Sorry I never managed to put up any pictures yesterday, it was around 2230 before I eventually sat down after getting up around 5 so left the blog until this morning.

The weather was a little more iffy yesterday and as I type this the weather is still not looking too clever.  Sadly the afternoon flights did not take place with low cloud and wind being the main culprit.

Those that went out in the morning certainly seemed to enjoy themselves, in particular, a little boy from Kirkwall called Magnus Henning who came out to the airport with his mum to watch the Rapide take off and land.  Without him knowing, his family bought a ticket to get him on the Rapide and when he found out, the entire airport was treated to the biggest smile imaginable.  It may not show in these pictures as it was a bit different outside with the wind starting to pick up.

We also had a visit from Richard Fresson who is the son of Captain Ted Fresson who was the pioneer for the mail and passenger services to and from Orkney, so I grabbed an opportunity to picture him beside the Rapide, which is the same aircraft as his father flew.

Also the prize draw was held with the star prize being donated by Sheila Fleet jewellery.  Sheila herself came to conduct the draw and Moya Nelson from Birsay was the lucky winner of this beautiful piece.

Finally I will leave you with a few pictures taken through the day, you never know you may recognise yourself.  I know everyone enjoyed themselves but I will let the pictures speak.

I ended up at the King St Hall last night watching an excellent presentation by Richard Fresson followed by Ian Brown from The National Museum of flight.  All things going well, I will be back tonight at 1930 tonight to watch what looks like a very interesting presentation from Robert Foden who does so much for aviation in Orkney.

Hope to see you there, enjoy your day and thanks for taking the time to read.

All the best

Neil 😉

What can I say other than what a fantastic start to the Orkney Aviation Festival.  People started arriving earlier than expected with anticipation of what was to come.

The weather held for most of the day with just a small break while a dreich patch passed through allowing the Scillonia Staff to have a well earned cuppa.

There was an excited buzz around the terminal, in particular from Malcolm Parsons who is the OIC North Isles Airfield Superintendent and also has the accolade of being the first person to check in for the first flight.

AS the morning progressed and the wind direction meant using runway 14, Malcolm was bumped not once but twice and ended up on flight 3.  This was not a problem though as he got the prime seat inside the Rapide and enjoyed his flight immensely.

Thanks for the company Malcolm and have a great holiday in Florida.  I was asked not to use the picture by Moya but hey ho, you know me 🙂

After Shona, Laurie and David arrived (Scillonia), it did not take long until things were under way.

This trip was particularly special for Al Richards who is pictured above in picture 5 as not only was he on the first flight, it was also his birthday treat.  We hope it was most enjoyable.

Then it was the end of the first flight and a photo opportunity.  Here is the first group which includes the Jenkins Family from Nairn and Al.

The next pictures are specially for David Tait who works for BP Northair at the Airport.

I have not photographed everyone, however, the next couple are of Richard and Willie Shearer, great supporters of these events and George Stevenson who was the winner of the Living Orkney competition, I am told.

You may have noticed the attire Richard Shearer was wearing very dapper and appropriate.  Outstanding!

The next picture is just one I liked showing the old and the new in the same picture.

And this one just because I liked it.

Believe it or not at this point, I have just lost half an hours work as it did not save the draft. Happy days, or it was when unexpectedly I was invited to join the last flight of the day along with Liz Harcus, Security Manager.  We jumped at the chance and I took a few pics on the way.

The next two give you an idea of the cabin of the aircraft.  You may notice Ian Brown, Curator of the National Museum of flight unsuccessfully trying to hide from my camera 🙂

All too soon the flight was over and it was my turn to be at the other end of the camera with Liz.

The final photo of today is of the Scillonia Team, David, Shona and Laurie who brought this beautiful aircraft to Orkney and were a delight to work with.

There are a few days to go yet but thanks in particular order go to Moya who organised the visit and arranged the flight for Liz and I, the airport fire service who were a great support when we needed them most.  The Loganair inter island team who could not have done more to help in particular Chris Burton who has recently returned to he airport family.

The hidden hero in this is Davie Berston, Airport Manager who kindly sorted out everything quietly in the background and made it all possible, HIAL and all the sponsors

I will get killed for mentioning him but hey ho 🙂  Maybe not killed but the coffees will be on me tomorrow.

Thanks for taking the time to visit

All the best

Neil 😉

The day is almost upon us and the second Orkney Aviation Festival is upon us.  G-AHAG, the beautiful Dragon Rapide arrived last night after a long journey north and was put to sleep in a cosy hangar thanks to Vic Murphy and his staff from Loganair.

Hopefully I will post some of the best pictures here over the next few days and thank you to the Scillonia Staff for allowing me access to the aircraft.  The weather was a little dreich yesterday but it was a bit brighter today so hope the photos are a little better.

Remember to keep checking here for photos, Kirkwall Airports Facebook page for the latest updates and of course my Orkney Aviation Facebook page where I will share any and all of your pictures for everyone else to enjoy.

Let the fun begin 🙂

The small aircraft pictures are the support aircraft which arrived at the same time namely a Jodel and a Piper Super Cub.  I can’t finish any post without the immortal words “and the inside” so here is the cockpit for those that are interested

Thanks for taking the time to read and enjoy the festival.

All the best

Neil 😉