Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Air Day at Royal Navy Air Station Culdrose on Thursday, July 28, allowing the public a glimpse of life on board of one of Europe’s largest helicopter bases.

The event, one of only three military air shows in the country, enables budding fighter pilots and those who once dreamt of flying, to learn about the exciting world of Culdrose and see what happens behind the security gates.

Everyday 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 stricken vessels.

The organisers of this year’s event are working hard to make it a day to remember. As 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 those who use cutting edge technology to train future naval aviators.

The team at Culdrose has already lined up a variety of aerobatic teams and aircraft to woo the crowds with their dazzling displays and highly skilled manoeuvres. But as well as an exciting, action-packed flying display, there will also be lots of things to see, touch and try on the ground. Among 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.

Advance tickets at a reduced price of £15 for adults, £5 for children and £40 for families of two adults and three children, are now on sale online at www.ticketzone.co.uk and by phone on 08444 99 99 55. Visitors can also buy tickets at various tourist information centres in Cornwall and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.

Entry is free for children under five, and most attractions are also free.