Chance to meet air display pilots and see their aircraft

THERE is an opportunity on Wednesday to meet some the pilots taking part in this year’s Guernsey Air Display.

Tony de Bruyn, the main display pilot of the Bronco OV-10B.

Last year, the event was moved to the east apron, a prime location for aviation fans to see the planes close up.

‘Islanders of all ages love Meet the Pilots as it allows them the chance to see the planes close up and meet those who have the pleasure of flying them,’ said event organiser Gary Elson.

‘It’s fantastic that The Titans, in their first year as part of the Guernsey Air Display, are coming early to be part of Meet the Pilots.

‘They will be joined by Team Raven, a Harvard T-6, a Seafire, a Bronco OV-10B and Rich Goodwin’s Jet Pitts.’

Last year’s event was cut short due to a thunderstorm, with event-goers fleeing the apron in heavy rain, and Mr Elson said the line up of planes is subject to serviceability and weather issues.

Rich Goodwin in front of his Muscle biplane, which took four years to build from scratch.

Aurigny’s Junior Joey will be there and an airport fire engine will be on display.

‘Meet the Pilots is a fantastic afternoon for aviation fans of all ages and we had no hesitation in sponsoring it again as part of Ravenscroft’s support of the Guernsey Air Display,’ said Mark Bousfield, group managing director of investments at Ravenscroft.

‘The team behind the display does an amazing job in raising the funds, securing the planes and making it all happen.

‘We are sure that as always we will have hundreds of people coming along and can raise a significant sum of money to help ensure that the Guernsey Air Display happens again in 2024.’

Event details

Admission to Meet the Pilots is by donation and parking will be available in fields at the eastern end of the runway, on La Villiaze Road, which will be one way from the Specsavers end.

Signage will direct people to the parking and marshals will ensure safe crossing into the airport perimeter.