Phoon wrote:As far as I am aware the MOD /RAF have no legal jurisdiction outside of the 'wire'. They can ask you to move but you are quite within your rights if you refuse (stupidly) to do so. The usual line is they will call the civilian police if they are unhappy with such a situation. I personally have never had a problem at CBY, but then I always try to be considerate where I park and wander to. The Only place I have encountered a problem was Wittering a few years ago where we were asked to move away from the fence despite being on a public footpath and obstructing no one. We politely and firmly refused, The RAF lady informed us the civilian police had been called, however they still hadn't shown up some 6 hours later.............
I think that some of the land 'outside the wire' at Coningsby is in fact owned by the MOD so is probably technically under their juridiction. However, manners cost nothing. It appears not what was asked but the way in which the message was delivered. I have always found both at work and play, that if you ask politely and perhaps say why you are asking something, a better result is more likely.
Shouting at for example kids throwing stones at boats is unlikely to result in it stopping. They will come back later and lob a bigger one! However, a simple walk over and a chat with the said individuals in a totally unthreatening manner is more likely to result in your boat being left alone. Same kind of applies to these situations.
Perhaps if someone at the base reads this they can have a quiet word about how to approach civilians. Contrast that with the BBMF pilots and crew who always make time to come over to the fence for a natter. Bad experiences are unfortunately remembered and talked about more and for longer. It is a pity that this impression was left when a simple ' can you move please ' would have achieved rhe same result while leaving a good impression. Good and bad in all walks of life.
Totally concur with other posters who have said Coningsby 'spotter friendly.' It is a fantastic place to watch aircraft and we are pretty well catered for. My 3 mile Friday jaunt to RAF Leuchars is now gone. Count your blessings.
Chris
