Come down and see us - we're here all weekend!
May 31, 2013
AeroExpo 2013
The Aerobility gang are enjoying AeroExpo at Sywell Aerodrome, where we are exhibiting this weekend. We have just been treated to a display by Aerobility ambassador Guy Westgate, who has parked his glider up next to the PA-28.
May 24, 2013
A Wet and Windy Bank Holiday Update
Hello there Aerobility fans!
As the weather closes in for the Bank Holiday Weekend, the chances of getting much flying in are getting slimmer and slimmer. So to keep your aviation reserves topped up here is the latest from the world of Aerobility!
RAF Duxford meets Mary...
Last Saturday, Blackbushe Airport was closed for flying due to the Blackbushe Model Airshow 2013. With a busy day of model flying there was no room left for the full size aircraft, and so Senior Flying Instructor Mike Owen went out for the day with Aerobility members Pedro and Mary. The destination was a great experience for both students; Mary told us that flying into RAF Duxford was something she had never expected to do!
Once Pedro had completed a successful landing, the team took in some of the sights and sounds of RAF Duxford. With the whole day to fill, there was time for an educational visit to the American Air Museum, which is home to the largest collection of US military aircraft in Europe, as well as a look round a few of the impressive aircraft that call Duxford home.
Mike, Mary and Pedro were also lucky enough to get up close and personal with the B-17 Flying Fortress G-BEDF, or Sally B as she is known to her friends. The 55, 000 lb Second World War Bomber is the only airworthy B-17 left in Europe, and is kept alive and well by the hard work of the B-17 Charitable Trust. For those that are interested, more information can be found on their website http://www.sallyb.org.uk/
After all that excitement, the only thing left to do was to return G-TALE to base. As Mary said, we "saw lovely things, learnt stuff, ate junk, and then I tried to fly, breath, and map read back to Blackbushe via Cranwell and Westcott."
Onwards and upwards at Tatenhill...
Aerobility member, Mark, has been training with CFI Craig at Tatenhill for nearly two years. Determined to succeed, Mark has been making the 250 mile-round-trip from his home in Cambridgeshire to the airfield on a regular basis in an effort to gain his licence. Mark has always been a fan of all things aviation, although as a sky-diver in a previous life he's had to get used to making sure there's an accompanying landing for every take off! In 1989, whilst living in his native South Africa, Mark was in a car crash that left him relying on wheelchair and put a halt to his daredevil antics.
After moving to England a few years after his accident, Mark began to miss the thrill of flying. As he told us, "the long-standing desire to learn to fly kept burning, and I slowly got my act together and joined Aerobility." Once he began his training, it became clear that Mark was a natural. He quickly mastered the "bum-shuffle" technique and with the help of a VisionAir hand control was able to develop his own style and technique to safely and independently operate the PA-28.
The patience and hard-work of both Mark and Craig has all paid off, and two weeks ago Mark embarked on his solo qualifying cross country to Gloucester and Leicester. Craig told us that he was "a little apprehensive when I sent him on his way but when he returned a few hours later the apprehension had gone and he had a very big smile on his face!"
An afternoon in Wales....
Truly nationwide now, Aerobility CFI James Brown was taken on a day trip to Wales by member and student Brian.The aim of the trip was to get a new perspective of Snowdonia - Brian wanted to see what it looked like from the air rather than the view he was used to from the ground. So,with the weather looking just about as good as it was going to get, the pair set out for Caernarfon.
A flight plan was concocted on a best-case-scenario, direct route and then scuppered by the Welsh clouds. Best laid plans and all.... The mountain bloc of Cader Idris was completely blacked out, forcing a diversion to the west where Brian was able to pick up the cost at Barmouth. From there, the weather cleared and the full splendour of Snowdonia came into view. With this achieved, it was time for a spot of lunch at the lovely Caenarfon Airport for a bit of lunch before turning round and heading home.
