Avalon Air Show - Waste Of Time
Like many, I've seen most of it before - except the obvious V22 and a couple of other aerobatic acts. I would probably have gone the trade days, but I was away flying.
However I went with my kids on Saturday. They loved it.
However I went with my kids on Saturday. They loved it.
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Parabellum, first of all, I had a fair old crack earlier about the AV airshow. Some of it still stands 
I was ground crew for an aircraft performing at the show. The airshow ground crew were excellent to deal with, thanks 
there were however some aspects that weren't up to scratch that I suspect weren't air show ground crews fault.
I flew an aircraft out straight after the show, airshow ground crew were brilliant from my perspective, very smooth guys now, I'll declare my hand, I'm an ATC. The ATC's were superb, well done guys they had a lot to deal with, with extraordinary good patience
The displays, F22, F18's (proud to watch you do your thing!) Melissa & Skip were the standouts for me
The trade days & the whole focus of the pavilions to me is wrong. Just how much is sold there? Do military buyers actually travel to AV to buy product? Really? If I was buying, I wouldn't be buying at AV. I see no reason why GA, Experimental etc aren't invited/encouraged to attend. Part of my justification for going to Oshkosh was to BUY! And I did. I also bought quite a bit of stuff in Australia from a platinum Garmin dealer. If they were at Avalon it would have been a hell of a lot easier than traipsing up to the Gold Coast.
Do the AV organisers realise how vibrant experimental is? Do they really? C'mon, this airshow could be huge & include everybody not just military buyers, if in fact they here at all??
I was ground crew for an aircraft performing at the show. The airshow ground crew were excellent to deal with, thanks there were however some aspects that weren't up to scratch that I suspect weren't air show ground crews fault.I flew an aircraft out straight after the show, airshow ground crew were brilliant from my perspective, very smooth guys
now, I'll declare my hand, I'm an ATC. The ATC's were superb, well done guys they had a lot to deal with, with extraordinary good patience The displays, F22, F18's (proud to watch you do your thing!) Melissa & Skip were the standouts for me
The trade days & the whole focus of the pavilions to me is wrong. Just how much is sold there? Do military buyers actually travel to AV to buy product? Really? If I was buying, I wouldn't be buying at AV. I see no reason why GA, Experimental etc aren't invited/encouraged to attend. Part of my justification for going to Oshkosh was to BUY! And I did. I also bought quite a bit of stuff in Australia from a platinum Garmin dealer. If they were at Avalon it would have been a hell of a lot easier than traipsing up to the Gold Coast.
Do the AV organisers realise how vibrant experimental is? Do they really? C'mon, this airshow could be huge & include everybody not just military buyers, if in fact they here at all??
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Our grandchildren the generation that will count, this is so true:
Quote:
I'm lucky enough to have some grandchildren to take along. Think about it. Every year there are grandfathers who are lucky enough to take their grandsons along for the first time.
Would you rob them of the enjoyment of seeing the wonderment in their grandsons eyes for the first time?
Last year I took my grandson livesin the U.S. for his first flight ever, he isnow in Young Eagles and Emails me drawings of aircraft weekly, what a great gift to inspire a future Eagle.
Airshows may beboring for the cynical, but they are magic for the early teenager.
Quote:
I'm lucky enough to have some grandchildren to take along. Think about it. Every year there are grandfathers who are lucky enough to take their grandsons along for the first time.
Would you rob them of the enjoyment of seeing the wonderment in their grandsons eyes for the first time?
Last year I took my grandson livesin the U.S. for his first flight ever, he isnow in Young Eagles and Emails me drawings of aircraft weekly, what a great gift to inspire a future Eagle.
Airshows may beboring for the cynical, but they are magic for the early teenager.
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Aah The Ramp Check
Yes, did notice the ex RAA person, Mr Poole no less. We flew in and were immediately approached and checked. They were far more pleasant than last time we were there, we were subjected to a thorough check including all mandoratory docs, manuals ECT. No probs, as GA pilots we were up to scratch with no issues.
Cannt imagine any GA pilot flying in there without the proper docs.
Cannt imagine any GA pilot flying in there without the proper docs.
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
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Did the new Gippsaero GA10 attend?
Regarding the F18 display by the RAAF, just remember that these are operational pilots who come together to give, what I think, is a good flying demonstration of the F18, unlike the American Blue Eagles, who, like the Red Arrows, are dedicated flying display pilots.
