Soaring popularity for annual Aero Club open days
ANNUAL open days at The Guernsey Aero Club are proving so popular that another one could be arranged for October.
Club chairman Gary Elson said he thought it was important to give children the chance to see aircraft properly.
‘Getting up close to aircraft is something that we take for granted, but for many it’s something special,’ he said.
Visitors got a chance to see things such as the Channel Islands Air Search aircraft Lion’s Pride, an Eclipse jet, the junior Joey and the Guernsey Air Scouts’ Jet Provost cockpit.
‘We have good facilities with a nice balcony and it gives people the chance to see things at close quarters,’ said Mr Elson.
Chris Le Carpentier and girlfriend Becca Prevel attended with two-year-old son Edward.
‘Edward loves aeroplanes and he’s had the chance to see a fire engine too,’ said Mr Le Carpentier.
‘He loved junior Joey and has been on it twice.
‘I think this is a good idea and I had no idea that some of these things could have so many switches.’
Andy Le Poidevin, 55, wife Anne, 44, and sons Alexander, 8, Aiden, 6, and Aaron, 4, were also having a good time.
‘The boys saw the Guernsey flight training aircraft close up and were fascinated by the pre-flight checks,’ said Mr Le Poidevin. ‘They enjoyed it so much that I think they want to have go themselves now.’
Decorator Colin Guilbert, 55, partner Sadie Smith, 42, and daughter Demi, 8, got a chance to sit in the cockpit of the Waves aircraft.
‘This is a great chance for Demi to see an aircraft close up,’ said Miss Smith.
‘She’s never been in one before and it makes for a nice day out.’
Mr Elson said the open day generally attracted between 500 and 800 people but that depended on the weather.
Special ‘on the day’ 20-minute trial flying lessons were also available and there was a flight simulator, plus a barbecue and afternoon tea.
Guernseyman Mr Noel was instrumental in the formation of the original Guernsey Aero Club, which started advertising the sale of shares in the club in July 1934.
By October of that year permission had been granted for the club to use fields at L’Eree as its base. This was the Bailiwick’s first aerodrome. The current Guernsey Aero Club was formed in 1966.