The return journey bought just as many weather-related challenges, as well as spectacular views. Whilst James and Brian had been having their sandwiches, the bad weather (which included a few snow showers!) had moved south and covered Brian's next sight-seeing target, the Elan Valley. The Brecon Beacons provided a great replacement and eased the disappointment. James and Brian did a quick fly past of the old Severn bridge before following the M4 all the way home.
A big thank you...
Our friends at Nicholson Maclaren popped in a couple of weeks ago and brought the sunshine with them! They also brought us a donation, which was very gratefully received and for which we would like to say a big thank you!
A Summer Event...
This year, the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium is holding its Summer Ball in aid of Aerobility. The ball will be held on Friday 12th July at Sandhurst Military Academy and is set to be a fantastic night. We'd like to say a very big thank you to FAC and hope that many of you will make it the event not to miss this summer.
For more information, check out the links below:
http://news.hugofox.com/2013/05/22/summer-charity-ball-in-aid-of-aerobility-champions-of-disabled-aviation/
http://www.fac.org.uk/
Youth In Aviation...
This week we were very pleased to be invited along to the House of Lords as a member of The Air League's UK Youth in Aviation Panel. The awareness raising event, which was organised by BA Pilot and Air League Trustee Andy Perkins, was a great success and well attended by aviators and parliamentarians alike. We introduced many more people to the work of Aerobility and continued raising awareness about the possibilities that aviation holds.
Aerobility on the road...
We are very much looking forward to exhibiting at AeroExpo UK 2013 next weekend at Sywell Aerodrome. This promises to be, as ever, an amazing event and we hope to bring our own little bit of Aerobility flare! Aerobility ambassador, Guy Westgate, will be displaying in his Aerobility branded Fox Glider on each day of the exhibition, and may even be towing a special Aerobility message! We will also be displaying our new ballooning project and launching the 2013 Aerobility Raffle so make sure you don't miss out.
More information can be found at http://www.expo.aero/uk/
Over and out...
That's all for now - we hope you have a lovely Bank Holiday Weekend!
Happy Landings
The Aerobility Team
As the weather closes in for the Bank Holiday Weekend, the chances of getting much flying in are getting slimmer and slimmer. So to keep your aviation reserves topped up here is the latest from the world of Aerobility!
RAF Duxford meets Mary...
Last Saturday, Blackbushe Airport was closed for flying due to the Blackbushe Model Airshow 2013. With a busy day of model flying there was no room left for the full size aircraft, and so Senior Flying Instructor Mike Owen went out for the day with Aerobility members Pedro and Mary. The destination was a great experience for both students; Mary told us that flying into RAF Duxford was something she had never expected to do!
 |
| Mary and Pedro shared the flying, with Pedro taking the first leg and Mary seeing the gang safely back into Blackbushe. |
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| Mike and Pedro upgrade from our PA-28 to the impressive VC10 G-ASGC 'BOAC Cunard' |
Mike, Mary and Pedro were also lucky enough to get up close and personal with the B-17 Flying Fortress G-BEDF, or Sally B as she is known to her friends. The 55, 000 lb Second World War Bomber is the only airworthy B-17 left in Europe, and is kept alive and well by the hard work of the B-17 Charitable Trust. For those that are interested, more information can be found on their website http://www.sallyb.org.uk/
 |
| Pedro with the beautiful Sally B |
After all that excitement, the only thing left to do was to return G-TALE to base. As Mary said, we "saw lovely things, learnt stuff, ate junk, and then I tried to fly, breath, and map read back to Blackbushe via Cranwell and Westcott."
 |
| Can you spot G-TALE?! |
Onwards and upwards at Tatenhill...
Aerobility member, Mark, has been training with CFI Craig at Tatenhill for nearly two years. Determined to succeed, Mark has been making the 250 mile-round-trip from his home in Cambridgeshire to the airfield on a regular basis in an effort to gain his licence. Mark has always been a fan of all things aviation, although as a sky-diver in a previous life he's had to get used to making sure there's an accompanying landing for every take off! In 1989, whilst living in his native South Africa, Mark was in a car crash that left him relying on wheelchair and put a halt to his daredevil antics.
