Another major show falls victim to the on going Foot & Mouth crisis. The Popular Flying Association's rally has sometimes been called Europe's Oshkosh! It is probably the biggest airshow/gathering of light and home built aircraft this side of the Atlantic and is the highlight of the year for many model aviators as well as our full size flying colleagues. The PFA's web sites has published the flowing message:

The Popular Flying Association International Air Rally & Exhibition 2001 (July 6th - 8th), the largest 'fly-in' event in Europe, has had to be cancelled.

Due to the continuing uncertainty over the Foot & Mouth situation, the PFA feel it is inappropriate to encourage visitors from all over Britain and Europe to this international event. Movement restrictions are already hampering many members' ability to operate from several airfields and particularly farm strips.

Exhibitor bookings and advance ticket sales have already been affected and to continue with the Rally would place the PFA in a high risk financial loss position.

Steve Petter, Rally Chairman for the PFA said "The PFA is profoundly disappointed at having to make this decision but we are accountable to our members and cannot risk our funds lightly. The PFA has a moral duty not to encourage visitors from far & wide to attend in the present climate of uncertainty. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our members, the members of the public and the exhibitors who have supported us in previous years and feel sure they will support & understand our reasons for taking this decision".

The PFA will not be rescheduling the event this year. Plans are now underway for the 2002 Rally and the PFA is determined to create an even better event to make up for all our disappointments.

Popular Flying Association 12th April 2001

Source: www.pfa.org.uk

The show was scheduled for the 6th to 8th July.