Avalon Airshow? is it worth it
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Ozee
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Avalon Airshow? is it worth it
Hi
Just trying to get opinions if the Avalon Airshow still cuts it for value, interest and flying displays.
Went on a trade day and Friday and am not sure if it is International as the organizers state? love to hear/see some feedback. (I am on the neutral side as of this time.)
Just trying to get opinions if the Avalon Airshow still cuts it for value, interest and flying displays.
Went on a trade day and Friday and am not sure if it is International as the organizers state? love to hear/see some feedback. (I am on the neutral side as of this time.)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: x
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I thought it was very good, except the weather was bleak on the Thursday I visited. I thought most of the foreign aircraft manufacturers and businesses were represented so I don't know what you mean by questioning whether it was international. It was and that was obvious. I look forward to next time and highly recommend it.
Don Quixote Impersonator
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Australia
Age: 77
Posts: 3,403
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I made a last minute decision to go on Wed late, managed to snag some cheap fares, well $860 return from Perth via CBR, biggest problem was accomodation. i.e. none in Mel.
Managed to snag a spare bed with an old mate there with a large US aircraft manufacturer.
Definitely International and very professionally done by them including the Airservices, CASA and Vic and QLD Govt stands.
The locals need to spend a bit more time and money if they want to be noticed amongst the seriously good professionallly done displays.
There is a lesson to be learned by the OEMs who didn't display aircraft in the message they sent to their prospective clients.
If it is OK for Gulfstream (the beautiful G550 & G200 big iron) Bombardier (Global Express and Lear 60), Dassault (Falcon 900), Raytheon (Horizon, 800 and King Air) and the Defense guys at Boeing (C17, B757, Defender), EADS, BAE, etc etc a dozen assorted military helicopter, to bring their big iron stuff for us to clamber over and gawk at why not for them.
The latest Diamond, Cirrus, Airvan and many new GA types and so on.
Old home week really, caught up with many old OEM and Regulatory friends and made a whole bunch of new ones. Wall to wall uniforms, including PRC, Korea, Indon, Vietnam, Tom Clanct would have had a ball.
Well done. so far.
Flying Display ??
The trade day Thurs was either not enough aircraft or too spread out. 5-10 minutes at a time with nothing happening in front of the crowd is really boring.
Worse on Friday with the night spectacular running late with some of the displays running twice as long as they needed.
There were some seriously spectacular displays, Jurgy the Lithuanian and seriously mad aerobatic guy rewriting the laws of Physics in his 400 HP Sukhoi Unlimited was worth the whole $860 the F15-16-18 and C17 were a bonus and my fave of all time the F111 never disappoints.
I could have sworn the F111 guys were younger than my children.
Overall great show but needed IMHO some serious tightening up of the flying display.
My 2 bob says, run the display time to the number of displays not try to fill 3 hours by stretching out what was maybe 2 hours of display material.
How many times do you need to watch a bunch of parachuters with Aussie flags.
An ultralight thing after a thunder and lightning fast jet doesn't do the former justice.
I've seen much better with much less spectacular equipment.
The ingredients were there but Mr Barnum was on holidays.
Managed to snag a spare bed with an old mate there with a large US aircraft manufacturer.
Definitely International and very professionally done by them including the Airservices, CASA and Vic and QLD Govt stands.
The locals need to spend a bit more time and money if they want to be noticed amongst the seriously good professionallly done displays.
There is a lesson to be learned by the OEMs who didn't display aircraft in the message they sent to their prospective clients.
If it is OK for Gulfstream (the beautiful G550 & G200 big iron) Bombardier (Global Express and Lear 60), Dassault (Falcon 900), Raytheon (Horizon, 800 and King Air) and the Defense guys at Boeing (C17, B757, Defender), EADS, BAE, etc etc a dozen assorted military helicopter, to bring their big iron stuff for us to clamber over and gawk at why not for them.
The latest Diamond, Cirrus, Airvan and many new GA types and so on.
Old home week really, caught up with many old OEM and Regulatory friends and made a whole bunch of new ones. Wall to wall uniforms, including PRC, Korea, Indon, Vietnam, Tom Clanct would have had a ball.
