It seems like this year’s not looking like it’s going to be great year for flying or many other outdoor activities. Certainly not for the first half and possibly somewhat longer. It is with great disappointment I have now decided that I must postpone Fly-UK 2020 in June. This will come as a surprise to no-one and was becoming somewhat inevitable, but I have been holding off a final decision until things became clearer with the COVID-19 situation.

Airfields are now closing to all but essential users, and staff are working from home. Realistically it will be difficult to re-organise the trip at short notice even if we miraculously begin to come out of this period of lockdown by June. My best guess is that social distancing measures will remain in place for some time after lockdown ends and this will make our essentials of camping, eating and fuel difficult.

I will continue to follow developments, and may try to arrange a (likely smaller) event once the situation subsides later in the year.

Charity

Every year we raise a considerable sum of money for the Children with Cancer charity. With many tightening their belts to get through this and similar events cancelled charities are likely to suffer from reduced incomes this year. We’re extremely privileged to be able to fly. If you feel you can afford to, please consider still making a donation in a similar manner to that you would have had the trip gone ahead. Think about how much you’ve already saved in fuel! Charity page.

Refunds

Shortly before Coronavirus hit the headlines, I soft-launched registration. About thirty of you paid your registration fees and ordered caps and t-shirts before I temporarily disabled new registrations as COVID-19 accelerated. I’ll refund these payments through PayPal over the next few days.

I wish you all the best. Stay safe. See you on the other side.

Mat

In light of the current COVID-19 situation, I'm suspending registration and the Fly-UK shop for the time being. We'll see what happens over the next couple of weeks but given the timing of expected travel restrictions, etc. I'm currently minded to postpone the event.

Website registration, including t-shirt and cap orders are now live.

It's January. It's a new decade. Fly-UK planning is in progress.

Over the next few weeks, expect the website to fully reflect 2020 and for registration to open. Existing participants will be notified by email.

Rough schedule:

• Early Mar: Registration open.
• 1st May: Confirm your registration, pay your entry fee, order t-shirts and caps.
• 24th May: Last clothing orders.
• 7th June: Route available.
• 9th June: Last registration date.
• 19th June: Trip starts.