HI 2009
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Hi All,2009 - Another good year here at Kernan Aviation with 12 students so far achieving their NPPL (M) and their dream of becoming a pilot. Many congratulations and very well done to all. These are - Brian Larke, Gerry Connolly, Graham Bell, Sean Brown, Dan O'Kane, Andrew Chambers, Dave Bolger, John Deegan, Padhraig Timothy, Andrew Clarke, Peter Maguire and Paul Guinan. We also have 2 more students very close to achieving their NPPL (M) if the weather would co-operate.
In April Raphael got his Flight Examiner rating and as Simon also got his rating later on in the year and with Ronnie well ahead of the field, we now have three flight examiners on site. Students should now have no problem getting their GST (general skills test).
Weather wise, it was a tough year for us all, flying between the showers, but lots of flying was done, the Letterkenny boys and others making it to Popham and back and a few new aircraft making it back to Tandragee from across the pond.
Letterkenny lads on their way to Popham
On the last weekend of May a few club members flew to Tibonine (Frenchpark) where James Morrisroe held his BBQ and Fly-in, fabulous weather and hospitality - look forward to next year James.
Tibonine Fly-in (Frenchpark)
LetterKenny held their Fly-in and BBQ on the last weekend in June; the weather was not that kind early on the day but a lot of flying was done in the evening. Some of our members attended and had a great time sampling all the food as usual. It has to be said the Letterkenny club put in a huge effort to have a great day and raise money for charity, as do all the club Fly-ins.
John Deegan GST New Club House Liam's 1st Flight as AFI
2009 also seen the completion of Kernan Valley Flying Club's new clubhouse, what a fantastic job! Well done to all involved, it took a lot of time and effort.
In particular our appreciation goes to Robert Bingham for his vision and effort, Brian Moore and Francie McGuigan who did so much of the hard work, Damien McShane, David Meegan and Robert Marshall who all did their bit, plus the many others who all helped when they could - they know who they are. Our thanks on behalf of all the club members goes to all of them. Call in and see our photo collection of it all!
We now have the best clubhouse and briefing facilities in the country (we might be just a little biased) where we can sit with a cup of coffee and view all of the landing strip and comment on all the fantastic (?) landings.
On the 6 June we held our annual Fly-in, which turned out to be just a BBQ due to the fact that it rained all day, even so every body enjoyed the food and crack inside the fantastic clubhouse, (did I mention our great clubhouse again) - flying isn't just about flying and we have a great community around us. Our thanks to all who made the effort to come and we can only hope for better weather next year.
Some of our members attended Kilkeel Fly-in and BBQ on the second weekend in August, which as usual was well supported, and everyone who attended complemented them on the vast array of delicious food available.
At the end of August a few members made their way down to Limetree to their BBQ and Fly-in at Gerry Deegan's airfield where we were all made welcome. Unfortunately the weather did not play ball and not a lot of flying took place but with loads of food and music in the hangar a good time was had by all.
Limetree Fly-in
After two months of bad weather, finally in September we got some good flying in with quite a few students making fantastic progress.
Paul Guinan (GST) Padhraig Timothy (GST) Neil Forsythe
At the start of the good weather on the 10 September one of our members, Neil Forsythe, took on the challenge of flying his CTSW from Malin Head, Donegal (Irelands most northerly point) to Mizen Head, Co Cork (most south-westerly point) and back to Malin Head, nonstop. This was something he had in his head for a long time and when the weather finally changed he decided to do it! What a flight!
He managed the round trip in 6 hours 45 minutes 16 seconds and without a toilet break!
Although it was not officially recorded as Neil says - he knows he did it. He has to be congratulated if not given therapy, maybe Brian and Francie will have a go in the X-Air next year.
On 11 September Liam Lynch flew across to Rufforth to finish off his instructor course and is now an AFI with Kernan Aviation. Congratulations to Liam, we are looking forward to you doing some training with us!
On the 16th Oct we held our first social evening/BBQ, we held this to thank and acknowledge all the members who physically helped with the building of the clubhouse and also to thank all of the membership who, without their financial support, it would not have been possible. We had a great turn out, with members flying in from Frenchpark and Limetree and traveling from as far away as Cavan and Enniskillen and a good time was had by all!
It was also good to see the guys and girls from Cooley - Micheal and Marie Sheelin, Damien McShane and Tracey, David Meegan and Mark Owens.
Congratulations to David, Crevan and Damien Minnock who have recently become proud dads, they have had a busy year, it's difficult to fly and be a Dad at the same time. Also congratulations to Seamus Collins and Louise on the birth of their daughter Millie a few weeks ago.
On Saturday 17th October, the day after the social evening, Peter arrived at the field in his Sherwood Ranger after a very long flight from north east of London. Due to the bad weather it took longer to get home than he thought but he eventually arrived, cold, tired but pleased to be home (well done Peter!)
This is the first and only Sherwood Ranger in Ireland - it looks really well in the air. We are all looking forward to seeing Peter in his leather helmet and goggles with his scarf blowing in the wind. Look out - he may be in an airfield close to you!
Our Christmas Dinner this year is being held at the Edenmore Country Club in Magheralin on Saturday 12 December, which we are all looking forward to.
We hope to run radiotelephony and ground school courses in the clubhouse after Christmas so anyone interested please let us know as spaces will be limited.
Congratulations to one of our former students, Martin Conway, who has very recently completed his instructors course with Gerry Breen in Portugal . This has been an ambition of his for a long time now so well done to Martin, hope to see you soon!
Well that's all for now, if it ever stops raining we will have more to tell.
Bye for now,
Betty & Raphael
Kernan Aviation
