FODSA meetings are held at the airport in The Duxbury Theatre, which is the second building on the right hand side of the airport approach road after turning at the Hayfield traffic lights. New members always welcome. We have members with a wide variety of interests. Come along to see what we do. You do not have to join on the night. Free parking 100 yds on the right passed the Duxbury Theatre.

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All members wishing to attend the visit to Red Line National Aviation Training Centre on 10th March please meet in the Red Line car park at the rear of the building no later than 18:15hrs

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Next FODSA meeting will be 19:30hrs Wednesday 17th March.

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April 7th Meeting there will be a Shuttleworth picture presentation by Stuart Allen with a vue to a trip being arranged for a later date.

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April 21st Meeting Guest Speaker David Aston Aircraft Maintenance Services BAE Systems.

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May 5th Meeting Guest Speaker Lorraine Reay Head of Terminal Services and Security RHADS.

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FODSA visit Airport Fire Training Ground>   http://www.fodsa.fotopic.net   Watch the video> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP1WYwbddGE

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DSA 3 Counties 10K Run 2009

Photos By Clive Featherstone.

The Doncaster Sheffield Airport 3 Counties 10K run got off to a great start with 125 registering to take part in this year’s event on Sunday 18th October.

It was a cool but bright morning when runners and walkers of all ages lined up for the start.

The run had been organised by Station Officer Brian Mills,  Rescue & Firefighting Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield, whose tireless efforts and enthusiasm ensured the event was a great success.

FODSA were asked to marshal the event once again by Brian, which meant an early start for members who were on hand from 08:00hrs to cover duties of registration, water supply station, car parking, road marshalling, traffic control and others.

The weather was kind and registration commenced at 09:00hrs; with 112 runners and walkers lined up at around 10:00hrs Tony Lonsdale, Chief Fire Officer, raised the starters flag.
       
       

       
The runners got off to a good start and it was not long before they were spread out along the course. All age groups took part and there were serious runners down to young walkers but all enjoyed the event.

The first to cross the finishing line was Andy Ward with a time of 31mins:18secs, first female Laura Suran (18th overall) finished in 40mins:26secs.
The youngest competitor 16 year old Daniel Orme (9th overall) had a finishing time of 37mins:15secs. The oldest runner was 72 years young and finished 93rd overall with a time of 58mins:8secs. 

First male vetran Simon Wright (45) finished 2nd with a time of 34mins 11secs. First female vetran Jayne Baldwin (43) finished 27th with a time of 41mins 34secs.
                                                  
                           First across the line Andy Ward with a time of 31mins:18secs                     First female to cross the line Laura Suran timed at 40mins:26secs

Runners came from near and far to take part and afterwards stated it was a well organised and friendly run, and they would be back to take part next year.

All monies raised from this year’s event will be equally divided between The British Heart Foundation and Help the Aged.

It was agreed by all concerned that the event was a great success, and everyone is looking forward to organising what they believe will be an annual event, one that will develop and go from strength to strength.      More Photos Click Here>  http://www.fodsa.fotopic.net/ 

How They Finished:

NAME                    HRS. MINS SEC
Andy Ward                        31      18
Simon Wright                   34      11
John Guveya                    34      40
Simon Newton                  35        6
Paul Gathercole               35      54
Andrew Siddle                  36      21
Tim Doughly                    36      44
Pete Burke                         36      50
Daniel Orme                      37      15
Scott Ramsden                  37     18
Paul Seaman                     37     23
Lee Spink                            37     27
Darren Wood                     38     26
Adrian Fearn                    38      38
Ged Naylor                        39      44
Peter Rowland                  39      59
Adam Chantry                 40      10
Laura Suran                      40     26
Jerome McCulla               40      29
Mitchell Knight                40      35
Tony Savage                      40     48
Guy Grindle                       40     50
Jordan Taylor                   40     58
John Armson                     41        7
Alex Frame                         41     24
Graham Goodwin             41      25
Jayne Baldwin                  41     34
Martin Wilkinson             41      45
Jonathan Frary                41      48
Philip Parkinson                41      55
Wayne Thompson             41      58
Brian Mills                          42        4
Les Grant                             42        5
Pete Wade                            42      15
Richard Hemsworth         42     53
Andrew Hughes                 42     59
Nick Elliott                          43     23
Simon Cliff                           43     28
Simon Lord                          43     30
Steve Goldthorpe               43      31
Daniel Bryan                      44        7
Paul Mitchell                       44      11
Paul Nunns                          44     38
Nigel Saw                             45      26
Ryan Woodhall                   45      30
Leeson Potter                       45      30
Paul Brown                          46       2
Neil Rowland                       46       7
Anton Kalmar                     46     26
Noel Wilmot                         47     14
Mick Beckett                        47     29
Steve Brown                        47      31
M Chapman                         48       4
Lee Richardson                    48     10
David Grayson                    48     14
Jennie Catley                      48     19
Sunil Vidhani                      48     25
Keith Lindley                       48     29
Layura Sharp                      49       5
Daniel Gregory                    49     16
Ledley Wilson                       49     18
Robert Lord                           49      18
Claire Steele                          49     29
Kevin Thacker                     49     29
Sharon Wallace                   49     34
Ben Hampel                          49     43
Lee Gordon                             49    47
Walter Kent                           50       2
Peter Watling                        50     15
Paul Smith                             50     31
Rob Hallewell                         51     39
Ted Crothers                           51     47
Russel Mahoney                     51     50
Andrew Charlesworth         51     53
Sally Robinson                       52       7
Andrew Murray                    53       0
Stuart Kitching                      53      8
Gaynor Neary                        53     22
Paul Lee                                    53     22
Matthew Gleadall                  53     48
Julie Lee                                   53     50
Mary Kitching                        54       3
Judge Elly                                54    36
Tracy Mistry                           55     43
Karen Gregory                        55     46
Micheal Charlesworth          55     58
Ian Thompson                         56     22
Paul Kinston                            56     24
Barry Tate                               57     48
Susan Dench                           57     48
Ruth Rew                                  58       1
Kenneth Neal                          58       8
Derek Marsh                            58       8
Jayne Charles                         58     45
Claire Duncan                         58    47
Joesph Linney                         58     52
Sally Lord                                 59       1
Licie Thornton                        59     10
Patrick Thornton                   59     10
Rose James                               59     35
Karen Jarvis                            59     52
David Frame                     1      1      22
Mike Morton                      1      6        0
Rebecca Brightmore       1       6     18
Christine Stimpson         1       6     18
Nancy Lord                       1       8      12
Karen Mercer                    1     26     53
Karl Mercer                       1     26     56
Ann-Marie Pike                1     34     18
Irene Morton                     1     34     18
Lorraine Reay                   1     34     18

More Photos Click Here>  http://www.fodsa.fotopic.net/   

Watch the video here>  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlwVsIQKWrU

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FODSA visit to BAA London Stansted Airport 7th August.

 By Andy Thompson:

In recent weeks, our chairman, Andrew Bosmans, has been in contact with various parties at Stansted Airport, with a view to sharing information and experience gained by us during the 'FLY' campaign. For those who are unaware, British Airports Authority owned Stansted are currently in the midst of consultations for an expansion programme, aimed at raising their annual passenger throughput from the current 21 million passengers per annum, to an anticipated 35 million ppa. These proposals are being fought by local pressure groups, national environmental campaigners, and other interested parties. Stansted also has the added complication that at present that BAA have been ordered by the Monopolies Commission to sell 2 of their 3 South East airports (the other 2 being Gatwick and Heathrow), and that Stansted is probably likely to undergo a change of ownership some time during the expansion process.


