fly2help Press Release

'GOING LOOPY'

in aid of Aviation Charity

Jason Phelan, of Lavant near Chichester, usually prefers his feet securely on the ground and firmly under his desk. However, in aid of aviation charity ‘fly2help’ he plans to see the world from a very new and unusual perspective whilst working his way through as many stomach churning aerobatic sequences as possible, all over three consecutive days!

Jason is hoping to raise both awareness and £5,000 for the aviation charity ‘fly2help’, who are based at Kemble Airport in Gloucestershire.

fly2help is an exciting charity that lifts people’s horizons via the medium of flight, working with individuals, groups and like-minded charities to stretch physical, mental and emotional boundaries that have been set by a life trauma or tragedy. Aiming to inspire imagination, determination, self-esteem and confidence in their clients, fly2help are committed to supporting the terminally ill, chronically sick, bereaved and those who simply need a ‘life boost’. This can include those who have suffered extreme neglect and abuse, and those who face exclusion from society on a regular basis as a result of mental ill-health, sickness, disability, injury or poverty.

“fly2help works to turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure for many very brave and special people” says Mandy of fly2help, “but fly2help’s work, along with the very nature of flying, involves huge costs; therefore, it really is only through the generous donations and support of others like Jason, that we can fund our ambitious aims and share so many blue skies, adventures and smiles with those who need them most.”

Jason, who is not a pilot, has set himself the grand challenge of holding onto his stomach whilst experiencing as many aerobatic routines, in as many varied aircraft, from as many airfields as possible, all over one weekend. During this challenge each aerobatic manoeuvre will be counted to have a grand total by type and amount performed i.e. Loops 25, Rolls 32 etc, whilst crossing the country to as many airfields that the challenge can be flown from.

Jason first found out about fly2help when he met Mandy at Goodwood Aero Club in 2008; “Mandy’s own story inspired me to help fly2help support those less fortunate than myself, so that they too can experience the exhilaration and excitement of flight...and here I am…” smiled Jason nervously, “…I must be crazy!”

Jason and fly2help are extremely grateful for the support of some of the UK’s top civilian airshow display teams, along with airfields and aero clubs, all of whom have so generously donated aircraft, fuel, pilots and their time to this cause. Jason is looking forward to his comprehensive and exhausting timetable of aerobatic flights, a summary of which is also attached.

CALLING ALL SUPPORTERS: - Should you be able to support Jason in his challenge and help him reach his £5,000 target, please do contact Jason Phelan on 07821 339180 or visit his fundraising webpage at www.justgiving.com/jasonphelan, where you can donate on-line.

If you can, please visit Sywell Airport on Sunday 26th April to cheer Jason on – all encouragement will be welcome!

You can find out more about existing sponsors, support and challenge progress at http://fly2help-aerobaticchallengeweekend.blogspot.com

To find our more about the charity, please check out www.fly2help.org or call 01285 770821

13 Aerobatic Aircraft, 11 Counties, 7 Airfields, 3 Days: Aerobatic Flight Summary:

Friday 24th April – Kemble Airport, Rendcomb Aerodrome, Compton Abbas

fly2help’s own De Havilland Chipmunk

Boeing Stearman bi-plane thanks to Team Guinot, the worlds only formation Wingwalking team from Rendcomb to Kemble (Please note: Jason will be flying inside the aircraft)

Ultimate High’s display team Extra 300

Yakolevs display team Yak-52 at Compton Abbas, Dorset

Saturday 25th April - Goodwood and Shoreham, Sussex

Two contributions from Goodwood Aero Club of a Super Decathlon, North American Harvard

Also at Goodwood with be a flight the the Van’s RV4 kitplane courtesy of Justyn Gorman Aerobatics

Transit from Goodwood to Shoreham Airport in Tiger Moth with thanks to Plane Heritage

The Stampe at Shoreham Airport with thanks to The Real Flying Company

Sunday 26th April - Headcorn, RAF Halton & Sywell, Northants

CAP 10c at Headcorn

Extra 300 aerobatic transit to RAF Halton courtesy of Trevor Beadle

Alec Trevett has kindly donated a flight in the Citabria at RAF Halton

The Grand finale will commence with collection from RAF Halton and transit to Sywell Airport, courtesy of The Blades, with a last stomach churning flight in the Extra 300LP on arrival.

GOOD LUCK JASON!