As far as GA goes, I really can't answer that, could it be that GA is well served in the regional shows? Although selling is high on the list of major exhibitors, who have stands and chalets, it is also to enable suppliers to maintain a personal contact with their existing customers. There is no doubt that Avalon is aimed at the wider and bigger commercial markets but home builds, special interest, historic and war birds, recreational aviation etc. are given a lot of space too, as they are very popular with the public.
.
Unfortunately it will never be possible to keep all sections of the aviation community happy all of the time, that would require a miracle!
The 4 ship F/A-18F display is a poor persons Blue Angels!!! Yes it's Blue Angels and not Blue Eagles 
However they do a good job.
However they do a good job.
Last edited by nitpicker330; 3rd Mar 2013 at 09:43.
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Tips were there, and several of their machines were there with other folk.
ATC were excellent, I arrived IFR earlier in the week, never done a 70 mile final like that before
and no holding. Very good VFR departure today. So slick I was surprised.
Was a great public spectacle too. Does all of us a good pr job. RAAF did a good job too.
The Bou was good ..... Apart from the sunburn, was awesome
ATC were excellent, I arrived IFR earlier in the week, never done a 70 mile final like that before
and no holding. Very good VFR departure today. So slick I was surprised.Was a great public spectacle too. Does all of us a good pr job. RAAF did a good job too.
The Bou was good ..... Apart from the sunburn, was awesome
Got a freebie in today. Traffic control, excellent! Good sized crowd. Just missed the solo Pitts display. Those Breitling girls!!!!!! TinStiks awesome! Most underrated...Otto! How the hell can you fly the disk so hard in any direction? As always, the display line for the warbirds puts them almost out of sight. Shame.
C17...I am sure there has to be a commercial use for an aircraft that versatile. The F22 was just mindblowing! As I said to my son...how hard will it go without a biological sitting inside it? Once it touched down, the crowd disappeared like the tide going out. I took my leave to check out what was left in the pavilions...in particular...Lycoming...Sunny, you must come across as a dick! $23large and what do you get? ECU controlled dual circuit electronic ignition with back up...three phase output. I forgot to ask about whether there was a CSU pad...but...in that Brumby610. Methinks the choice is made..and it will go out to 125hp. Over 145hrs now in the Brumby....and this was afternoon on the Sunday!
My fav subject wasn't as obvious but did strike up a convo with the SAAB guys. Virtual tower connect with WAMlat and ADS-B interesting idea. Like always, Icould spend a day by itself in the pavilions. Didn't even bother with the CASA. Part132 would come up.
Walked around outside for a bit. My little girl was interested with the heavy iron yet I couldn't get her to start a convo with the teams on the other side of the fence. She'll get there. One of the best things about AV is aviation is spoken here... You just have to make the first move:-)
I am getting jaded with the production that is ASDU but that is not the fault of people who stump up to be there. But my kids do enjoy it. One is now airside for work because of these shows.
C17...I am sure there has to be a commercial use for an aircraft that versatile. The F22 was just mindblowing! As I said to my son...how hard will it go without a biological sitting inside it? Once it touched down, the crowd disappeared like the tide going out. I took my leave to check out what was left in the pavilions...in particular...Lycoming...Sunny, you must come across as a dick! $23large and what do you get? ECU controlled dual circuit electronic ignition with back up...three phase output. I forgot to ask about whether there was a CSU pad...but...in that Brumby610. Methinks the choice is made..and it will go out to 125hp. Over 145hrs now in the Brumby....and this was afternoon on the Sunday!
My fav subject wasn't as obvious but did strike up a convo with the SAAB guys. Virtual tower connect with WAMlat and ADS-B interesting idea. Like always, Icould spend a day by itself in the pavilions. Didn't even bother with the CASA. Part132 would come up.
Walked around outside for a bit. My little girl was interested with the heavy iron yet I couldn't get her to start a convo with the teams on the other side of the fence. She'll get there. One of the best things about AV is aviation is spoken here... You just have to make the first move:-)
I am getting jaded with the production that is ASDU but that is not the fault of people who stump up to be there. But my kids do enjoy it. One is now airside for work because of these shows.
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I visited on Saturday, my first time there and I took the family as my kids said they wanted to see the F-22. I have wanted to go for the last 3-4 shows but this was the first one I could make it happen, and to do that was two nights in a hotel with 3 kids, and driving to Sydney and back (down friday, back sunday), I was that keen to go.
