Latest News from Multiflight
Read all the latest news from Multiflight at Leeds Bradford International Airport.
Home victory hopes dashed for Multiflight-backed racing driver
The Multiflight-backed racing driver Jon Lancaster had his hopes of a home victory dashed at the one-thirds distance of the second Formula 3 Euroseries race at Brands Hatch.
A superb start put Jon seventh but his charge was thwarted by a trip into the gravel on lap 16.
The F3 rookie, who scored his maiden victory at the Nürburgring last time out, started the 48 lap-race from the fifth row. After gaining a place when Christian Vietoris stalled on the grid, the teenager quickly disposed of Koudai Tsukakoshi on lap two.
For 15 laps the 19 year-old kept in touch with multiple race winner and championship leader Nico Hulkenberg until he oversteered off the track at Paddock Hill Bend and into the gravel. However a superb and controlled drive allowed Jon to drive out and rejoin the track in ninth just ahead of Cong Fu Chen.
As the duo entered the Druids hairpin, the Chinese driver left Jon little room, pushing him wide on the exit and demoting the Briton to tenth. On a track on which it is notoriously hard to overtake, Jon managed to hold onto that place to the flag but it was little consolation for the Leeds teenager who had high hopes of scoring a home win in front of the enthusiastic crowd.
“After winning the last round of the Formula 3 Euroseries in Germany and finishing third in the Masters of F3 at Zolder, I came to Brands full of confidence about the possibility of winning at my home track. Before the driveshaft problem in free practice we’d been on the pace but from qualifying onwards we’ve struggled to achieve the results I know I’m capable of.
“We’ve got three weeks now until the next rounds, in Spain, so I’ll be working with the ART Grand Prix Team to ensure we can head into the weekend with the intention of a return to form. The team has done a great job and the car was fantastic. It’s now down to me to ensure I can give them the results they deserve as we approach the final three rounds of the year.”
As in the previous day’s race, Jon finished top Briton of the 26-car entry and now moves to the top of the 2008 Best Rookie series, two points clear of Mika Maki with six rounds remaining.
The BRDC Superstar, in only his second season out of karts, will resume his championship battle in Barcelona on 20/21 September for rounds 15 and 16 of the 20-round championship.
Results of race 2 - 48 laps
- Franck Mailleux Signature-Plus Dallara F308 Volkswagen 34:41.673
- Jean Karl Vernay Signature-Plus Dallara F308 Volkswagen 34:46.832
- Renger van der Zande Prema Powerteam Dallara F308 Mercedes 34:47.348
- Edoardo Mortara Signature-Plus Dallara F308 Volkswagen 34:48.204
- Nico Hulkenberg ART Grand Prix Dallara F308 Mercedes 34:48.385
- Yann Clairay SG Formula Dallara F308 Mercedes 34:51.894
- Henkie Waldschmidt SG Formula Dallara F308 Mercedes 34:52.696
- Koudai Tsukakoshi Manor Motorsport Dallara F308 Mercedes 34:57.150
- Cong Fu Chen RC Motorsport Dallara F308 Mercedes 34:58.144
- Jon Lancaster ART Grand Prix Dallara F308 Mercedes 35:09.936
Multiflight-backed Lancaster takes podium at Masters
Rising British star Jon Lancaster underlined his potential with a stirring third place to finish top Briton in the RTL GP Masters of F3 race at Zolder. Starting from seventh on the grid, the Multiflight-backed driver didn’t put a wheel wrong to get the final podium position, completing a podium lock-out for the ART Grand Prix team.
Although the rain had stopped, the track was wet as the race got underway and a superb start by the 19 year-old allowed him to gain two places off the line and capitalise on an early collision between Renger van der Zande and Koudai Tsukakoshi who both started from the second row. This put the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) Superstar immediately into third behind a fast-starting Jules Bianchi who got the jump on pole-sitter Nico Hulkenberg.
In the opening laps the tricky conditions caught out many of the drivers, leaving cars spinning off all round the track. Jon however drove another faultless race, following his maiden lights-to-flag F3 victory last time out, to keep on terms with the lead duo.
Above: Picture shows Jon in action on the track.
