Northern Ireland Aviation Enthusiast's Forum

General Aviation Discussion => Spotting Trips => Topic started by: Hammerhead on January 12, 2010, 10:03:30 PM

Title: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on January 12, 2010, 10:03:30 PM
Seeing casper's from the tour of Casement that he posted has got me wondering if anyone on here would be interested a tour this year...    The day would involve getting a tour of Casement which starts about 10am and lasts until lunchtime and then back to EIDW for a few hours spotting weather permitting   ::)    I would think that the end of May would be a good time to do this as the weather should be good enough by then (fingers crossed) and also give us a chance to organise everything like transport etc..... so if any of you are interested let me know and I'll start organising things this end.....   
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement and EIDW
Post by: casper on January 12, 2010, 10:06:18 PM
Put me down for a party of 3 - me and my two sons :) The only problem I would have is if it's the 31st, my wifes birthday. Might have some grovelling to do :)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on January 12, 2010, 10:18:43 PM
OK Mon 31th is scratched off..  have to keep the wife happy as you never know when you will need to ask for a day trip to Madrid or Amsterdam... ;D    I hope to try and have the tour on a wenedsday as thats the best day for the Air Corps guys too....   
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Dave on January 12, 2010, 10:28:32 PM
I'd be up for it, as long as theres nothing interesting arriving into Dublin during the hours at casement  ;)  |I've seen some nice photos from Casper's and your trip there last time so I'd be up for it.
 
Dave
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Merlin on January 12, 2010, 11:11:35 PM
I'd definitely be interested as well.
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: kingsavo on January 12, 2010, 11:20:24 PM
Yeah sounds good! I'd be up for this! If there's room!
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Angry Turnip on January 13, 2010, 09:07:00 PM
Count me in,I have always wanted to have a look around Baldonnel.
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on January 14, 2010, 08:28:41 PM
thats seven so far...it will be nice to be able to put faces to so many names.... i will give it another week or so before i contact the Air Corps just in-case anyone else wants to join in.... Also it might be a good idea if anyone who is driving down lets us know if they can bring members that aren't lucky enough to have transport....
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: CanonJohns40d on January 14, 2010, 10:31:29 PM
Hi Guys I'd be interested also but as a non driver would need to consider transport options. I think this would be a good way for a lot of faces to be put to names wich can only be good for the group.

John
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Paultojo on January 14, 2010, 10:53:30 PM
Stick me down if there is room  :)
 
Paul
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on January 15, 2010, 07:07:41 PM
Quote from: CanonJohns40D on January 14, 2010, 10:31:29 PM
Hi Guys I'd be interested also but as a non driver would need to consider transport options. I think this would be a good way for a lot of faces to be put to names wich can only be good for the group.

John
like i said earlier if anyone driving down has any spare room they might consider bringing someone that hasn't got transport... also if it's any use i can bring 3 or 4 people if they get the airport bus down....
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on January 19, 2010, 04:26:09 PM
I have been in contact with the Air Corp and Next thing is to pick a date that everyone can agree on, Im going to suggest wednesday the 19 of may so check your diarys and see how that works for you.... Let me know if it dosnt suit you and we can try and move to a date that will .....   
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: casper on January 19, 2010, 04:28:06 PM
I'm in :)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Angry Turnip on January 19, 2010, 11:31:13 PM
I will be just back from my holidays the day before,so my boss won`t let me off again especially on a weekday-never mind.
 
If 19th suits most then go ahead-I can always go another time. :)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: iCardboardRobot on January 20, 2010, 01:17:47 AM
i'd be interested if ok, i'd prob just do the tour and have to head though, still should be ok to take some folks down at least !
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Merlin on January 21, 2010, 08:39:15 AM
At present the 19th is doable for me as well.

I'll be driving down so I could give a couple of people a lift.

