Classic Aircraft impounded in Plymouth

[Jon.M]

I saw this reported by the Beeb today: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-devon-33988716

A Jodel G-ASXU made an emergency landing at the now closed Plymouth airport due to bad weather.
The owners of the airport, Sutton Harbour Holdings, won't allow the aircraft to fly out and even claimed the pilot in trouble was "trespassing".

I've written an email to the head of Corporate Social Responsibility Ms Gadsdon, who is also the company secretary pointing out the missed PR opportunity for them here in being helpful as opposed to looking like a heartless bunch of bar stewards. I phrased it a bit differently as there's no point in being insulting if you want people to reconsider. I doubt that it will make any difference.

If anybody else wants to join me, her email is here: http://suttonharbourholdings.co.uk/cont ... onsibility

Who knows maybe emails from around the world would make them think.

Jon

[Airspeed]

Not one of my best, but I've sent this:
Dear Ms Gadsdon,
What a missed opportunity for scoring good neighbour points.
Your company's decision to impound the aeroplane, which made an emergency landing on the disused airport is very bad public relations.
If a ship had escaped a storm by entering your harbour, would you also impound that?
If the "copyright 2015 Google" satellite image is anything to go by, the runways appear to be quite serviceable. If the aircraft landed safely in bad weather, surely it can also take off in good conditions?
To accuse the hapless pilot of trespass is outrageous.
I hope that somebody there develops a sense of decency and allows the aircraft to fly out promptly.
The eyes of the aviation world are upon you.
Sincerely

Mike Johnson
Victoria
Australia

EDIT: damn! I forgot to include my avatar

[robbie]

EDIT: damn! I forgot to include my avatar

I would consider that a fortunate error Mike!!

Robbie.

[DaveB]

Yes.. I don't think it would have helped his cause any

Nice new avatar btw Robbie.. 'Francaise' if I remember correct
ATB
DaveB

[Jon.M]

Thanks Mike,

That's pretty similar to what I wrote.

Jon

[robbie]

Yes.. I don't think it would have helped his cause any

Nice new avatar btw Robbie.. 'Francaise' if I remember correct
ATB
DaveB

Yes Dave, taken at Perpignan just before we left to do the C of A air test.

[airboatr]

EDIT: damn! I forgot to include my avatar

I would consider that a fortunate error Mike!!

Robbie.

perhaps Mike could have been a wee tiny bit more diplomatic and sent her some if that canned spotted dick.

[Jon.M]

The Jodel is free.

http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Jodel-p ... story.html

The plane flew out today following a concerted campaign and interventions from an MP and a local councillor. The airport lease holders are still claiming to have been concerned about safety. As they are a property developers who want permission to build on the land despite the fact that they are supposed to keep it mothballed until 2031, some question their motives in claiming that the airport is unsafe.

In one press release the company complained about all the complaints they had received "even from the other side of the world" so I reckon Mike swung it.

Jon

[dodger]

I wonder sometimes where these people come from and how they get their Jobs.

Roger.