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Hanger full of wasted microlights
Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 9:20 pm
by Free Spirit
I found these in a hangar at the Um al Quwain club in the UAE. Microlight flying was banned here some years back and all these aircraft - at least 20 - were left to rot, or rather, be buried in sand. Some of the other hangars are huge and virtually empty. What a waste

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 10:38 pm
by Bacchus
Was in the emirates a couple of years ago.
Now THERES people with money to waste!
Its so typical. No problem at all for them. Sad for us to see though!
Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 8:03 am
by The Agent
Allthough our hangers are not that big at Rhino some of them are filled with stuff like that and never used , so money is no object to some people.
So many okes battle to find a hanger and have an active errie whereas some okes?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
just park and leave to the elements.
My worrie is what do the visitors think of an airfield once they have taken a strole through the hangers.
Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 8:32 am
by Quentin Ferreira
SHocking!!!
If their a/c look like that i wonder what sort of pilots they are???
Quentin Ferreira
ZU-ATP
Newcastle
Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 10:02 am
by ICEMAN
If their a/c look like that i wonder what sort of pilots they are???
I flew a few sorties with the UAE Airforce S&R in 2000 from Abu Dhabi.
The first time the miltary pilots climbed into the Puma`s, i honstly thought they were the mechanics until they climbed into the front and started the start up procedures, dirty scuffed boots, long unkept hair,unshaven, baggy overalls with grease etc etc

Definately not "top gun" apperance.

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 8:02 pm
by Free Spirit
Well yes, a lot of people with a LOT of money around here. And these are not the only hangars with wasted aircraft!
And for the airforce pilots, some of them are great and others mmmm not so great. And believe it or not they sometimes fly with their 'dresses' and all. Somehow that does not make sense in my mind.
But the good news is that they are allowing ultralights/microlights a bit more freedom now. But no real cross countries yet

You must appreciate your aviaton freedom.
Agent, I agree. This airfield has a 4500m tarred runway at sea level with a great clubhouse and nobody to manage it. It is the most amazing facility and completely wasted. Lots of rubbish and stuff lying around. I wish I could just buy something like this and turn it into a profitable operation, but I'm afraid too much politics going on. They claim they cannot find instructors for the school, so that also closed - now its only the skydivers thats active.
Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 8:16 pm
by Boet
Can`t you buy some of that unused, unloved "stuff" cheap, and bring it over here. We will find something to do with it??

What a bloody waste.
If you want to know what God think`s about money; just look at some of the people that he gives too much...........
Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 8:54 pm
by RV4ker (RIP)
Boet wrote:Can`t you buy some of that unused, unloved "stuff" cheap, and bring it over here. We will find something to do with it??

What a bloody waste..
Ditto....

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 9:07 pm
by Free Spirit
I have made vague enquiries and received blank faces. Its as if nobody dares mention it. Is it worth bothering if these ac have been standing for at least 2 years? I'm sure the engines are so full of sand they will never fly again.
Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 9:48 am
by RV4ker (RIP)
Never is a LOOOOONG time. Given some TLC am sure they could all fly again....

Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 11:51 am
by Quentin Ferreira
Do you know of any other hanger looking like that with a/c not being used.......maybe we could make them an offer......???
Quentin Ferreira
ZU-ATP
Newcastle
Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 12:23 pm
by nicow
Even if they ban microlight flying in South Africa,I'll still fly my trike
Nicow
ZU-AWA
Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 12:28 pm
by Quentin Ferreira
Yip i agree!!! no taxis and cops up there!!!
Quentin Ferreira
ZU-ATP
Newcastle
Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 12:12 pm
by skydancer
Hi there you guys,its a shame to see these beautiful planes rot away

would it be possible to buy some of these parts,make it in some use in my room,how about a seat or a nice wooden prop,im always in search for beautiful ornaments like those,alot better than sitting in a hangar filling dust....
Kind regards
Markb
Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 7:01 pm
by Free Spirit
I will make some more careful enquiries when I'm there next.....