After moving to England a few years after his accident, Mark began to miss the thrill of flying. As he told us, "the long-standing desire to learn to fly kept burning, and I slowly got my act together and joined Aerobility." Once he began his training, it became clear that Mark was a natural. He quickly mastered the "bum-shuffle" technique and with the help of a VisionAir hand control was able to develop his own style and technique to safely and independently operate the PA-28.
The patience and hard-work of both Mark and Craig has all paid off, and two weeks ago Mark embarked on his solo qualifying cross country to Gloucester and Leicester. Craig told us that he was "a little apprehensive when I sent him on his way but when he returned a few hours later the apprehension had gone and he had a very big smile on his face!"
 |
| Mission accomplished! |
So what next for Mark? "After a bit of consolidation and hours-building, I'd love
to do some air-touring, possibly round Ireland and Scotland. My mum is a fan of
flying too, so she is definitely going to get some rides; same goes for my
sister! Many thanks to them, the rest of my family, friends and other animals
for their enthusiastic support!" We wish Mark the very best of luck with his continued flying and hope to help in the search for a plane with a hand control a little closer to home....
An afternoon in Wales....
Truly nationwide now, Aerobility CFI James Brown was taken on a day trip to Wales by member and student Brian.The aim of the trip was to get a new perspective of Snowdonia - Brian wanted to see what it looked like from the air rather than the view he was used to from the ground. So,with the weather looking just about as good as it was going to get, the pair set out for Caernarfon.
A flight plan was concocted on a best-case-scenario, direct route and then scuppered by the Welsh clouds. Best laid plans and all.... The mountain bloc of Cader Idris was completely blacked out, forcing a diversion to the west where Brian was able to pick up the cost at Barmouth. From there, the weather cleared and the full splendour of Snowdonia came into view. With this achieved, it was time for a spot of lunch at the lovely Caenarfon Airport for a bit of lunch before turning round and heading home.
The return journey bought just as many weather-related challenges, as well as spectacular views. Whilst James and Brian had been having their sandwiches, the bad weather (which included a few snow showers!) had moved south and covered Brian's next sight-seeing target, the Elan Valley. The Brecon Beacons provided a great replacement and eased the disappointment. James and Brian did a quick fly past of the old Severn bridge before following the M4 all the way home.
A big thank you...
Our friends at Nicholson Maclaren popped in a couple of weeks ago and brought the sunshine with them! They also brought us a donation, which was very gratefully received and for which we would like to say a big thank you!
 |
| Mike and Brian with Dean from Nicholson Maclaren. |
This year, the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium is holding its Summer Ball in aid of Aerobility. The ball will be held on Friday 12th July at Sandhurst Military Academy and is set to be a fantastic night. We'd like to say a very big thank you to FAC and hope that many of you will make it the event not to miss this summer.
For more information, check out the links below:
http://news.hugofox.com/2013/05/22/summer-charity-ball-in-aid-of-aerobility-champions-of-disabled-aviation/
http://www.fac.org.uk/
Youth In Aviation...
This week we were very pleased to be invited along to the House of Lords as a member of The Air League's UK Youth in Aviation Panel. The awareness raising event, which was organised by BA Pilot and Air League Trustee Andy Perkins, was a great success and well attended by aviators and parliamentarians alike. We introduced many more people to the work of Aerobility and continued raising awareness about the possibilities that aviation holds.
Aerobility on the road...
We are very much looking forward to exhibiting at AeroExpo UK 2013 next weekend at Sywell Aerodrome. This promises to be, as ever, an amazing event and we hope to bring our own little bit of Aerobility flare! Aerobility ambassador, Guy Westgate, will be displaying in his Aerobility branded Fox Glider on each day of the exhibition, and may even be towing a special Aerobility message! We will also be displaying our new ballooning project and launching the 2013 Aerobility Raffle so make sure you don't miss out.
More information can be found at http://www.expo.aero/uk/
Over and out...
That's all for now - we hope you have a lovely Bank Holiday Weekend!
Happy Landings
The Aerobility Team
Save the Dates!
A Few For Your Diary!
