Belgian F-16 Jets to Launch Flying at Air Day 2016
The organisers of RNAS Culdrose Air Day have announced that four fast jets from Belgium will start the 2016 flying display off in style.
Air Display Co-ordinator, Lt Cdr Steve Gamble announced the exciting news, he said: “We are very pleased to announce that we have four fast, noisy, fighter jets signed up to start our 2016 flying display. The F-16 jets from the Belgian Air Force will provide a spectacular flypast to kick off our all afternoon air display on July 28th.”
The flypast will certainly cause a stir in the skies of Cornwall - at Mach 1.2 (915 mph), the F-16 is the world's most prolific fighter jet and one of the fastest in current operation.
This year’s Air Day is now just over a week away. The event, which will be held on Thursday 28th July 2016, enables the general public to experience the exciting life on board of one of Europe’s largest helicopter bases. It is one of only three military air shows in the country. The organisers of this year’s event have been working hard to make it a day to remember, as well as carrying out their normal military roles.
A variety of flying acts have been lined up to perform in an all afternoon air display, including aerobatic teams, helicopters and historic aircraft. 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, try on uniforms and equipment and take a pleasure flight.
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 just around the corner and we are all getting ready to welcome the general public into our world. We’ve got 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.”
The Royal Navy is urging visitors to beat the traffic and get to the event early – entertainment is available as soon as the gates open at 0900 and will run until the event closes at 1800. There is also an arena providing displays all day long and plenty of activates for the whole family.
‘Junior Aviators’ can also take part in ‘Operation Air Day’ – a variety of challenges around the base. Organisers are encouraging youngsters to ‘dress up’ for the event – the theme is ‘Things That Fly'.
Advance tickets are still available 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.
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.