Mission 2596: Armidale/Bankstown/Armidale

Initial Trip Request

Delena and her one year old daughter Finlay needed to travel to the Sydney Childrens Hospital for Finlay to have a Kidney Stent removed. The family have recently lost their husband/father and are facing financial hardship as well as a very long road journey to make this surgery. This Angel flight helped to make life a little easier for them at this difficult time.

Angel Flight Leg 1

Pilot: Gary Weeks
(29th Angel flight)

Earth Angel: Charlie Pidcock
(3rd Angel flight)

Gary's Comments:
"Well it was a pretty wet day in the eastern half of NSW today. I departed Camden for Armidale early this morning to enable me to catch up with an old family friend who also happens to be the friendly Shell refueller in Armidale.

It was still dark as I became airborne and I was into cloud within a minute or so after takeoff. My flight north to Armidale at 10,000ft was smooth but I spent the majority of the time in cloud with just an occasional view of the ground well below. Before I had reached Richmond, Air Traffic Control had already cleared me direct to Armidale. I guess there wasn't much traffic at that time of the morning but it is great to see ATC looking after us Angel Flight aircraft.

After conducting the 05 RNAV into Armidale I was met by John Nicholls who works for Armidale Airways and looks after the Shell fuel trucks in Armidale. John learnt to fly back in the 60's in Inverell with my Dad so it was great to catch up again.

My passengers Delena and Finlay were waiting for me in the main passenger terminal with their family. Finlay's older brother is mad keen on Trains and wants to drive trains when he grows up, but after looking around the aircraft briefly with his Nan he may change his mind and become a pilot instead.

After a brief chat I loaded the bag, pram and fitted the car seat into the aircraft. I managed a few photos prior to loading the passengers and getting underway. The weather in Armidale for departure was quiet good in comparison to Bankstown and Camden as it was, at the time, dry with a main cloud base of about 2000ft.

I had planned the southbound leg at 9000ft but again climbed to 10,000ft in the hope of being able to get above some of the cloud. Unfortunately that wasn't possible and we spent the entire flight in cloud and rain with not even a glimpse of the ground during this leg. We popped out of the cloud at about 800ft on finals into Bankstown. The ride was surprisingly smooth and I was able to find time to fix both Delena and myself a coffee and a couple of biscuits during our flight south. Finlay was content and happily fell asleep shortly after departure.

After unloading the gear we were met by Charlie our Earth Angel who was ready to take Delena and Finlay to Randwick. I hope the Sydney traffic was not too bad this morning. Finlay is a lovely happy little girl who enjoyed her flight in the plane today.

A most enjoyable day out in solid single pilot IFR conditions today, with 3 out of 3 IFR approaches being required which is always good fun.

An absolute pleasure to be able to help out. Thanks for the opportunity."

Angel Flight Leg 2

Pilot: John Emerson
(24th Angel flight)

Earth Angel: Charlie Pidcock
(4th Angel flight)

John's Comments:
"The mission was completed yesterday afternoon on schedule. It was a smooth flight but with some rain and cloud. Low cloud over Armidale cleared shortly before our arrival allowing a visual approach. Delena's father was there to meet us."