Helping wings day - 21st April 2018
It’s 6 o’clock in the morning, Saturday 21st of April. It’s light outside but not that light. The noise which has woken us up is that of steady but unforecast rain. Where is the sunny day we anticipated? Whatever the answer, we have to get ready for our 2018 Helping Wings day for young adults. Our first flights will take place at 10am ( hopefully ) and there is much to do! By the time we get to the aero club, the sky is already brightening, lifting the spirits of our team of helpers.
We have an hour in which to prepare the room and set up our reception desk before our first guests arrive. Our volunteer pilots are already checking their aircraft and we’ve spoken to Jersey Air Traffic Control to confirm our schedule for the day and agreed the route for our round the island flights. Our young adults and their parents, siblings and carers will see Grosnez Castle, the full length of the north coast to Rozel Bay before turning south to pass St Catherine’s breakwater and Gorey Castle. Then, following the south coast, they’ll pass St. Helier’s harbour cut across St Aubin’s Bay to Noirmont headland and Corbière before turning right along St. Ouen’s Bay prior to landing. The flight time will be about 30 minutes.
Back at the aero club, there will be a chance to swap stories with friends whilst enjoying the refreshments provided by Helping Wings. A few of our guests are “regulars” at our events and it’s good to see everyone getting on so well together.
Another important aspect of the young adult’s day is the chance to visit the airport control tower and enjoy the spectacular views.
By the end of the day, we will have made 18 flights are carried just over 40 passengers. The day has gone perfectly with the weather turning out exactly as forecast - sunny and warm.
A big part of the day is the work which goes on in the background to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and safe time. So, once again, a massive vote of thanks is due to our team of helpers and volunteer pilots as well to Jersey Airport’s Air Traffic Control and this year’s sponsor, Blue Flame Digital Solutions Limited.
Looking ahead, our big event of the year will be our day for young children in October, this year marking a vey special event for Helping Wings, our 10th anniversary.