Aside from having to deal with tired and challenging children, I thought the show was excellent. We were camped up near the taxiway where the aircraft were taking off from so we got some good close up views of everything taking off and coming back in. The F-22 and Skip Stewart were incredible, and the kids and wife loved the Tinstix display. Unfortunately I missed the Roulettes and most of the 4 ship hornet display as I was queued up in the C-130 so my boys could take a look at the cockpit. I regret only going for one day as there was a lot I missed or did not get enough time to look at.
The fact is as a regular punter with an interest in aviation, this is about as close as I can get to a major airshow of this calibre, I doubt I will get the chance to go to an Oshkosh or Fairbourgh any time soon. As far as displays and the line up go, its the top airshow available here - the smaller ones are great, but they just can't pull in the bigger displays and acts that are at Avalon. Having been to IT trade shows, the sales guys don't sound any different regardless of the industry - useless for details, no interest unless you slap them with cheques. Dumping on the entire show because you have seen the displays before and because the sales reps are doing their job is a bit rich.
Aside from having to deal with tired and challenging children, I thought the show was excellent. We were camped up near the taxiway where the aircraft were taking off from so we got some good close up views of everything taking off and coming back in. The F-22 and Skip Stewart were incredible, and the kids and wife loved the Tinstix display. Unfortunately I missed the Roulettes and most of the 4 ship hornet display as I was queued up in the C-130 so my boys could take a look at the cockpit. I regret only going for one day as there was a lot I missed or did not get enough time to look at.
The fact is as a regular punter with an interest in aviation, this is about as close as I can get to a major airshow of this calibre, I doubt I will get the chance to go to an Oshkosh or Fairbourgh any time soon. As far as displays and the line up go, its the top airshow available here - the smaller ones are great, but they just can't pull in the bigger displays and acts that are at Avalon. Having been to IT trade shows, the sales guys don't sound any different regardless of the industry - useless for details, no interest unless you slap them with cheques. Dumping on the entire show because you have seen the displays before and because the sales reps are doing their job is a bit rich.
Last edited by SgtBundy; 3rd Mar 2013 at 14:57.
Thread Starter
Sgt. Bundy. I have been to EVERY Avalon Airshow and I have the sunburn to prove it, but I keep seeing exactly the same thing every time with a few new trimmings around the edges.
Ozbusdriver, I'm glad you found out something about a Lycoming engine, I've been trying for Two years to get information on the IO233 with no result. Friday at the airshow was last chance and I'll be &*&*ed if I am supposed to crawl to get information.
To put that another way, a friendly conversation, some information and a Friday airshow special price would have had me reaching for the chequebook from my back pocket on the spot.
There is no information on the horrible Lycoming website, zip, nada, nothing except a pdf of a Three year old Two page .pdf.
What I did pick up at the Lycoming stand was this condecending piece of crap about operating Lycoming engines Lean of Peak. You can read it here:
http://www.lycoming.com/support/trou...es/SSP700A.pdf
Ozbusdriver, I'm glad you found out something about a Lycoming engine, I've been trying for Two years to get information on the IO233 with no result. Friday at the airshow was last chance and I'll be &*&*ed if I am supposed to crawl to get information.
To put that another way, a friendly conversation, some information and a Friday airshow special price would have had me reaching for the chequebook from my back pocket on the spot.
There is no information on the horrible Lycoming website, zip, nada, nothing except a pdf of a Three year old Two page .pdf.
What I did pick up at the Lycoming stand was this condecending piece of crap about operating Lycoming engines Lean of Peak. You can read it here:
http://www.lycoming.com/support/trou...es/SSP700A.pdf
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Rumour has it than an unregistered gyro flew into Avalon East yesterday or today with an unlicenced pilot at the controls Way to go
It's OK for a two stroke rag and tube drifter to fly in, but gyro planes are VERBOTEN.
Sad sad sad sad sad.
PS: didn't know about the unlicensed bit, this this the first time I heard of that.
Last edited by baswell; 3rd Mar 2013 at 20:55.