Well done. so far.
Flying Display ??
The trade day Thurs was either not enough aircraft or too spread out. 5-10 minutes at a time with nothing happening in front of the crowd is really boring.
Worse on Friday with the night spectacular running late with some of the displays running twice as long as they needed.
There were some seriously spectacular displays, Jurgy the Lithuanian and seriously mad aerobatic guy rewriting the laws of Physics in his 400 HP Sukhoi Unlimited was worth the whole $860 the F15-16-18 and C17 were a bonus and my fave of all time the F111 never disappoints.
I could have sworn the F111 guys were younger than my children.
Overall great show but needed IMHO some serious tightening up of the flying display.
My 2 bob says, run the display time to the number of displays not try to fill 3 hours by stretching out what was maybe 2 hours of display material.
How many times do you need to watch a bunch of parachuters with Aussie flags.
An ultralight thing after a thunder and lightning fast jet doesn't do the former justice.
I've seen much better with much less spectacular equipment.
The ingredients were there but Mr Barnum was on holidays.
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Australia
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Me mate, Disco Stu came home yesterday after 4 days at Avalon.
He is still trying to adequately describe what Jurgy did with the SU-31, all he has actually said so far is "s..t I don't believe that!"
He (DS) obviously enjoyed catching up with friends, former students and many fellow aviation professionals. He is waxing lyrical about the future of diesel as a powerplant for GA aircraft, I just hope his mate with Airtourer up the road keeps his hangar locked or I'm sure DS will have a new diesel engine in it in no time.
DS couldn't stand the influx of the public
on Friday afternoon so he said his farewells and jumped the jet back to GG and me
I'm sure if he was allowed (and not the subject of a petty ban) he would write a full and comprehensive report.
He might even stop saying "s..t I don't believe that!"
tipsy
purrrrrrrr
He is still trying to adequately describe what Jurgy did with the SU-31, all he has actually said so far is "s..t I don't believe that!"
He (DS) obviously enjoyed catching up with friends, former students and many fellow aviation professionals. He is waxing lyrical about the future of diesel as a powerplant for GA aircraft, I just hope his mate with Airtourer up the road keeps his hangar locked or I'm sure DS will have a new diesel engine in it in no time.
DS couldn't stand the influx of the public
on Friday afternoon so he said his farewells and jumped the jet back to GG and me I'm sure if he was allowed (and not the subject of a petty ban) he would write a full and comprehensive report.
He might even stop saying "s..t I don't believe that!"
tipsy
purrrrrrrr
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: Abeam Alice Springs
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A good show.
Agree with comments above re the timing of the flying display... however I understand that the present timing is designed to keep the payers happy by having something flying all day during the public days... I would prefer the start to be at 1.00pm or so and be 3 solid hours of non stop activity.
The night show on Friday was too long and did not have enough acts. Connie, F111, the glider and the wall of fire could have all been done just after sunset, and not dragged on to 2130hrs.
The highlight.... the Kiwi 757 and Jurky in the Su31. It is great to see an airliner doing things that you don't normally see one do... after all that is what an airshow is all about.
Oh' an afterthought... As far as I am aware there were no heavyweights from the Federal Government there, and of course the Minister continues to prove his lack of interest in aviation at any level.
Agree with comments above re the timing of the flying display... however I understand that the present timing is designed to keep the payers happy by having something flying all day during the public days... I would prefer the start to be at 1.00pm or so and be 3 solid hours of non stop activity.
The night show on Friday was too long and did not have enough acts. Connie, F111, the glider and the wall of fire could have all been done just after sunset, and not dragged on to 2130hrs.
The highlight.... the Kiwi 757 and Jurky in the Su31. It is great to see an airliner doing things that you don't normally see one do... after all that is what an airshow is all about.
Oh' an afterthought... As far as I am aware there were no heavyweights from the Federal Government there, and of course the Minister continues to prove his lack of interest in aviation at any level.
Last edited by triadic; 20th Mar 2005 at 21:09.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Ozee
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Guy's I have only asked the question because have heard on local radio stations that people thought they were ripped off, I agree about the flying being a bit spasmodic but through the average persons eyes the static display seems to be lost .
