INVITATION TO THE HASSELT CONVENTION 2008

THURSDAY 21 FEBRUARY UNTIL SATURDAY 23 FEBRUARY

AN EXCITING CONVENTION - THAT WILL MORE THAN MATCH THE 2007 CONVENTION - IS IN PROSPECT.

DETAILS OF COSTS AND TRAVEL ARE ALREADY AVAILABLE AND YOU COULD BOOK EARLY TO ENSURE A ROOM IN THE MAIN CONVENTION HOTEL

REVISIT THIS PART OF THE WEBSITE REGULARLY

This Invitation (shown below) has been sent out by the Executive to the previous delegates and the many friends of the Airshow world inviting them to attend the Conventiuon next February. If you have not heard from the Executive you can contact him with your details or go staright to the on-line Application Form and send it to him.

Dear Colleague

I hope to convince you to come to the European Airshow Council Convention next February.

The European Airshow Council has taken action in the light of air display accidents in 2007
The aim of the EAC is to “Promote excellence and Safety at Airshows”
The EAC Board has a Chairman from Belgium and Board members from France, Malta, The Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK.
Our objective is to make airshows safe and successful: so join us, learn from the experiences of others and make your own contribution...
The European Airshow Council is open to everyone involved in the Airshow world including: Display pilots, Performers, Organizers, Military and Civil Authorities and Regulators.

EAC – ANNUAL CONVENTION – 21-23 FEBRUARY 2008

12th Annual Convention – where and when.

On behalf of the Chairman of the European Airshow Council, may I invite you to attend our annual Convention? It will be held at our normal venue in the Holiday Inn, Hasselt, Belgium from Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 February 2008. The Pre-Convention special Seminar is on Thursday afternoon and the main Convention is on the Friday and Saturday morning.

Who will be there?

Leading figures in the Airshow industry from all over Europe and beyond, including performers, organisers, Military and Civil Aviation Authorities and Display Teams, will gather again for the meeting. Last year 100 delegates from 20 countries were represented and its undoubted success has stimulated the continued growth of the organisation: early enquiries indicate that even larger numbers intend to be in Hasselt this year. The speakers include multinational, experienced experts as well as those who are learning from experience and sharing them with all delegates in an informal atmosphere with ample opportunities for face-to-face discussions.

Why is the 2008 Convention especially important?

The theme for this Convention is “Too many accidents in 2007 – how do we improve the safety of the Display Pilot? Whilst the Seminar will examine direct effects of human frailties, the main Convention will broaden the theme of safety.

Top Speakers

Both Major General Des Barker, a top fast jet pilot who wrote the definitive analysis of Airshow related accidents: Zero Error Margin* and Dr David Stevenson, formerly of the USAF and now at the RAF Centre for Aviation Medicine, who is an expert in the study of the effects of fatigue and stress upon display pilots and all those involved in airshows, will speak at both the main Convention and the Seminar.

Other speakers include the Swiss national aerobatic team leader and a top representative from Red Bull Air Race GmbH. Other Presentations will include the lessons to be learnt from the 2007 display season, ways of assessing the performance of a display pilot, and a look to the future: Global Warming and the “Green” credentials of the Airshow Industry

Why should you also attend the Pre - Convention special Seminar?

The accident record of display pilots in 2007 has been depressing with some 26 lives lost world-wide. The EAC Board could not ignore the challenge of trying to find ways to help protect the lives of display pilots. The Seminar theme is: “Contributory Factors in Display Pilot Accidents – we all have responsibilities.”

The most important factors in the great majority of air display accidents are related to human imperfections, particularly in the low level display environment. Major General Des Barker will be joined by Dr David Stevenson, for a lively afternoon of presentations and discussions. Very many accidents cannot be blamed solely upon the display pilot and all involved in the Airshow world should join this seminar to recognise and discuss how they can contribute towards the safety of the display pilot.

Fees and accommodation charges have not increased for 3 years.

Great efforts have been made to minimise costs for the delegates. The Fees include the Official Reception on Thursday, all meals on Friday and session hospitality. They also include the very popular informal ‘Airshow Dinner” on the Friday evening, allowing delegates an invaluable opportunity for relaxed discussions.

There is a modest extra Fee to cover the additional costs, including refreshments, for the Pre-Convention Seminar.

Should you wish to use the special prices offered for the excellent Holiday Inn accommodation, you should make your booking via myself by telephone or e-mail to get a preferential rate, and settle your account with the Hotel before departure. (Please do not try to book directly with the Hotel via the internet)

Partners welcome.

Partners are welcome; they traditionally enjoy participating in all the social events and they will be offered a separate and optional visit programme to the local area.

All details are on the Website including on-line Application Form

The page “Conventions/ Hasselt 2008” has all the details you need. Key information can also be found on:

Please do not hesitate to contact me for assistance and information

Yours sincerely

Bob

**We intend to have an (electronic) copy of this book to present to each delegate who attends the Seminar. (The limited edition was sold for € 35 Euros) This alone would justify your attendance in Hasselt.