Avalon airshow 2011

[Greg McDonald]

I know this is way early to be asking questions regarding next years show but I've been cornered into going down and would like to do a little forward planning. I only have 2 questions for those who have been to past shows:

1) What time does the flying display normally finish on the Sunday?

2) Is there any transport available from Avalon to Tulla and, if so, what approx cost?


Thanks heaps.

[Dan Hammond]

Hi Greg,

Usually around 4pm 5pm at the latest.

There is no direct form of transport other then a cab from AVV to MEL but that would be very expensive. You could however get the train to Southern Cross station then the Skybus which runs express direct from Southern Cross to Melbourne Airport.

Unsure of the cost of the train ride but i think the Skybus ticket is around the $15 mark but i cant confirm that for sure.

[Matt_L]

Hi Greg,

skybus is $15 each way as Dan said..

during the show they have a fair few trains servicing the geelong railway line known as the V/Line which will go from southern cross station in melbourne cbd where the skybus drops you, to lara station near avalon airport , and then buses are provided during the airshow - at a cost around $10-15 i believe to get from lara station to the airport and back.

thats about it- give plenty of time, the show gets very busy and lines are long!

[Stuart Trevena]

Hi Greg,

Where are you planning to stay?

JQ ops flights into AVV during the airshow, and QF normally ops a B747 on a Special Charter Flight ex SYD.

The A/C has been open to the public display before departing fro SYD around 4pm.

Stuart

[Zac M]

That would be awesome. On a side note, approx how much is it for tickets to the airshow (I think you have to buy tickets....it sure would be embarrassing for me if you didn't)

[Greg McDonald]

Thanks for the replies folks. Stuart...I've already booked Jetstar flights down on the Sunday morning but have left the return open as the Jetstar flights leave a little early. Flights cost me $29 from Syd!!
As it happens I'll be down and back on the Sunday then back down again Monday morning to join a cruise out of Melbourne! Should be a fun week or so!

[Tim B]

That would be awesome. On a side note, approx how much is it for tickets to the airshow (I think you have to buy tickets....it sure would be embarrassing for me if you didn't)

General admission tickets to the 2009 airshow were $50 per day.

[Lukas M]

Tiger gave me this 10% off link when they changed my flight, so you can get fly into AVV for the airshow for $26.06.

http://booking.tigerairways.com/skylights/cgi-bin/skylights.cgi?mode=SCH_CHGE

[Steve S... 2]

Hi...

Does anybody know how I could book two seats on the Qantas 747-400 charter flight to Avalon on Sat 5th March 2011 please?

Thanks,

Steve S

[Tony P]

Don't think they did a charter last year. The A380 arrived but it wasn't a charter.
Keep a look out on their website but I have a feeling there will be no charter flight.

[Stuart Trevena]

Hi All,

Also, I think the Charter 747 was only on Sunday for memory.

Stuart

[Raymond Rowe]

Yes it was and yes it had Pax from Syd

[Tony P]

Was the 747 opened to the public to fly in on it? Happy to be corrected but I don't think it was.

[Stephen Brown]

I was on it...Business Class...Very nice way to go to an Airshow.

[Adam W]

The Qantas flight from SYD is usually only available to Qantas staff.

[Tony P]

Thanks Adam. That's what I thought.

[Mark W]

Please don't rely on a QF airplane being available for travel to Avalon, either as a staff member or as a member of the public via a Charity (ie Pathfinders).

Given the security requirements for passenger screening (which has to be done by hand thus a very long boarding time in the static display park) and the limited parking positions available to accommodate an A380 or B744 (thus necessarily blocking other display aircraft whilst boarding), it is likely to go empty based on issues over previous years.

These decisions are usually made very late depending on the commercial requirement close to the event and the ultimate availability of parking once all participants are confirmed.

[Gareth Forwood]

Sorry to bring this back up, but I thought it best to keep new Avalon questions in the same thread...

I remember last year the display, which started in the afternoon, was almost entirely backlit with the spectators looking directly into the sun. Does anyone know of anywhere outside the airport where non-backlit photos can be taken? I will have a hire car so the distance isn't an issue.

Cheers,
Gareth

[Geoff W]

Hi Gareth,

You are a 100% with the sun from early arvo until dusk.

Guess we should be happy with a fine day!

