Avalon 2015
 

Anyone know why the F22 is only a static display at this years airshow..? Pretty disappointing considering it flew last time. Not sure why they bother even bringing them over if they're not going to fly.. :(

I read that the display pilot has been called away by 'operational requirements'.

These things happen unfortunately.

When people complain about militaries from a different country not being available to spend a few hundred thousand dollars on a display for you. They don't have to do the statics either. If you'd prefer not to see the Raptor at all, maybe you could not go to the show?

Mhmmmm, that sense of entitlement is strong.

And yes, the USAF display pilot is "otherwise engaged." I know, how dare he, right?

Volunteers please form an orderly queue ...

22, and it shows... :}

Struth I hope ISIS doesn't read P-prune. Whatever will they think when they find out that the most powerful military-industrial complex in the world hasn't got one spare Raptor pilot to entertain the groveling downunder plebs who regularly spend gazillions of dollars on the latest and greatest US war toys.

Seems Avalon is close to happening. Something low, fast, jet powered and noisy just flew past my position east of Melb. Didn't get a chance to see what it was. This must be a fun time of year for many pilots out there coming to the worlds most liveable city :ok:

So I'm assuming you'd like to pay the USAF's costs go train and certify another display pilot just for the Avalon airshow?

22 and has an opinion. How dare I.

The USAF is spending big money to bring hardware down, and not getting a cent in return. The ADF showcase is looking like it's going to be top notch, and the Blackknights are also making their debut. All in all, not a bad turn out of military hardware considering the economic climate and operational pressures currently present.

But there has always got to be something to complain about.

I for one would be entertained just watching an F22 do a couple of touch and go's, tragic?

Fondly recalling the Triad exercises in 1984 (I think) watching F 15's returning from sorties doing buzz and breaks and often then into the circuit at NZWP

All good stuff!

Bring us the A350 Airbus!

I'm looking forward to the first 30 minutes being taken up by acknowledgements, and smoky parachutists and gliders.
Please let's not do the "would the owner of a white holden parked illegally please come forward.." routine either.

Bbbbzzzzzzzzzz

They need to change the commentator (who has been doing it for years) to someone who knows what they are talking about with 'planes.


The guy who does the commentary at Temora is the sort of guy they need.

What about Geoffrey Thomas - he's an "aviation expert". :E

I think it's more entertaining when they don't know what they're talking about. A few years ago I attended an Airshow at Maroochy where the commentator had obviously had a few and all through a routine by a high wing twin sang the praises of the Britten- Island Normander.

Looking forward to it! Something jet powered just flew over the CBD low and fast. Sounded identical to whatever flew over earlier in the week out east.

"Looking forward to it! Something jet powered just flew over the CBD low and fast. Sounded identical to whatever flew over earlier in the week out east."

Was it a Tiger A320?

Bbzbzbzbbzbzbzbzbzzzzzzz

Something militarily fast and sounding single engine-ish flew over town this afternoon. Unfortunately I didn't manage a Captain Cook at it.

Having spoken to many FJ jocks over the course of a few Avalon circuses, I found most of them were absolutely brilliant, warm, enthusiastic and helpful - except for the F-35 drivers who were complete nerds big time. I imagine a discourse with a F-22 driver would be much the same.

Shut up and fly bl@@dy thing.

An F18 was in close formation with a C17 over Brighton at 1545 today on their media jolly around town. Looked good around 1,500' or so...

Maybe we'll get a good UAV demonstration this year. Something more than a DJI Phantom rescued from the White House gardens...

Anything from the 'Eastern Bloc' likely to appear?
They seemed to be keen a few years back.

p.s. I understand Tu-95s sound pretty interesting - though can't say I've had the pleasure myself.