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The Air-Britain's Fly-In is organised by Air-Britain Ltd and is the longest established UK Fly-In organised independently by and for aviation enthusiasts. The Air-Britain "Classic" Fly-In aims to bring aviation enthusiasts, historians, pilots and anyone interested in aviation together in a relaxed atmosphere to enable the sharing of experiences and enjoy an aviation environment. It offers pilots and aviators the opportunity to see what Air-Britain offers and provides aviation enthusiasts with the opportunity to appreciate, photograph and talk with the operators of the aircraft. The event is open to the public and we try to make everyone welcome.
For Air-Britain members it is our primary social event of the year where old friends can meet and it provides the opportunity to make new acquaintances.
Each year for the theme of the event we mark an appropriate local or general aviation milestone. In 2008 owners of Air-Britain will be celebrating its 60th anniversary, so linked with that we are inviting aircraft built in 1948. In addition Piper Vagabond/Clipper and Stampe aircraft are invited to join us to mark their respective 60th, and 75th anniversaries of the types’ first flights.
2008 is our 29th Air-Britain Fly-In and we are pleased to be able to deliver the event again with the support of our hosts at North Weald, The Squadron. Again we are working in association with our friends at the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) formally the Popular Flying Association, which in effect is making it one of the LAA’s regional events.
Irrespective of the aircraft flown ALL pilots are welcome to join us. Pre-booking (PPR) for airborne arrivals is essential and arrangements must be made through The Squadron on +44 (0)1992 524510 in advance.
As a Fly-In, our event does not have a dedicated air display, however we hope there will be lots of interesting aircraft attending to give you plenty to look at. Working within the airfields security and health and safety constraints we also enable access to certain parts of the visiting aircraft parks to enable you to have a close look at the aircraft. However this does not mean visitors have the freedom to roam anywhere, as at some events. We also work with operators of the locally based aircraft and getting them to open up the hangars so you can see the wide variety of resident aircraft at North Weald. Access to the hangars is prohibited, unless specific authority is given by the operator. Again these arrangements are purely voluntary and the operators will withdraw this privilege if it is abused.
In addition to the aircraft present there will be a number of vendors selling their goods and services and exhibitions for you to browse around. Details of these will be given on the web site when firm bookings are taken. The Squadron, our co-hosts, will be providing its usual bar, Bar-B-Q, freshly cooked food and friendly hospitality to all during the weekend.
Please come and join us and enjoy a relaxed day among aviation people.
Friday:
All early arrivals are most welcome and PPR is not required and like the rest of the event no landing fees are required. Arriving on Friday enables our visitors to become familiar with the area and relax after their flights. Exhibition aircraft are also asked to arrive on the Friday to enable them to be parked and their associated ground display set up before the public arrive.
The organising team's efforts will be focussed on making sure that everything is ready, so they will be at North Weald to welcome any early arrivals. The hospitality of our hosts The Squadron will be available and we look forward to having a relaxing beer with you in the bar before the weekend’s activities commence.
Saturday:
There are no landing/take-off charges for all visiting aircraft over the weekend. Saturday will be a day for "socialising" between pilots and anyone with an interest in aviation. Make new friends, renew old acquaintances and relax with a picnic or food from the Squadron "NAAFI" in the garden party atmosphere. All pilots will get vouchers to offset some of the costs of their food.
There will be opportunities to visit the Airfield Museum (transport to the museum will be available) and browse the exhibits depicting the varied and historic exploits of aviators from the airfield for nearly 90 years. Our page about North Weald gives further details about this historic airfield and its present variety of residents.
In the public area we will have a variety of aviation vendors and exhibitors, together with Air-Britain’s own sales stand. Also an "aeroboot" sale will take place where you may find that "missing" book or photo or artefact you have been looking for. If you or your partner is looking for more general “retail therapy”, bargains you can found on the extensive market that is held on south side of the airfield, However be warned however, if you are arriving by car, traffic can be heavy with the market traffic. Please also make sure you also follow the signed direction to the Fly-In, or you could be parking in the market and miss the highlights of the Fly-In.
At about 15.00hrs a number of awards will be given out to some of visiting pilots, trophies include: John Cook Trophy – presented to the aircraft representing the "Spirit of the Fly-In" AJ Jackson Trophy - Concours d'Elegance The Antique Aeroplane Company Trophy - Best amateur restored aircraft Best of Type awards for each of the “themed” types.
During the day (and weather permitting) some hot air balloons may tether and in the evening more may fly out or in! Why not stay and watch the evening balloon flights and socialise in the bar to music through the decades from the 60's jukebox and enjoy a freshly cooked fish or chicken and chip supper (orders taken on the day).
Sunday:
Like Saturday an informal day to meet friends and mingle among the aviation fraternity. Further details of Sunday’s activities will be added to the site as time progresses
New and different aircraft will be visiting for you to admire and photograph and some classic vehicles may also be displayed by their proud owners.
Pilots visiting may wish to combine your visit to us with a visit to other local airfields e.g. Duxford or a cross-country flight into East Anglia's "Constable Country".
Whether you come from near or far we look forward to you welcoming you to the Air-Britain Fly-In and hope you come back again next year.
Fly-In Director - Phil Kemp Tel. +44 (0)1376 344441(evenings after 8pm), mobile 07732 479782 or Tel +44 (0)20 7271 1495 (Office) phil.kemp@air-britain.co.uk
The Squadron - Tel +44 (0) 1992 524510 Fax +44 (0) 1992 522238
Aeroboot - Mike Bareham Tel 01255 431651 michael.geardown@virgin.net
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