Heli Expo

Heli-Expo 2011- 27 Helicopter and we Raised over £1048

 In Aid of Sussex Air ambulance

In Association with Phoenix Helicopter Academy and Goodwood Aerodrome

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Phoenix Helicopters is proud to announce that the first annual Heli-expo at Goodwood has raised £1048 for the Sussex Air Ambulance. The first ever Heli-expo at Goodwood started early on Sunday 2nd October, with the arrival of an immaculate gazelle, drawing the crowds from Goodwood breakfast club over to the Heli-expo. The arrival of a second gazelle around nine o’clock heralded a quick succession of other aircraft taking advantage of the lovely weather to fly in and support the Air Ambulance. With the aircraft parked and shut down, the gates were open to the public, allowing them to walk around the display and get up close to the aircraft and chat to the pilots about their machines. The volunteers from the Air Ambulance were on scene; manning their stand, which had a wide range of information explaining the work that the guys do, and how every donation, no matter how small, can help to save lives. With all manner of interesting merchandise available for sale the guys were kept busy throughout the day, playing host to enthusiastic members of the public who had come to see the aircraft and support our cause.

Meanwhile the BBQ at Phoenix Helicopters was fired up to provide food and drinks to the hungry enthusiasts. People were incredibly generous with their donations, with everyone getting on board and understanding what a worthy cause the air ambulance is. Onlookers were able to finish their food whilst enjoying the arrival of some more helicopters for the expo. Helicopters arrived in their droves throughout the morning, including a couple more gazelles, a squirrel, jet ranger and a fleet of R44’s and R22’s. We were also lucky to have an immaculate Hiller 12 fly in, which was a real treat, as they are a rare aircraft to see at Goodwood. With around twenty aircraft on site by lunchtime, yet more members of the public were able to enjoy the static aircraft and BBQ that was in full swing. With donations coming in thick and fast awareness continued to be heightened around the Air Ambulance cause.

As the day progressed we were all lucky enough to play host to the Sussex Air Ambulance itself when it landed at the Heli-expo just after lunch. It was fantastic to be able to get up close to the aircraft and chat to the crew. As if to reiterate the excellent work that the guys do, the Air Ambulance was called away from the expo to go and save some lives. A real testament to what the whole day was about. A big thank you to chief pilot Steve Wood for finding the time to bring the aircraft in and help to make the day really special.

Phoenix Helicopters were also running pleasure flying for those that were enthused by all the flying, to take to the air themselves, and with all proceeds going to the Air Ambulance it was great to see people getting involved and experiencing helicopter flying for the first time. The day was a resounding success, with pilots and visitors alike, heading away with a new understanding of what a fantastic job the Air Ambulance does, as well as helping to raise a fantastic sum of money. Goodwood Heli-expo will be returning in 2012, even bigger and better, with the Sussex Air Ambulance as the charity of choice, we hope to be able to double this years funds. We look forward to next year’s event and hope that many of you can make it along. Keep an eye on our website, Facebook and Twitter pages for all the latest news and information on next year’s expo which will be even bigger.