Ardmore Airport Ltd will erect 1.3km of fencing and 25 lockable gates around the airfield in a bid to make it New Zealand’s safest. Chief Executive Trevor Willcock expects installation work on the 1200mm high post and four-strand wire fence to begin in January. He said the decision to improve the airport’s fencing was a consequence of AAL’s recent application to Civil Aviation for a Part 139 Airport Certification. To comply, AAL had to put up more physical barriers and signage to prevent inadvertent public entry into operational areas. The standard, farm-style gates would vary in width depending on access circumstances. Trevor said tenants would need to keep their gates closed. “To secure the southeast apron operational area of the airport, we have to install a barrier arm in Harvard Lane,” he said. “It’ll have a key pad and all tenants needing access will be supplied with the number to ensure they have 24-hour access.”
Sigh!
It.s not surprising news.I think a lot of us saw it coming.
ReplyDeleteI think it's absolutely ridiculous! What happened to the ways of back in the day. When I learned to fly we hardly had any fences, even at international airports and there was never any issues. Ardmore isn't even international yet they are fencing it. Who is going to pay for that in the end, the airport users through fee increases. I think it is a load of crock.
ReplyDeleteWarren
No wonder aviator's are leaving Ardmore and their place being taken by council biosecurity / car engine overhaulers / motor home camping / storage facilities etc.
ReplyDeleteA sad day and no doubt Avsec will become involved in some way.
Wayne Grant
sad day for aviation buffs every where,ardmore was the meca of small aircraft airfields always planes everywhere and if you were lucky you got some really good shots,when i visited it was always 5-6 36 rolls of film.got a mt cook otter before she went to america.two dc3 buy the controll tower,a few wrecks etc amongst my gems,if you saw some one you always asked and they would usally be in formative,i would be concerned about the idiots that build houses close to the field then bitch about the nosie the type that would moan if there butt was on fire and had to wee to put it out ARDMORE LEAST WE FORGET
ReplyDeleteAVSEC will be consultants no doubt!
ReplyDeleteOh jeez people get a grip. 1.2m high fences and improved access control to comply with the Act and gain Part 139 certification. It's hardly the end of the world. It'll make Ardmore comparable with many regional airfields around the country and they're hardly AVSEC patrolled Fort Knoxesque spots. There are many legitimate gripes around the aviation system in New Zealand (e.g. medical fees, CAA funding structure etc.) but if this frankly is not one of them.
ReplyDeleteWith these fences being erected,i assume we will not be able to access the hangars at warbirds,heliflight etc Is that the case ?
ReplyDelete