The Mobility Roadshow - Telford International Centre
27th - 29th June 2013
Once again Aerobility are delighted to be attending the Mobility Roadshow, and in this, the shows 30th year, we will be showcasing some of the most exciting aviation opportunities available to disabled people in the UK.
Aerobility are the only charity in the UK to exclusively operate Aircraft for the benefit of the Disabled community, and this year we are adding Hot Air Ballooning to our activities.
Following trials last year, Aerobility have chosen the duo chair as the ideal apparatus to enable disabled people to fully participate in this exciting sport. The chair which can perhaps best be described as an open gondola; enables easy access for those with limited mobility. Once safely seated and strapped in, the balloon can be fully operated from the seated position. Aerobility plan to assist at least two disabled people to obtain a Ballooning Private Pilot’s Licence within the year. Visitors will be able to see and try the actual Duo Chair on the Aerobility Stand.
Not that we have neglected our core activity of flying fixed wing aircraft. Over the years many Roadshow visitors have gone on to take advantage of our subsidised trial flights. These flights enable people with varying impairments to fly our modified Piper aircraft. Visitors to the Aerobility stand will be able to operate our fully accessible flight simulator, and talk to disabled pilots about the opportunities available to would be disabled aviators.
.jpg) |
| Aerobility at the Mobility Roadshow 2012 |
If you intend to visit the show, do please pop over to the Aerobility stand and say hello, it’s always good to catch up with members and old friends.
Aerobility Members Day - Blackbushe Airport
13th July 2013
This will be an opportunity for all members and supporters to get together and for us to present a report from the board and share with you our vision for the future growth, development and security of Aerobility. We will also be presenting the finally accounts to those who were previous members of BDFA so we complete the transition to Aerobility.
We will also be having a BBQ and hope to have lots of flying on the day, so make sure you keep the date free and keep an eye out for more details!
The Aviators Ball 2013 - Sofitel, Heathrow Terminal 5
Saturday 30th November 2013
Tickets are now on sale for this year's Aviators Ball - do not miss out! The price has been frozen at £95 and the event is set to be bigger and better than ever before. Members should call Blackbushe HQ to book their tickets, with general sale available on the website.
For more information, please visit www.aviatorsball.com
May 20, 2013
Youth In Aviation Reception
On Wednesday 21st May,
The Air League - together with a host of other aviation organisations - will be descending on the Houses of Parliament to highlight to politicians and industry
stakeholders the social benefits of youth access to aviation and the vital
connection such activities have with the future prosperity of the UK’s
aerospace industry. The Air League have very kindly invited Aerobility to attend and to contribute to the event from the perspective of disability.
The now annual ‘Youth in
Aviation’ reception celebrates the achievements of the participating voluntary
organisations, with the key message for parliamentarians being that all of the
aviation organisations involved are committed to making aerospace available to
all members of society, from all walks of life.
Commenting
on the event, Baroness Anne Gibson, event sponsor said:
“It is well known that the UK aerospace
industry is number one in Europe and second only to the US globally. This can
only continue if there is a constant supply of highly motivated young people
willing to support this thriving and diverse industry by entering the industry
in all manner of roles. The reception is a great way to celebrate the
success of all of the organisations who are helping to nurture tomorrow’s
aviation professionals.”
For Aerobility, the chance to be involved in this event represents a great opportunity to promote the contribution that people with disabilities can and do make to the aviation industry. With so many interested parties in attendance, we hope to spread the Aerobility message to those who care about aviation and who can help us to continue making a difference.
The event was underpinned by the production of
a Position Paper on UK Youth in Aviation entitled ‘Aviation for Everyone’ which
profiles all of the aviation organisations involved in the reception. It also
contains a number of key recommendations to Government. The document can be downloaded from The Air
League Website: www.airleague.co.uk or www.youthinaviation.org
We look forward to the afternoon and will report back on our progress!
May 14, 2013
A Flight To Remember
“Air is freedom”.
For Mark, who is profoundly deaf, the chance to take control
of a plane was something that seemed to be an impossible dream. Whilst Mark has
always held onto the ambition of becoming a commercial pilot, he had resigned
himself to the fact that his inability to hear would remain a barrier to achieving
this goal.