As the race entered the sixth lap the track began to dry and with his Dallara F308 Mercedes and Kumho tyres performing well was able to gradually close down the gap to the leaders. By the midway point Jon had closed up to the tail enders and as they entered the chicane, he was badly held up, costing him six seconds on just one lap.
Despite this he was able to maintain his position and at the flag, Jon had extended his advantage over fourth-placed Mika Maki to nearly six seconds leaving the Leeds teenager happy with his performance on his first ever Masters of F3 appearance.
“I had good traction off the line and made a great start, passing Max Chilton and Stefano Coletti and managed to avoid the collision between van der zande and Tsukakoshi. For the first few laps we were running very close together at the front but as the track dried I didn’t seem to have as much traction as the other two.
“At the midpoint though the car was fantastic and I’d started to close down the gap to Jules and Nico until I started lapping backmarkers on slicks who almost came to a stop at the chicane. That cost me around six seconds on one lap which was a bit frustrating. It was tall order to get a win this weekend, particularly after missing half the testing on Friday so I’m very happy to get a podium finish.
“Once again the ART Grand Prix team did a fantastic job all weekend, the car was brilliant and I’m delighted for them to have got three of their drivers onto the podium. We’ve had two good weekends now, a win last time out and a podium today, so now we head to Brands looking for another win.”
Results of RTL GP Masters of F3 – 28 laps
- Jules Bianchi ART Grand Prix Dallara F308 Mercedes 45:19.275
- Nico Hülkenberg ART Grand Prix Dallara F308 Mercedes 45:23.770
- Jon Lancaster ART Grand Prix Dallara F308 Mercedes 45:39.814
- Mika Mäki Mücke Motorsport Dallara F308 Mercedes 45:46.305
- Brendon Hartley Carlin Motorsport Dallara F308 Mercedes 45:53.445
- Atte Mustonen Räikkönen Robertson Racing Dallara F308 Mercedes 45:59.811
Darren enjoys every second of Multiflight prize flying lesson
When the owner of a Harrogate recruitment agency won a trial helicopter or aeroplane lesson in a free prize draw run by the Multiflight café bar she knew exactly who to give the prize to: her husband of just six weeks.
Newly-wed Debi Grainger, owner of daisy recruitment, at 69a Station Parade, Harrogate, gave the trial flying lesson with Multiflight to husband Darren Ferriday, a trainer/driver for DHL in Tadcaster. Darren chose a helicopter trial flying lesson in a Robinson R22 helicopter, and afterwards he said: “Thanks for a great day at Multiflight. I enjoyed every second.”
Debi said the flying lesson had given Darren a real taste for learning to fly.
Below: Pictures show Darren and Debi and the Multiflight Robinson R22 helicopter.
Faultless maiden F3 victory for Multiflight-backed racing driver in Germany
Multiflight-backed racing driver Jon Lancaster drove a faultless race to take his maiden win in the Formula 3 Euroseries at the Nürburgring.
The 19 year-old F3 rookie was understandably delighted with the result, saying: “Fantastic! To finally score my maiden win in the Formula 3 Euroseries is a great feeling! I have been fast here around the Nürburgring all weekend and have been working hard for this success during the past weeks.”
“It's been a long time coming really so it's quite a relief to finally get that first win under my belt. It's taken a great weight off my shoulders and now we can look forward to hopefully repeating that at Brands. It was a very tough race to be honest. It's great to be able to repay the faith shown in me by Multiflight and all my other sponsors and supporters too.”
Jon was also quick to praise the efforts of the ART Grand Prix team, the outfit that steered Lewis Hamilton to title victory: “The ART Grand Prix team has worked hard all season to give me a great car and the opportunity for victory. I'm delighted to finally be able to give them the result they deserve, which has been on the cards now for a few races.”
Jon's results in rounds 11 and 12 of the 20-round series, has moved him up to eighth overall in the championship standings ahead of his 'home' race, at Brands Hatch at the end of August.
Championship positions after 12 rounds:
1. Edoardo Mortara 40, Nico Hulkenberg 39
3. Mika Mäki 36
4. Renger v d Zande 31
5. Jules Bianchi 29
6. Christian Vietoris 21
7. Yann Clairay 20
8. Jon Lancaster 19
Above: Picture shows Jon leading the race and standing victorious on the podium
Harrogate businesswoman Debi delighted to win Multiflight prize
28th July 2008
The owner of a Harrogate recruitment agency is flying high after winning a trial helicopter or aeroplane lesson in a free prize draw run by the Multiflight café bar.