I assume you may have to go to the northern end (across the Princes freeway though)
http://www.whereis.com/vic/avalon#session=MTU=

You would certainly see the big stuff from there. I wouldnt feel comfortable in telling you of other details. I have never came in from the west to the airshow, so I cant advise on this one.

I will be interested to hear of our friends who will have better knowledge on this than me.

All of the roads that I know of near Avalon on the these airshows days are "taken over" for traffic management.

I believe they in general are getting it better. It was a bit of a hassle to say the least a few years ago.

However this is conducive to "the show is over" we all want to go home at the same time. We arrive in dribs & drabs.....

The airshow is NOT the only venue to have this happen of course.

Here's hoping for a good day.

Enjoy!

Kind regards,

Geoff

[Tony G]

Sorry to bring this back up, but I thought it best to keep new Avalon questions in the same thread...

I remember last year the display, which started in the afternoon, was almost entirely backlit with the spectators looking directly into the sun. Does anyone know of anywhere outside the airport where non-backlit photos can be taken? I will have a hire car so the distance isn't an issue.
Cheers,
Gareth

The last time I went to the airshow, I had a car and found a great spot inline with the runway. You get some nice shots of the aircraft lining up and preparing for their flyby. I however did not get many shots as it was overcast and the police would not allow you to pull over to the side of the road. They would just drive up the road moving on any cars that would stop. Not sure
why, it was way out the way of traffic nothing but padocks about.

[Jaryd stock]

Gareth there is one great place where you can go,I used to live down that way so know all the in's and out's of that place,i'll pm you let you know the details...if anyone else wants to know location pm or e-mail me there is a limit though to number of people.There are a couple of reasons why,first is that i have to get permission from land owners first before that week and along with that they dont want to many people on there land,so have to respect there wishes they dont mind me bringing mates along [as i have done so in the past] as long as were not a disturbance.Please to others dont be upset that i havent informed everyone to the location i dont want to loose that spot,been there for the last 5 shows in the arvo and its been great.cops dont bother you at all.
Tony they set up no standing signs on the monday before the show starts on the tuesday if you can get there the weekend before the week of the show you get all the arrivals coming in which is great but as you know waiting around for them can get a bit tiresome.i know exactly the place your talking of and its a good spot,like i said its ok to park there until that monday when the signs go up,basicly the reason they put the signs up,and to quote a local copper"they dont want people pulling over on side of road making a disturbance and create traffic chaos".hope this is some assistance to you all...

[Tony G]

Thanks for the info Jaryd. Agreed, It would be chaos if everyone decided to park there. Anyway looking forward to a good show. Hope the A400 and 787 make a visit.

[Geoff W]

I KNEW, someone would have the info.

Good stuff Jaryd.

I hope Gareth F has had a chance to catch up with you (via pm)

Tony G, I agree with you too! All of your post.. You enjoy also.

Kind regards,

Geoff

[andrew evans]

Aircraft scheduled to be part
of the 2011 Avalon Airshow

It is anticipated that the following aircraft will be at Avalon for the Australian International Airshow, 1-6 March, 2011. (All military aircraft are subject to final confirmation and change at any time.) This is a preliminary list and subject to variation.

Australian Defence Force
RAAF
F/A 18 Classic
F/A 18F Rhino (Total of 11 F/A 18’s to attend)
BAe Hawk 127
Lockheed Orion AP-3C
Beechcraft Super King Air
KC-30A (Subject to confirmation)
Roulettes
C-130H
C-130J
PC-9 FAC
C-17
Boeing 737 Wedgetail
Boeing 737 BBJ
Bombardier Challenger 604



RAN
Grumman Tracker
UH1-B
AS350A Squirrel
Sikorsky Seahawk



ARMY
ARH Tiger
Sikorsky Black Hawk
Bell Kiowa
Red Beret Parachute Team
MRH-90



Foreign Military Aircraft
US Military
F-16
F-22
B-2 Spirit
KC-135
C5A
KC-30A (Subject to confirmation)
C-17
B-1
CH-47F
MH-60R
T-6 Texan



RAF
E3-D



RNZAF
B-75



Republic of Singapore
F-16 x 2
PC-12
Super Puma



Warbirds and other Ex Military Aircraft
US Military
Spitfire Mk VIII
Lockhead Hudson
Gloster Meteor
CAC Sabre
Lockheed Neptune
C-47
MB 326-H Macchi
Consolidated Catalina
Sopwith Pup
CT4A
CAC Winjeel
Mirage
P-51 Mustang
C-47 Spooky
Stinson Gullwing
P-40 Kittyhawk
DH-82



