A Legacy Takes Flight

In August, RAF Marham hosted the latest Tony Ayre Blade Competition, bringing together 12 competitors across the services to test themselves in competition aerobatics.

For many, it was their first experience of aerobatic competition. Some had military flying experience, while others had come into the sport through civilian aviation. What they shared was a willingness to challenge themselves in an event that means far more than simply determining a winner.

The Tony Ayre Blade was created in memory of the highly respected Sergeant Anthony Ayre, an RAF engineering technician, pilot and passionate advocate for giving others the opportunity to experience the joy of flying. More than a decade after his passing, his enthusiasm for aviation continues to inspire the competition and motivate those who never had the chance to meet him.

In May 2014, Sgt Ayre became the first winner of RAF Sport Aircraft’s (RAFSA) inaugural beginners’ aerobatic competition at RAF Cranwell, scoring 81.86 per cent. Sadly, just days after winning the title, Anthony was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident while on summer leave. Anthony had purchased a Pitts S-2A-E aerobatic aircraft kit and was already working on its construction when his life was prematurely cut short. After his passing, his mother asked RAFSA to complete the aircraft in his memory and use it to give others – particularly Junior Ranks and those with limited financial means – the opportunity to access aerobatic flying and competition.

Over the next six years, volunteers, supporters and trustees raised funds, sourced expertise and worked tirelessly to complete the aircraft. On 7 May 2020, it took to the skies for the first time from RAF Waddington. Registered as G-PULR and named Spirit of Ayre, the aircraft became a lasting tribute to Anthony and a tangible legacy of his passion for aviation. The annual RAFSA aerobatic competition was subsequently renamed the Tony Ayre Blade, keeping Anthony’s name connected to the sport he loved while providing an entry point into aerobatics for those with little or no previous experience. It is a legacy that continues to grow with every new competitor who takes part.

We caught up with Flying Officer Jonathan Fox following this year’s Ayre Blade, where he competed for the first time.

“I recently found my old primary school yearbook, where I’d written that my goal was simply: ‘learn to fly.’ Years later, after joining the RAF, I learnt about RAFSA’s Junior Ranks Pilot Scholarship Scheme (JRPSS). I applied for the 2023 scheme and was lucky enough to be awarded a 15-hour scholarship towards my Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL). I started flying lessons with Benson Flying Club and, after my first flight in April that year, I was hooked. The learning curve was steep, and it wasn’t without its challenges, but 15 hours later my training culminated in my first solo flight. Sat in an aircraft alone for the first time was a surreal, not to mention nerve-racking, experience. However, when I lined up on the runway a sense of calm took over. The flight went smoothly and, before I knew it, I had landed and completed my first solo. The following year I applied for RAFSA’s Top-Up Scheme and was awarded a further 15 hours of flying training with Marham Aero Club. Almost two years after my first flight, in March 2025, I passed my Skills Check and earned my LAPL.”

“One of the highlights of my training was my first experience of aerobatics. When my instructor asked, ‘Do you want to fly a loop?’, I didn’t hesitate. That first taste of aerobatics was enough to make me realise it was something I wanted to pursue. So, when I heard about the Ayre Blade Competition, I knew I had to apply. Having now experienced competition aerobatics for the first time, I’ve come to appreciate the legacy of Sgt Anthony Ayre. The competition feels like a fitting way to honour someone so passionate about aviation and talented at aerobatics. Through the JRPSS, and now the Ayre Blade Competition, I’ve been lucky enough to have nearly all my flying experience financially supported by RAFSA. If there is anyone reading this thinking that learning to fly is out of reach, it isn’t. All the RAFSA flying clubs are excellent – get in touch with one!”

Jonathan never knew Anthony, but through these opportunities, he has benefited from the same culture of support that Anthony was so passionate about promoting. The Ayre Blade carries that legacy forward, allowing RAFSA members to challenge themselves, develop their flying skills and experience competition aerobatics, while remembering the man behind its name.

The Fund supports RAF Sport Aircraft, alongside many other Service sports and associations, helping more people take to the skies, the water and the pitch. To discover more opportunities to get involved in sport and make the most of what Service life has to offer, visit our Sports page.