Annual Fly-In - Alderney - Channel Islands
Annual Fly-In - Alderney - Channel Islands
This event is ideal for any aviator or type of aircraft. The event starts on
Friday, when most aircraft will arrive between noon and late afternoon. On landing, a
minibus will meet you and transport you from your aircraft to the airport hangar for
Customs and registration. The hangar provides the first informal opportunity for you to
chat with fellow aviators after your flight. Light refreshments and some excellent
souvenirs, together with the usual pilots' paraphernalia are available in the hanger
during the whole event.
The general format
will be the same as always, enthusiastic owners and builders, showing off their 'pride and
joys' to other like minded enthusiasts. To relax, meet up with old friends, make new ones
and enjoy the peace and tranquillity that the island of Alderney has to offer. If you have
been before, you will know that there are a lot of cups and salvers (twenty-six to be
exact). Some are taken fairly seriously, such as the cup for the longest distance from
home base or the salvers for the timed arrival and spot landing competitions. The many PFA
awards on offer are also very much sought after. Some prizes however, have a definite
'light hearted' flavour, being given for anything that takes the organisers fancy.
As usual,
there will be some lively social functions for both the Friday 'Meet 'N Greet' and
Saturday evenings prize giving ceremony, with good food and live music. In the Duty Free
shop at the Airport, Teachers whisky is priced at £8.20 per litre, with most brands of
cigarettes selling at around £15.00 per pack of 200. Avgas is available at about 56p per
litre (duty and VAT free) and with prices like these to help make your money go further,
you can't lose (Prices as at Dec 2000). There is a registration fee of £25.00 per
aircraft. This fee includes all landing fees and parking charges, for single engine
aircraft for the duration of the Fly-In. However, if you arrive in a multi-engine
aircraft, it will cost you an extra £6.00 (payable when you arrive).
Sunday morning
is centred on the airport, with a 'Brunch à la Barbecue' in the Airport hangar. Flight
planning and a full Met briefing are available together with departure times, departure
slots normally being asked for on your arrival. In addition, there is an opportunity to
purchase souvenirs from the Channel Island Air Search and often a chance to view their
aircraft. Throughout the day the Airport is buzzing with activity as departing aircraft
head out across the sea, with the occasional interruption from an Aurigny Trilander.
The Alderney Flying Club Annual Fly-In is one of the most popular events on the
calendar. Alderney is the closest of the Channel Islands to France, being only eight miles
west of Cap de la Hague. The island has plenty to occupy the visitor during the Fly-In,
from the quaint town of St. Anne, the capital, to the unspoilt sandy beaches of Saye and
Corblets bays. There is also a scenic 9-hole golf course, numerous cliff top and country
lane walks, and the beautiful Braye harbour. Visit the lighthouse with a guided tour, see
the lifeboat station, and take a tour of the island on the bus or a ride on the islands
railway. There are also boat trips round Alderney visiting the Gannet and Puffin colonies.
In St. Anne, the local museum depicts the fascinating history of the island including
its plants, animals and butterflies; whilst at the pottery, you can watch the potter at
work, and purchase some of the interesting creative craft work. Another must to visit is
the Post Office, here you can buy the very collectable Alderney and other Channel Island
special edition postage stamps.
Accommodation on Alderney varies according to your needs, from camping, guest houses, self catering apartments through to an excellent selection of hotels. Although the Island is only 4 miles long by 1.5 miles wide, the visitor has a choice of transport from which to see the island, including the island coach tour (£5.00 Approx. one & half hours duration), cycle hire (£5 per day), mopeds (£15 per day) or a small car (from £20 a day).
In addition, many participants of the Fly-In take the opportunity on Saturday or Sunday to visit Guernsey, Jersey, or fly to Dinard for lunch and visit the walled town of nearby St. Malo.
For more
information or a registration form
for the Alderney Flying Club - Annual 'Fly-In' 2002
contact Capt. Ralph Burridge Tel/Fax: 00 44 (0)1481 822297
or E-mail: burridge@gtonline.net