Events and Air Smiles Days
The Gough Family - Air Smiles Day 16th July 2011
On a wet and windy Saturday morning the Gough family arrived at Cotswold Airport for their adventure with fly2help. Tragically the boys' mother had passed away the year before so they and their Dad, who is also living with an illness, were in desperate need of a fun-filled day out together.
Despite the rough weather, the forecast was optimistic. As a surprise, the local Austin Healey Owners' Club provided a beautiful classic car, and driver Mark, to take the family out for a 'spin' around the local lanes. The boys seemed delighted to start their day in such style! It was then decided that an early lunch would be taken to give the cloud and rain a chance to clear up before the flight.
At last the sunshine broke through and a classic English summer sky developed with picturesque cumulus clouds against a blue backdrop. Pilot Mark declared it was time to get airborne. The boys' Dad was very nervous about flying so he asked his best friend to go up with his sons. The eldest son sat up next to the pilot wearing a headset and was grinning from ear to ear! This was their very first experience of a light aircraft, which in this case was a fabulous Columbia 400. Soon they were roaring off into the air watched by their proud Dad who was up in the control tower. During the 45 minute flight they saw their Gloucester home and the surrounding Cotswold countryside.
Upon landing it was apparent that their Dad wanted to have a 'quick go' so Mark kindly offered to fly him around the circuit. Dad sat up front next to Mark looking a bit hesitant and worried but was reassured by his eldest son who went with him. The thrill of flying was about to work its magic! When the plane taxied in again, after flying the circuit, Dad was beaming and laughing. He couldn't stop talking about how wonderful his first ever flight had been and said that he was now a convert to aviation! It was a very special and moving moment for the fly2help volunteers to witness.
After all the excitement it was time for a restorative cup of tea before the family headed up to the control tower together to view the airfield and the other planes flying into and around it. Then it was on to visit the fire crews who kindly allowed the boys to sit in the engine, operate the sirens and pose for the camera whilst donning the helmets and masks!
To round off the day the boys were presented with fly2help goody bags and flight certificates. It had turned out to be a perfect Air Smiles experience for everyone concerned.
