Airborne educational tours for students

A locally based light aircraft is being made available for all secondary schools interested in getting an aerial perspective of the place they live in, and an opportunity to experience local General Aviation.

The local flight takes about 60 minutes, which is enough to view the entire Maltese Islands properly.

The flight takes off from Malta International Airport, climbing up to about 1,500 feet above sea level towards the west coast along the spectacular Dingli Cliffs, flying low and slowly enough to give students the chance to appreciate the natural elements of our islands.

On the way northwards the aircraft flies over the clear Blue Lagoon between Cominotto and Comino; one can spot several reefs on a calm sea day.

Then after flying over Gozo, which offers a diverse landscape as the flight goes over the sister island's northern shores, visually navigating around towards the Inland Sea on the west coast, passing along Ta' Cenc cliffs. It then goes back over Comino again via the low-lying east coast towards St Paul's Islands, Bahar ic-Caghaq, Sliema, and Grand Harbour with its wealth of historical landmarks.

After flying to the south eastern areas in the direction of Marascala and Marsaxlokk bays the aircraft makes a final approach to land at the main MIA runway 32, flying over the Freeport in the Bay of Birzebbuga.

The aircraft being operated for this short local flight is a Cessna Skyhawk 172M powered by a well proved 180 hp Lycoming engine, which has been recently meticulously equipped with the latest safety features and maximum seating comfort. Each sightseeing tour takes a maximum of three students plus pilot at a time.

The aircraft flies only in ideal weather conditions and subject to availability of the aircraft, normally on the weekends.

Contact Victor G. Mercieca, ATPL, CFII-MEI-SES (FAA), tel. 2152-2177 or 9949-7852; e-mail: vgmercieca@hotmail.com