Debi Grainger, owner of daisy recruitment, at 69a Station Parade, Harrogate, was thrilled when told her name had been drawn out as the winner of the trial flying lesson with Multiflight.
Newly-wed Debi, who lives in Knaresborough with her husband, Darren Ferriday, said: “It’s a great prize and perfect for my husband of just six weeks, Darren. He will love the opportunity to take to the skies and give flying a go.”
Debi and Darren, a trainer/driver for DHL in Tadcaster, are looking forward to the flight at Multiflight, booked for early August.
“Learning to fly is a dream for many people and now Darren will be able to get a taste of what it’s like,” said Debi.
Debi entered the prize draw during a visit to meet friends at the Multiflight café bar, which has been transformed in a major refurbishment scheme.
Above: Pictures show the free prize draw taking place, with Multiflight Flight Training Centre Manager Mike Mckenzie and Bryony Redwood-Turner from the café bar team, and newly-weds Debi and Darren.
Multiflight chosen to provide flight training for UK's largest independent cargo carrier
The Multiflight Flight Training Centre has been selected to provide flight training for cadet pilots for the UK's largest independent cargo carrier, Atlantic Airlines.
Multiflight is delighted to have been selected from a host of other UK flight training centres to run Atlantic Airlines' Cadet Pilot Programme/Sponsorship Scheme.
Above: Russell Ladkin and Andy Todd, Multiflight's Head of Training and Chief Flying Instructor, shaking hands to mark the partnership between Multiflight Flight Training Centre and Atlantic Airlines.
“We are very pleased to have been chosen by Atlantic Airlines to run the selection and training of their cadets,” said Mike McKenzie, Multiflight Flight Training Centre Manager.
“It's testament to the quality of the flight training provided at Multiflight and the caliber of the flight training team here that we have been selected above other UK flight training centres.”
Russell Ladkin, Managing Director of Atlantic Airlines, commented: “Multiflight is a first class flight training centre and the perfect partner to run our cadet pilot scheme. We know the scheme is in safe and trusted hands and that our cadet pilots will receive flight training of the very highest standard.”
The Atlantic Airlines Cadet Pilot Programme/Sponsorship Scheme is designed to take aspiring trainee pilots who currently hold a valid Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) and whom can meet rigorous selection criteria, to the issue of a full Airline Transport Pilot's Licence (ATPL) and Instrument Rating (IR).
“The Atlantic Airlines' sponsorship scheme offers a unique possibility to determined young individuals, said Mike.
“It is funded entirely up front by Atlantic Airlines, with 50 per cent of the initial training costs later repaid by the pilot: but only after they have graduated from the programme and are working and being paid as a First Officer with the airline. All successful cadets are employed with Atlantic Airlines on completion of the programme, which includes both type and line training, as a Commercial Pilot on one of Atlantic Airlines' aircraft types.”
Multiflight will welcome its first group of Atlantic Airlines' cadet pilots in the autumn. Anyone interested in taking part in the scheme should contact the Flight Training School for more information and complete an application form.
Atlantic Airlines, which is based at Coventry Airport, is an all cargo airline offering ad hoc and contract cargo services throughout Europe. It works mainly for the Express Cargo Industry and its customers include TNT, DHL and Royal Mail. Specialist services include support aircraft for oil spill response and the carriage of bloodstock and other high value time critical products. Its current principle fleet features nine BAe Systems ATP aircraft, with two more scheduled for 2009 delivery, and seven Lockheed L188/C Electra.
New Instructor
The Multiflight Flight Training Centre welcomes new instructor Scott Mackie.
Instructors Ben Young and Gavin Kershaw are leaving us for pastures new. Gavin is joining Ryanair as a First Officer and Ben is joining the military training organisation Babcock as an instructor. We wish them both well for the future.
Multiflight sources two helicopters for Australian company
Multiflight has sourced two helicopters: an AS350B and an AS350BA, for an Australian aerospace company.
