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Smiling Wings Day, Barton Aerodrome, Manchester 23 May 2009

Another successful day!

Ten children from Reach and the Grange respite centre, plus parents and carers, were invited for the day to be guests of Aviation Without Borders and the Lancashire Aero Club. It was also good to see the manager of the Grange and one of our sponsors and his wife turn up in support. The day was pleasant and warm although a little windy.

After the children were welcomed in the visitors centre they were given a short talk on flying and a safety briefing. The curator of the Barton Aerodrome Heritage Museum told them about the history of the airport and then escorted the group on a tour of the aerodrome. Helicopters and aircraft in the hanger were viewed and everyone had a chance to sit in a cockpit. The group also visited the fire service and concluded the tour with a look inside the control tower.

Four pilots from the Lancashire Aero Club had kindly volunteered to take the children for a flight in their own aircraft and the flying began with the first group at about 1230 while the others had lunch. The wind picked up producing a cross wind that made the flying interesting for both pilots and passengers alike.

Everyone completed their flights by 1500 and the children were then presented with flight certificates and a little Amy Bear. All at Barton made the children very welcome and, thanks once again to the sunny weather, the children had a great time and the day was enjoyed by all.

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