Guy Ritchie: Why I've bought an English airfield
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- Опубликовано: 20 май 2024
- Film director Guy Ritchie tells The Flying Reporter why he's bought a small English airfield. Ritchie, famous for his gritty crime comedies, took over Compton Abbas airfield in Dorset in February 2023.
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I get the idea (although he didn't say it) that Guy would like to create the Goodwood Revival of aviation. If that's what he's up to, I wish him every possible success!
I’m surprised that Goodwood Estate haven’t already done that! 😂
Unfortunately the aviation at Goodwood Revival is a shadow of what it used to be. Duxford and Shuttleworth do it so much better.
@@andrewwaller5913agreed,but the quality of what is shown is still exceptional
@@simes205 On the ground for the prizes yes. No aerial action to speak after the CAA put in restrictions.
Maybe not Goodwood Revival, I’d say more of a aviation version of Caffeine and Machine! 🏁
I have worked on a Guy Ritchie TV pilot, and he is probably my favorite director to have ever worked with. He is extremely humble, has zero ego, and a fantastic human to spend time with.
He married maddona ? Who marries maddona 😂
@@tonynewman8586 he did. In fact on the pilot he left his phone on my dolly and it rang the ring tone was “Like a virgin” he yelled Across the set for me to answer the phone and it was Madonna
He has been involved with Hollywood for many years, I don't think you understand what that means
@@user-wu1dv6jk5s huh? I wouldn’t understand this?
@@tonynewman8586 I’m sure Madonna regrets it. He’s a real down to earth Englishman whose proud of England. Madonna was too California and LA culture focussed. She’s not aged well...whereas he has!
There are few better ways to conjure the past back to life than flying vintage airplanes off grass strips. They deeply engage almost every one of our senses simultaneously. As someone lucky enough to fly them I often taxi in, shut down and just sit in the cockpit listening to the engine cool off and the smell of hot oil and old paint while reminding myself I'm not dreaming - it is endless romance.
Mr Guy Richie, what a legend. Great interview. Thank you.
I loved his comments about social hubs, when I learned to fly nearly thirty years ago the flying clubs both power and gliding had buzzing social scenes where you could just rock up, get a coffee and a cake, talk flying, talk nonsense and not even think about going flying if you didn't want to, its something we seem to have lost over the years in all areas of life
Who needs people, when you can look at an iPhone 😢 Popham airfield Hants
@@andyb.1026
Should have been there pre Iphone
Difficult territory to negotiate - the line between public and aviation. Shoreham seem to be able to manage it but my original favorite local glider club airfield Lasham, had to stop the _wonderful_ open day event because the public basically ruined it.
I gave up going to Southampton Boat Show once they felt the need to provide "Entertainment for the children" - millions of pounds worth of boats was just not enough distraction for uneducated familys!
Trying to get hordes of consumers to abide by strict aviation protocols is a major challenge.
Interesting comment.
@@dancarter482
I didn't really mean the public, I just was referring to club members
Stopped in here on my motorbike whilst on the Trans European Trail. Guy Ritchie comes over as a really friendly person. I wish him well and look forward to returning.
What a refreshing GA scenario - an airfield owner that wants airplanes to visit!
To have an eclectic restaurant being promoted to all, and a plan to make the whole place a welcoming location. All I need now is a PPL!
Microlight licence approx £6500 then future upgrades if desired; half the price of going straight in for a PPL A.
_AEROPLANES_ - this side of the pond!
We flew into Compton Abbas a couple of weeks ago and liked what we saw. Lovely food and just as friendly and helpful staff as before. Well worth a visit and that advice about passing info to incoming pilots via PPR is spot on. Do observe the noise abatement procedures as per Pooleys Guide to keep the neighbours happy and it'll be a lovely place to visit for years to come. Well done Guy!
Now that is an airfield with a vision. Well done to Guy for having that vision. Great video Jon, well done 👍
I like a lot of Guys movies but now knowing he is involved in aviation and heritage my respect for him has doubled
Especially his non-elitist attitude towards it. His appreciation for what humans can achieve with fairly accessible tools and engineering.