Gaunty you have described it in an excellent manner, I think the same way as you but could not put it into words as you did, the aero's by Jurgis whew what a master!!
Gaunty you have described it in an excellent manner, I think the same way as you but could not put it into words as you did, the aero's by Jurgis whew what a master!!
Last edited by Lukeatme; 21st Mar 2005 at 03:45.
I was there Tuesday and Friday.
I agree with Gaunty, and others, the trade display was awesome and there were some very serious heavy hitters from the U.S. and elsewhere talking to numerous defence types from all over Asia.
I liked the Cirrus stand, especially when it rained on Tuesday. The diesels looked good, and no sign of any competitive response from Continental or Lycoming.
The flying display was a little disappointing. All the old favourites were there, but nothing except for some magic acrobatics!!
I left early on Friday, but heard from others that the night show was a disappointmen. The delays were apparently caused by a Jetstar Arrival and Departure that didn't exactly thrill the crowd.
I agree with Gaunty, and others, the trade display was awesome and there were some very serious heavy hitters from the U.S. and elsewhere talking to numerous defence types from all over Asia.
I liked the Cirrus stand, especially when it rained on Tuesday. The diesels looked good, and no sign of any competitive response from Continental or Lycoming.
The flying display was a little disappointing. All the old favourites were there, but nothing except for some magic acrobatics!!
I left early on Friday, but heard from others that the night show was a disappointmen. The delays were apparently caused by a Jetstar Arrival and Departure that didn't exactly thrill the crowd.
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Melbourne,Vic,Australia
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Was there on Friday and skipped the night display.
The trade part was good. Air display not so good, heard that they didn't really have a program but were winging it to some extent.
The trade part was good. Air display not so good, heard that they didn't really have a program but were winging it to some extent.
ISTM the public voted with their feet yesterday (Sunday): the stream of early leavers back to the car park started at 14:00, and was a flood by 15:00 
Certainly, the trade days and the manufacturer's stands were as good as you would want, but the flying display......."pedestrian" would be a polite term for it.
Highlights: Su31, C17, Kiwi 757, and the heavy metal.
Waste of time: percussion pyrotechnics out of synch with the passing aircraft, massive delays between flypasts, and the Friday display in its entireity.
Certainly, the trade days and the manufacturer's stands were as good as you would want, but the flying display......."pedestrian" would be a polite term for it.
Highlights: Su31, C17, Kiwi 757, and the heavy metal.
Waste of time: percussion pyrotechnics out of synch with the passing aircraft, massive delays between flypasts, and the Friday display in its entireity.
Was there from Monday thru Sunday except for Sat. Glad it's over...a bit talked out!
Only thing worth it on friday night was watching the super connie at night. Magic. Jetscar got some good mileage out of it though.
As for jugie's aero's, yep, he's rewritten aerodynamics, and physics!
Good to see the Catalina flying in the flesh.
A good show, but not a patch on the 91? one with the Ruskies...
Only thing worth it on friday night was watching the super connie at night. Magic. Jetscar got some good mileage out of it though.
As for jugie's aero's, yep, he's rewritten aerodynamics, and physics!
Good to see the Catalina flying in the flesh.
A good show, but not a patch on the 91? one with the Ruskies...
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: oz
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So, he hadn't shut up about Jurgy even after he got home tipsy? Kinda what he said at the time, too!! Have to agree with Gaunty I think. (Sorry i missed you there Gaunty) Trade stuff was not too bad, some glaring omissions, eh Gaunty? Flying display? So So. Seen better Avalons, that's for sure. The hospitality at the Shell Chalet? Excellent!!!! Just a general question tho, I've NEVER seen DJ have anything to do with Avalon. I really think they are missing out on an opportunity here. What say the rest of you?
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Melbourne VIC AUS
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bit offended about "winging" the flying display!!!!! Months of negotiation and weeks of planning were involved. However, I recognise that many people who comment on this forum have zero knowledge or credibility. Four days of strong easterlies didn't help.
Friday night was a disappointment to us - we lost four acts, all flying pyros, due to the strong easterly crosswind. Everyone did their best to get airborne, even tried the aerochutes off 09, but to no avail.