What I did pick up at the Lycoming stand was this condecending piece of crap about operating Lycoming engines Lean of Peak. You can read it here:
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I feel sorry for the owner of the Jabriru J230 that left their aircraft at Avalon East last night even though the field is now closed for the next 51 weeks. Too bad if he had to wait until next year to pick her up 
Sunny, it's the same at every airshow to an extent and you could say the same about OshKosh or any other large airshow worldwide. Aviation in Australia is small, we have a small number of aircraft and a limited number of pilots who give their all to make it happen, often at great personal expense and in the case of some pilots such as Pip Boorman, the ultimate expense. Avalon is in part only possible due to the dedication of the pilots that we have, particulary in reference to the static display aircraft. The Geelong Sports Aviators for example are there every year from Thursday to Sunday with their light aircraft on display for no reward other than good conversation and meeting new people. So to suggest that it's the "same thing every time" undermines the hard work of many.
Maybe don't bother going to the next one and come back in 4 years when your interest may be rekindled.
Sgt. Bundy. I have been to EVERY Avalon Airshow and I have the sunburn to prove it, but I keep seeing exactly the same thing every time with a few new trimmings around the edges.
Maybe don't bother going to the next one and come back in 4 years when your interest may be rekindled.
Last edited by VH-XXX; 3rd Mar 2013 at 21:28.
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Nah, there is still hope:
Although it they are RA-Aus, they better do it before the end of Tuesday or the exemption expires and they will have to find a PPL to fly it out...
8.3 Aircraft departing YAVE on or after Monday 4th March are required to contact Avalon Tower prior to engine start.
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Well....
I've only missed one of these and as usual I had a great day! I flew down and back to Avalon on Saturday via Jetstar then got the complimentary shuttle bus to the airshow entrance.
Along time ago I learnt the benefits of the Gold Pass ticket so I'd bought mine nice and early so no standing in line...got straight in, checked out the 3 Halls, had a quick walk around the static displays and was seated in my grandstand seat (on the aisle and close to the stairs down the bottom so not to far to walk for a beer and food) by 1100 with an ice cold beer in my hand (No waiting until 2pm !!!).
The food I had was great, yeah you have to pay but it's only once every 2 years so what the heck! The toilets were clean and there was complimentary sunscreen. I have no complaints aside from some dust on my beer can. As for the flying...I loved it. All of it!!
I saw these 2 ( 6 or 7 year old ) kids running about in front of the stands with their arms out pretending to be planes when the fast jets were on...remind anyone of anything when they were young? The old bloke next to me pointed them out and told me he used to do that when he was a kid. I got to talking to him and found out that he was a retired airline pilot in his 70's with some 18000hrs under his belt. He was a good bloke who bought his own sandwiches, but also had a few cans...If you're reading this Jim I enjoyed your company and hope you didn't get into too much trouble when you got home!!
At the end of the day I got the free bus back to the airport and after flying back, got the train back home and then had a BBQ with a few more beers at 2000hrs. For me it doesn't get much better than that..
The announcer said that there's going to be another 5. Jim hopes to be going. I'll definitely be there.
Stiky
I've only missed one of these and as usual I had a great day! I flew down and back to Avalon on Saturday via Jetstar then got the complimentary shuttle bus to the airshow entrance.
Along time ago I learnt the benefits of the Gold Pass ticket so I'd bought mine nice and early so no standing in line...got straight in, checked out the 3 Halls, had a quick walk around the static displays and was seated in my grandstand seat (on the aisle and close to the stairs down the bottom so not to far to walk for a beer and food) by 1100 with an ice cold beer in my hand (No waiting until 2pm !!!).
The food I had was great, yeah you have to pay but it's only once every 2 years so what the heck! The toilets were clean and there was complimentary sunscreen. I have no complaints aside from some dust on my beer can. As for the flying...I loved it. All of it!!
I saw these 2 ( 6 or 7 year old ) kids running about in front of the stands with their arms out pretending to be planes when the fast jets were on...remind anyone of anything when they were young? The old bloke next to me pointed them out and told me he used to do that when he was a kid. I got to talking to him and found out that he was a retired airline pilot in his 70's with some 18000hrs under his belt. He was a good bloke who bought his own sandwiches, but also had a few cans...If you're reading this Jim I enjoyed your company and hope you didn't get into too much trouble when you got home!!
At the end of the day I got the free bus back to the airport and after flying back, got the train back home and then had a BBQ with a few more beers at 2000hrs. For me it doesn't get much better than that..
The announcer said that there's going to be another 5. Jim hopes to be going. I'll definitely be there.
Stiky
Last edited by Stikybeke; 3rd Mar 2013 at 21:45.