An Introduction by the PAFRA Chairman - Terry Trott  

To all Pilots and Friends of Rochester Airport. The Airport committee was formed shortly after Rochester Airport Plc was granted a 4 year lease of the airport on  13th January 1999. We wanted to co-ordinate flying and social activities and encourage the local community to make use of the airfield, which had not been widely accessible to them in the past. A new Club was formed "PAFRA". We are now quite established and we would welcome new members (see below).

 The first few years were very busy ones with many events, all very successful due to the willing help and positive responses from so many of you.
 Thanks to everyone.

Our first initiatives were to:

• Provide some suitable accommodation for the benefit of all Pilots & Supporters
• Promote flying activities for the benefit of the pilots and community.
• Raise funds for continuation of the Airport
• Improve facilities
• Provide benefits to resident and pilots by way of a social calendar of events and other activities conducive to the encouragement of flying and aviation related activities.
• Support and steer the objectives of the operating company at Rochester Airport. Advise them of strategies, ideas and benefits that may become apparent to the members of the flying club during the course of their activities. - Still offering advice !

One of the most difficult issues is the the provision and siting of a new clubhouse and computer briefing facility. Many possibilities were considered during the first few years including moving a hut to the car park, building a steel stansion to elevate a hut above the car-park, renovating the rifle range on the Eastern side of the airport and purchasing a Portakabin. All of the suggestions were costed and were found to be quite expensive. Since our long-term future at the airport is unknown, it was decided that PAFRA members would expand and renovate the existing Café building, until we have a more certain future to perhaps allow construction of a purpose built facility, perhaps in the forthcoming year.

This coming year, 2008, will be another busy time with a variety of Flying activities from talks to fly-ins, quizes and social events.

Many thanks again for all your support and let us hope that 2008 brings good news for the long-term security and improvement strategy of our communities airport. The committee wish you all a safe and enjoyable year.

 We hope that you will join PAFRA and support the Airport as a Member (£16 P.A). Below is an application form. Please complete and either hand in at the Airport or send it to John Luck Treasurer. 

Terry Trott

Chairman

Pilots and Friends of Rochester Airport

Membership Application form

The aims of the Rochester Flying Club are:

• To promote all forms of aviation interest at Rochester Airport

• To bring together those who have an interest in aviation and retaining the Airport

• To raise funds and to improve the facilities for users of Rochester Airport.

• To achieve these ends through an ongoing programme of meetings, fly-ins and events, and through such media as newsletters, web pages and membership lists.

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I hereby apply for membership of the Pilots And Friends of Rochester Flying Club, and enclose a cheque for £16 in respect of my first year's membership, payable to PAFRA.

 The information supplied will be used to compile a membership directory for issue to members. Please supply contact details, and indicate your preferred method of contact.

Personal Details

Name:

Address:

Phone:............................... Fax:............................ E-mail:.....................................

I prefer to be contacted by: E-mail [ ] Fax [ ] Post [ ]

Licence / Ratings

PPL(A) [ ] Night [ ] IMC [ ] Instructor [ ] Instrument [ ]

PPL(D) [ ] Glider [ ] Float [ ] Twin [ ] Student [ ]

Hours as P1

Under 100 [ ] 100-250 [ ] More than 250 [ ]

Aircraft

Own [ ] Share [ ] Rent [ ]

Aviation Interests

Touring UK [ ] Touring Europe [ ] PFA & Permit aircraft [ ]

Aerobatics [ ] Forming a syndicate [ ] Spotting [ ] Air Displays [ ]

Please return to John Luck C/O 395 London Rd Aylesford Kent ME20 7QA