Alderney annual Fly-In weekend

Alderney’s annual Fly-In takes place over the weekend of Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd September.

Weather conditions permitting, over 40 private planes of all sizes and shapes are expected from the UK, the Continent and Guernsey for this weekend of friendly competition, socialising and entertainment here on the Channel Island of Alderney.

This popular annual aviation event is organised and hosted by the Alderney Flying Club whose chairman Dave Chiswell commented: “Our annual Fly-In brings an important boost to the island’s hospitality sector and visitor economy. Many of the aviators have since become regular visitors. To offer our aviators an  interesting and varied programme of events during their stay, we have been working closely with the Alderney Wildlife Trust, VisitAlderney and other island clubs and associations. We hope this year’s event will put Alderney firmly back on the private aviation map and we would like to thank AEL and the Alderney Chamber of Commerce for their sponsorship support.

“We have been encouraged by the response particularly because of the absence of aviation fuel at the airport which means pilots will need to fly to Guernsey to refuel and will also be charged for additional landing fees there. Given that the private aviation sector is one of the island’s biggest contributors to the island’s visitor economy, it is hoped this issue will be resolved as soon as possible.”

This 30th Annual Alderney Fly-In will start with a welcome reception and BBQ on Friday evening 1st September at the Moorings. The programme of events includes guided tours by boat, bus and on foot – to showcase the island’s fascinating wildlife and the many historic sites – from the Roman era through medieval and Napoleonic times to the Second World War. The highlight of the weekend will be Saturday night’s Gala Dinner with live music and awards presentation in the Island Hall.

That night, prizes and trophies will be presented for The Longest Distance Flown and the Largest Entry from a UK Club. Class Awards will go to Vintage planes (up to 1945), Classic (1946-1960) and Modern (1961-present). More awards go to the Best home-built and the Best external finish/colour scheme, the Oldest Pilot (2022: George Brennand, aged 90) and the Youngest Pilot (2022: George Gilbert, aged 23) . However, the most coveted trophy the recently named Ralph Burridge Spirit of the Fly-In award will be dedicated to the person representing the ‘The Spirit of the Fly-in’ (2022: Matt Altass)

The programme for the event can be found here.