The main problem was learning to integrate up to 12 RPT movements into the program. The CASA requirement that the airline maintain IFR, with consequent buffers, was the cause of most if not all the pauses that happened. Once an aircraft was inside Ripley the airfield and adjacent airspace had to be cleared. With a linear program it is very hard to move acts forward or back at short notice to accommodate slack estimates, and unfortunately an RPT operation doesn't (and can't) work to the minute.
From my point of view, the public did indeed vote with their feet - and they keep coming back in bigger and bigger numbers.
Because the current regimes of safety law, OHS, insurance and litigation are causing most organisers to abandon the genre, leaving ASDU as one of the few event managers even able to get the approvals, Avalon is almost the only opportunity Victorians have to see a show locally.
Have a nice coupla years, and see you in 07.
Gru
Friday night was a disappointment to us - we lost four acts, all flying pyros, due to the strong easterly crosswind. Everyone did their best to get airborne, even tried the aerochutes off 09, but to no avail.
The main problem was learning to integrate up to 12 RPT movements into the program. The CASA requirement that the airline maintain IFR, with consequent buffers, was the cause of most if not all the pauses that happened. Once an aircraft was inside Ripley the airfield and adjacent airspace had to be cleared. With a linear program it is very hard to move acts forward or back at short notice to accommodate slack estimates, and unfortunately an RPT operation doesn't (and can't) work to the minute.
From my point of view, the public did indeed vote with their feet - and they keep coming back in bigger and bigger numbers.
Because the current regimes of safety law, OHS, insurance and litigation are causing most organisers to abandon the genre, leaving ASDU as one of the few event managers even able to get the approvals, Avalon is almost the only opportunity Victorians have to see a show locally.
Have a nice coupla years, and see you in 07.
Gru
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Dunnunda & Godzone
Age: 74
Posts: 4,275
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mr grusome
brought the rest of your comments undone, and your slip is showing.
I have over the past decade (I see you have been around since 1999) on PPRuNe become privy, by their own admission, to the background and experience of most of the people who here have taken the time to offer their views some at significant expense, either to themselves, their employers and even I suspect to the Airshow organisers, by actually being at the show. $40 per day plus meals of coke, burger etc at $15 and so on.
Most if not all of them would have already "known" of the difficulties faced, some with considerable airshow planning and experience of their own and you should feel embarrased, but then your legal background might suggest that would be a difficult emotion for you to express.
Were "the crowd" advised of the problems with the "missing" acts?
There were, I understand, some Jetstar advertising announcements during Jetstar arrivals and departures but no explanation as to the reason the airspace was closed to display for this reason. I can't imagine why not?
Many including myself have been to similar shows in Europe and the US operating in a similar environment and occasionally in appalling weather, they might have had to revert to Plan B then C now and then but the "show" goes on.
A smart organisation would take the constructive criticism by experienced aviation people on board and try harder next time.
I'll leave it to John Eacott and gaunty to have the last say for me.
However, I recognise that many people who comment on this forum have zero knowledge or credibility.
I have over the past decade (I see you have been around since 1999) on PPRuNe become privy, by their own admission, to the background and experience of most of the people who here have taken the time to offer their views some at significant expense, either to themselves, their employers and even I suspect to the Airshow organisers, by actually being at the show. $40 per day plus meals of coke, burger etc at $15 and so on.
Most if not all of them would have already "known" of the difficulties faced, some with considerable airshow planning and experience of their own and you should feel embarrased, but then your legal background might suggest that would be a difficult emotion for you to express.
Were "the crowd" advised of the problems with the "missing" acts?
There were, I understand, some Jetstar advertising announcements during Jetstar arrivals and departures but no explanation as to the reason the airspace was closed to display for this reason. I can't imagine why not?
Many including myself have been to similar shows in Europe and the US operating in a similar environment and occasionally in appalling weather, they might have had to revert to Plan B then C now and then but the "show" goes on.
A smart organisation would take the constructive criticism by experienced aviation people on board and try harder next time.
I'll leave it to John Eacott and gaunty to have the last say for me.
but the flying display......."pedestrian" would be a polite term for it.
I've seen much better with much less spectacular equipment.
