Events and Air Smiles Days
Aiden - Air Smiles Day 19th September 2010
The weekend of 18th/19th September saw the 70th year commemoration of the Battle of Britain. At Cotswold Airport a special weekend event was held to mark this special time in history with the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) present all weekend. At 9am on the Sunday, Aiden and his family received a surprise, when a stretched limousine called at the family home to take them in style to Cotswold Airport for a unique Air Smiles Day. The weather was rather overcast but the excitement grew as the limo and family arrived at Cotswold Airport, whilst the public crowds began to arrive and gather to enjoy the air show event.
After meeting in the AV8 Restaurant for refreshments and a safety brief, Steven the pilot of the Malibu landed on time and was soon introduced to the family. After Steven's safety brief Aiden, Gary and Sarah decided to fly first. As they 
took off full of anticipation and excitement, Alec, Barbara, Gary, Richard, Helen, Stephen and Wendy were taken to have a specially arranged close up inspection of the resident aircraft of the BBMF. As the Malibu headed over the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire countryside, flying near to the Royal residence Highgrove House and then out towards the Kennet & Avon Canal lock system and onward to the Avebury standing stones,
the other family members were thrilled to inspect close up the immaculate BBMF pale blue of the Spitfire 19 and the very special 1940's Hawker Hurricane. After having photos taken they headed to see the Lancaster Bomber parked majestically on the airport apron.
The smiles on their faces said it all as the 'City of Lincoln' seemingly towered over them. Standing under the black 30 foot long open bomb bay was simply awesome. Then some of family were allowed to board the Lancaster for a memorable visit to the cockpit and gun turrets. After this incredible tour of the Lancaster it was time to watch the Malibu land.
Aiden, Ben and Sarah returned to now see the Lancaster with big grins on their faces after an amazing flight. As Aiden sat beside the pilot and enjoyed an experience he will never forget, Ben and Sarah watched the countryside go by!
Then it was the turn of Alec, Barbara, Richard and Stephen to take to the skies. Barbara had never flown before, so was naturally a little apprehensive but was determined to fly. Alec sat beside Steven in the cockpit and soaked up the experience. Whilst the Malibu headed off into the sky once more, Aiden and Ben climbed aboard the Lancaster for a very special inspection of the inside. Soon Aiden and Ben's beaming smiles appeared out of the cockpit side window. They were over the moon with joy and felt like real VIP's as they asked the crew questions about this famous unique aircraft, this being one of only two flying Lancaster's left in the world. The Malibu then returned with the four other elated passengers, including Barbara who greatly enjoyed her first ever flight in over seventy years!
By now the wind had increased and an ever cooling breeze blew across the airfield as we all headed off for a welcomed hot lunch in AV8. After lunch Goody Bags and Flight Certificates were presented to the family who then proceeded outside once more to enjoy the wonderful flying displays in the afternoon period. Aiden and Ben were so elated to see the Lancaster flying as part of the brilliant BBMF display.
As quick as it all began the limousine arrived back to gently glide them home whilst they savoured the memories of a unique family get together full of experiences and adventure to treasure for a long time.
fly2help would like to thank all those who made this a very special Air Smiles Day.
