Events and Air Smiles Days
Carl - Air Smiles Day 20th March 2011
It was the day of the Spring Equinox and some early spring sunshine was forecast as Carl, Tracey and close friend Len arrived for their special Air Smiles Day Event at Cotswold Airport.
Carl was full of excitement and expectation knowing he would have the opportunity to experience a flight in a light aircraft. As we discussed the safety points and completed paperwork, whilst enjoying refreshments in the AV8 Restaurant, the aircraft for Carl's flight taxied to park opposite where we were seated. Mark the pilot was introduced to all of us and soon we made our way to the elegant Columbia 400 aircraft. Carl's face beamed from ear to ear as he inspected the Columbia at close quarters. Carl's sheer delight was expressed many times with him saying "I simply cannot believe all this for me - it is fantastic".
Soon they were aboard and taxied out to runway 026 as the skies cleared from the west with clear blue much in evidence. The metallic dark green and white Columbia soon took off and headed west towards the Severn Estuary and over the two Severn Crossing Bridges. Then they headed inland over the River Severn, flying over Chepstow and then onward following the Wye Valley with Tintern Abbey gleaming in the sunlight. Turning back towards Bristol they headed to the World Heritage City of Bath. Circling overhead they could see many of the famous buildings including the distinctive famous Royal Crescent and the Roman Baths. Next he flight headed east over their home area near Melksham where they observed their houses. Soon it was time to return back to Cotswold Airport.
Climbing out of the Columbia Carl, Tracey and Len were totally elated with the smooth morning flight and their smiles were in profusion.
Carl was then to be surprised, for waiting outside the AV8 restaurant were two vintage Austin Healey sports cars ready to take them for a vintage car ride. Carl was first to sit in the gleaming red Austin Healey whilst Tracey followed in the smaller white Healey Sprite. After a 20 minute ride they returned full of excitement as their smiles continued to grow. Carl and Tracey then had a look around the fire and rescue department whilst Len received his car ride too. It was now lunchtime as we all gathered back to enjoy a Sunday lunch.
After a much needed lunch break we made our way to the static Ex RAF Bristol Britannia aircraft where we had a wonderful tour and heard very interesting stories of her history from her days in the RAF and as a civilian aircraft. Then followed a visit to the Air Traffic Control Tower where we heard the busy radio communications between pilots and the ATC staff whilst we observed take offs and landings. Carl was totally taken in by all the air traffic operation as his face still smiling with the joy of his special VIP day.
After returning to AV8 we enjoyed drinks and soon it was time to complete a wonderful day to remember for Carl, Tracey and Len.