Especially "Revolver". It's about conquering your ego.
Learned to fly at Compton Abbas on a Flying Scholarship 40 years ago. Great to see the airfield thriving.
Guy Ritchie has a dangerous intensity that I find attractive in people. Not easy to find public-figures like this in 2024.
I don't like people that sit on the fence, love me or hate me... Those are your two choices!
Wishing him and his endeavors all the best. ⚔️🇬🇧⚔️
Doing a great job. The whole family love the Airfield and it’s values. We attend all we can. Thankyou. Great interview.
I'm glad to see Mr. Ritchie is saving this historic field. He probably won't make much money on the project, but giving back to one's community is a good thing. Where I live in coastal South Carolina USA, that property would have been snatched up by developers and there would be two hundred small homes on it by the end of summer.
not many guy ritchies left im a pensioner from leeds pal and wish guys like you will prosper for the rest of time
Or in classic Ritchie narrative a great cover for international drug smuggling, bringing the UK their very own Mena airport hahaha.
You'd be surprised, his pub is packed
@@dingushussey4100I thought that myself but kept stum 😂😅
We kept our Zenair 601 XL Zodiac there for six wonderful years and found it a joy to fly from there. Personally I am pleased that Guy’s vision for the airfield will make it even better for the next generation of pilots.
Great café at Wellesbourne, great pricing, great wholesome food, great service which has worked well for decades and continues to do so. Brings in people from miles around
Love listening to Guy Ritchie in any setting. Seems a great project
Love Guy Ritchie ..... agree with his ethos. Someone somewhere wants us isolated. Love that this big man is pushing back in his own way. X
Big Tech 4-5-6 (companies) that promote (a)social media for example ;-) And yeah you're right - his attitude and approach are nice!
lol
Yes, there's a strong push for isolating people and forcing them to depend on the media for "socialization". Love that he's using his money and interests to bring people out of their shells to meet and spend time with others. Good money maker too.
Wow Jon, what a breath of fresh air! Guy is a nice chap and GA needs a lot more people like him. Great video!
Stumbled across this. What a fantastic interview brilliant
I live 20mins from the airfield and it was a big part of my youth going to watch the planes on a Sunday afternoon 😊
For some reason i thought Guy Ritchie would be a totally different character , personality... he comes across a very deep, thoughtful man. Thank you ! ;)
He’s a well read smart guy.
As most other people have posted about the fine Mr Ritchie, I'll just say that it's lovely seeing you sharing happy, fun times with Bertie. I bet he loves flying with you!
I would love Guy Richie to direct a Bond movie, what if he is genuinely interested in classical aviation then maybe a remake of the Battle of Britain
Guy is the right man for Compton Abbas ,his creative skills and passion are self evident,he sees things that everyone else misses
Guy came across really well in this interview. I was pleasantly surprised to hear his position on the public gathering. There has clearly been a huge assault on this over the past few years and we need to take control back. Hats off to Guy for making an impact in his own way 🙌🙏
Nice to meet you (in Ops) on Friday, Jon. Great interview and I’m glad you like the changes at the airfield. We operate a 1952 Chipmunk from here - there’s nothing nicer than sliding the hood back to taxy across the cut grass after an enjoyable flight around the Dorsey countryside on a summers day.
Never, have we lived in such a time of division left from right Rich from Poor north from south trying to keep us all in our houses at the same time, his comments about the hub for everybody so refreshing.
I had my advanced driving Masters test start from Compton Abbas and I was really impressed. It's a lovely little airfield! On that particular day, it was a supercar and motorbike meet too!
What a beautiful space to be interviewed in a great to hear his enthusiasm regarding social hubs. And this is where my son saw live aircraft for his very first time.
Excellent! More power to Guy and his dream.
Good on Mr Ritchie! Compton Abbas is a wonderful airfield in a beautiful area of the country. A fantastic network of roads for a pure driving experience. I miss the place.
