Microlights are not normally permitted to land at Prestwick on safety grounds Microlights from across the UK are set to make a rare appearance at Glasgow Prestwick Airport this weekend.
Up to 20 of the aircraft are expected to fly in for the British Microlight Aircraft Association’s (BMAA) annual safety day.
It is the first time the event has ever been held in Scotland.
Aircraft expected at Prestwick include an autogyro – a mini-helicopter similar to one which featured in the 1967 James Bond film, You Only Live Twice.
The BMAA said it was delighted that Glasgow Prestwick Airport management had agreed to allow microlights to fly in to attend the safety day on Saturday.
BMAA safety officer Kim Taylor said: “This is a rare opportunity as microlights are not normally permitted to land at Prestwick.”
The association had hoped up to 50 microlights would fly in to the airport but windy weather conditions meant many were unlikely to make the trip from more distant parts of the UK.
National Air Traffic Services are providing the safety day venue at their nearby air traffic control centre, and a full day of practical safety information for microlight pilots has been arranged.
Glasgow Prestwick chief executive Iain Cochrane said: “Aviation safety is paramount and whilst we don’t generally allow microlights at Glasgow Prestwick due to the levels of commercial aircraft activity, we recognise that this safety day is very important and we’re delighted to host them.
“Prestwick Airport air traffic control has been working closely with the BMAA to ensure a successful and enjoyable day.”
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