It was felt by Stansted that our previous experience, gained in the fight to establish RAF Finningley as Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport, could be useful to them in their efforts to successfully gain approval for their proposals. With this in mind, Andrew had arranged a 'meeting of minds' with the communications staff at Stansted, to share with them our experience of fighting a campaign in support of an airport. However, the meeting of a few minds eventually turned into a full FODSA outing, attended by 25 members and friends!
Consequently, our Sandall Travel coach picked us up outside Dave & Doreen’s on Old Bawtry Road on Fri 7th August, for a 7.00 am departure. Our meeting time at Stansted was set for 10.15 am, and after a short comfort stop at Cambridge services, we duly arrived at Stansted, to be met by the sight of a UPS 767 parked at the freight terminal adjacent to the main passenger apron.


We were then greeted by our host for the morning, Ashley Riley, who is Head of Communications for the airport. Ashley led us into Enterprise House, an office suite adjacent to the passenger terminal, which appears to be the nerve centre for airport and airline operations for the airport. A meeting room on the 3rd floor was set aside for our slide presentation, and once we were all comfortably seated, the meeting began.
Ashley outlined the history of the airport, the subsequent developments, and the new 'G2' proposals, which, similar to the RHADS masterplan, are intended to outline the airport expansion plans up to 2030 and beyond. I will not delve too deeply into the proposals, as they are fully available elsewhere, ( try http://www.stanstedairport.com/future ) but the main one is the provision of a second runway, situated to the North East of the existing runway, and parallel to it. Questions were then asked and answered by both parties, and we were able to outline how we conducted the FLY campaign.


Our hosts then provided us with tea, coffee, and a buffet lunch, before we were treated to an airfield tour. Our host for the tour were to be Graham Wade, Head of Airport Communications, and Duncan Smith, who is part of Graham's staff, but has 3 years of airfield operations under his belt. Duncan’s in depth knowledge of the airfield and operations were to prove invaluable during the airside tour. As we were to be going airside, the security level was high, and we all had to provide Passports for ID, additional to filling in airport security passes. After this was done, we went downstairs, and out to airside via the staff security exit. Checks here were exactly as if we were passing through airport security to take a flight, with all belts, shoes, mobile phones, bags etc being put into a tray to be passed through the x-ray scanner, while we passed through the body scanner. We then had a very thorough frisking from the security staff, further outlining the need for good security at all points of airport operations, including the staff areas. It was interesting to note that all flight crew, who were also using this security gate, were subject to exactly the same checks as we were, (and suffered the same delays!).


After passing through security, Graham and Duncan ushered us to an airport coach, which had been arranged to take us on our airside tour. We started off by taking a look at the rapid transit system, used to ferry passengers from the main airport terminal to one of three remote terminals. The system comprises 2 or 3 car driverless light rail units which collect passengers from the main terminal building, then run along surface and sub-surface rails to deliver the passengers to the correct satellite terminal for their departing flights. The three satellites are used for domestic traffic, international traffic, and one satellite that is dedicated for Ryanair flights.
Our coach then proceeded on a tour around all three satellites, with frequent pauses to allow taxiing aircraft to pass, and for aircraft to be pushed back from the gates. We had the opportunity for some excellent photographs from the bus before we moved on to the next stage of the tour, the airport fire station.
We alighted from the bus at the fire station, to be greeted by Station Manager Keith Howard. We then split into two groups for a short tour of the fire station facilities. The Rescue & Fire Fighting Facility at Stansted normally operates at Category 7, with three appliances on call, however, should aircraft size dictate an increase in the required level support, then the category can be raised to 9, which means that up to 6 appliances are available. In comparison with DSA's R&FF capability, Stansted's facility is approximately twice the size of Robin Hoods.
While at the Fire Station, we were again able to get some great shots of aircraft taxiing to and from the end of the runway in use, runway 22. A steady stream of aircraft were observed arriving and departing, mainly Ryanair 737-800's, but some EasyJet A 319's and other airlines, too numerous to mention!
After the fire station, we then boarded the bus again for a run round to the North side of the airfield, via the internal service road. This took us past the newly built Ryanair maintenance facility, which has capacity for up to 5 737's on maintenance at any one time.


