Flying boats bid is grounded by port

From the Echo, first published Saturday 18th Oct 2003.

A PLUCKY flying enthusiast and his innovative craft have been banned from operating in Portland Port. Marine Consultant Ron Davis has aroused considerable interest since he started using an imported flying inflatable boat (FIB) over Weymouth and Portland's waters.

But he was surprised this week when Portland Port slapped a ban on any vessels capable of flight using the harbour - specifying in particular his flying boat.

The move comes only a few weeks after Mr Davis received a letter from Portland Harbour Authority saying they were likely to give approval for the craft.

Mr Davis, who has worked in Castletown, Portland, for more than 23 years, said he was disappointed to see the ban imposed.

He said: "They have made an activity illegal at a stroke - without consultation to the proper authorities. They have decided to be the legislators on something they know nothing about.

"I've always had good relations with Portland Port, but this seems like it's personal.

"I have done everything I possibly can to be as nice as and as safe as possible."

"The FIB is for fun, and is an affordable flying boat," he added. Mr Davis brought the FIB back from Italy at the end of July, after which he started a lengthy dialogue with harbour master Steve Mault.

Portland Port was unavailable for comment, but a public notice advertising the new harbour directive appeared in the Echo yesterday.

The harbour used to be the home of several flying boats before the Royal Navy left in 1997, and Mr Davis used to keep one in the Fleet Lagoon.

Ray Wilkinson, chief inspector of the British Microlight Aircraft Assoc-iation, said the FIB was technically a microlight - defined as an aircraft with less than 450 kilogrammes of take-off weight. But he said that currently the craft could not be used in the UK.

"Microlights in the UK need to conform to specific build guidelines," he said, "and a sea plane endorsement to the flying licence is also needed."

Mr Wilkinson added: "The association and myself have been in contact with Ron. "We'll help all we can to legalise the boat. We look forward to a submission from Ron conforming to UK regulations."

Mr Davis has gained a private pilot's licence, passed the Civil Aviation Auth-ority's flying boat written paper and received extensive tuition for the FIB.

Manufacturer Polaris Motor market the FIB as a `simple, safe seaplane for fun and work' and have exported hundreds all over the world.

They have allowed Mr Davis to be the sole UK importer for the FIB and he is set to exhibit it at the London Boat Show next year.

He said: "I would like to think that we could agree on self-regulation through an appropriate association and club use." The FIB takes off at about 25 knots, flies at 35 and has a range of around 100 miles.

"Popping over to Cherbourg is not out of the question," said Mr Davis. His late grandfather was awarded the OBE for helping to develop radar and sonar in Portland.

"He got his award for trying something new," he said. "Portland Port have banned jet skis, they have banned me and they have tried banning others as well. It sets a precedent which is quite horrifying."

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