Well done Jon great video. We need more Guy Ritchie's as I feel he epitomises the GA community that want to preserve old aircraft and traditional airfields.
Love Guy’s attitude, that some are disgruntled at not being superior to the next person and not getting served first is a mark of their arrogance. We are all equal, some people just have more money than others that’s all. Well done Mr Ritchie!
I can't stand the prick and by the way no one is born equal!
What a great programme! Never seen a Ritchie interview but he seems really in tune. Plus of course he makes GREAT movies. What a dude.
Great video. Legendary filmmaker. I hope he brings a lot more youngsters into aviation to revitalise things a bit! Lovely to see someone who sees the magic of general aviation without being a pilot himself. Can't wait to visit.
I love listening to Guy.......he's got a few bob ( and rightly so) but he remains passionate, and humble. I'd love to work for someone like him......bet he's a decent boss.
For fellow pilots, having "arrived" at Compton Abbas previously on a number of occasions one such arrival was memorable and the most horrendous approach ever, on endeavouring to land on 08 with a wind from the south it was like a spin dryer which resulted in a no go and returned to base airfield to survive another day. The PPR phone message at the time was "It's a bit Sporty" ! 😁
From the previous resident op's team :
SE from 5 knots = Be Aware
SW from 10 knots = Be Aware
N = Fine
NE = Fine
NW = Slight turbulence
Happy Flying 🛩
My Uncle Chris Philpott sadley lost if life at Compton Abbas whilst flying a Yak 52. But on a brighter note a beautiful little airport this is and fingers crossed Guy takes it farward and will be around for many years to come.
We all know that we are losing airfields throughout the country. I really can't fault what he's doing. If it keeps the field viable and in the hearts of locals it can only be a good thing
What do you mean losing? They ain't a set of car keys are they.
I grew up in Gillingham just down the road from Compton Abbas. My parents used to take me there on the weekends and it's where my love of aviation began. I loved watching Yaks fly from there and fondly remeber the air race they had there many many years ago. I also loved it when Clive would take the DH Dove out for a spin and beat up the field with it. Lord that was a long time ago. I hope Mr Ritchie can keep it going for a long time to come.
I’ve flown Compton Abbas so many times, use it as my home base when flying in the UK in MSFS 2020 in VR. Im also a real world pilot out of Lufker Airport 49N in Long Island,NY. It’s a small grass strip airfield also, but not as beautiful and scenic area as Compton Abbas. I fly my home built Zenith 701 around Long Island and in the sim Simworks Studios Zenith 701 recreation of my plane(yellow and black livery! Hope Guy has fun and preserves the airstrip. Hopefully keep prices in the restaurant reasonable for families with kids interested in aviation.
As a local ground-based aircraft enthusiast, I can certainly attest that Mr Ritchie has made Compton Abbas an attractive & inclusive experience for all.
As a motorcyclist I share something of the sense of freedom, engineering & heritage you aircraft guys have, and there's nothing better for me than to drop in to Compton Abbas on a Friday afternoon ride to enjoy a pint of Gritchie ale and watch the aircraft come and go.
Yes, the food is currently simplistic, but it is certainly high-quality and the staff are welcoming, enthusiastic & helpful.
Good luck to Mr Ritchie and the team at Compton Abbas - and a huge thank you for developing a valuable asset to the beautiful Dorset countryside.
Isn't the airfield near the dreaded Zig Zag Hill which I last tried on a Honda Fireblade and found " challenging".