The North side of the airfield was where the original terminal building was located, but it is now used for a variety of corporate operations, and is also the base for Titan Airways, the ad-hoc and Charter carrier. This operator is well known for leasing aircraft to other operators to cover seasonal shortages in capacity and also to fill in at short notice for aircraft that have been grounded due to technical problems. Unfortunately, none of the Titan 757's was in residence, but their maintenance hangar had a couple of Bae 146 aircraft inside. The largest corporate aircraft in residence at this side of the airfield was a Boeing 747-400 with a Middle-Eastern registration number. Also evident was the ORBIS DC10, a flying eye hospital. There is also an old Lockheed Tristar parked up, which is used to train ground handling crews in the delicate art of tug driving.
Our bus then returned us to Enterprise House, where we had a short question and answer session, where ideas were exchanged between Graham and ourselves.
After a most enjoyable day, we then bade goodbye to our hosts, and returned tour Sandall Travel coach for our journey home.

I am sure I speak for all FODSA members present on the day when I say that the hospitality extended to us by everybody at Stansted was excellent, and that the events arranged for us were very much appreciated. I hope that in return, Ashley, Graham and the rest of the Airport staff were able to gain some useful information from us to enable them to present a greater positive impression of the airport to their neighbours in the surrounding towns.

Our thanks go to Ashley Riley, Graham Wade and Duncan Smith at Stansted, and also to Dave Cooper, Andrew Bosmans and Paul Madison for organising this excellent day out.

Andy Thompson.

Footnote: It seems that The chaps at stansted have already been busy, using our visit as a positive to gain some local press coverage. – See the article in the Saffron Walden Explorer at the web address shown here:
 
 

http://www.saffronwaldenreporter.co.uk/content/saffron/news/story.aspx?brand=SAFOnline&category=NewsSaffron&tBrand=HertsCambsOnline&tCategory=newslatestSAF&itemid=WEED14%20Aug%202009%2014%3A47%3A05%3A383  

FODSA mention on BAA London Stansted Airport website.  click link below:                                                                     

http://www.stanstedairport.com/portal/page/Stansted%5EGeneral%5EAbout%20Stansted%20Airport%5EMedia%20centre%5ENews%20releases%5EResults/32e0c55476413210VgnVCM10000036821c0a____/a22889d8759a0010VgnVCM200000357e120a____/                                                                                                     

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CHAIR’S COMMENTS ON THE  VISIT TO STANSTED:

The more well-informed amongst you will have realised that for some time now, London Stansted Airport has been pressing for increased capacity and especially a new second runway.

This is, of course, easier said than done and because of its situation and demography, there have been numerous vociferous opponents to this scheme.

About two months ago, it occurred to me that we may be able to offer our expertise as a support group and key stakeholder in our own Robin Hood Airport, to the management of Stansted, especially since a few of our members; myself included; fought a courageous, and ultimately successful campaign for our airport in the guise of FLY – Finningley Locals Say Yes.

This included being a key appellant at the Public Inquiry.

It was a tentative approach by me at first, which suggested that I meet with some of the airport management at Stansted and discuss how we could help, and specifically to share the process of “Best Practice”

They were surprised and delighted to discover a support group for an airport as all they had previously encountered was apprehension and downright hostility, and to my delight, invited FODSA down to their patch for a full day of discussions, lunch and a tour of the airport.

We therefore decided to make a day of it for our members as well and 25 of us were thrilled to be given the opportunity to be the guests of the Stansted Marketing Team for the day on Friday 7th August.

Many ideas were forthcoming and both sides agreed that the day was useful and constructive time well invested. A prolonged tour airside and lunch was a welcome bonus, but I do feel that this relationship will be a long and satisfying one for both sides.

As Chair, I am already planning further discussions with the personnel at Stansted and also the possibility of a future visit to us to see just how well we do it!

Working alongside my colleagues at FODSA, and previously with FLY, for ten years or so now, I have campaigned tirelessly for the future prosperity of the airport and it has been my pleasure to give something back to the aviation sector and specifically Stansted to assist them in their future expansion – long may the relationship continue.

