Avalon Airshow 3-5 March 2017

[L-Plater]

The Avalon Airshow is back this year.

I'm a spotter rather than a professional pilot but it's always a fantastic day and conducted in great spirit. Full of nostalgia but also plenty of power when the fighters come out to play.

Anyone going this year?

Aircraft display program should be out in a few weeks.

I'm going to the Friday night for the first time. I've heard it's amazing. Only seen the Sat/Sun display previously.

https://www.airshow.com.au/

What are your favourites to see?

[Minosavy Masta]

I hope you have a great time "L". As for me I feel the event has been going downhill in so many aspects since the last Russian involvement sometime last century.The entry fee is exorbitant ,and the Facilities and programs are lacklustre by world class Airshow Standards.and this time there won't even be a Dump and Burn to stir the juices.
If it rains..I hope you enjoy the mud in the car parks and on the entry roads...if not. Eat the dust !

[rjtjrt]

L-Plater
Still a good airshow and the dust is not so bad.
Enjoy it, and keep up your enthusiasm for aviation.
I will definitely be going.
Never been to the night show, but heard good comments about it.

[L-Plater]

Thanks for the replies. I've been each event since 1998. Except when I was in the UK and was lucky enough to be at Farnborough in 2006.

I wanted to be a pilot as a kid but unfortunately I wouldn't pass a commercial medical due to hearing. Aviation is a massive passion for me nonetheless and I've enjoyed a few lessons in a Cessna 172 and had a ride in a sports plane too!

For the most part I love aviation vicariously through travel and air shows

[fujii]

Although Avalon has some large aircraft, it can really drag at times and it has had some woefully poor commentators in the past. If you can, get aross to NZ any Easter and see Wanaka or Omaka. NZ is close and cheap if you plan well. Don't ever take an organised tour.

[The name is Porter]

I've heard the F35 will be demo-ing there & the F22.

[gassed budgie]

As for me I feel the event has been going downhill in so many aspects since the last Russian involvement sometime last century.The entry fee is exorbitant ,and the Facilities and programs are lackluster by world class Airshow Standards.and this time there won't even be a Dump and Burn to stir the juices.
If it rains..I hope you enjoy the mud in the car parks and on the entry roads...if not. Eat the dust !

Yup. Really only interested in seeing one machine....



....and if they leave the display pilot at home like they did last time (supposedly), don't think I'll bother.

[Rotor Work]

F35 to be Star Attraction

Once again I will attend.
I have a gold pass for the Friday as you can get into the expo at 9:00AM and it's easier sitting down for the night show.
I will have general admission on Saturday.
The air shows were excellent back in the day when the Russians attended in force.
Pretty lame now.

The volunteers do a great job, have you thought about volunteering L Plater. I did it for a number of years.

Noticed the new machine is making an appearance, it will be nice if the display pilot turns up as well.
Regards RW

http://http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-07/joint-strike-fighter-f35-to-visit-australia-avalon-air-show/8248194

[Squawk7700]

I get to volunteer at my work to work there and get paid as per normal. The best of both worlds. Paid to go to an air show :-)

[Capn Bloggs]

I want to see it do this:

[Galdom]

"I wouldn't pass a commercial medical due to hearing"

My hearing has never been the same since I experienced the B1 taking off there a few times back. Sad that it's only on static display as for me it would be worth the admission just to watch it do touch and go's!

Enjoy the night show, on a clear night it is magnificent so here's hoping.

Love the enthusiasm L

[0ttoL]

I've been to most, especially the early ones. I agree that the Russians were a highlight.

My tip. Take your aviation scanner along with all the frequencies programmed in.
You'll hear plenty of stuff of stuff that the commentators don't mention and you will know what is coming up next.
eg. One of the Roulettes taking a bird strike and leaving the formation with another so that they could assess the damage.
F/A-18 terminating his display early due to "a problem"
B1 departing for Darwin/Guam/wherever and talking to Melbourne. They requested permission to depart via the Twelve Apostles so they could take a look.
I would love to have been on the cliffs that day.

Enjoy the airshow!
Cheers

[L-Plater]

Can't wait! My hearing is hereditary. I wear ear plugs when the big toys are out!

Perhaps next time I can volunteer.

Always a heap of fun.
I even enjoy the commentary too!

[Jabberwocky82]

Anyone have any rough ideas on the flying program? I see it's meant to be released early Feb, the night flying would be interesting. Do they usually run similar displays across the three days?
Thanks

[Galdom]

Flying Programme

In past years the displays are similar but not identical. There are some displays that are for the night show only.
On one particular memorable year we lucked in with a clear starry sky and a glider was doing aerobatics with a stream of sparks coming from pyrotechnics on its wingtips. That was something very special!

[Jabberwocky82]

The Preliminary Program is up;
https://www.airshow.com.au/airshow2017/PUBLIC/program/index.asp

Saturday and Sunday look to have more action. The night display sounds exciting, but just seems to be a few parachutes, a glider and a flare drop from a Herc. Is it really worth the effort to make Friday night over either of the other days? I'm guessing Sunday is usually the busiest in terms of crowd numbers?

Cheers

[bentleg]

I'm going for a week as a volunteer tarmac marshall, this will be my 8th airshow. It's a great flying fix and being on the tarmac you get meet the overseas pilots and see lots of extra stuff. One year I got into the cockpit of a B1B. Take an airband radio, it adds another dimension to the experience.

Saturday and Sunday look to have more action. The night display sounds exciting, but just seems to be a few parachutes, a glider and a flare drop from a Herc. Is it really worth the effort to make Friday night over either of the other days? I'm guessing Sunday is usually the busiest in terms of crowd numbers?

The best part of Friday night is seeing and hearing Connie take off at night. You will get more bang for your display buck in the daytime, the Saturday Sunday daytime crowds can be overwhelming. Sunday is usually busier than Saturday but the weather can change that. If you can get a trade pass for a trade day, do so. Looking forward to the F22 display.

[Rotor Work]

+1 for the Connie.
Seeing the radial exhaust stacks glowing red against the night sky is the major bonus for me.
Nothing about the F35 on any of the program days.
Looks like the display pilot is awol. So much for the star attraction.
Regards RW

[Glasgow_Flyer]

I'm looking forward to it!! I'm planning on flying in on the Thursday - and hopefully get back with the kids on Sunday.
I haven't been into AV East before - I hear it can be a little bit of fun!

[IFEZ]

Glasgow - Avalon East can be a bit hectic at times but if you follow the published procedures and stay alert its generally not too bad.


Its a bit of a cow paddock, so can be subject to closure if it gets too much rain on it, so have a plan B just in case.


Oh, and make sure all your paperwork is in order. Its ramp check central there..! (Well it has been every other year). License & Medical, MR, W&B done, Fuel Calcs, Nav stuff etc etc just in case you're one of the 'lucky ones'!


I'm looking forward to it, even though there doesn't seem to be much different from last time (or the time before that!). Never get sick of seeing the military jets do their stuff