MORE than 70 pilots are taking part in Guernsey Aero Club’s annual rally in a show of solidarity after the tragic crash involving three of its members two weeks ago. Club chairman Colin Ferbrache said that members were deeply saddened by the death of Andrew Anderson, 41, and were still concerned for Rob Le Page and David Bougourd, who remain in a critical condition in hospital in the UK.

‘The three – Dave, Rob and Andrew – were particularly active in all aspects of the air rally. In all that we are doing with this rally, our thoughts are with their families at this difficult time.

‘We felt that the air rally had to go on and it is very much dedicated to them.’

Unsettled weather delayed the navigational competition and there were fewer people joining the rally than usual, but Mr Ferbrache was pleased that there were more involved in the competition.

‘We’re trying to enhance aviation skills such as navigation and aircraft handling. It’s also a way of attracting people to the island during the shoulder months.’

Rallyists flew in from the UK, France, Denmark, Germany and Ireland. Competitors are given a five-leg navigational exercise.

They have just over one hour to calculate the time it takes to get to the given stages, with points deducted for seconds early or late. Photographs were also given to the competitors, who have to take similar shots identifying specific landmarks.

Judith Gleeson, 29, had flown from near Manchester. She and co-pilot Steve Mitchell were polishing her Piper Archer aircraft in readiness for the concourse competition.

‘We came here three years ago and had a great time so we came back this year. It’s the friendliness of the club – it’s always a warm welcome and the competitions make it very interesting,’ she said.

The evenings are taken up with competitors joining others at events such as the weekend’s medieval banquet with a performance by the RAF Kinloss pipers.

‘It’s a social gathering; there are people that are old friends of the club and it’s terrific to see them again.

‘At other times of the year we visit their airfields.

‘It’s an international event and aviation is something that crosses boundaries quite readily,’ added Ms Gleeson.