The ingredients were there but Mr Barnum was on holidays.
The ingredients were there but Mr Barnum was on holidays.
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Australia
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Avalon organisers and Announcers need the broom put to them. Same old same old every year and getting worse. Maybe a trip to RIAT or another large airshow maybe the go. Not sure how Avalon 2003 got voted the 3rd best show of the year as we were constantly reminded. Wonder how 2005 will rate? Tyabb was better and is in Victoria.
The announcers made too many mistakes and the music on the field was to loud. We want to hear the machines not the knobs. If you don't know what you are talking about. SHUT UP!
Ok we've seen the F-16 and F-15 to much now, we all know they have more powerew than the entire starting grid of the Indy 500 and help the USA in their Global reach policy blah blah. How about some new stuff?
The night show. Should be stopped just after sunset with the Connie. How crap was it? Don't care if the East wind blew hard. It was still boring.
Plus there should be no rumour sheet released to drum up business, out of all the aircraft that were going to attend (and fly) how many did? 20%.
Enough ranting. I'll still go back to catch up with the old crew and that's basically all it is now days.
Peace!
The announcers made too many mistakes and the music on the field was to loud. We want to hear the machines not the knobs. If you don't know what you are talking about. SHUT UP!
Ok we've seen the F-16 and F-15 to much now, we all know they have more powerew than the entire starting grid of the Indy 500 and help the USA in their Global reach policy blah blah. How about some new stuff?
The night show. Should be stopped just after sunset with the Connie. How crap was it? Don't care if the East wind blew hard. It was still boring.
Plus there should be no rumour sheet released to drum up business, out of all the aircraft that were going to attend (and fly) how many did? 20%.
Enough ranting. I'll still go back to catch up with the old crew and that's basically all it is now days.
Peace!
However, I recognise that many people who comment on this forum have zero knowledge or credibility
Sector Controller from 1992 - 2001 (plaques proudly on the wall of the office
), display pilot 2001. This year, only attended 4 days, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.The weather at the weekend was lovely, though
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Ozee
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Grusome
I asked the question and have had some very good answers put on the forum, but I would not under any circumstances attack the people for the comments as you have as some sound to me as they are very knowlegable and can express themselves, this in my opinion would be good feedback for any airshow organizer!!
The only thing I disagree with is the great spectacle of the sky divers with the flags, reckon it looked very impressive.
I asked the question and have had some very good answers put on the forum, but I would not under any circumstances attack the people for the comments as you have as some sound to me as they are very knowlegable and can express themselves, this in my opinion would be good feedback for any airshow organizer!!
The only thing I disagree with is the great spectacle of the sky divers with the flags, reckon it looked very impressive.
Good to see Gippsland Aeronautics there with many examples of their product. Interesting to see Whitney's Boomerang design - good luck, Bill.
The 300 hp CT-4 gave a modest but neat display, I guess few would have noticed that this one had the extra horsepower.
Good to catch up with Jurgis Kairys, Pip Borrman and others - my only reason (well, apart from business) to attend the trade days. From my point of view, all the right people were there to progress business activities.
I heard that the Careers Expo on the weekend was poorly attended - much improvement in its organisation needed for next time, happy to assist.
(Display pilot at Avalon some years ago)
The 300 hp CT-4 gave a modest but neat display, I guess few would have noticed that this one had the extra horsepower.
Good to catch up with Jurgis Kairys, Pip Borrman and others - my only reason (well, apart from business) to attend the trade days. From my point of view, all the right people were there to progress business activities.
I heard that the Careers Expo on the weekend was poorly attended - much improvement in its organisation needed for next time, happy to assist.
However, I recognise that many people who comment on this forum have zero knowledge or credibility
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Overall I thought it was OK however Friday night was a dissaster.
They really do need to get back to a punchy two hour display with lots of noise on the public days.
On a personal note, I would have liked to have seen the Antarctic Division CASA 212 on skis fly. It certianly would have been another unique aircraft for the show and talking to the crew one of only two in the world.
They really do need to get back to a punchy two hour display with lots of noise on the public days.
On a personal note, I would have liked to have seen the Antarctic Division CASA 212 on skis fly. It certianly would have been another unique aircraft for the show and talking to the crew one of only two in the world.
