BACA’s charity of the year 2018, fly2help, is a fantastic aviation charity dedicated to helping people in difficult circumstances change their lives through the power of flight.

On 3rd and 8th August the charity is organising Air Smiles Days at Bournemouth Airport, but is struggling to find volunteers to donate aircraft (with pilot).
Can you help with a flight of 15-20 mins on either date?

Aircraft need to have easy-access (no “onto wing” boarding) and details of the recipients are as follows:-
3^rd August is for a 96 year old gentleman that suffers with dementia. He’s very isolated, lives in a care home and absolutely adores aviation. The care home nominated him as they feel he’d love to experience flight again and it would provide a real boost to him – he has his up and down days. This day is essential to get something with easy access, as the gentleman is in a wheelchair and will need hoisting/lifting into the aircraft.
8^th August is for a family who has a 10 month old child (Oscar) at Great Ormond Street Hospital. He was starved of oxygen at birth and, as a result, suffers with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, resulting in a very weak heart and breathing system. Oscar is undergoing treatment although he is currently at home in Bournemouth, for some recuperation, but his condition has its ups and downs, meaning he could go back into hospital at any moment. Oscar has an older brother, Jack, who has been living with grandparents/carers as both his parents are in London to be near Oscar. Jack has never flown before and the family has been nominated for the charity to give them all a day together – helping them to escape from the harsh realities of their daily life and create positive memories via aviation. Oscar and his Mother will attend the day, but do not wish to fly (Oscar wouldn’t be signed off by his consultant) but Jack, his Father, cousin and uncle would like to fly.

Air Smiles Days can only be facilitated by kind donations of flight and in return, the charity ensures that all landing and handling charges are waived at the host airport. The pilot will hosted by the charity and provided with lunch, if desired.

If any of our members or industry colleagues are able to help with this extremely worthy cause, we would be most grateful.
 

Please contact us at admin@baca.aero if you can assist.