The first Jersey Fly-In took place over the weekend of 26/27 May.

Traditionally the weekend of the Jersey International Air Rally, this year the Jersey Aero Club Committee were looking for a change of style for this long-standing event and decided on the concept of a more informal ‘fly-in’ allowing participants to decide how long they wanted to stay in Jersey – anything from a refuelling stop to a three- or four-night stay.  For those who wanted competitions a car treasure hunt, inter-club, low-hour entrant, concours d’élégance, range and endurance, aviation quiz and safety and airmanship (narrow squeak) were run on the Saturday.

The main focus of the Fly-In was the Saturday evening at the club when chairman Jonathan Gready introduced David de Carteret, Director of Jersey Tourism who sponsored a vin d’honneur welcoming the visiting crews.  Eighty people, including a good contingent from the club, attended the buffet held in the Millibar restaurant.

Jersey’s fickle weather played its part, bringing fog on Friday afternoon and rain and strong winds on Sunday.  Thankfully, Saturday’s weather was kinder and a total of 50 aircraft made it.

The pros and cons of a fly-in versus an air rally were well discussed over the weekend leaving the club committee with a decision to be made for 2008.

As well as Jersey Tourism’s contribution, Jersey Airport Director Julian Green offered free landing fees and his on-going support for the Aero Club.

Thanks are also due to the Seymour Hotels group, Avis Hire Cars and to Janine Buckley from Incentive and Conference Specialists who organised the car treasure hunt.

PRIZE WINNERS

Car Treasure Hunt
Jean and Martin Leusby (G-AXDI).
Inter-Club
Team Ecosse (four aircraft): Gordon MacKenzie and crew (G-CCKH), Robert Hubbard and crew (G-BNOF), Russell Wheatley and crew (G-BNON) and Barry Knott and crew (G-BBTH).
Low Hour Entrant
Paul Young and Paul McConnell (G-BJDW).
Concours d’Elégance
John Lunt (PH-RHB).
Range and Endurance
Gordon MacKenzie and Lyall Smith (G-CCKH).
Aviation Quiz
Lewis and Christine MacDonald, Margaret Lloyd ( G-AVSB).
Safety and Airmanship
Steve Copeland and crew (G-DAVD).

For 2008 the Jersey Aero Club Committee has decided to run an Air Rally, probably in late June.  More details to follow.