Gary Elson is going travelling, but hopes the legacy of Meet the Pilots, the event he created, will live on.
In 2006, Gary Elson arranged for members of the public to access the Royal Navy’s ‘Black Cats’ Lynx helicopter ahead of the Air Display.
Since then, the Meet the Pilots event has grown each year.
By 2017, 10,000 people had attended, with numerous RAF and private aircraft on display at the Airport.
Gary says he has achieved his goal of getting the public interested in aviation:
"Too often they're kind of kept outside airports with their noses pressed to the fence, and it was nice to bring them into the airport and to get up close to these aircraft, ask the pilots questions, and if they were lucky even get to sit in the cockpit.
"We've had lots of great feedback from the children, from people who are perhaps looking for a career in aviation.
"The pilots really enjoy it too."
Air Display Organiser Natalie Davidson has thanked Gary for his dedication.
"Gary has been a key contributor to the Air Display Foundation for the last 20 years.
"Through his organisation of Meet the Pilots, his involvement in our Educate and Inspire programme in schools, and his work to secure support for the long-term future of the main display, he has been instrumental in the Foundation’s work.
"Meet the Pilots has been, and will remain, a key event for islanders to enjoy, giving those considering a career in aviation the chance to speak to the crews before they take to the skies, whilst also raising vital funds for the Display.
"It has been a pleasure to work with Gary, and we look forward to continuing his legacy through Meet the Pilots for many years to come.’
This year's Meet the Pilots event is on 8 September from 3-7pm, with Jon Le Ray in charge.
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