Archive of past events
2024
Kingsmuir Airfield 30th Birthday
14th July
Aviation Without Borders "Smiling Wings" Day Saturday 6th July (weather window 7th July)
Share the feeling of freedom, fun, and sheer joy of flying by joining us for the Aviation Without Borders (AWB) “Smiling Wings” day on 6th July (7th July as a backup).
The Scottish Aero Club is delighted to join the AWB initiative whereby deserving children from all backgrounds are invited to their local airport for the day and are offered the opportunity to discover the world of flying. They learn how aircraft work and fly, enjoy a tour of the airport and are taken on a short flight.
This cannot happen without the generosity of Scottish Aero Club members, consequently, we are looking for pilot members with 2 or 4-seater aircraft to offer a little time to help with this event. All you need to do is take short 20-to-30-minute local flights with a young person (or young persons and carer for those with a 4-seater aircraft).
AWB will share the flight costs 50:50 as allowed under the CAA guidelines as a thank you for your support.
Sunday 7th July is the reserve day in case of bad weather, same timings.
For further information on Aviation Without Borders, please go to their website at Aviation Without Borders – ASF UK.
Longest Day BBQ Saturday 22nd June 3pm - 5pm
Longest Day Fly-Out Thursday 20th June evening
The official longest day is Thursday 20th June. As this is a working day for most people, we have arranged a local fish and chip fly out, this year we’re heading to Kingsmuir.
Elaine plans to have the fish and chips (other options available) ordered earlier in the day from The Wee Chippy Anstruther, and brought to Kingsmuir Airfield by 7pm. This will give people plenty of time to get down after work, or have a wee fly out over the Fife coast before landing for their supper. We will also have tea/coffee and soft drinks (non alcoholic Brewdog beer also).
No landing fees at Kingsmuir, but a donation would be appreciated.
Kingsmuir Kobblers, you are all welcome to join us, it would be good to see you.
Anyone interested in coming along, please get in touch.
Vintage Piper Aircraft Fly-In 24th-26th May
The Vintage Piper Aircraft Club will flying in over the weekend of 24th – 26th May.
There will be a BBQ at the Club House late afternoon on Saturday 25th, join us to say hi and give them a warm welcome to the Scottish Aero Club. This is a Members, family and friends event.
SAC Annual Dinner Saturday 4th May
The Scottish Aero Club Annual Members Dinner will be held on Saturday 4th May at The Royal George Hotel, Perth.
The evening will include a three course dinner followed by prize-giving and the opportunity to vote for your favourite photograph in the Club’s photographic competition.
Rob Gratton Head of Future Airspace Team Wednesday 24th April
Rob Gratton the CAA Principal, Airspace Infringements, will give an input along with David Woodward an Airspace Infringement Specialist on his team. They will describe a particularly interesting MOR case study and discuss the Airspace Infringement Review Process with ample opportunity for a good Q&A session afterwards.
Bring along your logbook on the night to receive a Safety Endorsement sticker.
Dai Heather-Hayes 'Joining and Flying The Circuit' Wednesday 20th March at 7pm
Joining and Flying The Circuit: Best practice and pitfalls to avoid.
The circuit is where we regularly fly closest to other aircraft. Join us in the Club Room and review the various keys to keeping everyone safe in the circuit as Dai talks us through the good, the bad and the ugly!
With plenty of time for an open discussion too, this will be an excellent time to reflect and refresh your skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Ken Bruce - Author of 'Aviation in Perthshire - People, Places and Planes' Wednesday 21st February at 7pm
We are delighted that Ken Bruce, author of the fascinating book, ‘Aviation in Perthshire – People, Places and Planes’ will join us for the evening.
Ken will be talking about aviation in Perthshire and his book which can be purchased by clicking HERE, or going to our Take Off page HERE, where you will also be able to discover more about the charity. Profits from the sales of this book will go to Take Off – the Scottish Aero Club’s charity of choice.
