Latest News Letter

Looking back at last years news letter, I see that it started with" Well 2004 turned out to be another year of change at the airport, with the arrival of EUJet and the departure of MK and Jet Support Systems." 

We seem to have gone full circle with the departure of Eujet and the return of MK Freight to Manston.  Importantly, TG Aviation are still here, thanks to the support of the membership. 

As many of you will know, we are very pleased with the new owners of the Airport, Infratil from New Zealand. Within days of taking over, the new management came and introduced themselves and we know that their background of international airport expertise will ensure that Manston's future is as bright as it could be. 

Infratil successfully operate Prestwick in Scotland and the rapid return of heavy cargo to Manston will hopefully be the precursor to the resumption of regular passenger operations.

In 2006, TG are looking to expand their hanger facilities on the Airfield with the possible inclusion of improved  facilities for visiting aircraft  and crew. 

On the operations front, the return of a grass runway with a north south alignment, is being actively investigated. This would be a major improvement to GA operations, allowing the airfield to be used more frequently, especially as this year has seen many days when strong southerly winds seem to be the norm.  

Sue Girdler

SPITFIRE AND HURRICANE AT TGA  

It was with a sense of relief that earlier this year, TG Aviation were able to accept a weather diversion for the Historic Aircraft Collection. The Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft were on their way initially to Jersey and then on to Malta, when they encountered bad weather across the Channel. Knowing that Manston was now open under the new management of Infratil, they diverted into the airfield where TG Aviation were able to accommodate them while they waited for the weather to improve.

The pilots must have experienced feelings similar to those of the WW2 pilots of so many years ago, as the White Cliffs of Dover came into sight, knowing that Manston and safety, were just a few minutes away along the coast. Both aircraft saw service during the war and you can but wonder what stories they might tell if they were able!

Infratil brought Manston from Plane Station when the Company went into administration and have already started to make their presence felt. The new management team have a wealth of aviation experience and tremendous enthusiasm for aviation itself. Staff and tenants have already found their approach both professional and friendly.

TG Aviation, who have been tenants at Manston for over 20 years, feel that the airfield can now move forward in the way Prestwick/Glasgow has over the past few years giving Thanet an airport to be proud of once again.

(See Pics on left)

SUE GIRDLER

 CLUB NEWS LETTER, SUMMER 2005  

We would like to start this newsletter by thanking staff, members, private owners and everyone else who has given us their support over the last month. As the majority of you will now know Planestation, owners of London Manston Airport, have gone into administration. Initially all flying had to cease when the airfield insurance was withdrawn due to non payment of the premiums. It then took us two weeks of daily negotiations with various insurance companies involved with the airfield to arrange insurance ourselves on behalf of the airfield. Once this was in place we were again able to commence flying. At present it is not possible to carry out instrument training but we are working on this and as of Monday 22nd August our hours of operation will be:

Monday to Thursday 0900 hrs to 2000hrs

Friday to Sunday 0900 hrs to 1800hrs

We are hoping that the new owners of the airport will be announced shortly, maybe even as this newsletter is winging its way to you.

In the meantime the engineers have been very busy and we now have on line and available for training and self fly hire, a Piper Tomahawk. It will be charged out at the same rate as the Cessna 152s and is available immediately.

Soon to follow is a Beech 19, this is at present in the throws of having a new engine fitted and should be on line by mid to late September, priced between the Cessna 152 and Warriors.

TG Aviation were asked to host the pilots and crews for the Thanet Air Show which proved to be a great success. For once the weather was on our side and from midday Friday until midday Monday, our feet hardly seemed to touch the ground.

On the same weekend as the air show a flyout to Ostend was arranged so that those members wishing to fly whilst the air show was in progress could and a great time they all had.

We were unsure whether it was going to be possible to hold further fun flys with EU Jet operating from the airfield but permission was given for a window in their operations between 1900 and 2100. For once the weather was suitable for the flying and everyone seemed to have a great time. Our thanks to the committee who worked hard to make the evening a success.

Whilst we no longer have to worry about operating around EU Jet, we do still need to have the permission of the airfield owners to carry out the fun fly and that we hope to get that this week. That being the case we will apply to the Civil Aviation Authority for their approval and hope to hold a Fun Fly on Saturday 3rd September. The flying will have to take place during the afternoon rather than the evening as the airfield closes at 1800 hrs but this will then allow us to concentrate on the BBQ from 1800 hrs onwards. The briefing will be at 1430 hrs and anyone wishing to fly must attend the briefing.

Tickets for the BBQ are available from reception priced £5.00 for the first two and £7.50 thereafter. We would be grateful if you could buy your tickets by Thursday 1st September in order that we can confirm the numbers for catering.

We have a few items left of our summer range, available at half price, and are now looking at putting in an order for more Thanet Flying Club merchandise. If you would like to look at the catalogue and see the range of items available it can be obtained from reception, otherwise we will be ordering the usual stock.

Below is an order form for your use should you wish to order a particular item. Please return the completed form to us as soon a possible, once we have put together an order we will then get a quote and let you know the price. We would like to send off the order by mid September at the latest. 

(Please Cut and Paste form below to an Email or Print for Hand in to TG Reception)