History of the BMPA

2003 Spring Meeting, April 26-28, Sywell

Jeremy Radcliffe again put together an exciting programme, this time including a Saturday filled with news and information from disabled flyers, their trainers and medical advisers leaving Sunday for ad hoc visits. The meeting was open and had CPD accreditation.

The hotel (The Aviator) on Sywell Airfield is a development of the 1930s terminal buildings. It looks out onto the airfield (grass) and when modernised last year retained lots of Art Deco and aviation memorabilia.

2003 Summer Meeting, August 2-3, Thruxton/Middle Wallop

Unfortunately it was not possible to arrange either gliding or Go Karting at Shenington this year until too close to the Brighton meeting. However, Thruxton and Middle Wallop more than made up for it with the fantastic 'Music in the Air' display.

Thruxton was the fly or drive in venue for lunch on Saturday 2nd August. Those who wished then went on to watch the annual 'Music in the Air' extravaganza at Middle Wallop. We had places in a BMPA area of the Garden Enclosure and Madam President organized al fresco dining a la Glyndebourne - she had the bit between her teeth following her Shenington experience last year. Hotel accommodation was near Andover.

More details in the January 2004 newsletter.

2003 Autumn Meeting, August 29-31, Brighton

Brighton and the delights of the Regency completed our year's meetings. More details in the January 2004 Newsletter.

2003 Lectures

• "Medicine at the Frontier - Importing illness" (Dr Ewen Gerard, Port Medical Director, Gatwick Airport)
• Medical assessment for disabled pilots (Dr Paul Collins Howgill, Medical Dept, SRG, CAA)
• The Examiner's View (Derek Davidson, CFI, Bournemouth)
• An Aviator's Perspective (Mr Philip Reeve, Chairman, British Disabled Flying Club)
• The Microlight hour (Dr Demi Morgan. AME / TBN, CFI, Shadow Flight Centre, Old Sarum, Wiltshire)
• Disabled flying without wings (Julie Leden, Derbyshire)
• "Walking on Air" (Joe Fisher, Chairman, Portmoak gliding centre, Scotland)
• An Alternative Gliding perspective (Bob Pettifer, Chairman BGA Instructor's Committee)