Originally Posted by
Sunfish
Avalon is about convincing the ignorant general public that we have a defence force that is good value (not), that its a worthwhile career (perhaps for some) and for fat old characters to relive their glory days.
Its not worth attending.
Sunfish, reliably you say the same thing every 2 years, however we got a reprieve due to Covid. Personally, I think you walk around with your eyes closed at Avalon. At the second last show perhaps, you visited and couldn’t find the Rotax tent as you had your eyes closed. In the ga and raa areas there were a stack of aircraft on display, plus new offerings from FoxBat, Alto, TL, Tecnam, some Chinese float plane mob, Cirrus and many others. The trade halls were abuzz with avionics and other new equipment, missiles and rocket launchers. You said that you visited the Garmin display and they weren’t interested in selling you something - this is because they are the manufacturer and they would refer you to their dealer network to purchase. Just like the boat show, if you visit Mercury, unless there’s a dealer nearby also displaying, then they can only give you a nice glossy brochure.
GA is not dead. I deal with GA businesses on a daily basis across Australia and deal with nothing but positivity… except for when the ATSB call.