I probably fit into the catagory described by Grusome so you can take my opinion with a grain of salt! (attended all three public days 2001, 2005 and have PPL)
Flying in this year proved to be easy, arriving at the right times traffic wise seems to help. Shuttle buses made everything that much less stressful.
Lara campsite had no where near the amount of facilities required. If I am going to Avalon 07 then I'm steering clear of the public campsite.
The Friday night FLYING displays were fantastic, I agree that for a non-pilot it may have appeared disorganised but in the organisers defense I did hear the commentator mention that the problems were due to the strong winds.
Obviously an overhaul of the whole airshow would be nice but can any of you post a list of brand new acts (ie new aircraft that we haven't seen in Australia before) long enough to provide a decent flying display? I think not. Short of the JSF, F-22 and Sukhoi's its really all been done before BECAUSE thats the aircraft that are in service at the moment, I'd imagine its pretty hard to have to work with functioning airforces that operate on limited budgets to get them to fly half way around the world for a 3 day display.
The only major criticism I would have is the outrageous cost of things at Avalon, the Gold Pass tickets are expensive enough for a meal to be included I would say. Sure you get a cap, ticket holder and program but those items at cost price would not take too much away from the ticket price surely! Consequently as we camped at Lara for the three days we brough in pre-packed food for meals as $12+ for a small meal and drink is just rediculous.
Flying in this year proved to be easy, arriving at the right times traffic wise seems to help. Shuttle buses made everything that much less stressful.
Lara campsite had no where near the amount of facilities required. If I am going to Avalon 07 then I'm steering clear of the public campsite.
The Friday night FLYING displays were fantastic, I agree that for a non-pilot it may have appeared disorganised but in the organisers defense I did hear the commentator mention that the problems were due to the strong winds.
Obviously an overhaul of the whole airshow would be nice but can any of you post a list of brand new acts (ie new aircraft that we haven't seen in Australia before) long enough to provide a decent flying display? I think not. Short of the JSF, F-22 and Sukhoi's its really all been done before BECAUSE thats the aircraft that are in service at the moment, I'd imagine its pretty hard to have to work with functioning airforces that operate on limited budgets to get them to fly half way around the world for a 3 day display.
The only major criticism I would have is the outrageous cost of things at Avalon, the Gold Pass tickets are expensive enough for a meal to be included I would say. Sure you get a cap, ticket holder and program but those items at cost price would not take too much away from the ticket price surely! Consequently as we camped at Lara for the three days we brough in pre-packed food for meals as $12+ for a small meal and drink is just rediculous.
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Australia
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have to agree with Morning Mongrel - the Shell Chalet was excellent. Pretty p*ss poor show from the Yanks, guy on the Super Hornet sim told me 'political' reasons had caused them to withdraw some of their heavier metal.
What's got me buggered is how they can justify flying a B-52 from Darwin for a single fly by at 1000ft and then back to the NT.
Loved the Kiwi 75' - certainly proved that you can take the man out of the fighter but not the fighter out of the man. Would have been good to see the Wedgetail reef it around like our Tasman friends.
Shame that the Pig left his beacon active on the Friday night passes. Thought he came inbound lights-out in '03 - made for a more interesting reaction from those unaware of his approach.
Would like to know what some of the JQ blokes thought of landing in front of a crowd like Saturday's - must be a bit of a highlight for an airline jockey?
All in all, it was just another airshow - and I hope '07 is a whole lot better.
Soulman
What's got me buggered is how they can justify flying a B-52 from Darwin for a single fly by at 1000ft and then back to the NT.
Loved the Kiwi 75' - certainly proved that you can take the man out of the fighter but not the fighter out of the man. Would have been good to see the Wedgetail reef it around like our Tasman friends.
Shame that the Pig left his beacon active on the Friday night passes. Thought he came inbound lights-out in '03 - made for a more interesting reaction from those unaware of his approach.
Would like to know what some of the JQ blokes thought of landing in front of a crowd like Saturday's - must be a bit of a highlight for an airline jockey?
All in all, it was just another airshow - and I hope '07 is a whole lot better.
Soulman