Events and Air Smiles Days
Adam - Air Smiles Day 30th October 2010
On a sunny October late morning, a very special boy called Adam arrived with his Mum (Jackie) and Dad (Simon) and sister (Rebeka) to experience an Air Smiles Day at Cotswold Airport. Adam and his family had already visited Cotswold Airport one week previously, where they had a fabulous hanger tour to see close hand classic jets and even a wonderful Spitfire Mk1 from 1940. In addition to a close up inspection of several Jumbo jets, including a sit in the cockpit, their day was filled with an entertaining fire engine and control tower tour. Needless to say the family were very excited to return to Cotswold Airport and were really looking forward to a surprise last minute arranged flight in a Challenger Biz Jet.
After welcoming drinks, we all sat down in the AV8 Restaurant for a hearty hot lunch. As we tucked into our food we heard from Cotswold Airport Operations that the Challenger aircraft was due to land at 3.30pm. Adam, whilst working his way through his big bowl of chips, could not wait for the Challenger to arrive! After lunch and a safety briefing, Adam and Rebeka were entertained once again by the Airport Fire & Rescue Team. They were asked if they wanted to go for fire engine ride across the airport. Adam smiled and nodded without any hesitation and soon they were riding in the gleaming red fire appliance travelling close alongside several huge parked white Jumbo Jets. As we turned around the driver
said he was going to do a fast run with blue lights flashing and siren along the airport perimeter road. As we quickly gathered speed holding on tight, Adam and Rebeka beamed with excitement. When we arrived back near the fire station Adam and Rebeka were treated to helping the fireman operate the fire engine powerful roof jet hose. Water was projected across the grass with a huge powerful gush nearly wetting us too with the spray as we all laughed with delight! A real experience of being a fireman!
Before we realised it, time had sped by and we were informed the Challenger was close to the airport. So we made haste to the Control Tower where the air traffic controllers made voice contact with the pilot. As the Challenger was on final approach a quick rain shower enveloped the airport. As the aircraft landed on the wet and gleaming runway the sun beamed once more and we were thrilled to see the most beautiful bright rainbow fill the sky looking so radiant and colourful set against the dark passing clouds. A very special moment indeed! As the Challenger parked on the tarmac we were asked to proceed to the AV8 Restaurant area and wait to meet the pilot. Soon the pilot arrived and introduced himself and looking very smart in his pilot uniform.
It was not long before we were transported to the waiting amazing Challenger aircraft gleaming white in the late afternoon light. We all boarded and took are seats in the beautiful leather and polished wood luxury interior and were all made to feel like VIPs! As we accelerated down the runway the aircraft climbed quickly to 3000 feet and proceeded to fly in and out of whispy beautiful clouds whilst the scenery passed by below. As we passed over Bristol City Centre cruising at 300 mph, we then turned gently west along North Somerset and the beautiful Somerset coast. Adam was in awe of the flight and was transfixed looking out the window at the passing scenery. We crossed the outer Bristol Channel and tracked along the South Wales coast towards Cardiff,
over the Millennium Stadium where the flood lights illuminated a rugby match in progress. Then we soon turned eastwards and headed back to Cotswold Airport. We landed smoothly with a tremendous feeling of exhilaration and emotion. What a wonderful 45 minutes we all experienced!
Back on terra firma we proceeded back to AV8 for a welcomed drink. After goody bags and flight certificates were presented, it was time to finish what was a truly memorable day for Adam and family.
