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Top female aerobatic pilot to join Clacton Airshow

Henry Godfrey-Evans
BBC News, Essex
Ted Szymczak A woman with short blonde hair smiling with flying overalls onTed Szymczak
Last year, Mélanie Astles became British National Champion, with a Fédération Aéronautique Internationale medal

One of the world's top female pilots is to make her first appearance at the Clacton Airshow this summer.

Seven-time 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 August.

She will be joining a programme featuring the RAF Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the returning twilight display.

Ms 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."

Tendring District Council A blue and red one-seater aeroplane flying with fumes trailing off the backTendring District Council
The Clacton Airshow draws tens of thousands of visitors each year

Ms Astles was born in Rugby, Warwickshire, but moved to France when she was three years old.

She 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 21.

She will take to the skies in her Extra 330SC, a high-performance, single-seat aerobatic aircraft powered by a Lycoming AEIO-580 engine.

Melanie Astles A woman with short blonde hair smiling with flying overalls onMelanie Astles
Mélanie Astles is one of the top five female pilots in the world

The Clacton Airshow is an annual event organised by Tendring District Council.

Councillor 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."

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