Girlie Tiger Moth Day

Well after much deliberation and organising I managed to organise the BWPA Tiger Moth day for the girlies on Friday 20 ^th June 2008.

Strange how life can have such a twist of fate. After a great recommendation from Hils, I decided to join the BWPA a few months ago. I very shortly afterwards received an e-mail from a fellow member asking me if I knew of anyone who has a Tiger Moth who would be willing to take the girlies up for a lesson? As I knew the instructors at Cambridge Flying Group I recommended that they contact them directly.

Shortly thereafter I receive my first set of Minutes of BWPA Meeting and lo and behold I see that “Janice has found us someone who would be willing to give Tiger Moth lessons and she will be organising this event”!!!! That’s when I sealed my fate…..

Subtlely I took on the challenge to organise the event – no pressure of course!

Well it all came to fruition last Friday and as I have very fond memories of all my training at MASF thought I would fly my chippie into Cambridge.

This was going to be a memorable occasion in more than one way, as it was going to be the first time that I had slipped the surlly bonds of earth in the chippy on my own and more importantly to land at my old stomping ground in Cambridge.

Armed with 3 flying suits and a chopping board – don’t ask!! I flew into Cambridge on what was a lovely sunny morning. As I came in on finals I did a surreptitious look and could see a sea of faces lined up aka MASF. I immediately thought must do a greaser landing as I knew Trev would be keeping a beady eye on me as I landed – suffice to say it was brilliant of course, and Hils told me afterwards that MASF were really proud of me – praise indeed.

What a rapturous welcome I had, and the icing on the cake was the greeting from Hils, armed with camera for my photo call.

Well armed with chopping board and suits I made my way to CFG and immediately got stuck in with Teas, Coffees and biscuits. What a great atmosphere awaited me, of the buzz of women and men pilots chatting about the days’ event ahead.

I quickly got stuck into preparing the buffet whilst everyone was getting organised for their briefings and flights, and in between preparation met and chatted with all the women pilots who had come along. What a great bunch of women they were, from all walks of life and at all levels of flying. For me it was great to rub shoulders and found the conversations very encouraging and uplifting. It was so great to see their faces as they came back from their flights – they were all grinning from ear to ear.

Managed to get all the food prepared and then we were all called over for a photo call in front of the Tiger Moth. Many photos later we all had lunch and I now have the coveted title of being the sandwich queen – what an honour!!!

Finally at around 6pm as the last flight came in, numerous coffees, teas, orange drink, food later I finally sat down to relax.

After an exhausting, exhilarating and fantastic day I wended my way home to my beckoning couch and G&T’s!!!

What a fantastic day it was – oh and by the way before the next set of minutes come out, I will be organising the next event on the 8 ^th August again.!!

CLUB
NEWS

Congratulations

Janice Flies In
with her Chipmunk

How nice to see Janice Doyle flying in with her sassy red chipmunk last week.

Since passing her skills test last August with MASF,
Janice has lost no time in getting involved in matters aviational!

Having joined the British Women Pilots Association, she has already arranged various events. She  has also attended a European Fly In where she tried formation flying - under supervision of course!

Janice has been completely single-minded since commencing her training and her efforts have paid off as she can now enjoy the privileges of her Private Pilot's Licence and the freedom of the skies.

Read Janice's story in her own words................

JANICE - YOU ROCK!