Cholmondeley Pageant of Power 2010
 

I need to avoid the last minute 'box of frogs' we had in 2009 when the insurers for the Event asked for indemnities etc from every pilot with 7 days to go. Amazingly, despite the timing, 74 pilots out of 86 registered to attend were able to comply.

Does anyone have the definitive suggestion for 'best practice' that I can put to the insurer (bear in mind they are not aviation specialists). Would it be a straightforward indemnity, a copy of insurance with certain level of cover? All advice gratefully received.
On the news side the Black Cats, BBMF spitfire, Falcons, Red Baron dogfight etc etc have all confirmed. Just need the weather..

Sweatshop

One thing the organisers of the whole event could do is to make more of the helis that do turn up.

WSM has the crowd getting a closer look at the machines. The field used last year was big enough to rope-off 5m of walkway for the crowd to use. And a temporary bridge over the track to facilitate them "visiting" (and us getting to / from machines) would help.

A great day last year (though weather was awful!)

John

-making the most of the aircraft
 

I'm in full agreement John. After the mudbath in the car clubs area last year the Event director has moved the car clubs into last year's heli park (and there will be a bridge over the track). The helipark this year has moved back to where we had it in the first year (adjacent to the castle, the sponsors padock and the shedding where all the cars wait to race). Last year the Challenger II and other Heavy Metal turned this into a churned bog -not ideal when it is right in front of the castle. So the helis have regained their rightful place! This means we are on the inside of the track -so no 15 minute delays to get over the track between race classes. It also means spectators will be able to get much closer to the aircraft. Another thing -there will be a 'county loo' cabin with M&F facilities next to the ATC cabin! After the fourth pilot had asked for 'facilities' before departure last year I got the message.

John

Firstly I'd discuss it with the insurer and see what they're after and secondly why not just ask for copies of insurance certificates from every heli pilot that registers.

Joel :ok:

Thanks Joel -I don't wish for the broker to look at Silverstone or Aintree and apply the same principles (as happened last year). If the norm for events such as WSM and GFofS is for copies of insurance docs then that will be easily sufficient for us. Guess I should give the organisers of Goodwood and Weston a call -perhaps also a call to Haywards (although they're not the insurers of the Estate).----John

Is there a date yet so we can lock our diaries?

It's the 17th and 18th of July with the evening fireworks concert on the Saturday (Manchester Camerata orchestra and a military band -Royal Artillery doing the 1812). Hope you can make it again---John

Aiming to fly the family in again. "Extended family" lives local(ish) and drives down for a get-together.

I'm glad the helipad has moved back to the site of the first year, it was much better there. Having had a great weekend there in year 1, I was a little disappointed with the whole experience last year.

Any chance of being treated like an 'entrant' this year, ie free nosebag, access to the drivers tent etc (as in year 1?). The outside catering is a little rough on site. If you don't ask.....

If you want any VIPS bringing up from north of London, let me know (but not Katie Price...)

Definately interested in a tour!

Looking after pilots and passengers...
 

...announcement due soon of the main airside sponsor and what will be available. However what is certain is that Air Covers (Coptercovers) are once again doing the organising and in place of an organising fee they ask that no landing fees are charged and all pax and pilot receive free entry passes!
John

well done John - already in my dairy!!

Glad to hear helos are back where they should be - just hope the weather is better this time around...

Looking forward.
TTB

PS - we should try and organise a meet for the Prooners too; last year was pathetic!!

Ppruners meet up
 

Now that's a good idea! I'll try to put a map of the site (as planned for 2010) on to the aircovers website so you can make a plan. Mobile phone reception is poor on site -although I think the Estate is trying to find a temporary mast for the weekend. Pilot registrations are also now open for CPOP 2010 (on the aircovers website).
I'm thinking of trying to encourage pilots to arrive before 10.30am and to depart after 1600hrs -any thoughts on this? It will make it easier for the Displays coordination -instead of trying to fit them all into the lunch hour I'd like to have one every 45 minutes between 1030 and 1545.---John

John - I'll be flying from Kent to Cornwall to Cheshire that morning , so may struggle to get there by 10:30, but I imagine it will be fine for most peeps.

I suggest an RV where we'll be easily recognised - apparently last year, John R81 (whom I followed all the way up) and I were standing 10 feet apart for 20 mins and didn't realise it!! Last year we had Joel (and his amazing departure :eek:), rotormaniac, 206 jock and whirlybird interested in hooking up with a bacon butty. Any other takers? If so, PM me with your contact details and I'll co-ordinate :ok:

PS John's website registration is here

Great to know you'll be making such a long schlep Toptobottom. With that suggestion I'll make sure ATC knows of anyone doing a longhaul. It might mean you have to hang around for 5 minutes if a display is underway but you'll have the frequency and all should be smooth----John

Signed up!

Leave it with me John, re the tour (nose) around the castle...have to let you know nearer the time, will keep you posted :ok:

Nearly There - I'd defo be up for a tour too if there's a chance?!
TTB

Are we about time for instructions?

John

Having been asked to provide an ATS at this event it would be nice if pilots instructions, airfield manual and air traffic procedures were available. However nothing appears to be forthcoming.:ugh:

Applications for a RA(T) and a frequency have been made and that's about it.

Time is running out.