The winner of a flight in a Spitfire is announced.......

The waiting, for everyone who participated in the British Aerobatics first lottery draw to win a flight in a Spitfire, is finally over. Chris Gazzard, Airport Manager for Blackbushe Airport drew the winning ticket (0153) on 14th March 2018 and the event was kindly hosted by Aerobility at their offices, Blackbushe Airport.

 British Aerobatics would like to congratulate Alan Begley from the West Midlands as the prize winner of the 50-minute flight experience in a two seat Spitfire (T9), provided by Boultbee Flight Academy, together with an overnight stay with dinner for two at Goodwood Hotel. Alan Begley is over the moon with his prize and cannot wait for the big day; 

  “‘I am delighted to have won and am really looking forward to the flight in such an iconic and historically significant aircraft. Like most men there is part of me that has not grown up yet and that part is very excited about this once in a lifetime opportunity!”

 As part of its new lottery initiative, British Aerobatics were delighted to present a giant cheque for £1000 as a donation to the registered charity Aerobility who facilitate flying training and a range of flying experiences for disabled people. All other proceeds from the lottery will go towards the British Aerobatics’ teams training and support fund in preparation for European and World Championships.

 Mike Miller-Smith, MBE, Chief Executive of Aerobility along with other members of his team were thrilled to receive the cheque:

“Aerobility and the services we provide are made possible thanks to the generous support of the aviation community, and the fabulous donation from British Aerobatics will enable us to genuinely change more disabled lives through the magic of flight.  Thank you so much to the aerobatic community for the continuing support.” 

 British Aerobatics who have obtained a small society lottery licence (Registration No. SSL 1786) from Huntingdonshire District Council, are planning for their next draw in a bid to raise more funds for the British Aerobatics’ team and to make another donation to Aerobility to support the charity. 

 “This first lottery draw has really helped in raising funds to enable our pilots to train and compete this year.  We were also really pleased to be able to donate to Aerobility who are a fantastic charity,” explains Steve Todd, Chairman of British Aerobatics. “From everyone involved with British Aerobatics I would like to thank everybody who bought a ticket, our members for their support and the organisations who helped us with publicity.”

Details of the next British Aerobatic lottery draw will be available online soon. https://www.aerobatics.org.uk