Avalon Airshow
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: australia
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I will most likely go every time they have it. For me it's worth $50 even if I only see the RAAF Hornet display. Since the Super Hornets started coming out the RAAF seems to have learnt how to pull massive angle of attack which looks grouse.
Also the Super Hornet flight sim at the Boeing stand is fantastic. I've had a go last two shows and this one I managed to trap on the carrier first attempt.
The second pass was a bit rough though...
But yeah, would be nice to see F-22/B-2/Typhoon/Rafael/JAS-39/V-22?
Bueller?
Did that new helo we just bought fly? NH90 is it?
Also the Super Hornet flight sim at the Boeing stand is fantastic. I've had a go last two shows and this one I managed to trap on the carrier first attempt.
The second pass was a bit rough though...
But yeah, would be nice to see F-22/B-2/Typhoon/Rafael/JAS-39/V-22?
Bueller?
Did that new helo we just bought fly? NH90 is it?
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Oz
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I went on Wednesday to avoid the crowds and talk to people on stands - didn't bother to hang around to see the same old stuff. I think I was finished inside two hours and went home.
Two years ago I brought an international guest (customer) along we had a great day - and he enjoyed himself. Bloody glad I had no-one to entertain this year - would have been boring as hell and downright embarrassing.
Having said that, I would have loved to see the B-1 flying as I've never seen that before.
Agree with most above - got to bring something new to the show or bring some other nations' aircraft into the mix. I would have gone to the concert at the MCG for $75 if I'd had a choice.
Snail
Two years ago I brought an international guest (customer) along we had a great day - and he enjoyed himself. Bloody glad I had no-one to entertain this year - would have been boring as hell and downright embarrassing.
Having said that, I would have loved to see the B-1 flying as I've never seen that before.
Agree with most above - got to bring something new to the show or bring some other nations' aircraft into the mix. I would have gone to the concert at the MCG for $75 if I'd had a choice.
Snail
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Sydney
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My big problem with yesterday was relatively simple - shelter! For what everyone pays to enter, the only place to get away from the rain was the expo or the chatlets (if you were lucky to be in one). Is it too much to put up some areas with shelter (even without seats?) Even the gold pass area doesn't have any shelter. Each time the show is on there is plenty of wind and rain. I just felt sorry for a lot of the guests with thier aircraft (like the Yanks) who had no shelter for the day.
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Australia
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Agree with the comments on the commentators. I actually found out where they broadcast from (by accident), a demountable classroom at ground level. No wonder they get things wrong, they can't see anything.
What is the accent that guy has? Made the Jelly Belly worse to watch.
I was in front of them while the Yak-9 was displaying. First it had a Curtis engine and then an Allison. That annoyed me as I was taking notes for the test later on. I turned to them and mouthed "you're S%te". Wish I had a sign like the people have at the cricket.
At least "love song dedications" wasn't there this year with his aweful jokes.
How can one get a gig? At least I would shut up when a P-51 goes past. Like I say, as they can't see, probably explains why.
What is the accent that guy has? Made the Jelly Belly worse to watch.
I was in front of them while the Yak-9 was displaying. First it had a Curtis engine and then an Allison. That annoyed me as I was taking notes for the test later on. I turned to them and mouthed "you're S%te". Wish I had a sign like the people have at the cricket.
At least "love song dedications" wasn't there this year with his aweful jokes.
How can one get a gig? At least I would shut up when a P-51 goes past. Like I say, as they can't see, probably explains why.
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Saturn
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Downhill since the russians...
I haven't gone to the last couple.. Avalon airshow has let me down since witnessing the 'mad russians' at the first one. Those guys really know how to 'shock and awe'! I remember watching with my mouth wide open when the AN124 did it's crazy ass display! The crew even landed the plane nose wheels first - that was totally incredible to watch! Anyone remember that?
According to the 'Airshow Exhibition Regulations' the 'Principal Ringmaster' (presumably the announcer) was a bloke named Paul Devine.
I suspect that it all comes down to $$$$$. Just look at the number of volunteers they use in the carpark and elsewhere to minimise costs. Oddly, the ABN on the receipt for airshow parking does not belong to the company named (Aviation Development Australia Ltd), but rather, to a company called Aerospace Australia Ltd. Further, the individuals managing all aspects of the airshow work for yet another company - Aerospace Maritime & Defence Foundation of Australia Ltd. All rather confusing and makes me wonder where all the money goes.
On a lighter note, I notice that the name of the International Marketing Representative for South Korea was a "Ms. Sunny Moon". Wish I had know that beforehand as I would have made a point of getting a business card.
My big problem with yesterday was relatively simple - shelter! For what everyone pays to enter...
On a lighter note, I notice that the name of the International Marketing Representative for South Korea was a "Ms. Sunny Moon". Wish I had know that beforehand as I would have made a point of getting a business card.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Sydney
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Shelter - not in the grandstands (that is the worst place to have it). I meant in the rest of the areas, near the food stands etc. There was plenty of space away from aircraft to put some shelter that wouldn't impeed any views.
