Island Hop Tour 2007

by Travellinglight Thu Jun 28, 2007 04:10

To date there are 70 aircraft registered, with crews and passengers consisting of 133 people. Seventeen of the aircraft are from England, three are from Scotland. There are strong contingents from Donegal and Antrim, and at least six are based in Abbeyshrule.

The aircraft will begin arriving at Birr Airfield about noon on Friday 6th. This is to accommodate pilots travelling longer distances. Local pilots will probably want to be there from Friday onwards anyway. Food will be available on-site, and the rest of Friday can be spent touring or preparing for the next day.

The remainder of the aircraft and crews are expected to arrive on the morning of Saturday 7th. This will be a full days flying & field visiting with a difference. Other pilots/planes will probably join as the day progresses. There will be a basic pilot briefing before departure.

NOTE: Birr airfield have full re-fuelling facilities inc Mogas, however if you are flying a 2 stroke powered aircraft you will be required to bring your own 2 stroke oil.

Timetable is flexible, but will be something like this:

07:30 - 09:45 Wake up! get dressed & breakfast (not necessarily in that order)
10:00 sharp - Pilot briefing at Birr Airfield, followed by departure between 11:00 & 11:30 for 1st leg of flight. Flying, visiting destinations, on to Aran Islands for lunch, sightseeing & arriving back to Birr (approx 18:00).
18:00 - 20:00 Relax, clean up and talk shop.
20:30 - Late Food, Prize-giving, Music & beer at local venue.

Sunday 8th July: Pilots/Passengers depart for home. Take care.

by Travellinglight Sun Jul 01, 2007 23:21

There are now 73 aircraft and 139 crew members registered for the event. Registration closes on Wednesday 4th.

Due to concerns about the weather some people have asked if there are alternative plans. The answer to that is "No" - There is no plan B. There were too many variables in the organising of this event. At this stage it looks like the unsettled weather may last until Wednesday, with the possibility of change then, so keep your fingers crossed.

A detailed update was posted to http://www.IrishFlyin.Com on Friday 30th with more details, and a further update will be posted there Monday or Tuesday.
A PDF/Word document will be posted to http://www.IrishFlyin.Com on Wednesday 4th with frequencies/directions for downloading, or you could print off the Co-ordinates from the first news release and the map on the 2nd news release for reference.

by Travellinglight Mon Jul 09, 2007 02:06

Despite the weather there was a good turnout. The cross-winds did make for some "interesting" landings though.
Full report has now been published to http://www.IrishFlyin.Com/