Chief pilot adopts high-flying companion (From Evesham Journal)

Chief pilot adopts high-flying companion

11:33am Friday 19th September 2008 in News

ONE of Cotswold Falconry Centre’s most impressive birds, a European Black Kite, has been adopted as a flying buddy by Avon Air Centre at Wellesboune airfield.

Avon Air Centre chief pilot Ken Mitchell was so impressed by the falconry centre and the kite’s flying skills that he decided to adopt the bird on behalf of his company.

Mr Mitchell said: “I’ve been flying for 18 years but no pilot and place can compete with the natural and graceful flying abilities that these birds display.

“Soaring high above, sometimes up to 1,000ft, then gliding back to the falconer’s hand and landing so accurately and gently was just amazing to see.”

He now aims to include full details of his new flying buddy in his own in-flight information to make sure his scenic flight passengers know where the kite can be seen.

“Hopefully they will then visit the Cotswold Falconry Centre and appreciate another great flying experience and see for themselves the excellent education and conservation activities which go on there,” he said.