Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose will be holding its annual Air Day on Wednesday 20 July 2011.

The event, which has become a firm favourite in the Cornish event calendar, allows the general public to experience the sights, sounds and smells of one of Europe's largest helicopter bases. It is the only day of the year when the public can experience the world of Culdrose and see what happens behind the security gates.

Air Day is the only chance that non-military personnel can come inside the gates of Culdrose and see what a Naval Air Base is really like. The public can meet those who have served on frontline Royal Naval air squadrons, supporting the Royal Navy worldwide.

The organisers of this year's event are already working hard to make it a day to remember and The Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight have confirmed their attendance, underpinning what should prove to be a spectacular Air Show. 

As well as an exciting, action-packed flying display, there will be lots of things to see, touch and try on the ground. Visitors will be able to climb onboard aircraft , be ‘scrambled' on a search and rescue mission, take a ride in a helicopter, be winched high into the air or jump into the driving seat of a military fire engine. All of the Naval Air Squadrons and units will be on display ready to talk about what they do and explain how their aircraft are deployed and used around the world.

To order tickets online visit: www.ticketzone.co.uk

To order tickets by phone ring: 08444 99 99 55

BOOKING DEADLINE FOR ONLINE & TELEPHONE SALES – 15th JULY 2011

Tickets are also available at:

• Bodmin, Liskeard, Newquay, Padstow, Plymouth, St. Austell, Truro, Hayle, and Perranporth Tourist Information Centres
• Flambards
• Cancer Funding for Cornwall shop (Helston)
• Gweek Seal Sanctuary
• Culdrose Public Viewing Enclosure
• Culdrose Community Centre

On Air Day, one lucky advance ticket holder (and guest) will get the chance to visit our Sea King Simulator and take the controls of a helicopter similar to some currently serving in Afghanistan. The multi-million pound, state of the art Simulator is used to train our aircrew for their overseas deployments and is not usually open to members of the public – this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. At least one person must be aged 18 years, or over.

One of Europe's largest helicopter bases, RNAS Culdrose delivers highly capable Helicopter Squadrons specialising in Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare and Airborne Surveillance and Control. Its frontline Squadrons are deployed to ships all over the world to support the Royal Navy in its global operations. Back at the Air Station, trainee Aircrew, Engineers, Air Traffic Controllers, Fire-fighters and Flight Deck crews undergo intensive training prior to joining Naval Air Squadrons for duties at sea. Additionally, the 'Search and Rescue' Squadron is on constant standby 365-days a year to react to emergencies throughout the Southwest region. Its red and grey helicopters can be seen braving all types of weather responding to calls for help on land and sea.