Flying.
For some its a lifelong ambition.
For others its a chance experience or a trial flight that kickstarts their interest.
But for many, it’s about an adventure.
That’s certainly the feeling I got chatting with the pilots who stayed overnight at Rossall Field as part of this year’s Fly UK event.
You can find full details on their website but Fly UK is an annual event that “provides an opportunity for pilots of all skill levels and experience to fly in company around the UK during the course of a full week. Following the usual pattern, we will meet on Friday at an airfield in the Midlands and on Saturday morning the flying begins. We fly three legs each day around England, Wales and Scotland expecting to reach both Land’s End and John O’Groats if the weather allows.”
Definitely an adventure then!
Despite the changeable weather there were 12 aircraft that made it into the friendliest airfield in the North West for the overnight stop. They arrived in three distinct waves towards the latter part of the afternoon, having started from various different airfields scattered throughout the UK.
A combination of 8 fixed wing and 4 flex wings made up the squadron who, after being expertly marshalled by volunteers arranged by Richard Hine, parked up and were greeted with a welcome cold beer being thrust into their hands.
Like I said, we’re very welcoming oop North!
Refuelling of the aircraft was of course a priority, which James from Attitude Airsports managed, and then the evening quickly headed over to the excellent Farm Yard Brew Company, located a handy 3 fields due West of the airfield (and with its own strip too). I understand that rehydration occurred as a by product of a slightly different type of “refuelling” for the pilots during the course of the evening.
This morning, the legendary Kaz looked after the squadron with her delicious bacon butties and fresh coffee. She even provided tomato ketchup in case there were any eccentric types who didn’t want brown sauce on their breakfast – I’m not judging, it takes all sorts!
Following breakfast and after much discussion about the next venue, a hasty departure was undertaken towards Fenland to avoid the forecasted incoming summer storms. One of the pilots explained that the rationale for the selection of Fenland was that it “has a great cafe”, which, despite them having just breakfasted, tallies with my understanding of the unofficial criteria for selecting the next airfield – availability of food.
It was great to see the airfield so busy (see videos on the Attitude Airsports Facebook page), with so many visitors and a real buzz around the place. As a result we’re considering options for a future fly in event.
Who knows? Rossall Field might become the destination of choice for a Spamfield of the Northwest next year!
Dan Roach Flying Author 