After a period of a few months out of service, Piper Warrior G-BPRY is now back in service with a new engine and new paint scheme! The photograph on the right was taken before the test flight on 13 October 2009.

With weather recognition being one of the topics at a Civil Aviation Authority sponsored "Safety Evening" on Monday, 9th November, it was quite appropriate that the foggy conditions outside were a subject of discussion amongst the 90 private pilots, student pilots and engineers gathered at Melbourne Liberal Club. Despite the poor driving conditions pilots from as far afield as Sheffield, Stoke, Burton, Leicester and Wolverhampton made the journey to attend this very important evening.

The event was organised by Donair East Midlands and saw the CAA's Safety Officer, David Cockburn, give an interesting talk on light aircraft management, pilot skills, weather recognition and Air Traffic services. The evening emphasised the need for constant learning whether the pilot is a student or has been flying for 30 years. The talk also included safety matters in relation to Microlight, Glider and Helicopter pilots, as well as "fixed wing" pilots. The guest speaker was Steven Myall , head of the CAA's North and East Midlands Airworthiness Division who was happy to answer questions on aircraft airworthiness and maintenance topics.

The evening was concluded with a prize draw on behalf of Rainbow's Hospice in Loughborough and over £200 was raised for this very worthwhile cause.

The CAA presents a programme of General Aviation Safety Evenings each winter, all pilots and others associated with General Aviation operations are strongly encouraged to attend an event in their area, although the emphasis may be slanted towards the host organisation, the content is relevant to all forms of General Aviation.

Thanks to all members who entered the Grand Logo Competition we received 55 entries from 19 members, a fantastic response, the entries were well thought out and there were several themes, some abstract, some featuring birds and aircraft, and some featuring propellers.

Congratulations to Gabriel for producing the winning design, the design will be produced as a decal to adorn the tails of club Cessna 152's and will become the new club logo.

Gabriel, will receive 4:00 hours solo hire OR 3:00 hours dual training as applicable in a Cessna 152. Alternatively 3:00 hours solo hire OR 2:20 dual training as applicable in a PA28.

Second prize goes to Matt Nutt and third prize goes to Andrew Naylor.

On Sunday 5 April 2009, Donair Flying Club held a fly out event to Elvington Airfield, home of the Yorkshire Air Museum. In total 14 aircraft took part, thanks to all club members who came allong, it was a great success!

If anyone has any photographs from the day, particularly air to air shots, we would be most grateful if you could let us have copies on a CD for us to put on the website and for future promotion, as well as to distribute around club members who took part.

If you are able to please send either CD's or DVD's to Erika or Gill, alternatively we can copy images from your memory card.

Many thanks

On Wednesday 25 February 2009, 7 of our club aircraft and 20 club members flew over to RAF Cosford to visit the RAF Museum in the first of several planned club flying events. Despite threats of low cloud and rain, the weather held out and all were able to safely fly in and out of Cosford. We all had a thoroughly good day out and enjoyed looking around the exhibits on display. Of particular interest was the National Cold War Exhibition and also the Flight Test Research and Development Collection.

Club members wishing to take part in future flying events should keep an eye on the website and also club notice boards, the new fly out is planned for the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington in April.

Congratulations to all students who have recently flown solo for the first time! This list will be updated when new students take to the air. If we have omitted anyone please let us know.