyouts]

We've only ever been to Bembridge on the Isle of Wight but I can hear those pizzas calling.... next time it will be Sandown

[@iTechno8]

Wonderful video, looking forward to meet Dan hopefully soon

[@lewishancock2808]

Glad to hear G-BHOR is back and flying :)

[@Payne2view]

Sadly this was before the damage.

[@flyingwithnathan9093]

A Great watch, Jon! I saw on Instagram last night that Oscar Romeo got flown out after a temporary repair to the aileron. Similar thing happened to an aircraft at Barton over the weekend during a car meet. Luckily the parking brake was off, or the damage would've been much worse. Dan sounds like a brilliant guy :D Perry sounds like a great young man. I wish I had volunteered at Barton on my days off from Sixth form and work on meets.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Yes...good on Perry for doing something useful with his weekends eh.

[@philcamm2055]

Brilliant video, thanks for the review. I have just passed my Skills Test and hoping to take my boyfriend on a flight as my first passenger and been deciding where to go...This could very be the airfield to fly to first🙂

[@paul-c7541]

Ahhhh you got your aircraft fixed were you happy with the repair.

[@paul-c7541]

@The Firestorm Oh , I wonder if it's fixed yet, I hope so, thanks for the info.

[@nathanpritchard2943]

Great video, thanks for the dive into Sandown. It is a great airfield in a superb location and it's only getting better, however on my last visit I did leave feeling the airspace was dangerously busy. No judgment of the owner at all, just a consequence of its own success.

[@nathanpritchard2943]

Oh, I just watched the previous video. Very sorry to see that happen.

[@trevorbrown8737]

What a great place and a great video! Loved watching this thanks

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Trevor.

[@Senseigainz]

Whats the latest on the damage?

[@seanmcerlean]

Super video Jon. I have been interacting with him & following his progress. He is certainly a character but to a greater degree what we need in GA right now & hopefully into the future. For me it is has been the same having seen GA in many other parts of the world. Things do need to change insofar as it is safe.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thank you Sean.

[@chris-cole]

Dan is my kinda bloke! They say people who swear have a lack of knowledge or vocabulary. Look at Billy Connolly, articulate, intelligent, witty, funny, rich. So swear all yi like for me lol Unconventional doesn't necessarily mean unsuitable. Dan seems to have things under control at Sandown and I'm sure it's a place worth visiting 👍 Another wonderful video Jon, great stuff indeed!!! 👍

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Chris.

[@elixier33]

If only you knew....

[@Bluebear1873]

Great video Jon - now this is an airfield I would like to visit

[@TheFlyingReporter]

It's certainly got a fun vibe.

[@peanuts2105]

Top lad. He rated my landing when I visited

[@Longbyname]

Ideal place to visit.

[@blues-extrarockband]

Great video - it's on my list for this summer!

[@Madpom68]

I used to help out there in the early nineties. Great to see how much it has changed. Hopefully I’ll get to fly in there one day.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Hope so Kelvin.

[@Madpom68]

@@TheFlyingReporter I started flying there too. Just about to sit my NZ flight test!

[@TheLincolnshireFlyer]

Thanks for the video Jon, really enjoyed it 👍

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Pleasure Robert.

[@ufm10xxl27]

Great report. Sounds like a top destination. I want to.go there now

[@TheFlyingReporter]

I don't think you're the only one.

[@bobswan6196]

Wonderful!!

[@WhiskeyAlphaPilot]

We are due to go there next week in a mass club fly in.. looking forward to it. Pizza and flying, what could be better

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Hope the weather holds for you.

[@fettlerjohn3419]

Very interesting... Thanks for posting 👌🏼

[@aviatorsteve5649]

He seems a cracking fella to me 👍 Class vid as always Jon 😀

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Steve.

