Visits

Visit to Air Tanker at RAF Brize Norton

11th April 2025

The event focused on Voyager Force operations and Private Finance Initiative (PFI) arrangements, featuring guided tours of the Air Tanker maintenance hangar and training facility. The programme ran from 0930 to 1330.

The visit was advertised during a March presentation, resulting in a high level of interest and over-subscribed bookings. Ultimately, twenty participants were able to attend. Prior to the event, attendees received a helpful pre-visit programme and clear directions from the host organisation.

The visit was well-received, with content considered excellent by participants. Tours were led by knowledgeable guides who provided insightful commentary. The introductory briefing, delivered by representatives from Air Tanker and RAF 10 Squadron, was described as clear and comprehensive. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions, which were answered thoroughly.

Air Tanker presented branded mementos to all attendees. Following the event, a message of thanks was sent to Geoff Winterbottom and the Air Tanker team on 11 April.

The hangar visit included a close look at a VIP-configured Voyager aircraft, as well as both internal and external inspections of a standard Voyager. At the training facility, while the full flight simulator was unavailable due to being in use, participants enjoyed an excellent demonstration of the procedures trainer.

All briefings were enhanced by well-illustrated slide presentations, which contributed to the overall clarity and success of the event.

Visit to Airbus Helicopters UK - Oxford Airport

19th June 2025

Visit to Airbus Helicopters UK Showcases Industry Excellence

On 19 June 2025, a fully-booked group visit to Airbus Helicopters UK (AHUK) provided attendees with a rare, behind-the-scenes experience at one of the nation’s premier aerospace organisations. Promoted during our May talk, the event attracted 20 enthusiastic participants, all eager to embark on a morning of discovery, learning, and networking.

The day began on a welcoming note, with refreshments served from 9:30am. AHUK staff ensured a smooth start by preparing all visitor documentation in advance, making check-in effortless for everyone.

At 10:00am, the group was greeted by AHUK Managing Director Richard Atack, who delivered a clear and engaging introductory briefing. Supported by well-crafted slides, his presentation outlined the structure of the Airbus organisation and offered valuable insights into the diverse operations at the Oxfordshire site. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions, all of which were answered thoroughly and enthusiastically by the AHUK team.

Following the briefing, participants were divided into two groups for guided tours—one led by Richard Atack and the other by Nick Goodman from Sales and Marketing. The tours provided a comprehensive walkthrough of the business, covering every stage from marketing and offers, through design, manufacture, installation, testing, and certification, to the ongoing support of maintenance and continuing airworthiness of products.

Visitors were particularly impressed by the breadth of activities taking place on site, the wide range of skill sets involved, and the exciting career opportunities available locally within the aerospace sector.

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