Ian McNeish 'A Spitfire named Gibraltar' Wednesday 24th January at 7pm
Join us in the club house to hear Ian McNeish talk about recovering a crashed spitfire, whose remains lay hidden on the banks of the Bannock Burn. The discovery, in turn, led to a poignant commemoration ceremony for the pilot in 2021. ‘A Spitfire named Gibraltar’ is just one of the remarkable tales told in the the book “The Bannock Burn” by Murray Cook and Ian McNeish.
2023
Meet up for lunch. Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st December 12 noon - 2pm
If you’re missing flying or missing chatting about flying, pop in to the Club for soup, toasties and Elaine’s delicious cakes and a natter with your flying pals! See you there.
SAC Christmas Party 16th December, 7pm
'A Trip to the Arctic Riviera:
G-APFV to Northeast Greenland'
15th November, 7pm
Join Dr John Thorogood in the SAC Clubhouse to hear about his epic journey to Northeast Greenland in G-APFV to Northeast Greenland. For anyone looking to be more adventurous with their travels over the coming year, this might be the inspiration you’re looking for!
Refreshments will be served after the talk.
This is a free event and open to all, please feel free to bring along family and friends.
Halloween Family Event 11th November, 4pm
Join us for our delayed Halloween Party in the clubroom! Apple Dookin’, Treacle Scones, Monster Hot Dogs, Pumpkin Soup, Halloween Party Food, Spooky Cakes and Treats. This event is open to club members and their guests. Tickets only. *Tickets purchased for the postponed event on 29th are still valid. If you purchased a ticket and cannot make the new date, please let Elaine know.
AST Hangar Tour Perth Airport 18th October, 7pm
Ever wondered what goes on in the modern Air Service Training hangar to the east of ours?
Air Service Training (Engineering) Ltd. is opening its doors to SAC members for a visit on the evening of Wednesday 18th October at 7 pm.
Please let Elaine know at office@scottishaeroclub.org.uk if you’d like to join so AST can plan accordingly.
Kingsmuir Fly-In
1st October from 12.00 noon
Buchan Aeroclub - Fly-in & BBQ Saturday 9th Sept Sunday 10th as weather back up Longside Airfield, Peterhead
Come by air or road!
PPR for Pilots – call Johnathan Milbank on 07825 8511111
No landing fees – Donations welcome
Avgas available Mogas by arrangement – 24 Hrs Notice please.
BBQ on & museum open from 11:00 – 16:00.
Kirriemuir Private Strip Fly-in & BBQ Saturday 9th September
No PPR required – blind calls on SafetyCom 135.480
Runway 09 / 27 to the South West Of Kirriemuir
Avoid overflying Kirriemuir, ALL CIRCUITS TO THE SOUTH OF THE STRIP
No landing fees – Donations for SCAA.
No Mogas
Arrive Friday with tent & towel and camp if you want – shower provided in the morning. Contact Aaron on 07845 503054.
BBQ & Landing fees – Donations in the bucket please for SCAA.
SAC Annual Fly-In
1st - 3rd September
The Inaugural James MacIntyre Navigation Competition
01 July - 31st August
James MacIntyre was from the Balbeggie area and learned to fly with the Edinburgh University Air Squadron, sadly, James passed away in 2021. In James’ memory, an attractive brass compass mounted on a plinth has been given to the aeroclub for use specifically as the trophy in a navigation competition.
For its inaugural award, we have devised a small, local, fun competition, open to members of the Scottish Aero Club only. Members may enter either as a single pilot or as a crew of pilot and navigator. (In the future this trophy may be won as an element of the “longest flight” competition – whether or not the flight itself also wins.)
The task tests plotting accuracy (whether on a paper chart or electronically), flying accuracy, and observational skills on reaching the (hopefully correct!) target.
The winner will be decided by reviewing all of the evidence provided, so it is in your best interest to provide as much info as possible – SkyDemon screenshots, photos of charts and plogs, photos of the target (if safe and legal to do so) and an answer to the task question.
The competition will be judged by the committee, or if committee members have also entered, by an independent third party – a non-affiliated SCAA pilot or Ari Villadsen, CAA examiner.
