Events and Air Smiles Days
Georgia - Air Smiles Day 16th April 2011
On a very calm and dry Saturday Spring morning a very special family arrived at Cotswold Airport full of excitement in readiness to experience their own special Air Smiles Event. After welcoming refreshments and completion of paperwork, Georgia, together with Olivia, Alicia, Martin, Aleiha and Beau, was introduced to Steven, the pilot of the Piper Malibu aircraft that was awaiting them, gleaming brightly in the April sunshine adjacent to the Control Tower.
As Georgia was helped aboard the Malibu, closely followed by Martin, Alicia, Aleiha and Beau, a fantastic British racing green 1956 Austin Healey Sports car was awaiting to take Olivia for a ride once the Malibu had taken off. Soon the Malibu taxied to position itself on Runway 26. Under calm wind conditions the Piper Malibu climbed into the sky and headed west towards the Severn Estuary. Viewing the two Severn Crossing Bridges they headed up the Severn estuary and skirted the Wye Valley and onwards to the Gloucester area. Returning back they headed for the Bristol City area and then overhead Filton. This was a wonderful opportunity to view from
above the iconic static Concorde 
resident at Filton, shining bright and white against the local landscape. Crossing Bristol City they then headed east to rejoin the Cotswold Airport for a perfect gentle landing.
As the Malibu taxied back next to the tower we could see many waving hands and big smiles. Georgia was grinning from ear to ear and full of joy and excitement as the rest of the family, equally ecstatic from their flight, climbed onto terra firma. After some photos we all headed back to the AV8 Restaurant for some welcome lunch.
The afternoon continued after lunch with a visit to the distinctive Ultimate High aircraft which were parked on the grass in front of the hangers. Georgia, Beau and Aleiha were greatly amused by the painted teeth on the red and white Bulldog and Extra 300 aircraft. We were allowed to have a close look at the incredible aerobatic Extra 300 with its impressive red and white paintwork on the wings. The group then headed to the control tower where we viewed various aircraft movements in action whilst enjoying a great panoramic view of the airport and countryside beyond.
After some afternoon refreshments it was time to visit the Fire & Rescue section. Here Aleiha and Beau were allowed to climb aboard the large fire tenders and the delight and joy was written all over their faces. Then the fire crew brought the largest fire tender to allow Aleiha, Beau, Alicia and Martin a ride around the airport - with blue lights flashing too! On return to the fire engine parking area, the fire tender driver allowed Beau and Aleiha to hold the steering wheel in turn whilst gently manoeuvring the fire truck forwards and backwards.
After returning to AV8 the family were presented with fly2help goody bags and flight certificates. This rounded off their special day, full of memories and adventure.
