Oxford Airport Pilots help out!

[newswatcher]

Just about caught this item on my local news.

Pilots took about 60 kids with special needs, on flights at the weekend. Didn't quite catch the name of the charity, but it was obvious that the kids enjoyed themselves!

Not clear whether all pilots were based at Oxford, or whether they used this as the base for the day's events. Either way, congratulations to all those involved. :ok: :ok:

[Windy Militant]

Hello Newswatcher,
It was a Young Eagles Day organised by the Oxford Group of the Popular flying association.
We flew 59 Young Eagles flights for a local special needs school and Young Carers. We also flew a couple of siblings who were too young to Qualify for Young Eagles. We also flew thirty adults mostly Parents/Care assistants as well as a few Airport Staff as a thank you for providing the facilities and goodwill which helped make the day special for the Kids. There was a barbeque which helped provide a summer picnic atmosphere which really did make the event one of the best we've had:ok:

Must put in a word for the Young Carers these are kids who due to circumstances find themselves In a position where they have to give up most of their free time to help with parents or siblings who are chronicly ill or disabled. They really are special people who give up so much of what other kids, or for that matter adults take for granted in life. If we can give them a few hours where they can just be kids again then its all been worth while.

Oxford Group of the Popular Flying Association (http://www.oxstrut.flyer.co.uk/)

There should be a report about the day on our web site soon.

[newswatcher]

WM. Thanks for the update. Any reason you did not publicise in advance? I would be happy to put my hand in my "deep" pocket for something like this. I have book-marked your site! :ok:

Actually, not able to "see" your site at present(10:30hrs BST;16/9). Are you maintaining it?

[Windy Militant]

Hello NW,
Have look at PFA Juniors (http://www.pfa.org.uk/pfa_juniors/index.asp)
There you will find out about the Young Eagles Scheme in more detail. Briefly local members of PFA struts or groups volunteer to give the children flights, other members act as ground crew and marshals. If You'd like to to offer to fly or help get in touch there's an event planned for service kids at Brize Norton soon.


Here's another lot I'm involved with
Wiltshire flyers young eagles Kemble 2003 (http://www.wpfaf.co.uk/html/youngeagles.html)
This will give you an idea of what happens.

We do advertise on the PFA web site but more for pilots and helpers. In America they have rallys where anyone can pitch up and get a flight, but to control numbers we usually only fly prearranged groups.