Andrew Bosmans
Chair – FODSA & member of the Robin Hood Airport Consultative Committee

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FODSA Visit to BAA London Stansted Airport 7th August.

By Donna Allen.

Photographs by Stuart Allen.

It had been heavy rain throughout the night, and large pools of water covered the roads into Finningley. With a low cloud base, the early Thomson flight took off and quickly vanished as the first of the FODSA members arrived for the coach.
Once the coach turned up all the boys and girls climbed onboard, within minutes we set off on our way to London Stansted Airport (7.30am). The journey was good and very light hearted, with silly jokes being told at the front of the bus, others chatting away looking forward to seeing the Airport. A 20min stop off at the services, and our arrival at Stansted was right on time 10.30.

                   

FODSA members take their seat in the conference room.                                            Andrew Bosmans, Duncan Smith, Graeme Wade and Keith Stones.

We were met by Ashley Ridley, Head of Communications. After greeting everyone he escorted us to a conference room, where we had coffee and everyone’s airside pass issued, been strictly checked against their passport.
Ashley gave a presentation about the airport from 1942-2008, highlighting how they intend to move forward in years to come and what they are doing for the environment. The airport is doing quite well even in this time of recession with 3 new routes and passenger numbers. During the last winter months they had found it very expensive to keep the runway clear of ice, as the surface area of the airport is larger than Heathrow.

                                  
                                                                                                               Reflection from Foyer area.

FODSA members gave Ashley and other members of staff ideas on how to get people who are interested in the airport, to get together and gain more support.
After a nice lunch kindly provided by the airport we were escorted by Graeme Wade and Duncan Smith down to the foyer area for a photo call, and from here down to the security area to go airside. Here we went through a tight security check, shoe’s off, belts off (lucky no trousers fell down) cameras and other metal articles placed in a tray the through a scanner. One by one we went though the usual security frame to be met on the other side by a male and female officer who conducted a body search for concealed weapons. Some of the members quite enjoyed this, with arms raised Sarah tried to get the male officer to check her, but he declined.

                                        

Once everyone was ready we went to meet the coach (which must have had problems getting through his security check, as he was late) all aboard and off on the airside tour. Duncan Smith gave a full explanation about the terminal and satellites, cargo, refuelling and apron protocols. Our youngest member (Jack) enjoying the opportunity to photograph every possible aircraft which we passed going from one side of the bus to the other. (Making Sarah move seats each time)

   

    Aegean Airline                                                              Worldwide Services 'UPS'                                             Germanwings Airline

Our next stop off was at the Fire Station. We split into two groups and went inside to find they have 6 tenders and 17 firemen to a watch. Our fire officer opened the outer doors which over look the taxi way and runway. Once again a young man (Jack) found it more interesting watching the aircraft on the taxi way tootling passed at close quarters. This was also a great opportunity for everyone to take photos, and very well received by all, as cameras were quickly clicking away. Sorry! Time to go now, all aboard the coach. Hold on!! Someone’s missing!! ALF (thought it was quiet) On our way back we passed by Ryanair’s purpose built hangar where they can service 5 – 737’s inside at the same time. Also Harrods Aviation, Titan Airways hangar and In-flight Services regional.

   

      Easyjet                                                                           Cyprus Turkish                                                                        Harrods Aviation Hangar

Once back in the conference room we had a short chat and a vote of thanks to the Airport management for the visit, then down to meet up with our coach.
We had one last photo call outside the centre, then off back to Doncaster. Half hours stop at the services for food and water, then on our travels back to Finningley. The weather had been very kind and some tired little men (who thought that it had been a long day) got a few ZZ’s on the last leg of our journey home. All back safe and sound by 8.00pm.


    

                                                                                                                             Titan Hangar.

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FODSA Visit New Business Jet Maintenance Centre.