@@simonwatson4153 It sure is! A real challenge - and an absolute joy when there are no other vehicles to get in your way 👍
sounds lovely
i totally understand where Guy Richie is coming from, that romantic meets creative element - that 1920's feel, art deco, and right through the war years of foot lose and fancy free, where aviation and indeed motor racing was such a huge thing but still very much in its infancy, living life on the edge and damn right dangerous, those epic parties that ran all night because people lived life to the full not knowing if they would be around the following day
i read stories of people who jumped in their cars and took to their aircraft to where ever they felt they needed to be - i think it was Thomas Sopwith who did something similar, took off from Brooklands and went for tea with the King and landed on the lawns behind the Palace, can you imagine the red tape now and filing flight plans and god knows what else
Brooklands is one of those many places that had such a huge part in Motor Racing and Aviation, the aviation taking over and then with the airfield closer, industry moved in - there's no airfield or race track now, its all gone, the old club house remains, dwarfed between warehouses and super stores, it just looks so sad and neglected but i believe is used as an archive, an era so nearly forgotten
If other people such as Guy, with a few bob to spare can invest in these kind of places, airfields and race tracks and bring back the inter war years, i'm all for it, affordable places for the masses to meet and swap epic tales
I pass this airfield regularly as its on the route to the coast from where I live. We've only stopped once this year. On a summers day there is lots of flying activity to watch.
I love that Guy has bought Compton Abbas, as a Biker from Salisbury it's always been one of my favourite destinations and a great ride out!
My mates and me go there too, we all live in Dorset though. A sunday morning hoon, then a stop at Compton Abbas for food and drink. Then on with the hoon, usually down to West Bay via the Coast Road 😁
I have flown in the US on many occasions and over there they have a pride in their airfields that always seemed to be lacking in the UK. Their restaurants on field are usually very good, even if they are 'just' turning out a burger, it'll be a burger worth flying 200 miles to taste! It is not unusual to be given the keys to a car to use for a few hours, as long as you replace the fuel you use, or a friendly lift into town, and if you ask at the booking in desk for someone to clean your aircraft's windshield and check the tyres it is happily done for you without extra charges -'ala 1950's US gas station! Too many airfields In the UK give the impression that visiting airmen are regarded as a bit of a nuisance, locals shake their fist at you from their gardens as you're taking off and some airfield radio controllers take pride in being rude to airmen. You often leave with the impression that the owner would rather build housing or an industrial estate on the site and pilots are getting in their way of doing that. If the only plans that Guy Ritchie has for his airfield is to make it a great airfield then I wish him every success with it as he deserves it.
FBO's (Fixed Based Operators) are the unsung heros of the USA. I work at FAA Flight Service, and these folks really help me out, either confirming an overdue ac is there, or running down an errant ELT transmission.
Hi. Have just read your comments and Yes I fully agree with you re Pride at airfields and Wellcome are Flat in words and smiles, of which are Very important and do cost nothing in giving. Mm! Very different in France and Italy. Also the present Goverment
are not at all interested in airfields and obviously are against them, and not protected airfields at all from the Greed of Vultures of the Awful property developers. England has lost over 14 Very important and loved airfields at last count since around 2018. There maybe more than that.
All the very Best to you and fly safe and
Keep smiling.
JB. East Surrey. UK.
@johnbridges6867 Agreed. It's not just aviation that is lost when airfields are sold off for development. Long Marston had a flying club, an aircraft museum and was a first class drag racing facility.
Land is much cheaper, there are just more planes.
Let’s hope someone can do something with Redhill Aerodrome - it used to be buzzing years ago but misinformation and locals really tried to get it closed down. Now it feels it operates with one hand tied behind its back
I love that the staff are also wearing historic dress which plays into the feel and experience Guy is going for. Love that.
3:16 when I i heard him utter the words, I knew he must be right. Before the background of what we have been through in the past years, this sentiment resonates very strongly.
I remember well visiting Compton Abbas airfield in the 60’s when some of us would cycle up over the hill to see the planes and gliders taking off and landing. Indeed I had my first and only glider flight from there, towed up by a Piper Cub I believe, Wonderful! Also sitting in the second seat of the tug for subsequent flights by my mates ! Sense of freedom.
Keep meaning to visit again, particularly as the new restaurant experience comes highly recommended by good friends. Well done Guy, and thank you John
I had a (never verbalised ) preconceived idea about Guy Ritchie, how wrong were those ideas! Really impressed with the man as a result of this interview.
