Airfirst’s Airfield Challenge

My Mum and I own and operate a Flying School, AirFirst - Blackbushe School of Flying based at Blackbushe Airport near Camberley in Surrey. Whilst we both have a lifetime of experience in aviation, for the past 15 yrs under our own banner we've been teaching and training pilots of tomorrow.

Over the weekend of Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August 2024, myself and 2 of our flying instructors in one aeroplane are looking to fly into 30 airfields over 2 days.

The challenge is largely inspired by some of my favourite airfields and aeroplanes and whilst excited about the fun of the challenge, we're looking to try and raise as much money as we can for 2 very worthy aviation causes.

The Kent Battle of Britain Museum is situated on the former RAF Hawkinge site near Folkestone in Kent and is home to the largest collection of Battle of Britain memorabilia and artefacts. Operated and run by Dave and his wonderfully dedicated team of volunteers, money donated will continue the conservation and preservation of our World War 2 aviation history.

The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre is situated at East Kirkby Airfield in Lincolnshire and is home to a number of historic aircraft including Avro Lancaster NX611 "Just Jane".

Andrew and his amazing team are currently in the midst of a 10 year restoration project to try and return "Just Jane" to airworthy condition. Monies raised would help to continue the vital work for the restoration of this incredibly historic aircraft.

Vintage aviation is very close to my heart and I've been so lucky to be exposed to and fly in some beautiful historic aircraft.

I know times are tough but every little helps and anything you can give or donate will be so appreciated and so very gratefully received.

If your reading this then you'll know your already here on the challenge fundraising page. All monies raised will come in together to this one fundraiser and will be split equally between both benefactors.

An initial target of 2k has been set but the target figure I'm so hoping will change as we progress thro the time leading up to the challenge itself and after. We hope that you will all share the fundraiser far and wide to raise as much money as we possibly can.

Thus far its taken weeks of planning to choose the route and airfields I particularly wanted to be involved. All those chosen have responded quickly and have been incredibly supportive of the challenge with nearly all wavering our landing fees.

Some airfields we will be on the ground longer for than others and there's a few we'll be doing a touch n go at but along the way we'd love to meet as many of you as we possible can.

Eta's and routing for the weekend I'll update shortly.

For now I'd just like to say thank you for taking the time to read this and reiterate that if you could please share far and wide to reach the biggest audience possible to raise as much money as we possible can, I'd be ever grateful.

I fall in love with vintage aeroplanes everyday. The smell, the feeling and the sounds of sitting in the cockpit of a 1930's/40's aircraft is unbeatable! The total nostalgia of hearing a radial engine and an open cockpit is like travelling and stepping back in time, few things are more magical!

Thanks to the dedication of people like Dave and Andrew and places like the Kent battle of Britain Museum and the Lincolnshire Aviation Centre these historic aircraft and pieces of aviation history will continue to be preserved for all to see and enjoy for generations to come.

Emma xx

.........................................................................