CLUB HOUSE
CONTROL PANEL
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TAKING OFF
BANKING
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My late uncle owned Sunderland Flying Club a few years ago and I took the opportunity on occasions when I was there to beg for a flight with a friend who had a PPL. -- I loved the experience and enjoyed seeing my house and the area from the air. So when I was on the Island I decided to pop over to the Manx Aero Club and to see if I could get a flight and do an aerial lap. I met a club member and arranged for a short flight which wasn't expensive. We took off and did a trip round the course and landed again. It was so interesting to see Creg ny Baa and other vantage spots from the air. I related my story in the Press Office and two journalists said could they come with me next time. So I immediately arranged a "next time" and took them over in my car to Ronaldsway. I met the club member again and asked for another flight. We flew round the course and I requested that the pilot bank the aeroplane so the journalists could take photographs.
By the end of practice week I had had a high percentage of journalists up to see the course from the air. By now the cost was zero for me and the "guests" paid the fare. The aero club thanked me for the welcome business and I still have a nice token as a memory of that week.
I have been up in subsequent years but that week was an interesting exercise.
DOUGLAS BAY HOTEL FROM THE AIR
NO LONGER THERE NOW
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