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONS. Good Luck!
Please send your entries to office@scottishaeroclub.org.uk titled “Navigation Competition Entry”.
CLOSING DATE MIDNIGHT 31st AUGUST
OPEN TO MEMBERS OF THE SCOTTISH AERO CLUB ONLY
P.S. Google Maps, Bing Maps and Apple Maps are of no help in identifying the animal! We’ve checked…
Swiss AOPA Group 28th August - 2nd September
Around 20 aircraft from the Swiss AOPA group will be flying in to spend the week based at Scone!
They will arrive late afternoon on the 28th when we will arrange a welcome for them. They are keen to experience the delights that Scotland has to offer, therefore a full programme has been designed for their visit including scenic flights across Scotland and distillery visits. They will also be here to enjoy our very own Keith Boardman’s talk about his experience flying around Scotland’s distilleries and our Annual Fly-In.
Click on the links opposite details of the three flying routes designed for the visit. These routes can be downloaded for anyone to try in exchange for a donation to Take-Off charity. Please click HERE for details of the charity and how to donate.
Please do introduce yourselves to our visitors if you see them at the Club, we’re sure they will appreciate a chat and any advice/information on what to expect while flying around Scotland!
"A Nip around Scotland's Distilleries"
Talk by Keith Boardman
30th August 7pm
Join us for an entertaining talk, a wee nip or two (for non-drivers) and a chance to meet our Swiss flying friends and talk about BIG mountain flying (August saw snowfall on the mountains above 5,000′ in Switzerland!).
Montrose Fly-In
26th & 27th August
Dornoch club fly-out
19th August
*Due to the unpredictable passage of Storm Betty across Scotland, this event has been cancelled.
Make use of the Club’s landing card and join us for a fly-out to Dornoch. Aircraft based in our hangar can enjoy free landings, others are required to PPR and pay with the council at their website.
Those wishing to go: Meet at the Club around 10:00 for departure, with a planned landing time by 11:30 and walk into Town. Remember to send in your details post-event. There is no charge thanks to the Club landing card but the council want a record of the airfield usage.
Ladies Day at the Scottish Aero Club
12th August
We are delighted that this event is now sold out … but we’re hoping to hold more Ladies Days so please check back here for future dates!
Ladies – have you ever thought about learning to fly? Here’s your chance to understand more about what’s involved, talk to female pilots and experience a short flight – weather permitting. There will be a tour of the hangar to see the kind of aircraft our members fly and understand a little about how the Scottish Aero Club works. Afternoon tea is included.
This is a ticketed event, with limited spaces – to purchase your ticket or request further information, please get in touch with Elaine: mobile 07708 302 803; office 01738 550055 or, email office@scottishaeroclub.org.uk.
This event is open to all interested ladies as well as family and friends of our existing members.
We’re looking forward to seeing you!
Aviation Without Borders SAC
5th August
(6th August Weather Standby)
PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE WEATHER FORECAST FOR SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST, THIS EVENT WILL NOW BE HELD ON SUNDAY 6TH AUGUST
Every year, the Scottish Aero Club hosts Aviation without Borders, a charity “dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance through aviation services irrespective of politics, religion, race or nationality”.
We are looking for Club Members to put their piloting skills to good use and “give something back” by putting a smile on the faces of some young people who could do with some fun and happiness in their lives. If you are a pilot of 2 and 4-seater aircraft and can offer just a little of your time to help with this event, please contact Syd Smith at syd.smith@btconnect.com or via the Club.
For more details about Aviation Without Borders, please visit their website HERE.
This event is for participants invited by Aviation Without Borders only.
LAA Highland Strutt, Easter Airfield, Ross-Shire
29th - 30th July
The LAA held their Highland Strutt which will be held at Easter Airfield, Fearn, Ross-Shire on the last weekend in July.
Longside Airfield BBMF Flypast
21st July 18.45
Fife Airport Fly-in
25th June
Fife Airport is holding a Fly-in on Sunday 25th June. Drop in any time of day; enjoy a snack or a meal at the SkyView Cafe. To visit their website, please click here HERE.
