RNAS Culdrose - Aerobility Visit

During the week 24^th to 28^th July, Aerobility spent a few fantastic days at RNAS Culdrose with the 750 Naval Air Squadron. The Aerobility team of Mike Owen, Senior Flying Instructor and Dave Rawlins, Ground Operations Volunteer, travelled down to RNAS Culdrose with our PA-28 G-BSYY in time for the 2013 RNAS Culdrose Air Day, before preparing for four days of flights with Cornwalls’ disability community.

WW2 Mustang sets off for its display.

The Air Day was a great event, with reportedly over 14, 000 people in attendance. The public were able to experience first-hand the workings of a military Naval Air Station and were treated to air displays and static displays, as well as the chance to meet some of the Aircrew who so expertly fly from the base every day. Although the weather put a dampener on a few of the display teams, it did not deter Aerobility Ambassador Guy Westgate and his GliderFX display. As ever, Guy wowed the crowds and flew the Aerobility flag high.

WW2 Catalina Flying Boat from Duxford IWM

With the excitement of the Air Day over, it was time to get down to business and get to work flying! Aerobility contacted local disability groups to offer individuals, for whom the trip to Blackbushe would be too far, the chance to experience aviation and the magic of flight. The office was inundated with calls and interest in the flights, showing that there are certainly plenty of people in Cornwall who’d like to go flying!

Local Aerobility member, Nathan, celebrates his birthday at RNAS Culdrose.

Over the course of three days, Mike and Dave managed to successfully complete over 20 sorties for adults and children with a range of disabilities. This was a great achievement, although the team was still very disappointed to have to cancel the final morning of flights due to poor weather. The flights were enjoyed by all, and even for those who just came along for moral support it was a great day. One family member told us that “to see the smiles on the faces of the ones that went for a flight was well worth being there”.

Aerobility's Dave with Jess, who had a great day. 

It wasn’t just the friends and family having fun though. Dave Rawlins, Ground Operations, had a great time and told us “I had a fantastic few days down in RNAS Culdrose, couldn't have asked for better weather and friendly staff. It was a pleasure meeting new people and I hope to see you all behind the controls of the aircraft again soon.”

The success of this detachment was down to the hard work of Mike and Dave, but also down to the support of RNAS Culdrose and the 750 Naval Air Squadron. Aerobility would like to say a very big thank you to all of those who helped, and in particular to Lt Cmd Nick Lee who personally ensured that all of this would be possible. Mike reported that “Nick and his team were incredibly supportive and made us feel very welcome during our visit for the airshow and when flying disabled children and adults from Cornwall”. 

Aerobility at RNAS Culdrose.

We look forward to visiting RNAS Culdrose again! If you live in the Cornwall area and would be interested in flying with Aerobility, please do get in touch with Geri Burton by email (geri@aerobility.com) and we’ll make sure we let you know next time we visit.