Anyone Going To Avalon 2015?
 

After the last disappointing show, is there likely to be any worthwhile reason for a private pilot of bug smashers to go to Avalon next year unless you are a plane spotter?

I only go to see people so the planes and displays are largely irrelevant.

You're not wrong there at all DJ. It's like going to the boat show or even Oshkosh. You can wander around, take a look at things and be done in a few hours, but it's only when you start to talk to people and meet new people it really starts to get interesting. Then when you go back the next you meet those people again and away you go.

Last Avalon was far from disappointing.

I wouldn't have thought so Sunny. The only thing that I was interested in seeing in 2013 was the F-22, but in the end I couldn't even be bothered dragging myself along to see that. If it shows this time maybe I'll make the effort to get there as its been six years I think since I've ventured to YMAV for the show. Really interested to see what should be RAAF's next fighter.

.....and if I have to land over at Avalon fcuking east, I'm going to chuck a hissy fit, stamp my feet and not go. So there.

I hope they get the parking sorted. It took an hour coming from Lara before you even got into the car park by which time the airshow had already started. Maybe they could have a pre-paid parking entrance so you just have to get a barcode scanned. or have a sticker on the windscreen so you just get waved through?

I don't know all this bitching and moaning about getting there. Leave your stupid car at home and catch a train. I did that and I had a pleasent ride, got off, got on the shuttle bus, got dropped off at the entrance on time....all good. Leaving the same way, no problems. As for the show.....was not worth it.
But I am a sucker for punishment so.....I will do it again.

They've got a few good things planned for the show. :ok:

Agreed, take the train.

Fly in there, piece of cake into Avalon east and made easy with the buses. Have never had issues going in other than a bit of a delay once as it was wet, but it opened up soon after.

I'm with Squawk!

Been there a number of times...tried most methods of entry...Car, Bus, Organised bus tour, train, and flying into YAVE

YAVE takes the cake by a LONG shot. Yes its busy, but a thorough read of the docs make it almost seamless...if you are struggling to comprehend, a short group read makes short work of it. IF you get it wrong, the controllers don't kill you for it, the simply accomodate you and help you make it work. BIG thumbs up to those guys. :ok::ok::ok::ok: (its easier for them to steer you right than it is to lambast you over the radio)

The ground marshalls, are a little hit and miss, but they all have the greatest of intentions. If you get it parked slightly wrong, they'll just help you push it and move along to the next plane without complaints....most of the marshalls are plane spotters at heart, they do a good job.

The Transit buses.....great system.. seen em try to re-invent it a few times, but they've never made it better or worse, its simply something else in the whole YAVE thing that just works....also most of the drivers are plane spotters as well.

CASA FOI's at YAVE.....well a leopard doesn't change its spots. Just have your paperwork in order (NOT hard) and they will be onto the next plane quick as mustard. I did find them useful my first trip in, when it came to leave. Was reading the docs again to make sure I wasn't gunna stuff up..had a question, found one doing the usual amount of public service work and put her to good use.


There is NOTHING negative about flying into Avalon East....unless you think 4 hours in traffic each way is relaxing.

See ya there

Jas

Last time had plenty for the bugsmasher pilot through F22 pilot or wannabe.

There is some good stuff especially for those into history…. :oh: not sure what to say :oh:

Might have to fly in again.

Avalon
 

Am I missing something -

AVALON 2015 - AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW AND AEROSPACE & DEFENCE EXPOSITION - 24 February to 1 March 2015 GEELONG VICTORIA

Why is there no program
Published yet, or have I been looking in the wrong spot?

Did Oshkosh by gosh nothing will ever compare, but looking forward to first Avalon in many years.

Reading this I think I'll be grabbing a flying ride!


Cheerio!

Good idea Jabba, come on down.... You can use the fuel that you saved this weekend by not flying to Melbourne due to the less than perfect weather all the way. Everything into SSY tonight delayed significantly, suspect a few will be pushing curfew. The weather is usually good nationally around Avalon time.

Been twice and wouldn't go again if you paid me to.

I found it difficult to get in and out with a car (on an exhibitor's pass), and the time I flew there the cow paddock (AKA Avalon West) in use for light aircraft was as rough as guts, and in a summary, a complete waste of time. :ugh:

The Cow paddock as you call it is AVALON EAST. Not west and you can't blame the organizers for rain.

Nor can you blame the organizers for severely limiting the movements for non Airshow involved Aircraft at Avalon main. With Jetstar and other scheduled movements plus the show it tends to be a bit busy PLUS there isn't much parking available on hard stands.

Chill.

That's half the fun at Avalon East, you have to try and land where the 37 Chieftains before you, didn't :-)

Sadly Jetstar has very few arrivals and departures these days.

Always thought Avalon east was pretty decent for a grass landing area. Well organised with very capable Marshalls I thought.

The biggest pain is the long walk across to the Airshow.

Except for the free regular shuttle bus :ok:

For those needing a really powerful injection of aviation enthusiasm - go to Oshkosh next year. You will need all seven days to see half of it. It is jaw-dropping to anyone with a bit of aviation interest!

Anyone that has been to an airshow anywhere else in the world will realise just how substandard Avalon is. It is not the acts themselves, it is the dictatorial attitude of the 'airshow boss' or the 'ringmaster' that ensure you have acts separated by 30 to 40 minutes. Why? If you attend Oshkosh you will see 4 to 5 acts at any one time, separated by altitude. Not that hard.

Fly into Oshkosh in your own aircraft. You will wonder why you were so anxious prior to doing it. It is an ego free zone, incredibly professional yet incredibly friendly.

Driving into the Avalon Airshow, 2 to 3 hours, come on, driven into Oshkosh? 100,000 people driving in for the bigger days and you can be on the flight line in 30 to 40 minutes.

I'll be going but I certainly wouldn't be if I was paying to get in.

WW1 oldies
 

there is supposed to be a big contingent of WW1 replicas at Avalon next year?
See AOPA Pilot mag. :ok:
Sounds good to me.
alas the tyranny of distance....:mad:
Certainly would be worth a look