Aviation Without Borders, in association with the Scottish Aero Club, hosted its first ‘Introduction to Aviation’ day in Scotland on Saturday 19th April 2008 at Perth Aerodrome. The event was supported by EADS and the Scottish Aero Club, who also kindly offered the use of their clubhouse.
The guests on the 19th were children from Reach and The Murray Foundation who were invited with an adult to enjoy a day at Perth Aerodrome. The weather was bright and sunny but with a fresh easterly wind. The ‘Introduction to Aviation’ day began with a slide show and a short talk on flying presented by the chairperson of the Club, Keith Boardman.
The guests and parents were then broken into smaller groups and were escorted on a tour of the hanger by experienced pilot members of the club who demonstrated the workings of the aircraft. Lunch was served from 1200 to 1330 in the Aviator Restaurant on the aerodrome and afterwards some flights were arranged to ‘test’ the conditions in the fresh wind. Fortunately it was not too turbulent and the decision was taken to continue with the flying.
By the end of the afternoon all the children and parents were able to experience a 30-minute flight and to enjoy the views in the clear visibility. Those waiting on the ground in the seating area in the lee of the clubhouse enjoyed improving their tans in the beautiful sunshine. All the passengers thoroughly enjoyed their trips and, amongst the children, parents and pilots, there were many smiles.
The generosity, enthusiasm and support from all at the Scottish Aero Club was much appreciated and the day was rewarding for all concerned.On Saturday May 17th, we will be at Fairoaks hosting our next smiling wings day and after that you can find us at these aerodromes playing aeroplanes… Freedom in the Air is working with Aviation Without Borders on these and other events. We are making a film about Smiling Wings days and they will be streamed within a few months.
