Dear Member,

Finally, the news that we have been waiting for!  Following the relaxation to social distancing measures, the CAA and subsequently, RAF Sports, have allowed GA dual instruction (and dual flights) in England and MOD airfields.  This means that we are now in a position to restart Club-aircraft flying from RAF Halton using:

– Numerous Covid-mitigations

– The HAC return to flying instructional refresher package

– The GASCO training package

The plan is as follows:

Week Commencing Mon 6 Jul

We are in the process of resolving our AVGAS issues.  As I type, another sample is being driven to Thurrock for test following a full mixing of the above-ground tank.  Should this fail, we have a plan in place to use a mobile bowser with fresh AVGAS (to be delivered this week).  If it passes, we will be fuel ops-normal. The MOGAS passed the test and below-ground tank inspection.  THERE WILL BE NO FLYING THIS WEEK.

Weeks Commencing Mon 13 & 20 Jul

These weeks will be dedicated to Instructor currency and a full run-through and validation of Covid mitigations and the return to flying instructional refresher package.  Private members may fly with an Instructor present.

Weeks Commencing Mon 27 Jul & 3 Aug

We will start the return to flying instructional refresher package – for licence holders, this will act as a renewed 42-day currency with an instructor.  Priority will be given to these 42-day instructional flights.  The EBS will be configured to represent instructor and aircraft availability by Sat 11 Jul – You will be sent an email when this is complete – DO NOT BOOK ANYTHING UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL – anything booked before this email will be deleted.

Week Commencing 10 Aug

From this point, general instructional flying for students will recommence.  42-day currency bookings will be given the same priority as solo bookings and general instructional bookings.

The Aircraft

At the start of flying, we will have 1 x PA28 and 2 x C-152.  We do not currently have the funds to conduct an Annual on CS or KI.  Once we have generated sufficient funds, these aircraft will be serviced and returned to flying – I do not know precisely how long this will take.  Therefore, Tecnam pilots should expect to fly another type for a finite period.

Summary

This is outstanding news.  But please remember that the Pandemic is not yet over.  There are 2 risks to your life – Covid and a lack of flying recency.  So, now is the time to:

• Re-read all of the emails sent to you since Mar 2020.
• Read and refresh yourself with all of the documents to get you back into the GREEN (through HAC Website).
• Complete the GASCO package.
• Familiarise yourself with the Document Check, Questions and Sortie Content of the Instructional Package.
• Await instructions on when to book your first dual flight.
• Stand-by for Club requests for assistance in cleaning aircraft.
• Prepare.
• Prepare.
• Prepare!

Stay Safe and we’ll see you soon.

Regards,

Mark

M T MANWARING
Gp Capt
HAC Chairman

Dear Member,

To say that we are living in unprecedented times would be a major understatement.  We are experiencing history in the making, and history will judge those who did the right thing and those who did not.  To that end, I am speaking to all of the  major Military Charities this week to determine what part we, the members of the Halton Aero Club, can play in support of elderly and vulnerable military veterans in our area.  Whilst we are not conducting our flying, training and social activities, we can turn our focus to those who have served and need our help.  I hope that those members able contribute in any way, no matter how small, will do so.  I will pass you details as things develop.

Meantime, it goes without saying that activities scheduled up to 30 Apr 20 are postponed.  To keep you abreast of current planning, please note the following:

• Spring Clean – We will look to conduct this as individuals, but please stand-by for now.
• Tues Socials – 7 Apr and 5 May cancelled.  Visiting speakers will be offered alternative dates and we will republish the programme when clarity exists.
• Pre-Season Dinner – Postponed – we are currently looking at rescheduling a date for Oct/Nov 20.
• 2020 Exped – The initial planning of the route is complete and will be sent out to those members who have signed-up.  We will continue to plan for this trip to Poland as a ‘virtual group’ for the original dates 27 Jun-3 Jul 20; however, the alternative plan will be an Around-the-UK Exped in Sep 20.

Other news

The Royal International Air Tattoo has been cancelled (as has Farnborough, other airshows are likely to follow).  The huge international participation and large military/emergency services’ contribution to its delivery made this the only realistic decision.  For more detail, see the HAC Facebook page.

We are all in this together.

Any HAC Members that are socially isolated and either just want a chat or some practical help – get in touch (call the Club number or my mobile).  If you travel to the Airfield, follow UK Gov guidelines available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ and please use the toilets closest to the Airfield Barrier.

Stay safe.  I will be in touch again soon.

M T MANWARING
Gp Capt
HAC Chairman

mark.manwaring@haltonaeroclub.co.uk
07932 620039