Events and Air Smiles Days
Air Smiles Day at Broughton - 2nd October 2010
On 2nd October 2010, the day dawned with calm clear weather following the previous day of torrential heavy rain and gales! A great sense of relief filled the early morning air as the combined charities volunteers from Aviation Without Borders, Aerobility and fly2help gathered in preparation for a promised day full of adventure and flying for various groups of beneficiaries. The event was kindly sponsored
by Airbus at Broughton [Hawarden] Airport in Cheshire. At 9.30am 10 children, with either families or mentors, from Action for Children began to arrive and were welcomed by fly2help volunteers. Their excitement and anticipation began to grow just as a very large and unusual Airbus super transport A300-Beluga aircraft made an approach to land.
Following warm welcomes and hot drinks, the initial paperwork was completed for each group and the Piper PA34 Seneca twin propeller aircraft from Bristol Aviation landed. After introductions, the pilots Leigh and Steve gave a group overview of the aircraft, including important health and safety information, whilst answering any questions from the excited guests. At 10.30am the first of five flights in the all white Piper Seneca commenced with the initial group boarding, just as the sun
began to shine. Whilst the first flight departed the other groups were entertained with some ground activities from Airbus including games, model making and colouring activity. In the hanger, a static Piper Tomahawk light aircraft from Flintshire Flying Club was open for the children and adults to climb inside and ask questions. A fantastic new gleaming red airport fire engine was parked on the aircraft apron close to the hangar entrance, offering a close view to all, as its enormous wide tyres towered over the children and in some cases the adults!
Each flight in the Seneca was about 20 to 30 minutes and involved a thrilling flight westward along the spectacular north coastal scenery before turning to Prestatyn, the coastal seaside town on North Wales' beautiful coast. The rolling hills of north Cheshire and Wales looked majestic and the greys and blues of the sky contrasted in the gleaming mid morning light. Offshore banks of turning wind farm windmills could be seen standing out of the glistening sea below.
As the second flight was underway a lovely lunch buffet was opened and soon the room was filled with hungry and excited people.
As the ground events continued the pilot of the Seneca began the remaining three flights after lunch. Goody bags from Airbus and fly2help, together with flight certificates, were presented to each of our beneficiary group children upon completion of their flights.
When the last flight landed it was time to all gather together to say thank you to Airbus, for sponsoring and hosting the event, Cheshire Handling Services and Operations, the pilots, ground crews and all those many people involved in the organisation and running of the day. At 3.30pm it was time to return home at the end of a day that had been filled with adventure, air smiles and cherished memories.
"The day was absolutely amazing! I felt like crying on the day because it was so wonderful. Tyler really enjoyed himself and has not stopped talking about it since." LR - Parent of one of the Children.
"I just wanted to say a big thank you on behalf of the family and myself. I think it was a day that they will never forget and it has definitely lifted their spirits. Could you also say a big thank you to all of the team who made the day so special for the family." Cindy E - Action for Children