This year's event - Fly-UK 2009

The plan

"To Fly by Day and Socialise by Night"

Following the pattern of past years, we will meet up on the Friday afternoon/evening for an evening meal and to meet old and new friends.

Saturday morning starts with a briefing and then the challenge begins! Within a week we hope to have followed the east coast to John O'Groats, crossed the Highlands, visited the spectacular west coast of Scotland, toured Northern Ireland, climbed over the Lake District, followed the Welsh coast, crossed the Bristol Channel and seen Lundy, then to Lands End, tracked the South Coast and much, much more.

The sea crossing to Northern Ireland keeps the spirit of a true UK-wide event and some may choose to take this route. However alternative routes staying on the mainland can be followed. I recommend the thrills of a low level flight around the beaches and headlands of this northern coast with its stunning scenery. If you are adventurous there may also be opportunities to visit Orkney, Lundy and even Scilly.

As usual, some flexibility may be required to this plan, but if the weather allows we will reach both John O'Groats and Land's End before finishing at an unknown destination!

The 2009 dates

Friday 19th June			Initial meeting place and first overnight stop
- to -
Saturday 27th June			Destination, barbecue and evening entertainment
Sunday 28th June			Depart

Anyone who wants to join this adventure but who cannot be at the start is invited to join us on the route. Be a part of the Fly-UK team and see the country.

The start location

The start location is to be in the 'Midlands' as usual
Details will be forward to registered participants closer to the event

Following a light hearted complaint from last year the start airfield this year is very firmly on the Southern 1:500,000 map. No straying into the 'North Midlands' for the start this year!

Camping is recommended. There will be plenty of room - either next to your aircraft or in more sheltered spots.

The Destination

Breaking with tradition, this year we do not finish at the Isle of Wight but will meet for a social event on the Saturday evening.

The Route One of the expectations of the participants in this event is the attempt at reaching both Land's End and John O'Groats during the week, and this year we will meet that challenge yet again. In recent years several pilots have also crossed the water to Orkney and there may be an opportunity to do the same again this year, but how far we get is dependent upon the weather. With over 40 aircraft and 60 people expected to take part this will be an event to remember. Participants will be advised of the airfields which are expecting us nearer to the time. As in previous years, much of the 2009 trip will be near the coast and some over-water legs may be quite long, so please bring a lifejacket and take any other precautions that you consider necessary. The route shown here is only indicative. Weather and events often conspire to bring changes to our plans!