Warning!? Waddington and other airfields

[Agent K]

There have been fatalities over the years where uninvited persons have gained access. A lot of time and effort then ensues for the network operator to show their inspection and maintenance records to prove they have done everything they should. Cannot recall any specific cases going to court but I am sure it has happened.

Happens all too often

Thanks both for your comments, indeed I am aware of several of these incidents happening, I was interested in the more formal aspect of blame (i.e. prosecutions), I guess nothing would surprise me.

[Nighthawke]

Sorry I should have been clearer. Not formal blame but by relatives, friends or public.

[Strix Photos]

It's just as bad as the people who decide it's OK to park on the grass verge by/next to the approach lights at the 24 end at Lakenheath, often leaving their car hanging in the road (that a lot of people don't do 40mph on). Police "police" it, tell people to move on, but 20 minutes later, they're back again. Saw someone recently had their door lost.

Then on the other hand, you get the 495th handing out flyers, actively encouraging people to come "watch" them. This doesn't help, because the more people there is, the less space, the sillier the parking (also see 06 end).

But, ultimately, it'll always happen, no matter the warnings, comments or posts, as people will keep pushing it as long as they can get away with it, until they can't or get injured.

Whilst i'm not disagreeing with people parking silly, which in turn can cause (and has caused) very dangerous situations for both spotters, the public and those who work on base (Lakenheath being a prime example.. people can easily park at the official car park and walk around the the 24 approach/forest gate if there is no suitable/safe parking spots available.. or in turn in the villages for 06 viewing)

Being very local to the base, i've never heard or seen of any printed flyers being handed out to actively encourage people to visit? Can anyone else confirm this?

[James Cutting]

Yep, at the patch meet last weekend there was a box full from the 495th - "Come see us flying". Albeit I didn't get a photo.

Problem is - People don't use the common sense you've mentioned above!

[Nighthawke]

Don't have, can't use!

My fear is that, sooner or later, there is going to be a (another) serious accident at Lakenheath. The authorities do not seem to bother. There is a clearway along most if not all of the A1065 running by the base and people even park between the bollards next to the sign. School holidays are worse and it beggars belief that parents seemingly care so little for the safety of their own children let alone the rest of us.

[James Cutting]

Exactly that, well said (that was my initial point re: the clearway).

[quid21]

That and people, even parents with kids, wandering down the access road past the 'PRIVATE' signs past the usual burger van. It even says no aircraft viewing! I may be old, but in my book thats trespassing. You can even see the wallies on Google Streetview!

[James Cutting]

No, it isn't, that's been a long burning debate. It's not private, it's public down to the end. Provided you're out the way and to the side you're not causing any issues. Police frequent down there to and never have had an issue. It was an issue when people kept on walking around the corner was the issue.

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[quid21]

No, it isn't, that's been a long burning debate. It's not private, it's public down to the end. Provided you're out the way and to the side you're not causing any issues. Police frequent down there to and never have had an issue. It was an issue when people kept on walking around the corner was the issue.

viewtopic.php?f=49&t=224701&p=1447200&h ... h#p1447200

I've learnt something today

Wonder who put the sign up