On 29, the Aircraft Owners and PilotsAssociation (AOPA) Malta, organised a flight out to Reggio Calabria for its members. The flight consisted of five locally based aircraft, these being a Diamond DA40, a Diamond DA20, A Cessna 172, an Aerocommander 112 and a Twin Beach Baron all piloted by Maltese crews. The day was marked with clear blue skies and ‘CAVOK’ weather which was topped up with a hearty meal by the seaside and a scrumptious taste of Calabrian ice cream, the local vino was strictly reserved for passengers only. The trip served to polish up on the pilots’ navigational skills and Ivan X. Gatt President of AOPA (Malta) who was responsible for the trip’s logistics has promised similarly planned flight outs in the coming months and highlights the fact that AOPA’s primary role is to enhance the brotherhood of flying and encourages membership.

It was indeed a memorable day sprinkled with much laughter and many tales of the air. Special thanks goes to MIA for organising our flawless land-based transport requirements to and from the terminal, MATS ATC for their unfailing patience and finally the airport officials at Reggio Calabria.