Special Events – Druridge Bay Fly-in – 01-02/07/2013

The Druridge Bay Fly-In is organised by the Northern Aviators, a group of pilots who fly light aircraft, microlights, autogyros, paramotors and powered hang gliders. This year’s event was held over the weekend of 1/2 July with a BBQ, on-airfield camping and a planned on-beach bonfire with a few beers and a chance for a good chat with like minded aviators. Michael Frodsham guest reports.

This event was first held in 2011 and is dependent on both the weather and the farmer who allows the fly-in to take place on his land – a field near to the Druridge Bay Country Park, which is three miles from the town of Amble. Druridge Bay stretches for seven miles along the Northumberland coast and is used by the military as a coasting-in point for low flying aircraft entering the Northumberland low-flying system on week days.

The aim is to not only bring aviators together in beautiful surroundings but to raise money for the Forces Children’s Trust. Visiting pilots are asked to make a donation of their choice on landing at the site.

On Saturday despite the breezy conditions, which kept away a few of the lighter aircraft, around 40 aircraft flew in.

Sunday saw much better weather conditions and the consequent arrival of more aircraft, with 87 arriving in total across the weekend. Some had flown from the south coast and others from Ireland to attend.