Rates subject to negotiation  ;D
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: kingsavo on January 21, 2010, 12:24:19 PM
That would do for me too!
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on January 26, 2010, 09:47:44 PM
OK guys here's where it gets complicated... ::)     Seeing as the Airshow celebrating 100 years of flight in Ireland is being held on the June bank Holiday weekend i was wonder how many of you would be interested if i can get the tour moved to the Friday before the show..... Its a very big if because the Air Corps usually close down for bank holiday weekends apart from the GASU and Maratime patrol so they usually dont do tours .... But if there are any foreign aircraft over for the show they might be based at Casement... also after the tour we could take a spin down to punchestown which is approx 20 Min's away and catch any practice that might be taking place.....   what do you guys think?? 
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Paultojo on January 26, 2010, 10:07:27 PM
Sounds a good idea
 
Paul
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Angry Turnip on January 27, 2010, 12:26:51 AM
A fine plan indeed-should be able to get off work for that as well ;D
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on January 29, 2010, 12:52:04 PM
Just had word from Casement that the tour is now on Fri 4th of June... Everyone now needs to pray for good weather and lots of visiting aircraft...:-)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: casper on January 29, 2010, 01:03:03 PM
Brilliant news. Many thanks for everything you've done so far  :goodjob:
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: kingsavo on January 29, 2010, 01:23:15 PM
Oh I'll need to beg for that day off work! Already getting the day after off for Snow Patrol in Bangor!
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on February 13, 2010, 03:04:48 PM
OK guys I'm going to need to know who is coming on the tour on the 4th of June as i have to give the Air Corps a list with the number of people that will be coming....  If your not sure if you can make it just say yes as its better to have too many places instead of too few....   Also i was wondering if any of you would be interested in making a weekend of it? seeing as the Airshow is on the Sunday and Monday it might be worth thinking about...  If enough of you say yes there might be a opportunity to get a group booking discount from a local hotel or B&B.....
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Merlin on February 13, 2010, 03:33:43 PM
You can put me down as a definite.

Not sure about making a weekend of it though. I'm at Fairford/Farnborough the following month so it would probably be best if I focus on that. However if the price is right I could be persuaded  :)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on February 13, 2010, 06:57:29 PM
Quote from: Keegster on February 13, 2010, 03:33:43 PM
However if the price is right I could be persuaded  :)
At the moment you can get a room for 3 adults for €62 or £54 per night which works out at just over €20 or about £18 per night....so if you got 3 people to share for two nights it would only be €41 or £36 for the accommodation... not too bad for a Hotel .... only thing is as word gets out about the airshow prices will go up.....
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: casper on February 13, 2010, 07:07:42 PM
Put me down for 3. Can't make a weekend out of it though.
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Angry Turnip on February 14, 2010, 12:29:46 AM
Put me down for the tour definite;not sure yet if I can make the airshow just at the minute but hopefully I can do that as well.
 
Thanks for your help Hammerhead. :D
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Dave on February 21, 2010, 03:12:14 PM
Sorry, I doubt I will be able to make the trip, chances are I'll be in Finland at the time. If not, I can always meet up at Dublin Airport.
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on May 03, 2010, 12:01:42 PM
Just a quick reminder that the tour is still on for Friday June 4th.....   Its not looking good for visitors to Casement for the Punchestown show  ??? , However im sure the tour will still be interesting....

Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Merlin on May 03, 2010, 01:52:34 PM
Still looking forward to it none the less  :)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: casper on May 03, 2010, 02:15:31 PM
There was 'only' Air Corp aircraft there during the last visit and it was fantastic. Counting the days :)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Gerard on May 13, 2010, 09:16:07 PM
Hi is it too late to join this trip?
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on May 13, 2010, 09:55:52 PM
Quote from: Gerard on May 13, 2010, 09:16:07 PM
Hi is it too late to join this trip?
Hi Gerard...  I'll add you to the list....
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: casper on May 14, 2010, 08:11:34 PM
 :Welcome: Hi Gerard and welcome to the forum :)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Gerard on May 15, 2010, 11:10:02 AM
Thanks guys. I am in Newry. I can give a lift to anyone who wants it from here or hitch a ride and contribute to petrol. I need to come back up the road on Friday afternoon/evening though.

Seems like there are 2 transport issues - getting down there and then getting around in Dublin. Car - sharing seems like a good way for everyone to get know each other especially for a newbie like me.
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: casper on May 15, 2010, 12:37:30 PM
I don't think the finer details have be sorted yet but I'm hoping we meet at Dublin airport and Hammerhead shows us the way :)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on May 15, 2010, 02:59:40 PM
Quote from: casper on May 15, 2010, 12:37:30 PM
I don't think the finer details have be sorted yet but I'm hoping we meet at Dublin airport and Hammerhead shows us the way :)

You expect me to go all the way to the airport to meet you???  ::)      ;D ;D

On a serious note i think its time that everyone started planning how they are getting down, Those that dont have transport please let everyone know where you are and hopefully someone that has transport will be passing nearby, As casper has said already the plan will be to meet at the spotters carpark beside runway 28 at Dublin airport and then follow me to Casement which is 20-30 min's away, The tour starts at 10 00 so we should be aiming to leave the airport at 09 15 at the latest to allow for delays etc.

