Rain and cloud failed to ruin this year’s RNAS Culdrose Air Day as despite the conditions a number of aircraft made it off the runway.

In an admittedly vastly reduced flying programme, helicopters and aeroplanes took the skies for two hours of displays.

These included the ever-popular Breitling Wing Walkers, who wowed the crowds with their acts of daring and agility.

It was heart-in-the-mouth stuff as ‘walkers’ Danielle and Charlotte performed acrobatic stunts while standing on top of the moving planes.

One disappointment was that thick cloud prevented the Red Arrows taking off and making their long-awaited return to the event, after a number of year’s absence.

Able to show off their skills, however, were the F15E Strike Eagle, Brendan O’Brien’s Flying Circus and the Black Cats Display Team in Lynx helicopters, with the Catalina the first plane able to take off just after 3pm – some two hours after flying was due to begin.

And in three big hangars there was plenty to do regardless of what the weather was like outside.

Visitors could be winched into the air, clamber up a moving climbing wall and enjoy the best of Cornwall’s food and crafts.

  • A full report and photos can be found in next Wednesday’s Packet.