Latest news with #MelanieAstles
BBC News
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Top female pilot to take to the skies at Clacton Airshow
One of the world's top female pilots is to make her first appearance at the Clacton Airshow this French aerobatic champion Mélanie Astles, 43, was the first woman to compete in the Red Bull air race and will debut in the skies over Essex on 21 will be joining a programme featuring the RAF Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the returning twilight Astles' friends and family in Europe will be able to watch her flight from across the Channel, as the event will be live-streamed for the first time, which the pilot said "aligns perfectly with my vision of making aviation accessible to the greatest number". "Participating in the Clacton Airshow represents an extraordinary opportunity to be part of a revolution in aeronautical event presentation," she said."Clacton's seafront offers a magnificent setting for aerial demonstrations, and I'm enthusiastic about contributing to this pioneering event." Ms Astles was born in Rugby, Warwickshire, but moved to France when she was three years worked in petrol stations after leaving school at the age of 18 to fund her flying lessons, and earned her private pilot's licence by the time she was will take to the skies in her Extra 330SC, a high-performance, single-seat aerobatic aircraft powered by a Lycoming AEIO-580 engine. The Clacton Airshow is an annual event organised by Tendring District Ivan Henderson, deputy leader of the district council and cabinet member for economic growth, regeneration and tourism, said he was enthused by the airshow's newest addition."Mélanie Astles is an exceptional pilot whose skill and passion for aviation have earned her international acclaim," he said."From championship titles to breaking barriers in the Red Bull Air Race, her achievements speak for themselves."We're absolutely delighted to welcome her to Clacton for what promises to be a truly unforgettable debut." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Wales Online
06-07-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
13 of the best pictures from day two of Wales Airshow
Thousands of people flocked to Swansea for the second day of the Wales Airshow 2025 on Sunday, July 6. Poor weather caused disruption on the first day of displays, with performances pushed back to later in the afternoon and many acts not getting the chance to perform. However, luck was on our side today as the sun was shining ready for a day of amazing air displays including everyone's favourite The RAF Red Arrows which took to the skies at 12pm. Other acts included Team Raven, RAF Typhoon and the first woman to compete in the Red Bull Air Race, Melanie Astles. From keen plane watchers to pizza scoffers, below is a selection of the best pictures from today's event, You can find our day one photo story here.