Another thing to keep in mind is that between 07 50 and 09 00 at Dublin is when a few of the American flights arrive like Delta and Continental, so if the weather is good you might want to arrive early and catch them.

The tour should last untill approx 12 00 so weather permitting there will be a few hours left for more spotting .

If anyone has any questions or there is anything you want to get more details on dont be afraid to ask.
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Merlin on May 15, 2010, 06:09:03 PM
Be at Dublin airport for 9am, that means leaving home before 7am. That means getting up before 6am  :o

There better be coffee on this tour and lots of it  ;D
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on May 15, 2010, 09:26:40 PM
No coffee on the tour I'm afraid  :(   wouldn't want coffee spilt over some expensive avionics  ;D

However i was thinking that after the tour if anyone would like a bite to eat or even just a coffee or tea we could take a spin over to Weston Airfield where they have a resteraunt that looks out onto the airfield.
It's about 10 mins from Casement.

they also have a Buccaneer and DC 3 on view, however its not possible to get up close to either
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: casper on May 15, 2010, 09:28:09 PM
I'd be up for that :)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on May 15, 2010, 09:31:18 PM
Just found a menu from the resteraunt ...  Not too expensive...
http://www.skyviewweston.com/cafe_menu.pdf (http://www.skyviewweston.com/cafe_menu.pdf)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Paultojo on May 16, 2010, 10:09:55 AM
Friday June   4th
Weston Airport Open   Evening - 6.30pm - 8.30pm (Free)
See aviation through the   years
Helicopters - Light Aircraft, Private Jets


Might be of interest


Can you put me on the list to visit Bal


Regards
 Paul



Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on May 16, 2010, 11:46:58 AM
Heres the list of members that have already said they are attending or have shown an interest in attending the tour.

casper+ 2  (confirmed)
Paultojo   (confirmed)
Angry Turnip  (confirmed)
Keegster  (confirmed)
Gerard  (confirmed)
Dave  (maybe)
Kingsavo  (unable to attend)
canonjohns40D  (maybe)  Needs a lift?
cardboardrobots  (maybe)

That makes 7 confirmed as coming and 3 maybe's.

So if your name isn't on the list and you would like to be included please let me know in the next 48 hour's , as after that time i wont be able to make any more additions to the list due to the Air Corps needing advance notice of confirmed number's and if your not on the list by then it wont be possible to add you.

Now everybody just need's to keep everything crossed for some good weather to attend too  8)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: kingsavo on May 16, 2010, 02:08:53 PM
I won't be able to attend unfortunately
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on May 16, 2010, 09:25:22 PM
Sorry that you cant make this tour Kingsavo, maybe next time  :)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Angry Turnip on May 19, 2010, 07:24:58 PM
Sorry Hammerhead and all but I am now unable to go on the tour-my boss has decided to do a stocktake that day and I`m afraid I can`t get out of it. >:(
 
I am very disappointed,but unfortunatly there is nothing I can do.
 
 
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on May 20, 2010, 09:25:00 PM
Sorry to hear that you cant make it Angry, im sure there will be more trips in the future .

Can canonjohns40D and cardboardrobots please confirm if they are coming or not as I have a few friends who would be interested in taking the tour if the places are available.



Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: casper on May 28, 2010, 10:57:32 AM
Only a week to go :) :) :)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on May 28, 2010, 08:37:09 PM
According to the weather forecast today the weather is supposed to be very good by the time of the tour too  8)

 
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Gerard on May 28, 2010, 09:33:31 PM
Yes really looking forward to it now!
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: CanonJohns40d on May 28, 2010, 10:01:06 PM
Hi Guys I had been holding off in the hope I would make it however it is not to be. My wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer and still undergoing treatment. This trip is just a little to early in the process for me to attend. Apologies i can't make it and I hope those who go have agreat time.
 
