Events and Air Smiles Days
Air Smiles at Filton - 17th April 2010
On a beautiful sunlit morning a very special group of children,
and their families, met up at Filton airport to enjoy a fun
packed day as guests of Airbus, and three aviation charities,
as part of the celebrations of 100 years of aviation at Filton.
Airbus kindly sponsored the event providing us with a fantastic venue and ground activities, whilst fly2help, Aviation Without Borders and the British Disabled Flying Association laid on some airborne adventures.
fly2help
had the privilege of hosting four wonderful children, and
their families, who have all been treated at Bristol Childrens'
Hospital. Callum, David, Luka and Sam had all spent a lot
of time going back and forth to hospital over the last few
months so this was a golden opportunity to have an exciting
day out with their loved ones. After a warm welcome from the
organizers each family was assigned a fly2help
volunteer to guide them through the day's activities and answer
any questions they may have had. While each family waited
their turn for a thrilling helicopter flight, the children
had other amazing activities to entertain them such as firing
rockets and blasting around the airfield in a fire engine.
The mums and dads couldn't resist having a go at driving the
engine and making loud siren noises either. There were a lot
of silly grins and giggling from adults and children alike.
The flights in the Robinson helicopter, flown by Gary the
pilot, were the real highlights of the day. An amazed looking
child in the front of the helicopter, with a delighted parent
sitting behind them as they lift off, is a powerful image
that no one who witnessed it is likely to forget. Gary gave
each family a terrific flight, taking in the sights such as
the Clifton suspension bridge and, in one instance, the house
boat of the Clark family.
There was a real party atmosphere with lots of balloons in the flight terminal, masses of delicious food and even a huge aeroplane cake. Everyone enjoyed sitting in the blissful sunshine eating and drinking 'picnic style' on the grass as flights came and went. To top it all each child was presented with a certificate by the pilot and given a goody bag with a cute teddy bear. Congratulations to Luka for winning the colouring competition!
It really was a day, quite literally, filled with sunshine and happiness.