Asia Pacific Aerospace (APA) has taken delivery of the two aircraft, which both underwent engineering work at the Multiflight engineering facility before transfer overseas. Following there conversion by Asia Pacific Aerospace, the helicopters: one of which has undergone a 350FX2 upgrade, the second operating as a straight BA, were ferried from Australia Brisbane to Papau New Guinea where they will be based and operated by APA.
Above: Picture shows one of the helicopters on the beach on Thursday Island during the ferry flight to Papau New Guinea.
Multiflight expands charter fleet to meet demand
Multiflight has expanded its helicopter charter fleet to meet the growing demand for its charter service.
Multiflight has added a Eurocopter AS355 F2, single pilot IFR, to its fleet and is awaiting the arrival of a second nine-seater Dauphin AS365 helicopter. The new charter aircraft join Multiflight's existing fleet, which includes an AS365, AS350 and an R44.
Above: Pictures show the latest addition to Multiflight's expanding charter fleet: the Eurocopter AS355 F2.
“There has been a significant increase in demand for Multiflight's charter service as more and more people choose the ease and flexibility of helicopter travel,” said Multiflight's Helicopter Operations Manager Linda Nicholls.
“For anyone wanting to make the most of their time and avoid the stress of airport queues and the ever-increasing delays on the road and rail system, private aircraft charter is becoming the way to travel.”
Multiflight's charter helicopters are perfect for corporate rental or for days out to destinations such as York Races, Royal Ascot, Cheltenham Races, Wimbledon or Twickenham, or to a wedding or other special event.
“We are the only operator in the North of England that will be able to offer two luxurious Dauphin AS365 helicopters,” said Linda.
Property company flies high with Multiflight
UK property management company Evander Properties Limited found the perfect way to take 20 agents from all over the country to view three industrial sites in the same day: three helicopters organised by Multiflight.
As part of a relaunch of some of their larger industrial units, Evander Properties called on ProAir UK Limited to organise helicopters to take the agents on a tour of the three sites. The visits were planned for one morning and were to include a lunch venue and return to the agents' pick up points. ProAir UK contacted Multiflight to help with the day and the Multiflight team did the rest.
“We contacted Multiflight to provide suitable helicopters knowing that they had a nine-seat Dauphin helicopter, but they were also able to offer sufficient helicopters to complete the whole lift,” said Alex Durand, ProAir UK Managing Director.
“Multiflight quickly investigated the sites, put together a realistic schedule, and provided a number of suggestions regarding departure locations and lunch venues. They were flexible enough to accommodate changes to dates and schedules whilst clearly communicating any operating restrictions and potential weather problems.
“They demonstrated great professionalism throughout and on the day closely co-ordinated with another operator (East Midlands Helicopters) so that all three helicopters from London, The Midlands and Manchester arrived at the first site within one minute of each other. Thereafter they flew in formation, and the feedback from Evander was that it could not have gone better.”
Alex continued: “I would have no hesitation in recommending Multiflight's charter services. Both their pilots and charter operations department exhibited in-depth knowledge of their industry and a highly professional approach at all times.”
Multiflight's Helicopter Operations Manager Linda Nicholls, who looked after and co-ordinated the charter, said: “This was a challenging charter in terms of landings and logistics, but everything went extremely smoothly on the day. I organised lunch for the passengers of the three helicopters at the Star Inn at Harome and all the feedback we have had about the day has been extremely positive.
“Helicopters were the perfect choice for taking agents from all over the country to view three different sites in a single day and the sight of three helicopters landing within seconds of each other and flying in formation is certainly an impressive sight.” Pictures show the Evander Properties' helicopter charter day.
Congratulations
Congratulations to everyone celebrating PPL, CPL, IR, MCC and FIC passes:
PPL: Darryll Marsden, Roman Krol, Joseph Edge, Richard Chadwick, Nick Close, Martin Thomas and John Sharp.
CPL: Greg Perkin and Simon Jackson.
MCC: Paul Carsley
IR: Neil Heaney, Alasdair Macgregor, Paul Carsley and Guy Stockley.
FIC: Scott Mackie and Mohammed Nanawadee.
Thank you!
A big thank you goes to everyone at Multiflight for passing their used toner cartridges for recycling
The points awarded to us from our first two collections amounts to £45.75, which will go directly to our chosen charity Yorkshire Cancer Research
Multiflight Flight Training Centre BBQ nights take off!
