Events and Air Smiles Days
Air Smiles Day 26th February 2011
As overcast skies and heavy rain gradually cleared during the morning of 26th Feb 2011, two special families arrived late morning
at Cotswold Airport to begin their Air Smiles Day Event. The Goldspink and Thomas family were nominated from The Breakthrough Project,
South Gloucestershire Council.
After some welcoming drinks and a safety briefing it was time to visit the collection of colourful aircraft in the Ultimate High Hanger. We were shown the Ultimate High distinctive red and white striped highly aerobatic Extra 300 and training Bulldog aircraft. The large painted teeth on the aircraft noses were very distinctive and caused much amusement to the two families. When the boys were invited to sit in the Bulldog and Extra 300 to have their photos taken the smiles on their faces said it all as their delight and excitement was expressed. After some more photos with the aircraft we all were feeling hungry and proceeded to the AV8 Restaurant for a hearty lunch. As we enjoyed our lunch the sun was now shining brightly and the same aerobatic aircraft that we had looked out earlier were now taking off and performing low passes and steep climbs over the airfield.
After lunch an elegant Piper Malibu Mirage aircraft landed and taxied to its parking position on the concrete apron. The families were then
informed that this was the aircraft that would have the opportunity to fly in. The expectation and excitement grew even more! After the pilot
was introduced, followed by a safety brief, it was time to commence the flight for the Goldspink family. As they all climbed aboard the weather
cleared even more and large areas of blue sky and early spring sunshine was a welcome sight. Soon the smart dark grey and white Malibu aircraft
took off and headed west, passing close to the Highgrove Royal residence and then onwards to the area north of Bristol. Here they circled
over their house and local area and the two boys became even more excited to see the school, local supermarket and other recognisable
landmarks from such a fantastic aerial perspective. Heading out over the Bristol Channel and the two large bridges gleaming in the sunlight
over the large expanse of the Seven Estuary, it was soon time to return over the green fields of South Gloucestershire back to Cotswold Airport.
Whilst this flight was in progress the Thomas family visited the Airport Fire Section and had a tour of the two airport red engine appliances.
Climbing on board the large fire engine and sitting at the wheel brought big smiles of delight from the youngest family member. Next they went
to visit the control tower and again saw the Ultimate High Aerobatic aircraft flying by, landing and taking off whilst being able to listen
to the tower air traffic controllers talking to the pilots.
The Goldspink family soon arrived back and were smiling from ear to ear at the experience as they climbed out of the Malibu aircraft! As they continued to talk about what they had seen we then visited the air traffic control tower followed by the fire rescue section for more photos and tour of the fire engines.
We all returned to the AV8 Restaurant ready for refreshments where they received their fly2help goody bags and certificates.
The afternoon seemed to have sped by as the families departed late afternoon, buzzing with excitement and memories to cherish.
Comments from Steve, Manager from The Breakthrough Project.
"Just a note to say, a massive thank you for the Air Smiles Event Day on held on Saturday! The boys from both families both had a great time and we should not forget the younger brother of one of the boys who does not always get the chance to take part in positive experiences with his older brother.
For me the smiles on the faces of all concerned said everything. Please pass on my sincere thanks to all involved. A wonderful day!"
