k77, thanks for the offer. I think just a call to them to see if certain places are open for a few people to turn up.I think even if only 5 people turn up it would be worthwhile. As I said, no need to make these official. lets wait and see if more people are interested then Whirlygig has a good idea. I'm happy to turn up pretty much at shortish notice.
I think Wings is actually owned by Northumbria Helicopters now, was planning to speak to them anyway as the North East Lotus Exige Owners are planning to meet there once a month.
Positioned at A1M/M1 link split - Garforth
Will confirm with the boss but would like to provisionally offer up the use of our premises for informal cag.
We could use the boardroom - which happens to house a bar and snooker table - and overstuffed Chesterfields...............plus the fact that, unlike a flying club, you know who is listening in!!
ideal surroundings - relaxed atmosphere.
Just thought it would be handy for M62/M1/A1 corridor ppruners.
Company H only available to company chopper but probably a good night not to be flying!
Handy transport links etc etc
And if you're interested in motorsport could throw in a tour of the factory blah
EESDL, great idea for the first meet then, thanks. Lets work on that one first if you like, then K77 can look into the Newcastle one. Lets see who can make it for EESDL's suggestion. I'll probably be available for both as long as their not on the same night and I don't have an early start the next morning.!
I will happily be involved, spoken to a few people today who are interested in lending experience to the evenings, and I have a few ideas of things that could be organised but not necessarily how to pull them off.
I would try and get to as many of them as possible.
My mention of the CAA on the other thread was primarily to do with material as they didn't really have anyone in safety promotion who knew anything about helicopters.
If you wish PM me a way to contact you as I have some ideas which need discussing with someone to see if they would work.
I also believe that we should promote these evenings through whatever means possible on other Forums, and at flying schools etc. Yes the initial idea started here, but as a potential huge bonus to flight safety we should try and get the message across to as many pilots as possible.
No idea where but would suggest Exeter or somewhere nearby as a good venue for the South West, drivable from Cornwall, Dunkeswell and Bristol all within an hour or so.
Is there anywhere near/at East Midlands Airport? Because that's almost on the M1, and would be good for the East Mids etc contingent? South Yorks (Sheffield?) also sounds like it would work for quite a few people. I can't think of anywhere specifically at the moment.
only heli pilots or people with a direct interest ie student pilots (not press!!)
But there are others too who surely could learn from these meetings. Those working in ATC, or airfield operations for example. I'm certain that I'd learn things that I'm not aware of, and there's a possibility of those being able to contribute too as well as listen. I appreciate the original idea is primarily for aircrew, and I wouldn't want that diluted, but there are others with direct interests that may not fly, and could find them useful.
I'd like to attend one, if work patterns allow, and if it thought appropriate.
js in ATC
N.Notts
I too am up for this. It's a great idea. West Midlands is best for me.
A couple of words of caution however, based upon my own relatively brief (20+ years) in aviation:
1. Broadly speaking, the sort of person that is going to make space in their diary to attend and hopefully benefit from such a 'safety' gathering is also, in my opinion, likely to partake in other safety-related practices. Be that bed-time reading of AAIB bulletins or stumping up a few hundred quid to fly with an instructor for refresher/advanced training on a regular basis. To some degree therefore, I believe these evenings would be 'preaching to the converted'.
2. All the 'war stories' in the world won't stop the same mistakes being repeated time and time again. There is no substitute for experience, and as a PPL(H), one can only truly, and safely, broaden ones' personal flight envelope by flying with someone with significantly more experience and the ability to impart their knowledge effectively. Just flying with your instructor does not necessarily cut it; he may have a few thousand hours but if they are all spent in the circuit or local flying area in an R22/H269 it doesn't count for a great deal. There are numerous highly-experienced instructors in the UK that fit the bill but they tend to be a little more costly than your average flying school FI - but it's usually money very well spent.
3. The best training and best equipment still count for nothing when a pilot makes a conscious (or sub-conscious) decision to fly/continue to fly when all the evidence is pointing to it being a bad idea.
I'll see some of you soon at one the venues I hope.
Eastern Bloc
never too old to learn ... something
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