On Tuesday 11th August FODSA members were treated to a tour of the new Business Jet Maintenance Centre and were most honoured to have the Chief Executive Officer for Directions, Mr Richard Smith, conducting the tour.

                

Our thanks go to Mr Smith and all his staff at Directions for taking time out from their busy schedule to give us such an interesting and informative tour. The new Business Jet Maintenance Centre is to be opened shortly (now open) at Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield and on first looks one cannot fail to be impressed.

               

Directions Finningley Aviation Academy has maintained, renovated and developed the airports hangar No2 to incorporate a ‘state of the art’ dedicated paint shop facility along with aircraft engineering and jet refurbishment facilities. There is also a main reception area which incorporates a client viewing area, numerous offices, meeting rooms, one of which will be capable of 4D Virtual Reality, and chang ing rooms all equipped to a very high specification. 

                                                   

Mr Richard Smith Chief Executive with FODSA members.

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FODSA TRIP TO LIVERPOOL JOHN LENNON AIRPORT

By Doreen Cooper.

Photographs courtesy of Clive Featherstone.

On Sunday 5th April 2009 we set off at eight o’clock on the dot, all 30 of us, in a new roomy Sandall Travel coach, driven by an immaculately dressed driver, John Brown.
         

Our journey took 2½ hours and on arrival we picked up Barry Ralfs of FOLA who was patiently waiting at a pre-arranged destination. He directed our coach a few miles further on to Keenair Flying School. 
           
Martin Keen the owner, established Keenair 40yrs ago, moved to the present premises 8yrs ago. A Tiger Moth aircraft is used for pleasure trips during the summer months, but at the moment is undergoing a service and wing repair. Hopefully all will be in order to commence these trips in May. All Martin’s training Cessna aircraft are painted blue and white as he is a ‘keen’ Everton FC supporter. 
                                                      

                                                       

                                                                             Group photo inside Keenair hanger

From here we witnessed several aircraft arrivals and departures, including a Buluga paying a visit to BA Systems to collect aircraft parts for the larger aircraft of Europe. There were plenty of Ryanair, Easy Jet and Scotair to be seen, but not a Thomson in sight.

After 1½ hours we were ready for our lunch and a ‘cuppa’. Once fed and watered, 16 members, along with Barry Ralfs and two of his colleagues from FOLA, boarded the coach for a visit to Air Traffic Control.
The group were split, with half going up into Control Tower, whilst the others paid a visit to the lower Tower deck until it was time to change over.

      

                 Liverpool John Lennon Airport Control Tower                                                                    Inside ATC (RHADS controler)

The rest of the gang watched aircraft arrivals and departures from the comfort of the Terminal building. In the far distance the Welsh mountains could be seen bathed in sunshine, whilst the River Mersey ambled along just beyond the main runway.


Once the party had re-gathered, we all piled back onto the coach and headed for the Jetstream Club.

The club was formed in 2002 with the intent to renovate and save the fourth prototype Jetstream 41. BEA donated the aircraft in 2003 courtesy of the RAF. The club is sited at the rear of the Marriott Hotel, which was originally the Terminal building of the earlier Airport. The old ATC still stands above the hotel and the hotel is shaped like the props of an aircraft radiating from the tower.
A Bristol Britannia G-ANCF was awaiting some TLC on re-furbishment. However, the Jetstream was in excellent condition and a credit to the club.

                                                               

                                                                      Old Liverpool Airport Britannia under restoration

Tucked away at the rear was a small propeller aircraft the only one in the UK to be registered G-SEXY.
The simulator, which everyone would have loved to have a try, was unfortunately out of action.

Everyone returned to the coach tired but very happy with their day.

We all thanked Barry Ralfs for giving up his Sunday and all the work and planning he put into our visit. David Cooper – FODSA social secretary – rang Barry the next day with his personal thanks; and feels sure a letter will be sent by our Chair from all 30 members expressing our thanks.