However, not one to give up, Mark found Aerobility and took
the first steps towards realising some of his dreams. On a rainy Saturday in
April, Mark made his way down the motorway with a very close eye on the ominous
black clouds that seemed to be following him.
Mark and his family waited patiently in the café, and although
they tried not to get their hopes up Mark did say that whilst watching the
other planes he wasn't sure if he was more excited or his two and half year old
daughter was! Finally the weather cleared and, after a briefing from Mike, the
budding pilot was all set and ready to go.
With his heart beating faster and faster, Mark tried to take
in everything that Mike was showing him on the control panel and prepare
himself for the flight ahead. After a smooth take off, the changeable weather
made for a bit of a bumpy ride and Mark told us that he found himself asking “erm,
is this normal?!”
 |
| Getting used to the controls! |
After a little bit of practice and some guidance from Mike,
control was handed over and Mark found that all of the information he’d been
given in the briefing finally made a bit of sense! The half an hour flight was
over much too fast, and Mark said that he didn't want to land because being in
the air made him feel “free as a bird, with no worries on the ground.”
This amazing achievement is a testament to Mark’s
determination to overcome the barriers that stood between him and flying. He
thanked Aerobility for giving him a new experience, saying that he had “never
felt so WOW”!
 |
| In the air at last... |
If, like Mark, you would like to fly then get in touch with
us. There are no barriers that cannot be overcome.
NATS Update
As many of you will know, 2012 saw the culmination of many hours of hard work by the NATS' employees and Prospect Union staff. The amazing fundraising efforts of all involved made it possible for us to invest in a brand new Tecnam, specially adapted for use by people with disabilities.
Below is a little update from the NATS' website that is well-worth a read!
http://www.nats.co.uk/environment/corporate-responsibility-2013/30-minutes/people-and-community/the-ceos-charity-of-the-year-aerobility/
Below is a little update from the NATS' website that is well-worth a read!
http://www.nats.co.uk/environment/corporate-responsibility-2013/30-minutes/people-and-community/the-ceos-charity-of-the-year-aerobility/
May 10, 2013
Aerobility visit to Heathrow - A Big Thank You!
This week, four lucky Aerobility members were given the opportunity to visit the Heathrow Control Tower. Andy Mercer, Aerobility volunteer and NATS air traffic controller, very kindly made this amazing opportunity possible.
The four lucky chaps successfully answered a devilishly difficult question, as set by Aerobility Quizmaster Mr Catchpoole, to win the chance to visit Heathrow. Once there, the group were given a full tour of the tower and the chance to go airside. Kevin came straight to Aerobility HQ after the tour to tell us all about it, with the viewing deck just below the tower being a definite highlight for him. The 360 degrees, panoramic view gave the guys the chance to see just about every aircraft you could hope for; the Airbus 380, 747s and 777s were just some of the planes spotted.
The group had a fantastic day and would all like to extend their thanks to Andy for making it possible. A once in a lifetime experience for most, Mike told us that he'd been the envy of his friends many of whom were "green with envy"!
For your chance to take part in events such as this, make sure your membership is up to date and keep an eye on your emails!
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| Mike, Simon, Kevin, Kevin and Andy - the big smiles say it all! |
The four lucky chaps successfully answered a devilishly difficult question, as set by Aerobility Quizmaster Mr Catchpoole, to win the chance to visit Heathrow. Once there, the group were given a full tour of the tower and the chance to go airside. Kevin came straight to Aerobility HQ after the tour to tell us all about it, with the viewing deck just below the tower being a definite highlight for him. The 360 degrees, panoramic view gave the guys the chance to see just about every aircraft you could hope for; the Airbus 380, 747s and 777s were just some of the planes spotted.
 |
| Our friends at BA came out to say hello! |
 |
| A perfect day for a spot of air traffic control... |
For your chance to take part in events such as this, make sure your membership is up to date and keep an eye on your emails!
