Meet the Pilots at the Guernsey Air Display

Aviation fans are in for a treat at this year’s Meet the Pilots event as it will feature the first chance to see the Pilatus PC21s of the French Air & Space Force “Mustang X-Ray” tactical demonstration team in the Channel Islands.

This popular event will return on Wednesday 12th June and gives islanders of all ages the opportunity to view, at close quarters, some of the planes taking part in this year’s Guernsey Air Display. It is being sponsored by Ravenscroft for a seventh year.

“We are excited that not only is the debut of Mustang X-Ray, but they are arriving on Wednesday to attend Meet the Pilots and carry out a display rehearsal,” said Gary Elson, the event organiser.

“Islanders absolutely love Meet the Pilots as they get to see the planes up close and speak to the pilots about what it is like to fly them and we are extremely grateful to Ravenscroft for their continued support, enabling all donations made at the gate go to the cost of putting on the display.”

These aircraft will be joined by The Titans, Team Raven, Rich Goodwin’s Jet Pitts and a Navy Wings Havard. Joey Junior, an airport fire truck, and the CI Air Search Islander also plan to attend.

Meet the Pilots will be open from 2pm to 5pm on the East Apron at Guernsey Airport with parking available in a field at the eastern end of the runway, on La Villiaze road (which will be one way from the Specsavers end). Signage will be put out to direct people to the parking and marshals will ensure safe crossing into the airport perimeter.

“Our thanks to everyone involved in making the event happen including Guernsey Airport, Civil Defence volunteers, Aiglle Flight Support and of course the pilots for making their aircraft available,” said Mr Elson.

This year Ravenscroft will be running a competition which encourages youngsters to learn facts about the planes on display. This supports the Guernsey Air Display’s drive to educate and inspire young people about the history and future of the air display and aviation industry.

“The Guernsey Air Display is such a popular event and we are delighted to be sponsoring Meet the Pilots again as part of our support of the display. It’s a great idea to educate and inspire youngsters about some of the amazing aircraft on view and look forward to hearing more about what they have learnt,” said Mark Bousfield, group managing director of investments at Ravenscroft.

Please note that the main image is for illustrative purposes only.