Dear Member,
A quick update from the HAC.
Ops Flight
Our thoughts are with Sarah Hindley and Mark Devlin who have tested positive with Covid. We wish them a speedy recovery. Their absence will likely have an impact upon the ‘IER 1’ requirement from Mon 21 Mar onwards (the weekend will be covered by the Duty Airfield Managers). Any restrictions to our flying programme will be circulated by Adi on Sunday. A reminder that standard precautions apply to anyone that has come into close contact with Sarah or Mark in recent days.
Social Programme
My thanks goes to the 3 members that have volunteered to take on the Social Sec role following a recent HAC Update email. As we emerge from the Pandemic (stand-fast the above!), this role will be important in maintaining the team spirit of the HAC. At last night’s Committee Meeting, we discussed social plans for the rest of the year – these will be circulated once the Social Sec team is ready.
RAF Air Sports – Safety
In my primary role as the RAF Inspector of Flight Safety, I attended the RAF Air Sports Air System Safety Working Group this week. This meeting enables the Air Officer Commanding 22 Group (who is responsible for all risks associated with RAF Air Sports) to categorise the risks as ‘low as reasonably practical’ and therefore, ‘tolerable’. I am delighted to say that the RAF Sport Aircraft (our governing body) Air Safety Management System (ASMS) is the most developed and an exemplar to all RAF Air Sports. It must be recognised that this ASMS is written by our Flight Safety Officer (Flt Lt Carl Jenkins) and is based upon the long-standing safety procedures of the HAC.
2021-22 Season
Despite not restarting flying until mid/late Apr 2021, we have had a brilliant year with a flying rate around 20% above pre-Covid. My sincere thanks goes to your Committee who give up significant amounts of time, without reward, to ensure that we have not only survived the Pandemic, but emerged stronger. The staff who go above and beyond their Terms of Reference. And of course, the many members show fantastic commitment by volunteering to conduct the myriad of behind the scenes tasks that enables our success – you are recognised and appreciated. Keep up the brilliant work.
Stay Safe!
Mark
M T MANWARING
Gp Capt
HAC Chairman