According to the 'Airshow Exhibition Regulations' the 'Principal Ringmaster' (presumably the announcer) was a bloke named Paul Devine.
PD is a former RAAF MIR pilot and experienced Ringmaster. (This position is the the CASA delegate for the flying display/airshow approval)
There is much more to the Avalon Airshow than just the flying displays, which due to our location on the Earth rely on participation from other countries. The world economic situation at the moment effected this year somewhat and there were some cancellations in the weeks leading up to the show. Nevertheless it was good to see the B1 and the Super Hornet. I think the 4 RAAF F/A18s do a good routine and the 'Bou and the Pig are always stars!
The value of the trade days to those that want to make the investment is significant and the flow on to the aerospace industry is significant even if not obvious to the average punter.
Those that are critical of the flying display need to realise that it is very difficult to put on such an event and coordinate displays and attendance from other parts of the globe. If you are so interested, why dont you put up your hand for the next show as a volunteer and you will soon find out the amount of work that goes into trying to please fussy punters.
As an airshow junkie from way back, I think they did a good job considering the tough times at the moment. Sure there could have been more acts and other flying entertainment, but that is always the case. Fact is if you are so critical, don't come next time. I'm sure you wont be missed...! Save up and go to OSH or one of the UK shows if you want something different.
The crew even landed the plane nose wheels first - that was totally incredible to watch! Anyone remember that?
Just watching the video footage of how close he had the aircraft over the crowd is concerning... I imagine it would have been a fair bit more alarming if you were actually in the crowd...
Kiwi PPRuNer
Join Date: May 2000
Location: rockingham, western australia
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paid $1400 return*** for a last minute ticket from perth, only to get soaked,some tents decided to do there own flying display on saturday afternoon,* mustang and connie would only do grounds runs,* that jellybaby* piper cub/whatever it is* was good for a laugh though,* with bits falling off everywhere,* and the kiwi 757* been thrashed to within an inch of its life, might add it took me longer to get out of the carpark and onto the freeway than it did to get back to melbourne airport
Join Date: May 2007
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Avalon Airshow
I remember the good old days of having a Photograph's Pass which allowed you access to all parts of the field. Mini vans would pick and drop you off at certain areas. Should be re-introduced though I cannot see it happening till the year 2525 if the air show lasts that long.
Is it true the Mustang abandoned its take off run due loss of control in crosswind?
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Oz
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Ground Hog Day
Did anyone enjoy that Jelly Belly thing? WTF
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Australia
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Just look at how the Defence, Temora, Nowra and other shows are organised. They do not have the organisation sizeof Airduds Downunder and put on better displays. No gaps, everything one after the other. Maybe with the money they received they should go and visit some of the shows overseas and see how it should be done.
Join Date: Aug 2008
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First time from NZ for Avalon (6 days)
Airfares NZ$1100 for wife and I
Accom NZ$1300
Rental car and fuel AU$250
Food/drink NOT at the airshow AU$600
Airshow AU$330 for 3 days NOT including food
Total over $3500 kiwi
What a total dissapointment - thankgod it was fine on Friday arvo so that we got to see 4 hours of airshow before the stratus rolled in killing the night flying.
pissed down on saturday and we decided to leave about 1130am soaked - thought they may have reimbursed some of the ticket - nope.
blew a bloody cold and wind on sunday and when my fingers still hadn't thawed out by 1pm called it quits when i could see rain approaching again.
All in all the show seemed very disjointed, long gaps, and more announcements about 'assessing the weather' than you could shake a stick at. Really nothing that spectacular to be fair and the mud and crap everywhere on Sunday was a shocker not to mention trying to get out from the public watching area back onto the taxiway to the static displays.
I know that weather played a big part and that is nobody's fault but even if the weather had been just dandy the whole weekend, I don't think the display line up would have grabbed you the whole time. The only reason we went for the 3 days was to try and see the show in it's entirity, which of course didn't happen.
Still, I can cross Avalon off now as another airshow "been there done that".
Airfares NZ$1100 for wife and I
Accom NZ$1300
Rental car and fuel AU$250
Food/drink NOT at the airshow AU$600
Airshow AU$330 for 3 days NOT including food
Total over $3500 kiwi
What a total dissapointment - thankgod it was fine on Friday arvo so that we got to see 4 hours of airshow before the stratus rolled in killing the night flying.
pissed down on saturday and we decided to leave about 1130am soaked - thought they may have reimbursed some of the ticket - nope.
blew a bloody cold and wind on sunday and when my fingers still hadn't thawed out by 1pm called it quits when i could see rain approaching again.
All in all the show seemed very disjointed, long gaps, and more announcements about 'assessing the weather' than you could shake a stick at. Really nothing that spectacular to be fair and the mud and crap everywhere on Sunday was a shocker not to mention trying to get out from the public watching area back onto the taxiway to the static displays.
I know that weather played a big part and that is nobody's fault but even if the weather had been just dandy the whole weekend, I don't think the display line up would have grabbed you the whole time. The only reason we went for the 3 days was to try and see the show in it's entirity, which of course didn't happen.
Still, I can cross Avalon off now as another airshow "been there done that".