Back at Bembridge

Having visited last in November 2017 a return visit was overdue. Website details are unchanged from my previous review and a prompt email acknowledgement confirmed we had successfully PPR'd.

On coasting out from the mainland a radio call was made to "Bembridge Radio" but it was evidently unattended. A helpful local pilot explained that calls should be made to "Bembridge Traffic" instead - effectively everyone approaches, departing or in the circuit needed to contribute to overall situational awareness.

As is often the case, 3 aircraft converged shortly after 12 noon, presumably all in search of the $ 100 hamburger (as the Americans are accustomed to calling their flights - not for the cost of the food but the cost of the fuel to get there and back).

On a Wednesday in February, The Propeller Inn Pub is open (effectively it is on the airfield) and is really very nice - lunch is around a tenner per head and they will also take a separate (cash) landing fee which goes in an envelope.

The tarmac runway 12 is a pronounced downhill gradient and it is worth noting that the adjacent grass is full of ruts, with some mole hills and small depressions - so take care when taxi-ing around the grass - it's all perfectly manageable - just keep your momentum up (the grass is long) and your speed down. More farmers strip on the grass than a manicured aerodrome surface.... it is after all the Isle of Wight !