| Reproduced by kind permission
from "Bloodhound"; North Coates Flying Club newsletter |
One of
the many hurdles North Coates Flying Club has successfully overcome since it’s
inception was the hostile attitude of a small group of people who were hell bent on
preventing flying continuing at North Coates. They were a small but well organised group
of locals going under the banner of the Not Over North Coates (NON) committee who actively
canvassed around the local villages and even managed to bend the ear of a local M.P. Their
aggressive lobbying however, had the reverse effect on the local population who saw
aircraft flying around as a welcome diversion from the way of life on the fens. The
anticipated support never materialised and “NON” committee faded away. The club was fully aware of the destructive powers such
a group could unlock, so mindful that public opinion can be easily swayed they embarked on
a good neighbour policy. In acknowledgement that not everybody likes aeroplanes and as
such activities should not encroach into their privacy a Code of Conduct was introduced
which gave guidelines on where to fly, circuit patterns away from houses and common sense
flying. This Code of Practice has never been printed and mindful that new members are
constantly joining the club and probably not aware of what is expected the club decided to
put that to rights.
The opening statement of the code states:-
"Flying at North Coates should be conducted in accordance with aviation law and
to promote the safety of people and property on the airfield. Flying activity should be
conducted in a manner which minimises any impact on our neighbours."
It then goes on to provide a list of do’s
and don’ts, which includes avoiding overflight of local residential areas, basic
common sense and good airmanship. It also outlines the rights the club has in
administering warnings when good airmanship is blatantly lacking. We have to be seen to be
complying with CAA guidelines on these matters in order to indemnify ourselves if
complaints are directed at us. Common sense whilst flying is something the aviator and the
club can join forces in on focussing on safer skies around North Coates. |
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