May 08, 2013
Disability Awareness Day 2013
Aerobility is pleased to be attending the Disability Forum's Disability Awareness Day. We've already met the Mayor and are looking forward to a busy day!
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| Geri and Andrea by the stall! |
We've donated a trial flight to the raffle - so come down and take part for your chance to take to the skies!
 |
| A trial flight up for grabs! |
You'll find us in The Malls in Basingstoke - just between Primark and Boots!
May 07, 2013
The Air League - Youth in Aviation Day - Bicester 4th May 2013
After
a damp start, hundreds turned up for the Air League ‘Youth in Aviation’ event
at Bicester that was blessed with the perfect weather for the afternoon.
 |
| A bit of sunshine helped! |
Well
done Andy Perkins and Luke Roberts for another great event, that focused on
networking amongst aviation related charities, trusts and companies with
supporters including CTC Wings, RAF, Air Cadets, Oxford Air Training, Bicester
airfield’s new owners, Bicester Heritage Limited, Windrushers Gliding Club,
GliderFX and Aerobility.
There
were rides in vintage aircraft, the gliding club flew 60 winch lessons over the
day and GliderFX took a lucky 13 pilots for an aerobatic flight in the Fox,
including Aerobility’s newest members Max Bond and Andy Payne.
 |
| All set and ready to go! |
The
thanks must go to Ian ‘Gally’ Gallacher and Paul Holdnal for getting the Fox’s
CofA complete in record time for the event, and for the evening pyro display
flight.
 |
| An amazing end to a brilliant day! |
Aerobility
members have FREE airtime in the GliderFX Fox glider, and there will be many
more opportunities to experience gliding with GliderFX and Walking on Air
throughout the summer.
For
more information, you can look here:
And
to give you a taste of the video to come, here is the film from 2012:
 |
| They've joined in the fun - will you? |
May 03, 2013
A Bank Holiday Update
Hello there
Aerobility!
We hope that you’re enjoying the weather on this lovely
Friday afternoon. As always, we’ve been busy here at Aerobility HQ and would
love to share a bit of news with you if you can spare a few minutes….
Aerobility, a
marathon and a balloon….
It seems like a long time ago now, but on Sunday 20th
April three Aerobility heroes got up very early to attend the Virgin London
Marathon. Two of those, Andy and Oli, were taking on the 26.2 miles in support
of Aerobility. They both made fantastic times, with Andy clocking 3 hours and
12 minutes, and have raised nearly £2000 between them. A big thank you from all
of us here!
The third hero, our very own Brian Catchpoole, was off to fly the Aerobility flag (or balloon in this case….) Brian was at the start line for the first outing of our Breitling sponsored balloon. It was a real privilege and a great opportunity for Aerobility, providing the chance to meet lots of interested people and share in the excitement of the day.
 |
| Brian Catchpoole with Breitling Orbiter Brian Jones, without whom this would not have been possible! |
The Mosquito
High profile as ever, we have been taking part in a little
bit more filming. Aerobility member and Channel 4 presenter Arthur Williams is
making a documentary about the World War II fighter bomber the beautiful De
Havilland Mosquito. This week, he was filming with our Warrior YY at Lasham
airfield which used to be a Mosquito base during the war. The documentary is
out later in the year.
 |
| An action shot! |
Something Borrowed…
Due to demand at Blackbushe we have recently borrowed a PA28
from our friends at Tatenhill Aviation. During the ferry flight down to
Blackbushe last Monday evening, James Brown and Brian Catchpoole captured some
great shots of our Cherokee flown by Guy Westgate.
 |
| The mighty Cherokee 6! |
Aero, Friedrichshafen 2013
Well the Germans have it
pretty good, great beer, the best gliders in the World, great people and
stunning country side, and also it appears the biggest Aero trade fair!
Mike Miller-Smith
invited Brian Catchpoole, Dave Rawlins and Guy Westgate to the annual Aero
trade-fair at Friedrichshafen, by invitation of Tecnam, to present the story of
the Paralympic Opening Ceremony pyro flight in the Tecnam P2006.