Great chat that was. Nice to see Guy’s enthusiasm for everything.
so excellent. I loved the things guy ritchie had to say about his love of creativity, being NOT a pilot but defnately a passionate creative person. But then found myself really enjoying the rest of your presentation. Lovely.
Guy Ritchie us quite simply the coolest cat about.
It’s great to know that an aesthetic genius like Guy Ritchie is involved with the creation of a special social gathering space
Excellent interview Jon, great to see investment in airfields. You will never please all of the people, all of the time! However if it ensures the longevity of the airfield with support from the local community then it has to be a winner for all concerned. Keep up the great work providing insights into the UK airfields.
Just a fantastic project and Guy is such an articulate and interesting guy ( sorry for the pun ) can’t wait to visit the airfield , sincere wishes for a successful project , Ash
Its so difficult to find the sweet spot between improvement and overdevelopment. Aviation as a whole, so quickly turned from romance into commerce. Hopefully Guy can keep this place cute.
What a beautiful airfield. Would love to fly in there some day. Well done to Guy for keeping the dream alive.
Well done Mr. Ritchie, you come across as a very nice man.
I live locally and have been visiting the airfield since 1997. The new cafe/restaurant looks great. Please don’t forget your regular locals when setting your prices.
I think the same mate it should be available to all to enjoy the nostalgia
Another great video - thanks Jon. Great to see a real vision and ambition particularly when so many clubs have struggled with increased costs and have lacked support.
Wonderfully executed. Very professional and easy to watch.
Great Video!!!, so lovely to see another passionate legend who is keen on aviation. Another great review!
I think he’s quite convincing. He seems to have genuine passion for the airfield. Hope his vision works out.
Guy is right we need to protect and support pubs, they are vital to our culture. Even if you don’t drink we need places which are so democratic and support people and their social circle. We should be organising our society to support these places and make them as widely accessible.
Never listened to Guy before or seen any of his films but he comes across very well. Hope it all works out for him.
"Don't hurt me uncle Arch. I'm only little"
@@jimmy66603I watched that last night funnily enough 😂
@@JD-eo7dr
"ya know why they call me tank don't ya Archie?"
"I'd imagine its cos your a dirty great big black bastard?"
"Think tank Arch! .....think tank!"
😆💪
Brooklands and Duxford both have that atmosphere to have an airfield this way a sort of living historical flying museum can only be a good thing for Aviation in general.
Well done Guy fantastic job.
First time to your channel, know nothing about flying, but I found this very informative, both from a point of somewhere to visit but also to learn about flying! Thanks! Best wishes Cathy
That was fantastic! Very well done.
Unique interview. Thanks for posting!
I used to have a script I used when I called for PPR. I would say that I was calling for permission to fly in, and then ask about the current weather and runway in use, joining and departure instructions (especially for any noise abatement procedures), unusual activities on the airfield, where to park, how much the landing fee was and how they preferred it to be paid, whether they had somewhere I could buy a coffee, availability of fuel (if I expected to need to refuel). I'd also give them an ETA if they didn't ask for one.
Thanks for a great review with Guy Ritchie, brings back some happy memories having visited the old home of guy ritchie Ashcombe House, at that time occupied by Cecil Beaton, yes that was some years ago.
I love Compton, including the new version. Very exciting to hear Guy’s vision, it already has a hint of Rocketeer and Lindbergh movie including nice natural colour tones.... romantic it is. Thank you to Guy and his team...
Good video. Great interview. Guy Ritchie was interesting to listen to, too. He came across as a well balanced modern, but traditional, English Gent.
Compton Abbas is up the road from me - lovely place!!
He's a cool guy, his movies are the most quotable and some of my favourite movies out there, I wish him the best in his new venture.
