News Archive
Smiling Wings Day, Fairoaks Airport, Chobham, Surrey, 16 April 2009
Surrey Police helicopter proves a hit!
On Thursday 16th April 2009, ten children plus carers and one parent, in total numbering over 20, were invited to be guests for another of AWB's 'Aviation Discovery Days' or Smiling Wings Days as they are affectionately called. This time it took place at Fairoaks Airport near Chobham in Surrey. The event was supported by EADS and Synergy Aviation.The children and their carers were from The Springboard Project in Horsham, and it was particularly pleasing that many of the carers were young people of about 17 years of age who were volunteers from local schools. The Springboard Project is a community-based charity providing a safe, accessible, inclusive play and recreation centre for young people with special needs or disabilities.
The weather forecast for the day was for heavy showers so the flying was started earlier than planned. After the children were given a flight briefing and a view of a static aircraft, the first of our guests took to the air at 1130. The early afternoon turned out to be pleasant and sunny and the day progressed well with everyone completing their flights by 1430. The children were then presented with flight certificates, a little Amy Bear and a mug from Synergy Aviation.
By 1500 the first heavy shower had arrived. But by then we were all in a hanger as excited guests of Surrey Police Air Operations Unit, where some of whose crew members, at very short notice, kindly showed the children over the Force's EC135 advanced police helicopter. The helicopter is used to search for, locate and track suspects on the run, vehicle pursuits and scheduled police operations and contains much high-tech equipment. The children were shown the tracker system with its video camera and thermal imager and some were allowed to climb aboard.
Synergy Aviation, who organised the flying part of the day was particularly helpful and the ground staff and pilots made the children very welcome. Thanks should also go to Surrey Police Air Operations Unit who came up trumps at the last minute.
The event was a great success and it is unlikely any of AWB's guests will forget their experiences in a hurry!
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