Future Social Evenings - Dates for the diary……
Ideas for “Guest Speakers” at future events are always welcome. Please contact debbie@airportsol.com
Please note that as of 2026 the Social Evenings will take place on the Second Monday of each month
9th February - Chalky White - Former RAF Radar Operator on the Nimrod
Chalky (member of the Volunteer Engineering Team at the RVP) took part in the first operation to bomb the runway at Port Stanley in the Falklands in 1982. His job was to ensure that the Vulcan bomber found the Victor tanker to ensure there was sufficient fuel to return to Ascension Island - a fascinating first hand insight into the conflict
9th March - Annual General Meeting (members only)
This will be followed by our Annual TAS quiz
13th April – “you and me tours” present their recent tour to japan
Ross Fearn of “You and Me Tours” fame will be presenting some amazing photos of their recent trip to Japan in 2025 - not to be missed!
11th May – TBA
8th June – TBA
13th July – Dave Kirkham – TAS US Trip report Part 1
10th August – Dave Kirkham – TAS US Trip report Part 2
14th September - TBA
19th October - Derek Ferguson - the Avro RJX
It is 25 years since the AVRO 146-RJX first took to the skies. Former BAE Systems flight test engineer Derek Ferguson describes the intensive flight test programme of this BAe146/RJ derivative, how the cancellation was announced and his subsequent involvement with the RJX-100 at the Runway Visitor Park
9th November - Steve Mellor
Steve is a Captain with Jet 2 - tonight he will talk about his career to date in aviation, from his beginnings in Airfield Operations at Manchester, FISO at Barton and then onto become a commercial pilot
***************************************************
What are Social Evenings?
Social Evenings are where we invite a guest speaker from the “world of aviation” to come along to the Runway Visitor Park and deliver a presentation on a specific topic to our Members and Guests. The evenings are traditionally held each fortnight on a Monday night.
An average attendance would be between 70 – 100 people – all ages (all sexes) who simply have a common interest in Aviation. Throughout the year we will try and vary the topics to ensure we cover all aspects of Civil and Military aviation.
Recent Guest Speakers have included:- Red Arrows Team Manager, Concorde Chief Pilot, Former USAF U2 and SR71 Pilot, Director of Manchester Airport, Director of Thomas Cook Airlines, Virgin B747 Pilot, Professional Drone Pilot, Air Accident Investigator, Air Traffic Controller and the CEO of Loganair.
The evenings are conducted in a relaxed environment where like minded people are able to meet. Prior to the Guest Speaker commencing their presentation a selection of historical and current photos will be shown on the large screen.
Each evening will normally have a 15 / 20 minute break (half way through) where we usually hold a raffle with a prize associated with the evenings presentation or a gift voucher for the TAS Shop.
WHERE ARE THEY HELD?
All TAS Social Evenings are held in the RVP Cafe at Manchester Airports Runway Visitor Park (RVP). Postcode WA15 8XQ.
The venue has a bar and is located alongside the iconic Concorde G-BOAC. Entry to the Social Evenings is normally through the TAS Shop and the Concorde Hangar – (Yes, you walk under Concorde). We guarantee a fantastic evening, where everyone is made very welcome…and great views of the aircraft can be had regardless of the weather!
How much does it cost?
Admission (Pay on the door) to the Social Evenings is just £2.00 for TAS members with guests being admitted for £3.50.
What time and where do I park?
The gates to the Runway Visitor Park open at 19.00hrs for persons attending the meetings and the presentations commence at 19.30hrs and usually end at 22.00hrs.
Entrance and Car parking to the Runway Visitor Park is free after 19.00hrs to all persons attending TAS Social Evenings. If required the Car Park attendant located at the “gate house” will advise you with respect to the Car Parking arrangements for that evening. Drive through, park the car and make your way to the event in the Concorde Restaurant.