Matt Wilkins is the Event Organiser of the Old Buckenham Airshow. He is the CAA Accountable Aerodrome Manager of Old Buckenham, also managing all non-aviation activities and buildings, as well as the airfield’s Authorised Person; Training Officer of Rescue Fire Fighting Services and a CAA ROCC Examiner.

In the world of Air Displays; the Old Buckenham Airshow has grown to become the largest Air Display in two counties and one of the top five events in Norfolk. The winner of a prestigious Tourism Award for ‘Family Event of the Year” the Airshow also made the Country Life list of the 100 best events for “The Greatest Summer Ever in 2012”, the only Air Display to feature. Wilkins has held an FDD Accreditation since 2018 which has recently been successfully renewed. He’s been on the FCC at IWM Duxford Showcases and Shadow FCC for the Battle of Britain Airshow on several occasions, as well as being DFDD at Stow Maries in 2020.

The recently appointed Chairman of the General Aviation Group of the CAA/ DfT’s new Combined Aerodrome Safeguarding Team, Wilkins’ background as a property developer and manager has assisted in the successful defence against planning applications at Old Buckenham, and part of his new remit is to create guidance for Local Planning Authorities and Applicants about the issues their projects may cause to aerodromes. He’s expanded the initial brief to also include the risks to Air Displays at Aerodromes. He’s a member of the CAA’s FDFG and of the APPG on GA.