Hmmm.... now this has got me thinking! Ulster Aviation Society Visit May 8th

Pat Dunne

I was looking at westdub's photos http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=98801571&postcount=4222 from his recent visit to the Ulster Aviation Society's wonderful exhibition near Lisburn and this got me thinking

Why don't we try and organise a Boards A&A day trip, perhaps in May or June.

Let me know what you think.

crosstownk

Myself and a buddy would certainly be interested if the date is suitable.

PukkaStukka

Yep, I'd be interested!

martinsvi

if it happens at weekend/bank holiday, then I would be interested.

ScouseMouse

Definately! A step up from our visit to Baldonnel.

squonk

Sounds like a nice trip! I'd be up for it if it was a weekend.

Noxegon

I'd be up for that if it's a bank holiday (I work Saturdays).

Pat Dunne

Great folks thanks for the response and letting me know what suits people.

Based on what I reading here it looks like a Sunday would suit most people.

I have sent an email to the UAS, asking about the availability of tours on Sunday's during the months of May & June.

Just to let everyone know in advance there is a charge for the tour, which is based on numbers, details of which are as follows

Payment
We will require a payment to arrange your tour, by cash or cheque (payable to Ulster Aviation Society) to be made on the day of your visit. Charges are scaled according to group size:-
Up to 10 visitors - £30; 11-20 visitors - £50; 21-30 - £70; 31 to 40 - £90; 41-50 - £110
Over 50 people – negotiable, by prior written agreement only.
NB Charges are based on the larger of number indicated on booking form or actual number on the day
http://www.ulsteraviationsociety.org/download/i/mark_dl/u/4007043072/4599303099/Group%20visit%20T&C%20Aug%202013.pdf

Here's a link to the UAS website to wet your appetites
http://www.ulsteraviationsociety.org/welcome/4534001220

islanderre

Pencil me in too please..... all going well I would love to attend if dates suit as I work shift.....

Cheers Pat

Pat Dunne

Just to give everyone an update, I received a response from the UAS regarding the possibility of a Sunday tour.

Visiting the Ulster Aviation Society
Tuesday 23-02-16 20:47

Hi Pat

Many thanks for contacting the society. We would love to have your group visit us.

Visits are available on a Sunday but only in the afternoon from 2PM onwards.

We have over 25 aircraft in the hangar from a full size replica Spitfire to a WW2 Grumman Wildcat fighter under restoration to a full size replica German V1 flying bomb. We also have extensive exhibits and displays covering WW2 an NI's part in that.

Numerous other aircraft include 3 different helicopters which visitors can climb into, jet fighters, jet bombers and a range of civilian aircraft, engine exhibits and displays of ejector seats invented by Northern Ireland's own Sir James Martin of the Martin Baker company.

We have a display and 1/3 scale model of Harry Ferguson's own plane which he designed, built and flew only a few years after the Wright Brothers. Lots of local history to celebrate.

If you decide to go ahead with a visit we will need you to complete and return our visit booking form (attached). (for various boring legalistic reasons it is essential to have a signature to confirm the booking). You can either post the completed and signed form (address on form) or you may prefer to scan the signed form and email it back to myself. Please be aware that new bookings arrive with us all the time and we operate a strictly first come first served regime based on the arrival of the completed forms.

I have also attached a copy of our group visit T&C (which includes payment information) and a location map. Other documentation including risk assessments etc. can be obtained from our website www.ulsteraviationsociety.org

Visits normally last 1.5 to 2 hours.

Costs are as follows:
up to 10 people - £30
11 to 20 people - £50
21 to 30 people - £70
31 to 40 people - £90
41 to 50 people - £110
over 50 be arrangement

Please note that we close the hangar during December, January and February as it is simply too cold for visitors. You can book any week day or a Saturday assuming there are no other bookings for that date/time.

We advise all visitors to wrap up warmly during colder weather as the hangar is unheated.

I hope you will find your visit most enjoyable

I hope that we will see you and your group along shortly and let me know if you need anything more.

Regards, John

So what do you all think?

Sunday's in May are as follows 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th.

Its over to you guys to come up with a suggested date, I'd like to send a response as soon as possible, so we have a better chance of getting our preferred date.

My own personal suggestion is Sunday May 8th.

Noxegon

Sunday 8th May would work for me + partner.

If there's any leeway in the scheduling we'd prefer 3:00pm but we can make an earlier time if that's what the group prefers.

BeardySi

7th or 8th would suit me, any excuse for a visit to those guys!

PukkaStukka

Sunday 29th May is no good for me I'm afraid but by all means go ahead with that date if suits everyone else.

martinsvi

here's another vote for 8th

Pat Dunne

OK folks, can I seek clearance to file a flight plan for flight BOARDSA&A to UAS on Sunday 8th May, at 14:00?

There won't be a problem leaving the PAX list open up until the week before the "flight", so the more the merrier.

Stealthirl

Im in and im sure a friend would be aswell so +2 please Cpt Pat

weldon

I also would be interested in attending this.

crosstownk

Pat Dunne wrote: »

There won't be a problem leaving the PAX list open up until the week before the "flight", so the more the merrier.

That suits me perfectly as I won't know for certain until a week or two beforehand due to kids sporting fixtures.

Pat Dunne

Just to let everyone know, that I have sent off the Group Visit booking form to UAS, requesting Sunday May 8th at 2:00pm.

As soon as I get a response I'll let everyone know.

If you could send me a PM confirming your visit, along with how many will be travelling with you.

Pat Dunne

I can now confirm that our visit to the Ulster Aviation Society Collection and Hangar, is on for Sunday May 8th at 2:00pm.

Please remember to send me a PM to confirm that you will be in our tour group.

