Airbourne Opens After Eastbourne Man Points At First Aircraft And Confidently Gets It Wrong

By Barry Beakman, Senior Local Correspondent

EASTBOURNE — The first day of Airbourne has officially begun after an Eastbourne man pointed towards an aircraft over the seafront and confidently announced that it was something completely different.

The incident occurred shortly after flying began on Thursday, when 52-year-old father-of-three Gary noticed an aircraft approaching and immediately informed approximately 14 people around him that it was "definitely a Typhoon."

It wasn't.

Gary remained undeterred.

"You can tell by the sound," he explained, despite apparently being unable to tell by the sound.

Minutes later, another aircraft appeared.

"Spitfire," Gary announced.

His son quietly checked the programme.

"Dad, it's not."

Gary studied the aircraft for several seconds.

"Well, it's something like that."

Four Days Of Expertise Expected

Witnesses say Gary arrived on the seafront equipped with binoculars, a folding chair and enough aviation knowledge to make correcting him extremely difficult.

He has already explained afterburners to two strangers who did not ask.

His wife confirmed this happens every year.

"He watches one documentary beforehand and suddenly he's worked for the RAF for 30 years."

Gary is expected to remain on the seafront throughout Airbourne, providing inaccurate technical information to anybody within hearing distance.

At the time of publication, another aircraft could be heard approaching.

Gary stood up immediately.

"Now that," he said, "is definitely military."

It was flying towards Gatwick.