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