Looking forward to meeting up on the day.

From: webmaster@ulsteraviationsociety
Date: 4 March 2016 at 08:25:14 GMT
To: Pat Dunne
Subject: Confirmation of UAS Group Visit - Sun. 8th May @ 14:00 Boards.ie Aviation & Aircraft Forum
Hi Pat

Many thanks for booking a group visit with the Ulster Aviation Society.

Your completed booking form has been received and we look forward to your group visiting our collection in May.

Please make your way to the main security gate (numbered 3) for the Maze site where you will be met by a member of the society and escorted to the hangar.

I would also advise to wrap up warm as the hangar is unheated with a cold concrete floor, even in May.

I trust you will have a most enjoyable visit.

Regards, John

_Tombstone_

Is it any good? Any one been before?

Pat Dunne

Thanks you, to everyone who sent me a PM for inclusion on the trip.

There are still places available, so don't hesitate putting your name on the visitors list by just sending me a PM.

Looking forward to this one.

Pat Dunne

This YouTube clip from UAS will give you a flavour of our upcoming visit.

arubex

_Tombstone_ wrote: »

Is it any good? Any one been before?

It's pretty good, especially the collection of paraphenalia like the sales models and missiles. There are also some little annex rooms with collections of ROC artifacts and radio gear.

I've been a couple of times and found it's best to ask if you can just wander around yourself; if you look sensible they're happy with that. If you take the alternative 'guided tour' option they spend most of the time talking about the Canberra and (fake) Spitfire and shuffle quickly past the other things.


The sad old 330 at the back of the hangar needs your love

Pat Dunne

_Tombstone_ wrote: »

Is it any good? Any one been before?

I can't really say, as I have never been to the UAS Hangar and Museum myself.
However, based on westdubs photos http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=98801571&postcount=4222 and the UAS website http://www.ulsteraviationsociety.org/ , I'm certainly willing to give it a go.

BeardySi

_Tombstone_ wrote: »

Is it any good? Any one been before?

I was at their last open day and it was brilliant. They've a brilliant collection and lots of well informed volunteers. An now they've got a Phantom Am most definitely looking forward to this visit...

Silver Breeze

Irish Times article about UAS:
http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/those-magnificent-ulster-men-and-their-flying-machines-1.2585835

Pat Dunne

If you are interested in taking part in our trip to the UAS Hangar, near Lisburn, Co. Down, on Sunday May 8th, just send me a PM with your name.

A number of people have also offered places in their cars for anyone without transport, so let me know if you need a lift.

Really looking forward to the day.

Pat Dunne

Just to let everyone know the deadline is a approaching for having your name included on the Boards.ie A&A members visit to the UAS Hangar near Lisburn on Sunday May 8th.

I will be sending the completed list of visitors to UAS on Wednesday April 27th, so if you haven't already sent me your details please do so as soon as possible.

Members who have already contacted me with their details do not need to do so.

Looking forward to a great day at UAS.

crosstownk

I expressed an interest in this earlier for me and a friend. Unfortunately, my friend is in hospital at the moment and won't be in a position to go and I'll wait to do it with him when he recovers.

Not this time, Pat. I'll keep an eye out for future events.

ScouseMouse

crosstownk wrote: »

I expressed an interest in this earlier for me and a friend. Unfortunately, my friend is in hospital at the moment and won't be in a position to go and I'll wait to do it with him when he recovers.

Not this time, Pat. I'll keep an eye out for future events.

Same with me I am afraid. Sorry Pat

Pat Dunne

crosstownk wrote: »

I expressed an interest in this earlier for me and a friend. Unfortunately, my friend is in hospital at the moment and won't be in a position to go and I'll wait to do it with him when he recovers.

Not this time, Pat. I'll keep an eye out for future events.

ScouseMouse wrote: »

Same with me I am afraid. Sorry Pat

Cheers Guys, thanks for letting me know. Will let you all know about our next adventure.

Pat Dunne

Hi All
Just to let you know we are all set for this Sunday May 8th. Our tour starts at 2:00pm, however we have asked to be at the main gate at 1:45pm for check in.

I have a link to directions https://www.google.ie/maps/dir//Halftown+Rd,+Lisburn,+United+Kingdom/@54.4920297,-6.0972788,11z/data=!4m5!4m4!1m0!1m2!1m1!1s0x4861037304935da3:0xd55d9204544e3bce?hl=en-ie

Please remember there is an admission fee and this will depend on our final group size but won't exceed £3.00 person.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday.

BeardySi

Legged it down to Galway for the match, but barring extensive celebrations I hope to be back up in time for this.

Pat Dunne

What can I say but, WOW WOW WOW!

Hard to believe that this collection of aircraft is less than 90 mins from Dublin and is almost unknow to most aviathion enthusiasts in this part of the world. Get yourself there without further delay!

For those who couldn't make it today, you missed a superb collection of aircraft, presented by the nicest bunch of fellow aviation enthusiasts you're likely to ever encounter.

A really big thanks to our guides today 10 out of the 10 guys it was a genuine pleasure.

weldon

Totally agree. It was a great show around! very very impressive collection and super guys full of knowledge too! Thanks again for organising Pat!

BeardySi

Was raging I couldn't make it - lost my car keys and spent the day trying to get the spares down from Belfast

islanderre

Finally back in Galway!!!!!!!

Great day and the guides were a great genuine group...... Could easily spend another day there to fully soak it all in.

Thanks for organising Pat.

Islanderre

Pat Dunne

WTF trying to load photos but there seems to changes since the new version of boards has come on stream.


https://flic.kr/p/GYVSr4

Stealthirl

So annoyed i missed it,but a mains pipe in work burst as i was passing Sword's so i was called back to help deal with it :mad: