CONTINUITY and legacy are the watchwords for the new pilot at the controls of the world’s largest military airshow on Swindon’s doorstep.

Andy Armstrong is the new chief executive at the helm of Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE), which co-ordinates The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford.

The 57-year-old took over from Tim Prince in July, but this is the first opportunity the Adver has had to quiz the aviation enthusiast.

Tim founded RIAT in 1971 and remained in control for 43 years, creating a legacy in the process which drove the event to the top of the aviation industry.

Andy, a former marketing director with the firm responsible for Lucozade and Ribena, is aware of the challenges, but says he is not solely responsible for the show.

“There is a talented, full-time team. To think it’s just me would be wrong,” he said.

“There are over 2,000 volunteers, all of whom bring their skills to bear. This isn’t about one person that pulls off RIAT. Every year my job is to make sure they have the resources necessary to put on the best show possible.

“I have taken over an enormous legacy. Previously, Tim Prince had been in charge for 43 years. He has been actively involved for all of that time and I’m hugely privileged to be now in charge.

“My job is to make sure that legacy continues.”

The married father-of-two has a background in consumer industries. After leaving Strathclyde University, where he was a member of the air squadron, he joined SmithKline Beecham as a graduate trainee.

He became marketing director of the consumer soft drinks division before moving on to Sony, where he was managing director in northern Europe for the home entertainment division.

The Hertfordshire-based chief’s father was an Air Training Corps chaplain, which sparked his interest in the skies, and led to his learning to fly.

His background may be commercial, but Andy is confident his blend of experience and enthusiasm can lead to success.

“I’m very lucky to be doing what I’m doing,” he said.

“It was in January of this year, I even remember the date as January 13, when my wife spotted an ad in The Sunday Times and told me she had found my new job.

“Within a couple of hours I was applying for it.”

He has been in-post for five months now, and plans are already in place for the 2015 RIAT.

The focus will be on the past, present and future of aviation, with hopes for a flyover from a Spitfire, Typhoon and F-35.

The latter, a futuristic fighter jet, was all but set to make its debut over UK shores at this year’s airshow, until an engine failure left it grounded in the USA.

Andy admits it is far from certain if it will manage the trip in 2015, but fingers are crossed and talks are ongoing.

For more information, visit: www.airtattoo.com