Great weekend organisers! Here is what AOPA has to say about it.
AOPA Online : Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association of Australia
AUSFLY, the fly-in event for general aviation aircraft and pilots, was held over the weekend of 14-16 September at Narromine, NSW. The event was organised by the Sport Aircraft Association of Australia (SAAA) and co-supported by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia (AOPA) and the Australian Warbirds Association (AWAL).
AOPA President Andrew Andersen praised the event as an enormous success. “More than 350 general aviation aircraft flew in for the inaugural AUSFLY event”, Andrew said. "It surpassed our expectations and we are ecstatic about the warm welcome and friendship extended to us by the SAAA at their home airport”. As a major co-supporter, AOPA contributed extensive advertising of the event in the Australian Pilot magazine, as well as by e-mail and through its website.
“It’s clear that many AOPA members responded to our call and took part in a fun, safe and educational weekend.” Andrew said. “We’ve had many comments in support of our involvement and look forward to joining again with leading GA organisations at the next AUSFLY event”
As well as its role in publicising the event, AOPA also coordinated the delivery of aviation safety seminars for all attendees with the support of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Along with other personnel, CASA provided expert aviation safety advisors.
AUSFLY also featured many other learning opportunities covering engine operation and technology, avionics, the latest iPad products for flight planning, and amateur sport aircraft builders.
Many attendees camped at least one night at Narromine Airport, where AUSFLY was held. The Narromine Council, which is very forward-thinking about general aviation, strongly supported the event and the demand for accommodation flowed over to the nearby regional centre of Dubbo.
“The excellent facilities at Narromine and near-perfect weather have made for a memorable event”, Andrew said.
Much of the event was supported by a small army of volunteers. Particularly notable was the outstanding UNICOM service provided by three volunteer air traffic controllers, who gave their time freely and provided an advisory service for aircraft arriving, departing and taking part in the airshow events and display flights.
An exhibit hall provided space to commercial businesses to market and promote aviation products including aircraft insurance, accessories, software, propellers and other components, avionics and new sport and business aircraft. Several exhibitors indicated that they regarded the event as a commercial success, with sales and prospective customers in abundance thanks to the large attendance.
In his address to 250 attendees at the event gala dinner, Andrew Andersen highlighted the importance of GA organisations working together. “There is a certain esprit among aviators, and those who have come to AUSFLY are no exception. We all share the sky, we all deal with the weather and we are all enthusiastic about our flight experience and opportunities ahead.” Andrew said.
“It’s easy to be dominated by half-informed emotional negativity. Doing is harder than complaining. AOPA is working hard to represent the interests of everyone actively involved in general aviation. We appreciate immensely the support of our members and the friendship of great kindred organisations such as SAAA and AWAL.” he concluded.
for more information about AOPA, and its role in the AUSFLY event, e-mail
[email protected] or call 02 9791 9099.