AN Ilminster man has returned from Florida after coming second in the International ‘Aerospace Olympics’.

Andy Messom was part of a five-man team sent from Exeter by aviation giants Flybe to take part in the 2017 Aerospace Maintenance Competition.

Andy was also part of a duo who were crowned fastest in the Fuel Tank Entry category.

The crew also came second in the MRO/OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) category, just losing out to Boeing.

Andrew Messom, aircraft engineer supervisor at Flybe, said: “The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and nerves.

“To have come away with two trophies for second place was a bit of a shock for our first time at the competition and it took quite a while for our cheesy grins to go.

“I feel very proud to have shown our skills and knowledge base to the rest of the world on behalf of Flybe.”

This year’s event attracted 53 teams from across the world, including entrees from global giants Boeing, United Airlines, Qantas, Virgin Galactic, and the US Army and Airforce.

Flybe’s team of team leader Luke Thomas, Joel Denton, Ashley Goodliffe, Simon Tooze, and Andy, was a last-minute entry competing for the first time and was the only European team at this year’s event.

The competition required them to undertake tasks in 26 maintenance categories.

Christine Ourmieres-Widener, Flybe CEO said: “Every one of us at Flybe is so exceptionally proud of this successful team of colleagues for their outstanding performance in the 2017 Aerospace Maintenance Competition.

“This was the first time we had ever sent a team to compete and to come away with two second place trophies is a fantastic achievement, particularly with two members who have come through our own apprenticeship programme.

“The judges remarked at how well they worked as a team. They are a credit to Flybe and typify the commitment to teamwork and passion for excellence we work to achieve overall as a company.”

For more information on the competition, visit www.aerospacecompetition.com.