No Landing Fees. Avgas and UL91 available.
Sollas Fly-in
24th - 25th June
The 2023 Sollas Fly-in over the weekend of 24th & 25th June. For those of you who have been before will know the drill; for those of you new to the fly-in and hoping to attend, we can only say it is an experience you will never forget! Regardless of the weather, there will be a BBQ and the warmest welcome at Sollas whether you arrive by plane, ferry, car or walk!
For those intending on making the journey to Sollas, it is important to be aware of what to expect. For full details and instructions please click HERE.
SAC Longest(ish) Day BBQ 24th June
The Club held a BBQ to celebrate the Summer Solstice … drenched in sunshine with the sun setting over the airfield, a great afternoon/evening was had by all!
Burgers were served from 3 pm onwards (and, as a lot of folk hung around, fabulous pizzas made on site by Kevin & Elaine appeared later in the evening!).
Longside Fly-in
17th June
Buchan Aeroclub held its first Fly-In of the year at Longside Airfield on Saturday the 17th June with Sunday 18th as a weather backup. The barbeque was fired up and the airfield museum open. All welcome to fly in, or drive in!
No landing fees. PPR.
RW 10/ RH 28 /LH Longside Radio 118.280
East Fortune Fly-in
10th - 11th June
East Fortune East Fly-In. This event was not at the Microlight School.
Kirkbride Airfield Open Day
28th May
Kirkbride Airfield held its Open Day. To visit their website, please click HERE.
51st Mull Annual Fly-in Glenforsa
27th, 28th & 29th May
Glenforsa Airfield held its annual fly-in over the May Bank Holiday weekend. To visit their website, please click HERE
Scottish Aero Club AGM 13th May 15.00
Members – please see Scottish Aero Club enews 11/23 dated 28.04.23 for further details.
The meeting was held in the Club Room.
Bose and Garmin evening hosted by Pooleys
4th May 18.00 - 21.00
An informative evening with Stuart Bannister from Pooleys; a representative from Garmin who will be exhibiting and presenting the latest safety, enhancing and retrofit solutions from the Garmin Aviation product portfolio; and Bose will present the features, and product updates of the industry-leading Bose Aviation Headsets. Find out about the NEW A30 Aviation headset features.
Join us to learn, and talk about your aircraft and what solutions are available to enhance safety and awareness. Plus, Pooleys will be offering ‘on-the-night offers’ on a range of products!
Registration has been requested, so we have a rough idea of numbers, but not necessary. So please free to come along on the evening, or, if you prefer, please let Elaine know you will be attending.
Snacks and refreshments will be served and are kindly provided by Pooleys.
*Please note, while the event officially starts at 6 pm, Stuart from Pooleys will be at the Aero Club from early afternoon if you would like to drop in for a chat.
SAC Annual Members Dinner 22nd April 19.00
The Aero Club Annual Dinner and Awards Presentations at The George Hotel, Perth. Three-course dinner, presentation of trophies, speeches, banter and camaraderie.
This event is open to Club Members, partners and friends only.
ACS Festival of Flight 8th April 10.00 - 17.00
ACS Festival of Flight is open to all ages and includes a fun day of entertainment and music plus the opportunity to take a wee peek behind the scenes of Scotland’s busiest General Aviation airport.
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to take a trial flying lesson or check out the ACS Flight Training simulator *booking in advance is recommended.
Please go to Perth Airport Website HERE to find out more.
Talk by Margaret Bowman 22nd March 2023
Dunfermline-born author, Margaret Bowman will be joining us at the Aeroclub on 22nd March with an interesting insight into local aviation history. Her book The Lost Airfields of Angus provides a comprehensive historical account of the military airfields that played such a vital role in the first and Second World Wars. The talk will commence at 19.00.
There will be the opportunity to chat with Margaret after the talk and view some artefacts of interest as well as purchase her book. There is no charge for this event. Refreshments will be served at the end of the talk.
