All eyes up – a vintage aircraft used to train generations of Cold War fighter pilots for the RAF is one of the star attractions at the 2014 Islay Airport Open Day and Airshow.
The Percival Jet Provost entered service in the early 1950s as a military trainer aircraft for the RAF until it was eventually retired in the mid 1970s.
The aircraft, which has a top speed of 440 mph, will fly into Islay from its current base at Newcastle Airport. It’s one of a series of aircraft on show at this year’s event, which is supported by The Museum of Islay Life.
The first Islay Airport Open Day took place on 30th August 1997. The event raises funds for The Museum of Islay Life, a registered charity. Over the years, the Open Day has raised a very substantial sum of money for the Museum, funds which have ensured that its important collection of books relating to Islay, photographs, glass plate negatives and other documents have continued to be available for study by locals and other researchers alike.
The Museum is responsible for sourcing the aircraft for each annual airshow; and the airport hosts the event on the day.
This year’s air show will also feature aerobatic displays from a 7/8 Spitfire replica, a Pitts Special biplane, two Vintage Tiger Moth biplanes, a replica of a WW1 biplane fighter, the SE5, and a home-built Glasair monoplane. Several vintage vehicles from Islay Motor Club will also be on show.
Around 1,000 spectators are expected at the air show, which takes place on Saturday 16th August and runs from 12.00pm until 4.00pm.
Tickets are available on the day, priced £5.00 for adults, with child and concession tickets costing £3.00. Family tickets [2 adults & 2 children] are priced £12.00. Entry for children under five is free.
Duncan MacGillivray, Station Manager at Islay Airport, says: ‘Given the important part the airport plays in supporting the island economy and in connecting us to the mainland, we are delighted once again to be hosting the Islay Airport Open Day and Airshow, in partnership with The Museum of Islay Life.
‘The air show is a popular family day out and we are looking forward to welcoming spectators to this year’s event, which promises to have some fantastic attractions.’
Note: The image reproduced at the top – of the Percival Jet Provost - is © Tom’s Aviation Images.
