Torbay Council is warning all residents that drones will not be permitted in the airspace on the weekend of the Torbay Airshow, taking place from Friday 10 June to Sunday 12 June.

Drones are unmanned radio-controlled aircraft which are often used by both the military and civilian population. Often these aircraft capture imagery in still photograph and video.

The Civil Aviation Authority has warned that the use of such devices is dangerous and therefore if a drone is found to be airborne during the event display flying will need to be suspended until the airspace can be deemed safe again.

Those found responsible of controlling a drone will be dealt with by the authorities.

Because the airspace must be clear for the safe flying of aircraft, helium balloons and the flying of kites will not be on sale or permitted at the event site. Helium balloons and kites can cause issues for visibility and may result in aircraft needing to manoeuvre to avoid the obstruction.

A Torbay Council spokesperson said: “The Airshow is going to be a fantastic event and will provide fun for all of the family.

“We are committed to ensure the event goes ahead safely so everyone is able to enjoy the displays and entertainment on offer. For this weekend we will not tolerate the use of drones within the airspace that haven’t been authorised and will take strong action against anyone who does.”

So far, military aircraft confirmed for the airshow includes the world’s premier aerobatic team The Red Arrows, as well as the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, King Air B200, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight aircraft - the Hawker Hurricane, Avro Lancaster and Supermarine Spitfire as well as The Tigers Freefall Parachute Display Team, the flagship team for the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment.

The Blades, a full-time civilian aerobatic display team based in the UK and made up entirely of former RAF Red Arrows pilots will be attending the airshow. Renowned worldwide for flying close formation aerobatics to the highest level within a dynamic and cutting edge display, The Blades currently hold a world record in formation looping.

The world’s only aerobatic formation wingwalking team, Breitling Wingwalkers, will join the impressive line up taking to the skies over the weekend.

Also attending are the Yakovlevs flying the world’s most powerful Yak 52, known as the Super 52. This world championship aerobatic aircraft is much loved for its sparkling performance, grace and precision formation flying.

The Twister Aerobatic Team will wow crowds with the wingtip pyrotechnics. Each aircraft also features high powered spot lamps to illuminate the display smoke.

British jet-powered training and light-attack aircraft, the Strikemaster will also take to the skies. The BAC Strikemaster will be piloted by Mark Petrie, a former RAF pilot who also now flies the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft with British Airways.

The Gyro flying display, also known as a Gyrocopter or Gyroplane, can also be seen over the weekend. This unusual aircraft is great to watch and is described by the pilots as fun to fly. The rotor blades of the gyro are completely freewheeling in flight, being driven solely by the air going up through the rotor disk.

This year will be the first time Torbay has held an air show and over 150,000 visitors are expected to watch the action unfold over the weekend.

To date, Bristol Street Motors, Devonshire Windows, Hyundai Torbay, Our Garage, Inter-Line Building Supplies, Francis Clark, Budget and TDA have been signed up as official sponsors by the official event commercial team Rocket Fuel Media.

Bristol Street Motors is sponsoring the Hurricane Hangout hospitality marquee and Devonshire Windows the VIP hospitality marquee. Francis Clark has sponsored the night flying element of the airshow.

Hyundai Torbay and Our Garage have shared sponsorship of the Fly-by Family Fun hospitality marquee and Inter-Line Building Supplies is sponsoring the Airshow Live Stage.

The Coastal Communities Fund has provided a start up grant to part-fund the cost of the airshow. Other income is being generated by Rocket Fuel Media, from the sale of sponsorship, concessions and exhibitor space.

Sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities are still available, to find out more visit www.torbayairshow.com

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