Brisbane Valley Airshow
 

This might be a controversial post, but was I the only one around here disappointed about the airshow at Watts Bridge last weekend? They seem to be giving themselves high fives, but as someone forking out a fair bit of cash to attend, I thought it was ordinary. Disclaimer too - I was only there on Saturday in case things improved the next day.

Firstly, thanks for putting it on. Unfortunately air shows are very rare and I couldn't wait to take my kids along.

Also, thanks for giving us the opportunity to see some great planes fly. I don't get to hear radials enough.

However, why on earth would you park all of the aircraft in front of the where the public were? It was very difficult to see planes taking off and landing, especially for the kids. Please open up a large area for the public too - it was impossible to get kids up close after many had set up camp along the fence early on. There must be a better way to sort out viewing and parking next time.

The other thing was there was absolutely no interaction with aircraft. The only thing you could see up close was a handful of light aircraft. I wasn't expecting cockpit visits, but was hoping again to get a bit closer, especially to show children. Other air shows manage this pretty well. Was hoping to get some family photos in front of a Mustang or Avenger etc., unfortunately a twin diamond doesn't cut it.

The website mentioned activities for the kids - the only thing was a small jumping castle which deflated pretty early on and became u/s. Please think about the kids a bit more next time - they won't sit there watching planes all day even if we can.

Obviously you were not expecting such large crowds, but the line ups for toilets and food was crazy!

Please take this as constructive criticism. Again, thank you for putting it on, but it was a long was from being a decent event. I'm sure some will criticise my post, but consider it from a family point of view. Much of the public left early too and I heard a few grumbles - I know I'm not the only one disappointed.

We really enjoyed it,and stayed for the whole weekend with 2 kids who enjoyed it as well. I thought it was quite good value for $40 in tickets (kids free) and a $20 campsite fee.

The organisers were expecting around 5000 people and apparently ended up with over 14000.
Extra toilets arrived early on the Sunday, along with several more food vendors, not easy at short notice I guess.

I think the popularity of the event reflects the rarity of these kinds of days in aviation now, and I am happy that those involved have decided to have a go and put the event on.

I have read on their facebook page that the organisers have acknowledged feedback and taken on board a lot of suggestions such as yours, so hopefully next year will be improved again.
We will definitely go again.

I thought the show was pretty good. Parking was easy. Entry fee was reasonable. Displays were great. I loved how some aircraft had to refuel and they pulled the aircraft up between the crowds to get to the bowser. People oo'd and aaa'h'd as they rolled up. Well chosen music quietly played in the background giving a relaxing feel to the afternoon in the sun.

However, I have to agree with a few of the comments above. Some vendors were setup at the front of the viewing areas? The view to the flightline and runway was totally obscured for 90% of the patrons? Poor effort. If your showing a movie, you don't put a popcorn stand in front of the screen?

VH FTS, I agree with you.


Yes great to see a good attendance rate, but ended up with a decision to perhaps not go next year......

We had a great weekend. I'm sure it's not easy hosting an event like that. First year for the Brisbane Valley Airshow, hats off to the organisers.

I'm almost certain that walking around the flight line is not legal at an Airshow. Something to do with safety and CASA 😜. They did have static displays of plenty of aircraft, again I can understand owners of more valuable warbirds fabric aircraft etc would probably be reluctant to see 7000 people a day poking and prodding their pride and joy.

i have also read that next time they will open up more space for aircraft parking to allow a free unobstructed view of the runway. Again that issue was no doubt a result of hundreds of flyin and Airshow aircraft on one airfield.

Great Airshow, finally something in south east Queensland that was clearly run well considering the above negatives and feed back already talked about on Facebook.