The first barbecue of summer 2008 was a great success, attracting lots of people keen to try out the café bar's new outdoor barbecue area. Pictures show the inaugural barbecue.
Multiflight-backed racing driver takes first F3 podium
The Leeds racing sensation Jon Lancaster took a well-deserved first ever Formula Three podium at Pau.
The 19-year-old Multiflight-sponsored driver, racing in the F3 Euroseries, took third place in the first race at Pau and, after struggling with a lack of grip in tricky conditions in the second race, held on to seventh place in the second race: once again finishing top rookie.
Above: Pictures show Jon and his F3 car.
After gaining his podium place Jon said: “I'm absolutely over the moon. I've shown in practice, qualifying and now the race that I can mix it with the more experienced opposition.
“Now I'm really looking forward to the next round of the championship where hopefully we'll be able to capitalise on what we've learnt here this weekend.”
Jon is certainly intent on making an impression in his first season in Formula 3 in his ART car. Last year he had a stunning run of wins in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 series and took second place on the championship podium.
Going into the season he knew it was going to be difficult: competing against many second and third year Formula 3 drivers, but he was undeterred.
Recently selected as a British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) Superstar, Jon is now looking to his next F3 Euroseries outing which will be at the Norisring circuit in Nuremberg, Germany: over the weekend of 28/29 June.
Good luck Jon!
For more information go to www.f3euroseries.com or www.jonlancasterracing.com
Former military pilots praise Multiflight's resettlement training
For former military pilots wishing to undertake resettlement training, Multiflight is the perfect choice
Our Resettlement Programme, spearheaded by Steve Walshaw, is Enhanced Learning Credit Approved and offers financial assistance for those undertaking many of the courses within the programme. Multiflight is also a preferred Armed Forces supplier through the Career Transition Partnership and is the only flight training centre in the country with this approval.
Above: Pictures show Eric and Greg.
Two people who have direct experience of Multiflight's resettlement training are Eric Wealleans and Greg House. Both praise the courses on offer and the high standard of training provided.
Retired PA Sqn Ldr Eric Wealleans would have no hesitation recommending Multiflight to anyone contemplating leaving the military and studying for their civilian licences.
“Multiflight, as a ‘Preferred Supplier' for MOD resettlement, in co-operation with their approved academic training provider Bristol Ground School, had the total package required to enable me to go from RAF fast jet pilot to Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL) (frozen Airline Transport Pilot's Licence (ATPL)), utilising the QSP(A) scheme, in six months,” said Eric.
Eric, who gave 32 years service in the RAF, which incorporated 7,000 flying hours spent on Buccaneer, Hunter and Hawk, operating as QWI, IRE, ACI/L and ACO, continued: “They have the knowledge and expertise both administratively – which ensured that I was able to utilise my Enhanced Learning Credits and resettlement entitlements effectively, and operationally to guarantee a smooth transition towards a civilian flying career.
“The professional, friendly staff were approachable at all times and the facilities both on the ground (fixed base simulator) and in the air allowed me to achieve the standards required for both the Skill Test and the IRT.
“Multiflight's Multi Crew Co-operation (MCC) Course utilises the experience of instructors, all in current flying practice: from diverse backgrounds, who were able to tailor their teaching methods to the experience/needs of the individual students. This ensured that the transition from single-seat flying to multi-pilot/crew operations was achieved efficiently in a constructive learning environment.”
Greg House, who completed part of his resettlement training at Multiflight, praises the high standard of training and excellent facilities at Multiflight's Flight Training Centre.
“Having completed an Instrument Rating (IR) at Multiflight as part of my resettlement, I would recommend the school without hesitation to any military pilot looking to complete their civilian licences.”
He added: “The instruction was of a high standard, tailored to my individual needs and the programme was flexible to fit in with personal requirements. The facilities at Multiflight are excellent: their newly-opened building offers a positive learning environment and the on-site catering is second-to-none.
“Multiflight is a preferred supplier to the Career Transition Partnership and is registered with ELCAS (Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service) which means you can use your Enhanced Learning Credits to help pay for the training. In short, Multiflight offers a well-structured, professional and friendly package and I am grateful to all the staff for their pro-active approach to my training.”
