Culdrose Air Day tickets go on sale

The event on Thursday July 31 will give the general public a chance to experience life onboard of one of Europe’s largest helicopter bases.

Every day life for Royal Navy Pilots could 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 sunken vessels. Air Day enables budding fighter pilots and those who once dreamt of flying, to learn about this 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 fast 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 members of the Search and Rescue Squadron, who are seen flying all over Cornwall on daring rescue missions, often putting their own lives at risk to save those of others.

The team at Culdrose have already lined up a variety of aerobatic display teams, fast jets and historic aircraft to woo the crowds with their dazzling displays and death-defying manoeuvres.

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. All advance ticket holders will automatically enter into a prize draw and the owner of the ticket number picked at random, will get the chance to visit our Sea King Simulator and take the controls of a helicopter similar to those currently serving overseas.

The multi-million pound, state-of the-art simulator is used to train our aircrew for their overseas deployments and is not usually open to members of the public – this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. One ticket holder plus one guest only will be allowed entry to the simulator and at least one person must be aged 18 years, or over. See www.culdroseairday.com for more details.

For further information, including updates on the list of participating aircraft, visit www.culdroseairday.com.

Advance tickets at a reduced price (£14 for adults, £5 for children and £35 for families - children under 5 are free) are now on sale online (www.ticketzone.co.uk), by phone (08444 99 99 55) and over the counter through the following outlets: • Fal River Tourist Information Centre • Hayle Tourist Information Centre • Liskeard Information Centre • Lostwithiel Tourist Information Centre • Newquay Tourist Information Centre • Padstow Tourist Information Centre • Perranporth Information Centre • Plymouth (Barbican) Tourist Information Centre • St Austell Tourist Information Centre • St Ives Visit & Information Centre • Truro Information Centre • Helston Community Centre • Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek • Heathercraft, Helston.