Events and Air Smiles Days
The Squire Family - Air Smiles Day 2nd June 2010
The day dawned rather overcast and misty but we were all confident that blue skies and sun would break
through. The Squire family arrived on time and after meeting the fly2help team and enjoying some refreshments
we followed with a brief of the day and important safety information. We had a phone call from David, the
Helicopter pilot, to say he would be arriving at 11am as the sunshine began to shine. We decided to visit the
Control Tower where we were all given an informative and often humorous guide of the work of the Control Tower
by Jay who allowed the youngest family member (9 years) to write out the Air Traffic ticket for the incoming
helicopter. As the sun was now shining bright we entered onto the outside tower balcony to watch the Bell Long
Ranger nicknamed 'Charlie' arrive right in front of us as we all waved to the pilot.
The helicopter flight was amazing and having had a detailed brief from David the pilot we all climbed
onboard and soon after ascended gently and gracefully into the blue skies. We flew smoothly at 1,000ft above
rolling green fields and passed over the ancient Avery Stones, the Avon and Kennet Canal locks system whilst
we observed two lovely white chalk horses set into the hillside. We tracked passed Chippenham and Devizes and
back via Swindon seeing the cars so small along the M4 motorway. We arrived back at Cotswold Airport at 12.30
after an amazing experience in a brilliant helicopter. As we all climbed out of 'Charlie' the smiles said it
all and we were ready for lunch.
After lunch and a quick game of pool, we headed off to the fire department and had a fantastic tour of the fire engine. The truck sirens made us all jump as the youngest family member sat in the truck wearing a yellow helmet and visor. Still smiling we ended the day with a great tour by Tony of the Ultimate High Hangar and drew breath at the colourful aerobatic aircraft with their distinctive shark teeth paintwork and fantastic flying abilities.
The family departed with goody bags and a day to remember.