John
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Merlin on May 28, 2010, 10:24:36 PM
Quote from: Paultojo on May 16, 2010, 10:09:55 AM
Friday June 4th
Weston Airport Open Evening - 6.30pm - 8.30pm (Free)
See aviation through the years
Helicopters - Light Aircraft, Private Jets

Just as a matter of interest, is anyone staying on for this?
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: casper on May 29, 2010, 09:44:07 AM
Quote
My wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer and still undergoing   treatment.
So very sorry to hear that. I hope the treatment goes well.

Quote
Just as a matter of interest, is anyone staying on for this?
Probably not. My son has a wee part-time job so I'll probably have to be home for around 6.
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on May 29, 2010, 06:55:53 PM
Quote
My wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer and still undergoing   treatment.
Sorry to hear that, I have been there twice in the last few years and its a very hard time for everyone involved, Hope you have the same outcome as we did...

Quote
Just as a matter of interest, is anyone staying on for this?
I might manage to get to it... :LOL
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on May 30, 2010, 10:12:10 AM
http://uk.weather.com/weather/10day-Dublin-EIXX0014 (http://uk.weather.com/weather/10day-Dublin-EIXX0014) 

Looking good weather wise  8)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: casper on May 30, 2010, 10:31:59 AM
Hammerhead am I right is saying that anyone bringing a car to Casement will have to pre-pay a toal for the M50?

http://www.eflow.ie/index.htm (http://www.eflow.ie/index.htm)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on May 30, 2010, 01:03:13 PM
There is no need to do that casper.
we can either avoid it depending on how we are for time or just pay it in any shop equipped with a payzone machine.
We can decide what way to go Friday when we meet up at the car park.
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: iCardboardRobot on May 30, 2010, 05:41:32 PM
really sorry for the delay in confirming, i was hoping to get an appointment re-arranged but this isnt possible, so i wont be able to join this time.
The joys of c car crash and 4 years of doctors visits !
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: casper on June 01, 2010, 09:20:00 PM
If anyone is still interested in coming along but has no transport I have room for two more :)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Dave on June 01, 2010, 10:35:01 PM
Hows the weather looking for Friday? If it's good, I'd be tempted to head down to Dublin airport on the day for a short whille. Is anyone atually planning on doing an hour or two at Dublin airport during the day?
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Paultojo on June 01, 2010, 11:12:58 PM
I will be there for a while after Bal probably leave 3 pm ish
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: casper on June 02, 2010, 05:44:13 AM
Same here. I'll have to leave around 3 or 4 as the son has to go to work in the evening.
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: casper on June 03, 2010, 09:12:28 AM
So what's the plan for tomorrow?
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: iCardboardRobot on June 03, 2010, 11:07:45 AM
Quote from: CanonJohns40D on May 28, 2010, 10:01:06 PM
Hi Guys I had been holding off in the hope I would make it however it is not to be. My wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer and still undergoing treatment. This trip is just a little to early in the process for me to attend. Apologies i can't make it and I hope those who go have agreat time.
 
John

Very sorry to hear that john, all the very best for everything

Paul
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on June 03, 2010, 09:37:29 PM
Quote from: casper on June 03, 2010, 09:12:28 AM
So what's the plan for tomorrow?

Judging by the lack of replys, Do I take it nobody else is coming apart from casper, .  :-\
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: casper on June 03, 2010, 09:43:13 PM
Well if all goes according to plan I'll be leaving here around 6:30 so should be there around 8:30 or so. Hopefully that's early enough.
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Hammerhead on June 03, 2010, 09:51:43 PM
I'll be there about that time too, Hope fully the weather gods will be kind for your trip.
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: casper on June 03, 2010, 09:52:41 PM
Don't care it's still a day out :)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Paultojo on June 03, 2010, 10:13:44 PM
See you all in the lay by about 8.30
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: casper on June 03, 2010, 10:18:39 PM
I'll be the one wearing the pink flower  :LOL . No I'll be the one with two sons in tow :)
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Merlin on June 03, 2010, 10:21:42 PM
Quote from: Hammerhead on June 03, 2010, 09:37:29 PM
Quote from: casper on June 03, 2010, 09:12:28 AM
So what's the plan for tomorrow?

Judging by the lack of replys, Do I take it nobody else is coming apart from casper, .  :-\

I'll be there too.

Plan to be on the road by 6:30 so should be there around 8:30am.
Title: Re: NIAE tour of Casement
Post by: Gerard on June 03, 2010, 11:21:06 PM
See you all in the morning. Working late so I can get away tomorrow. Didn't get looking at the forum earlier.