[@ashleyjarvis954]

Probably mure nuance that you would suspect here. If Dan has worked in computing networks industry (seems a character that would have), there’s plenty of problems you solve in computing network’s (bluntly put, capacity/ traffic collision management) That would translate well to running an aerodrome, and it looks like he’s got good staff - he has ex forces people running the critical comms.

[@flytoinspire]

I’ll pass this fantastic video on to my local airfield manager, I’m sure he’d love to embrace some of the ideas (the rocket for one) 😂

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Haha.

[@ess64cee]

Great film Jon, nice style and I'm looking forward to my first visit to Sandown even more now (when the PPL ticket is sorted, finally) . Is this the first of a series of 'Fields and their People'? ;-)

[@TheFlyingReporter]

It's all developing organically at the moment. But if you liked this video, you might like this one too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHfYdI2qfK98l5Y

[@NorthKentTransport1]

Laddingford aerodrome in kent could adopt that idea being so close to the hop farm.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

I don't know what their planning rules are there.

[@MarkWebster1]

Your video production is top notch!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Thanks Mark. I try hard on quality.

[@MarkWebster1]

@@TheFlyingReporter Feels like I'm watching a BBC documentary. Really great job!

[@perspectivemedialtd2761]

Nice to see an owner who just talks common sense and doesn't try to pander to the political correctness! Excellent.

[@ryanc5981]

Any chance you can do a flight live?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

That would be novel, but it does open a whole new can of worms!

[@farhanfouadacca]

How’s Hotel Oscar Romeo doing?

[@isaacridge4493]

I'm learning to fly a warrior III at Coventry. Any tips? I know abut gente control Inputs

[@aileronsintowind6835]

Listen to your instructor, they will get you where you need to be. I’m learning out of Gloucester. There’s some good books to help you prep as well stick and rudder is one I would certainly recommend

[@Gamatech123]

I will never understand people who move to a place near an airfield, then complain about the noise from said airfield... Had an equally questionable local last year who moved in next door to a dog kennel, then complained about barking....

[@aileronsintowind6835]

We would get similar from people who moved near the farms I would provide wildlife management too and they would complain over the smell and when the harvesting was ongoing

[@Medge2sc]

Great video , do you still fly the arrow ?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Now and then. Arrow video on the way.

[@paulejbuckley]

Love Dan, love the video!

[@TheFlyingReporter]

He is a bit marmite!

[@paulejbuckley]

@@TheFlyingReporter can’t beat the enthusiasm and there always seems to be something new there each time I go! 👍🏻😃

[@stewartgrant9832]

Hooray for Dandown.

[@peterwilson53]

Perhaps the charismatic manager is more concerned about volume than taxiway safety?

[@oscarhudson1677]

The Joe Exotic of airfields.

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Hopefully not quite the same! But yes, certainly a character.

[@alanwilliams5295]

No HiVis Jackets! Now that’s a refreshing common sense break from the unnecessary rule book. People take up flying for recreation and enjoyment, which does not include mimicking road menders at work. I suspect many flying clubs sold HiVis more for the bottom line than any other reason.

[@maxflight777]

It’s a good point ! I’m a current airline pilot ! I have my fill of unnecessary wanky hi viz whilst at work ! It’s actually me off a return to GA (where a hi viz might be expected!) 😡

[@robwilkie1]

No Hi Viz would be the decider for me any day. Such unnecessary bollox. Bet no-one at any light airfield has ever benefited from having to wear one!

[@classicraceruk1337]

Dan’s the man, tell them like it is

[@24bellers20]

Most airfields seem to be full of old RAF types who shun new pilots. Well done with Sandown. I let my licence lapse because I got sick of the beaurocracy. 😡

[@simonwiltshire7089]

Wonderfully non PC! I love Dan :)

[@TheFlyingReporter]

That's true.

[@jakobnrlem4239]

love how he hates high vis vests.. The UK rules on high vis are insane and stupid :D

[@jackbrasier-creagh9139]

Dan is cool!

[@castle7478]

Tell them to MOVE 🤣 LUV THE ATTITUDE 👍