I really Like Guy Ritchie, and think he'll be good for the local aviators, as well as the public, and love the vision
of his Old World Aviation, DC3s and 4s, tri motors still hanging about, SeaPlanes, Clippers, Tiger Moths, and such
flying in, and being around the Airfield
After all these years its interesting to see how much Compton Abbas has changed since I learned to fly there in the early 2000s during the weekends when at school down the road; and passed my solo flight on my 16th birthday there. It’s also amazing the amount of people that have broken their nose wheel due the uneven runway and that this would also add the reason why Prior Permission Required (“PPR”) is necessary. Personally it added a lot good training and experience for preparing me for dealing with similar conditions of runways for other aérodromes that I had visited. It will be interesting to see how the development of the 3 year plan ends up.
This was amazing to watch, and listen to guy talk about the passion and the people.
wow, Great work Jon!
I love Guy Ritchie he always seems just so down to earth, normal bloke.
Thank you very much for this update on Compton Abbas, this was particularly interesting to me as I learnt to fly there back in 1966 an it was my home airport for many years with thousands of memories, I now live in Southern Ireland an still fly, but in the Ozarks NW Arkansas USA, ware it is much cheaper an easier to fly. To anyone that may remember me, around Blandford/Charlton Marshall I send my best wishes, an very grateful to have lived/worked an spent so many good years in such a beautiful part of Britain ❤. God Bless. Michael.
We’re very well acquainted with CA both old and new. We live just 20 mins away. I’ve flown from there. I think the new look and ethos is excellent. The old restaurant was always rather claustrophobic and poorly ventilated (steamed up windows etc) and smacked somewhat of greasy spoon. The new eating and observing area is superb. I’m so pleased to hear that it’s still about public enjoyment of aviation. And what better way to enthuse younger people into GA than a cool and stylish venue such as this. Well done Guy. I wish you every success and look forward to new developments as they arrive. His beer ain’t half bad either.
Thanks Jon. Subscribed. Very interesting, not least because we were down in Dorset for a vacation until yesterday. If we'd known about the airfield it could have been on our agenda. 🙂👍
First! Loved the interview, Guy comes over as a very down-to-earth… er… guy.
Must put Compton Abbas on my wish list.
Absolutely love this. At last someone with some weight who can restore grassroots aviation.
Great review. Flying from the Netherlands its really usefull to scout for interresting places to visite when we cross the channel
I watched this bc I was curious about Guy Richie’s involvement, but the flying, ‘jargon’ and the changing PPR (?) was fascinating. Thkz very much.
Hopefully it will be turned into a heritage centre just like Peter Jackson has done with Omaka in New Zealand. Its a fantastic place.
Think you might be on the money there...plus comments Goodwood.
Great vlog watched a vlog from the RUclipsr The Macmaster a few weeks ago who focused on the restaurant and food but to now see a pilots point of view and also an interview with the man himself was brilliant so keep up the good work 😊
Really interesting and very well presented thank you 👍
Great interview. Did he tell everyone they had to hold off or something as Flyer Mag just released theirs as well. I was gutted when Clive said he had sold to Guy Richie but he assured us he had all the best intentions. However, that does not stop all the internet trolls and roumer mongers that could not stop talking about the days when Madona was after the place to shut it as she did not like planes flying over her house! I used to Fly Hire there for the last couple of years after I got my LAPL as its much cheaper than Bournemouth Airport where I learnt due to landing fees. I am so happy it has reopened, and I was signed off recently to Fly Hire again and in fact I am there tomorrow with My Daughter. I love what they have done and as I drive into the car park now it is like going back in time to when life seemed so much simpler. I love it and just find I am so relaxed there…. We apart from Landing on 08 in a SE wind. That gets my full attention. May see you there one day! You need top pop in when the Spitfire days are on. That is lovely to see.
Great interview and airfield review 😊
What an excellent chap and airfield! My very best wishes to all involved. 47 years in the RAFVR. CAVU skies!
Great to see this, reminds me of days at Shoreham, Sussex, flying in an old Condor and Cessna 150
Awesome vid! Love the in depth insight!!
Thanks for watching.
Nice vision - get people out and enjoying each other in a cool, evocative location. Good luck dude!