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Gala Launch at the new IAA headquarters - Irish Times Building

As mentioned briefly last month, Flying in Ireland were invited to the prestigious launch of the second edition of Kevin Glynn's VFR Flight Guide by the Irish Aviation Authority. The gala event was hosted by the IAA and was attended by over seventy invited guests representing all sections of aviation in Ireland. Attendees included Anne Nolan (Chairman IAA), Ray Conway, (Chief Pilot, Ryanair) Brigadier General Paul Fry, (Irish Air Corps) Pearse Cahill, (Formerly IONA Airways) Sé Pardy, (Simtech), and Mike Edgeworth (Pilot Training College).The NMAI was represented by Padraic Higgins and Paul McMahon, while several CFI’s from flight training organizations were in attendance including Joe Davy with whom Kevin served as an instructor for several years. Kevin’s parents Sean and Anna and also his wife Joan and children Francis and Michael rightly smiled with pride as the many guests applauded the launch of the 2nd Edition of VFR Flight Guide.

Welcoming the guests to The Times Building, the IAA’s new head office, Mr. Eamonn Brennan (Chief Executive, IAA) congratulated Kevin on his achievement. Remarking that the first edition had been a landmark publication, he was delighted that the IAA could endorse the second edition of VFR Flight Guide. Mr Brennan went on to say that he hoped the endorsement by the IAA would demonstrate the IAA’s level of commitment to general aviation in Ireland. He reminded people that the role of the IAA was not only to legislate but also to encourage general aviation in Ireland. He felt that this communication and connection was important and hoped that the new VFR Flight Guide would receive the support of the entire aviation community.

In his speech Kevin said that he was delighted to receive the endorsement of the book by the IAA and particularly thanked Mr Eamonn Brennan for his support. This is the first and only publication endorsed by an aviation authority worldwide. Kevin stressed the importance of this endorsement by the IAA as it showed real confidence in the publication. All of the licensed airfield information and the general flying information was checked for accuracy by the IAA. This means that this book alone, will be the standard reference guide for flying in Ireland.

Kevin outlined how the first book had come about and the changes that were made in the new edition. He thanked all those who supported him in producing the book and everyone present for attending the launch. He outlined the assistance and support he had received, particularly from the airfield owners.

So what of the book itself?

We have seen over the past six years that the first VFR Guide has stood the test of time. It has proved a robust publication and survives in most aircraft cockpits, throughout Ireland and the UK. The familiar A5 spiral bound layout has been repeated, but now there is also an A5 loose leaf ring bound version. There are now 216 pages to include an additional fifty new airfields. Kevin has included some very small (and difficult) microlight strips in the new book. The strips in Cleggan and Inisboffin have also been included as it was felt that they will open shortly. (This is noted in the book). Airfields not included are those where the owner felt inclusion would cause difficulties, neither were the more casual landing sites which really cannot be considered 'airfields'.

The page layout has changed only very slightly. It still contains the airfield photo and map and all the information included in the previous publication but now it also includes a small map showing the general location. This tells you at a glance where in Ireland the airfield is located.

The airfield photographs have also been updated. (Many of the airfields have major developments nearby). As before all photos are pointing North but in this new edition improvements have been made to help you find the airfield more easily. Where possible they are orientated to try to include a landmark feature in view. The height each photo was taken from tries to deliver as much information as possible. In general, E/W facing runways are from a steeper angle to give a better view. In all cases, the orientation of the runway is correct, helping the pilot prepare for his arrival. This sometimes means that the picture may not be the most visually attractive but it always does its job of getting you to the airfield. If you need a pretty picture of the runway, just look out your window.

For the larger airfields (Dublin, Shannon, etc) the maps have been replaced with a drawing of the runways/taxiways. This was an addition will be useful on those occasions when visiting licensed airfields and requested to taxi via Alpha to hold at Echo. A nice to have piece of information.

One of the major improvements in the new book is the inclusion of 8 pages of maps. The new map indicated the position of the airfield with the required page number placed on it, so now, if you need to find Kilkenny airfield, its simply page 128 - as shown on the map. The increased size of the map makes viewing easier and could make the included maps more useful for navigation, though pilots should note that he has used the older half mil map. The new maps are still in preparation by the IAA. (Remember to always carry an up to date chart in the aircraft with you at all times)

Other additions include a dry wipe flight planning sheet inside the front cover. Very handy indeed and saves on paper as well as being always to hand. One of the most useful pages is the telephone and frequency index. The contact numbers for ATC, ATIS and frequencies right to hand. Speaking of frequencies, Kevin has added frequencies on the danger area map, useful as a memory aid when flying in an unfamiliar area.

Given the success of his previous publication and the loyal following it has acquired, we are in no doubt that this new book will achieve as much if not more success for him. We believe that the endorsement by the IAA will lend gravitas to what was already a fine publication and will open many new markets, spreading the reputation of this book even further afield. Through this book we look forward to welcoming many new foreign visitors to our shores wishing to explore our lovely country.

The book is available to buy online through Kevin Glynn’s website at www.vfrflightguideireland.com and costs €29.95 plus P&P