The trade show is set
across 9 giant hangars, and whilst all the big manufactures were represented,
Tecnam dominated the show space, both with the number and range of aircraft on
offer.
Amongst the many Tecnam
trainers (including Aerobility’s new 2002PF) were 2 new aircraft unveiled at
the show; a new eco 2 seat trainer, the Astrore, that comes with an iPad Mini
for integration of flight planning and onboard instrumentation. Also on show
was R&D Chief, Fabio Russo’s new brain child, the ‘Snap’, a single seat
aerobatic aircraft, with very light construction and a similar power to weight
ratio to the more established aerobatic thoroughbreds.
Our Aerobility
Paralympic presentation was on Tecnam’s own mini-stage. Mike Miller Smith
described the origins of the POC project and the many regulatory challenges,
whilst Guy described his involvement with Pyro systems, the design of the
display, flight training and testing. Dave Rawlings’s video on the big screen
made him look suitably sheepish, but the biggest applause was reserved for the
film of the Opening Ceremony and the fireworks.
Mike concluded by
thanking Tim Orchard, the Tecnam’s UK agent for developing such a great
relationship with Aerobility and reported that the Charity’s new Tecnam 2002PF
is in production, and described the unique ways it is being optimized for use
with Aerobility.
 |
| A fantastic partnership! |
The rest of the show was
almost too huge to see in a day.
The gliding hall had the
latest big winged German wonder ships from Shempp Hirth and Alexander
Schleicher, along with some new technology from other manufacturers,
particularly FES (Front Electric Sustainer), a collapsible electric propeller
in the nose cone of a glider, offering almost no extra drag when not in use,
but an hour of powered flight when you need it.
There were other glider
manufacturers too, from Poland and Czech Republic, and also many vintage
airframes too.
Constantly on the
lookout for new ways of lifting our own MDM-1 Fox for the Aviator Ball in
November… we awarded 1st prize of “Aircraft on a stick” to
EXTRA, and joint second prize for an electric aircraft hanging in the roof and
Alisport who had a glider on a jig to a jaunty 30 degree diving attitude.
 |
| Mr Westgate trying a couple out for size.... |
Away from the glider
hall, the range of sporty looking glasss aircraft was quite bewildering, but
the standouts were the Italian Frecce, Czech Shark and Blackshape Prime.
The range of in-cockpit
Multi Functional Displays (MFD) was astonishing too, and together with ipad
software, is a growth story for the industry.
There were companies offering everything from 3D synthetic vision, Mapping technology, flight planning apps and gliding software.
 |
| Just a snippet of all that was on show. |
The four day show needs
more than 8 hours to do it justice, but was worth the drive. A huge thanks goes
to Mike Miller Smith for the Invitation and driving the 1300 mile round trip,
and also to Dave and Brian for providing such worthy competition in the
"Top Gear Challenge" race back home...
Article Written by Guy
Westgate
Tecnam Registration
Competition
Given the fantastic story and the groundbreaking development
of our soon to arrive Tecnam P2002JF, the feeling is we should explore getting
a fun and unique registration for the aircraft.
 |
| The Aerobility team test out the Tecnam's accessibility |
The Bulldog was appropriately registered as G-DISA. We ought
to do some similar for the Tecnam. So, the challenge is to find an appropriate
registration. Many of the obvious ones such as G-NATS and G-AERO have already
gone. Get thinking and of course the winning entry gets to see their
registration on the aircraft, it's just a bit of fun. The best way to search is
to enter your ideas into the CAA G Info Database at http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=60&pagetype=65&appid=1
and if it is not already in use then it could well be free and available.
Unfortunately once it has been used previously even on a now non-existent
aircraft it is still not available for reuse. Send in your ideas to info@Aerobility.com
And don’t forget….
The Air League is holding a flying day at Bicester Airfield
in Oxfordshire tomorrow, with gliding opportunities for all Aerobility members.
Get down there and check it out!
That’s all from us!
We hope you all have a lovely bank holiday weekend. Don’t
forget to come and visit us at Blackbushe Airport, we’d love to see you all!
 |
| What a sunset.... |
The Aerobility Team
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