Culdrose Air Day Chocks Away
This year’s Air Day at Royal Navy Air Station Culdrose is only three weeks away. The event, which will be held on Thursday 28th July 2016, has become a firm favourite in the Cornish calendar, and enables the general public to experience life on board of one of Europe’s largest helicopter bases. It is one of only three military air shows in the country.
Everyday life for Royal Navy aviators can include hunting for enemy submarines in state-of-the art helicopters, simulating threats to ships in fast jets, transporting troops of Royal Marines Commandos or rescuing casualties from stricken vessels. Air Day enables budding fighter pilots and those who dream or once dreamt of flying, to learn about the exciting ‘world of Culdrose’ and see what happens behind the security gates.
The organisers of this year’s event are working hard to make it a day to remember. As jets, helicopters and military aircraft zoom across the skies, visitors will be able to meet aircrew who have served on frontline Squadrons all over the world, pilots who have just earned their ‘wings’ and those who use cutting edge technology to train future Naval Aviators.
The team at Culdrose has already lined up a variety of aerobatic teams, helicopters and historic aircraft to woo the crowds with their dazzling displays and highly skilled manoeuvres. But as well as an exciting, action-packed flying display, there will also be lots of things to see, touch and try on the ground. Amongst other activities, visitors will be able to climb onboard aircraft, find out what it’s like to sit at the controls of a 15 tonne helicopter surrounded by the latest technology, take a pleasure flight, be winched high into the air or jump into the driving seat of a military fire engine. All of Culdrose’s Naval Air Squadrons and units will also be out on display, ready to talk about what they do and helping the public to try out specially devised activities and challenges.
Commander Jason Phillips OBE, Commander Air at Culdrose or ‘Wings’ as he is known at the Cornish Naval Air Station said: “Air Day 2016 is fast approaching, and it promises to fill the skies over West Cornwall with magnificent sights and sounds from across the world of aviation, both past and present. We have a varied and exciting line up planned ranging from the tight formation of the Blades and the Ravens aerobatic teams, the spectacular stunts of Rich Goodwin in his colourful bi-plane, the super agility of the Black Cats Wildcat helicopter team, to the raw power of the historic Sea Vixen. We are proud to be a family-focused airshow, so notwithstanding what is happening in the skies, there is plenty to see and do on the ground too, whatever the weather’.
Advance tickets at a reduced price (£15 for adults, £5 for children and £40 for families (2 adults and 3 children) are now on sale online (www.ticketzone.co.uk) and by phone (08444 99 99 55). Visitors can also purchase tickets at various Tourist Information Centres in Cornwall, and in Helston at the Gweek Seal Sanctuary, Pictures and Things and Heathercraft. Tickets which include flightline seat have also been introduced this year too.
Culdrose Air Day is great value for money and will be a thoroughly enjoyable day out for the whole family. Under 5’s are free and once inside, most attractions are free. For the first time, visitors can buy tickets to special enclosures one the crowd line this year. Visit www.culdroseairday.com from more information.