                                                   

                                                                              Old Liverpool Airport detail on downpipe

Also, thanks to David from all members attending, for your time and hard work behind the scenes in organising such a successful and enjoyable trip.
Yet again, David chose a sunny day to put the ‘shine’ on our outing.
Well done David.

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FODSA visit Directions 4D Design Centre.

An organized visit to Directions Aviation Academy was held on 26th February 2009 for FODSA members meeting at the Academy for 19:00hrs.

Since our last visit the Academy have installed a 4D technology system which members have been eager to see, plus there has been quite a few new members of late who have also expressed a wish for a visit to the Academy.

Alison Redfern – Training Co-0rdinator – was in reception to welcome members and offer light refreshments of tea, coffee and biscuits.

Members were then introduced to Linzi Askew – Training and Development Manager – who explained her role and how the rest of the evening would unfold.

First stop was to visit the engineering workshop, but along the way it was pointed out by Linzi the many various training suites, meeting rooms and teaching spaces  all fully equipped with the latest technology, some of these with students still hard at work.
The workshop area contains extensive aviation engineering training facilities and is well equipped with all the latest tools, drills and lathes.

                

From here members then entered the large hanger where a B727 fuselage has been acquired, converted and equipped to facilitate cabin crew training, safety and evacuation procedures.

What came next was what most members had come to see.

Directions has developed new and market leading ways of delivering skills training in product development via the use of 4D virtual reality with a whole training suite being given over to the use of this cutting edge technology.

Members took their seats, put on their 4D glasses and sat back to enjoy the show.

                

The old saying is true ‘time fly’s when you are enjoying yourself’ and the evening soon came to a close. It was time to go but not before all members thanked and applauded Linzi for giving up her time and making this visit an enjoyable and most interesting one.
Without Linzi’s superb presentation and professionalism this would not have been possible.

Thanks also to Alison for looking after us on our arrival.

 ____________________________________________________________________________________

FODSA visit Airport Fire Station and Airport Control Tower

On Saturday 13th September 2008 a group of FODSA members had an organised visit to the Airport Fire Station and Airport Control Tower.

 

The Fire Station was to be their first port of call.

 

Fire Officer Dave Monk was on duty to welcome them to the fire station and to give them a briefing. A security check was carried out and a security day pass was issued to each member. This was  followed by an introductory insight into the role of the Airport Fire Service and the duties and tasks it performs.

 

Blue Watch were the crew on duty, and they then took over to give members a conducted tour of the station and a very interesting and professional guide around the fire tenders and the equipment they carry and use.

                

Youngest FODSA member Jack Parker with mum Sarah.                                          Dave Boston and Ken Bardell in the cab, while Donna Allen looks on.

Members were left in no doubt that the Airport Fire Station is run by professional, dedicated and highly trained personnel.

Having thanked Fire Officer Dave Monk and the Blue Watch crew for their valuable time and putting up with them, members then made their way across to the Airport Control Tower. By now the clouds had cleared, the sun was shining and visibility was good.

Once announced through the security system at the foot of the control tower, members were allowed entry and greeted by staff.  They were then taken up a circular stairway and into the control tower operations room. From there the whole of the airport, runway, apron and surrounding area could be viewed.

Staff on duty were very pleasant and helpful, and gave members an insight into procedures regarding the control of aircraft arriving, departing and manoeuvring the apron and taxiways.

        

An air traffic controller giving instructions for departure to Wizzair.            Members pose for group photo with an ATC officer (second right) 

 

Whilst in the control tower a Thomson 737 arrived and a Wizzair A320 departed along with TNT - 146 .

Once again members witnessed a truly professional and dedicated team at work.

FODSA would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Airport Fire Service staff and Airport Contol Tower staff for a most interesting, enjoyable and memorable visit.

Passengers flying from Robin Hood Airport can rest assured that behind the scenes there is professional, dedicated and highly trained people looking after them.

(There are more photo's of this visit on FODSA PHOTO GALLERY click here)

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Down Memory Lane.

When FODSA met with Prince Andrew at the Official Opening of Robin Hood Airport.

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