Press release -
Buzz in the air as Alderney gets ready for the annual Fly-In
This annual gathering of some 100 or so private aviators and their passengers is without doubt one of the absolute favourites on the aeronautical calendar of events. It attracts pilots not just from Guernsey, Jersey and UK flying clubs, but also from France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Holland and Spain.
Over the years, many of these enthusiastic pilots have become regular visitors to Alderney and some also take part in the extremely challenging annual Alderney Air Races in September.
“We look forward to a few unusual or vintage aircraft landing in Alderney again this year”, said David Chiswell, Chairman of the Alderney Flying Club and organizer of this event. “In addition to the traditional planes, we expect a number of microlights and flexwing ultralights as well as home-built planes. And there might even be a few more unusual sightings this year.“
Trophies and prizes are presented for a number of different awards, including
The Largest Distance Flown; The Largest Entry from a UK Club;
The Largest Entry from a non-UK Club; Class Award - Vintage (up to 1945); Class Award - Classic (1946 to 1960); Class Award - Modern (1961 to present); Winning Home-Built; Best External Finish/Colour Scheme; The Most Senior Pilot; The Most Junior Pilot and “Spirit of the Fly-In”
Private aviation is an important contributor to the island’s tourism economy and, to attract these keen aviators to the Alderney Fly-In, there will be no registration fee and landing fees will include 72 hours of free parking. Free transport to their accommodation is sponsored by the Alderney Chamber of Commerce.
Other incentives of particular appeal to private pilots are VAT- and tax-free AvGas, as well as VAT- and duty-free shopping.
Versatile entertainment programme
A well-balanced programme of generous hospitality, social entertainment , and genuinely interesting discovery tours of history, heritage and nature (on land and at sea) as well as some sports activities, will ensure that there is never a dull moment.
The social programme takes off with a flying start: on Friday evening 21st June there will be a welcome drinks reception at The Moorings followed by a BBQ dinner with live music.
Saturday’s programme features guided tours and boat trips to discover and explore the island’s rich history, heritage and wildlife at land and at sea, an invitation to have a go at bell-ringing at St. Anne’s and, of course, opportunities to enjoy Alderney’s hospitality across the many popular eating places and watering holes.
The Gala Prize Giving Dinner will take place on Saturday evening at newly refurbished Braye Beach Hotel, starting with a welcome drink, followed by dinner with live music and the prize presentation.
The next day – those still looking for action are invited to clay-pigeon shooting or to enjoy a leisurely train ride and a tour of the lighthouse
For more details of the programme, please visit www.flyalderney.com. Online registration for the Fly-In and any of the chosen events is now open on this website (http://www.flyalderney.com/registration.html) .
All is set for another great Alderney Fly-In and, naturally - as far as the weather is concerned - the organisers and participants are hoping for clear skies.Anybody interested to join for this weekend is strongly advised to book their accommodation first on the VisitAlderney website without delay. http://www.visitalderney.com/stay/accommodation
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Just a stone’s throw from the south coast of England lies the treasured island of Alderney. A hidden gem with beautiful beaches, rich heritage, wildlife and scenery waiting to be discovered. Kick back and relax to enjoy the slower pace of life or get out to explore and take in the fresh sea air. However you choose to spend your time in Alderney you’ll soon realise just how easy it is to fall in love with this small island.
Alderney is the closest of all the Channel Islands to the UK, it is in easy reach. The island is just 3½ miles by 1½ miles at its widest point, one of the best ways of seeing this small island is on foot. Alderney boasts over 50 miles of winding lines and country paths covering every part of the island from the main town through to the commons and rugged coastline. On your walks around the island you’ll find fascinating historical sites, including Roman, Napoleonic and German architecture and in some cases all to be found on one site. A visit to the award winning museum is a must to find out more and the many layers of history on Alderney.
The peaceful island provides a perfect environment for stunning wildlife, from huge seabird colonies to hundreds of different wildflowers and moths, some special mammals, and incredible marine habitats. The lanes are exceptionally quiet, with very little traffic beyond the town, and the highest speed limit just 35mph. After night fall take in the clear night sky and enjoy the benefits of no light pollution and Alderney’s unspoilt natural environment.
Add in welcoming hotels, guesthouses and restaurants and you see why Alderney is the Channel Island’s hidden gem, worth going the extra mile to visit.
