Cotswold Aero Club

Love is in the Air

Dave G, a newly qualified pilot member completed his first passenger carrying flight last Saturday, 7th January.

Whilst this is a big milestone in any pilot’s career it was even more so on this occasion. His passenger was Emily, his girlfriend, to whom he proposed whilst they were out flying.

An engagement ring was evident when they returned, so congratulations to the happy couple!

Christmas Get together

Some 60 plus members and friends called in to the clubhouse during the day on December 19th to share a drink, a bite from the buffet and a good chat.

A stark contrast to last year which got snowed off!

The Christmas raffle was drawn with the lucky winners being:

Keith Buckman  - Basket of fruit
Zoe Crosby          - Tin of biscuits
Brian Aston         – Quality Street
John Milner        - Quality Street
Trish Howes        - Bottle of Chardonay
Sue Oldham         – Super Cassis
Joe Edwards       – Hobsons Beer
Maria Thomas    - JP Chenet
John Maclaren   – Paper planes book
Steve Clark          - Diary
Louise Clifton     – Cheese selection
Andy Smart         – Cockpit Companion
Ross Clifton         – VFR Guide

Have ball – will bowl

Last Friday (21st Oct) we gathered at The Civil Service Club, Cheltenham for our annual skittles evening.

Some 20 plus members and guests enjoyed a convivial evening of skittling and  chatting interspersed with a little drinking and eating.

The competitive part of the evening involved everybody bowling 4 hands of 3 balls each  which gave us a husband and wife first place of Phil and Lynne Green. There then followed a game of killer which also came to a husband and wife finale. Becks and Ben Walker battled it out with Ben eventually winning.

So, till next year………………….

Aerial Treasure Hunt

Cotswold Aero Club Treasure Hunt 2011

The Cotswold Aero Club 2011 aerial treasure hunt took place on Saturday 17 September.

Many congratulations to this year’s winners, Ian Colwell and Ian Brown who manage to dodge showers and lightning strikes late in the afternoon to identify an impressive nine pictures.  Not only do they win the Daniels Trophy, which will be presented at next year’s annual dinner, but they win the honour of setting next year’s competition – we can’t wait!

There was an impressive entry – 12 teams – who decided to ignore the Met Office’s rather gloomy forecast and show what Cotswold Aero Club’s members are really made of.

It was a closely contested contest.  The winners could only be separated from James Rowland and Phil Mathews in second place by taking a shorter time to complete the course.  A commendable well done to Maria Thomas and Tony Chapman in third place.

The results are:

For those still interested, the answers were:

There was a minor protest, when it was pointed out that Circle D was positioned not quite as accurately as it could have been.  The judges therefore awarded points to all those who gave photographs 16 or 17 as their answers.

Many thanks to all those who took part.

Visit to Cardiff ATC

Tuesday 13th September, a small group of members visited ATC Cardif.

During the 2 hour visit they were able to see all aspects of  Air Traffic Control provided by the Cardiff staff as well as enjoy views of the Welsh coast and hills whilst visiting the Visual Control Room at the top of the tower.

Watch out for more dates to visit an ATC unit near you.

Three in a Week

Congratulations to Dave Rapkins, Pete Smith and Audrey Cherel whoo have all completed their PPL courses this last week!

Many days of blue skies and happy flying to come

Robins Gather at Headcorn

Saturday 2nd July was flagged up as the Annual Robin gathering, to be held at Headcorn Aerodrome in Kent. This event is a chance for Robin owners to get together, swap stories, compare aircraft and generally have a good sociable time.

Ian Colwell and Ian Brown took G-BKDJ whilst Phil Mathews with students Audrey Cherel and Nina Sellars crewed G-BBCH. This was an ideal opportunity for Audrey and Nina to practice their navigation skills as they’re both at that stage of their training.

It was roughly 1 hr 30 mins each way with the outward journey being via Oxford and Stapleford (north London route) and the return via Sevenoaks and Blackbushe (south London route).

As an added bonus, at Headcorn a Robin DR400 had been rigged with 10 faults for us to find.  Surprise, surprise Phil won the competition and has received a PLB as a prize. Will have to attend next year to defend the title!

31 Robins attended, 29 DR400s, a R1180 and a Jodel Dr1050.

Below – trying to find defects and a general view of the gathering.

Summer Barbecue

Our summer barbecue held Saturday 25th June was blessed with good weather for a change. Sunny and humid, but not especially warm due to a stiff southerly breeze blowing.

Some 65 members and guests enjoyed a convivial evening with traditional barbecue fare and drinks.

Below are some scenes from the evening.

Two in a Day!

To fly a plane solo is the initial goal of every student pilot. It is also satisfying for the instructor who has been responsible for the training to see the student achieve the goal.

Last Sunday, 19th June,   saw a double first solo occur with one student completing his solo as another took off on his. Congratulations to Alex Wood and Bob Stanton.

That’s a never to be repeated experience!

(below) Alex and Bob after their solo flights

New Arrival

Friday 1st April – G-BBCH joins the club fleet.

It’s a DR400/108

Cockpit of CH