Other Aircraft/Displays including Aircraft from General Aviation Associations
DC-4
Lockheed L1049 Constellation
DH Drover
L-39 Albatross
Southern Knights Aerobatic Team (4 x T-6 Havards)



Professional Performers
Matt Hall – Giles 202
Bob Carlton – Super Salto Jet Sailplane
Nikolay Timofeev – Su-26
Kent Pietsh – Interstate Cadet + Vehicle



Associations
Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia
Recreation Aviation Australia
Sports Aircraft Association of Australia
Australian Aerobatic Club (VIC)
Australian Bonanza Society
Australian Piper Society
Australian Sport Rotorcraft Association
Balloon Association of Victoria
Gliding Federation of Australia
Geelong Sports Aviators
Hang Gliding Federation of Australia
Mission Aviation Fellowship and Australia
Salvation Army – Flying Padre and Outback Services
Sea Planes Pilots Association
Vietnam Veterans Museum



Commercial Aircraft
Gippsland Aeronautics GA8
Socata Liberty
Britten-Norman Islander
Piaggio
Dassault Falcon 2000XL
Daher Socata TBM 850
Eurocopter EC120
Gulfstream G450
Gulfstream G150
Dassault Falcon 7X
Dassault Falcon 2000LX
Learjet 60
Alpi Pioneer 300
A-Viator
P68R
P68C
Yak 52
P-750 XSTOL
Agusta Westland A119 Koala
Agusta A109 Power
Agusta A190S Grand (Heliflite)
Hawker Pacific Premier 1A
Hawker Pacific 900XP
Jabiru 230
P2002 Sierra
P92 Echo
Diamond DA40
Diamond DA42
Hawker Pacific Beechcraft Baron G58
Hawker Pacific King Air 350
Bell 429
Raytheon Learjet 35
Raytheon T-6A
Pilatus PC12
Cessna 400
Robinson R66
Robinson R22
Robinson R44
Aquila A210
Seabird Seeker
Auster
Storch




Notes:
i. Aircraft attending are subject to operational requirements and weather
ii. Not all aircraft will participate in the flying displays. Some aircraft will be on static display only
iii. Not all aircraft will be in attendance on all days
iv. Flying display program not yet available

[Tony G]

Nice Line up. Im happy with that. F-22 and B2 would be nice to see.

[Torin Wilson]

You can take the DC-4 out of the list...

[Jaryd stock]

F-22, B-2, I'll believe it when I see it. And who has done up the Mirage? I know there's one being rebuilt in Victoria I think, is this the one? The organizers could throw a QF 744 in the middle of that paddock and call it an airshow, so not getting my hopes up just yet of seeing something new...

[Tony P]

Is the Tracker Airworthy? I know it was doing taxi tests but I'll doubt it will be flying to Avalon.

I think I mentioned two years ago,if the F-22 or B-2 turn up, I'll do a nudie run.

[Gareth Forwood]

I think I mentioned two years ago,if the F-22 or B-2 turn up, I'll do a nudie run.

Chris may need more than 600mm to shoot that :D

But yes, I won't be getting my hopes up for seeing the B2 and F22

[Nigel C]

I'm trying to work out why Chris would want a close up of that in the first place.....

[Sarah C]

For the board members travelling down there, what are your plans? Are you going for a couple of days or just one day? It is a shame Jetstar have less flights to/from AVV from SYD -they had 6 flights for the last show, now it is tree.

[Raymond Rowe]

Avalon will be home from the feb 1st till feb 6th.Looking forward to catching up with faces down there.Just come and see me at the keyhole and say hi.Have seen many board members down here during the show over many years.

[Tony P]

Not sure how many people would be keen just to see you Ray in an empty keyhole one month out from the show!:)

[Dan Collins]

For the board members travelling down there, what are your plans? Are you going for a couple of days or just one day? It is a shame Jetstar have less flights to/from AVV from SYD -they had 6 flights for the last show, now it is tree.

Am wondering the same thing - their timings don't look like they make it worth going down for one day, but that's about all I can fit in. Tiger's timings are no better :|

Dan

[Bob C]

Hi Ray

Don't you mean 1 March to 6 March NOT 1 February to 6 February which is barely two weeks away ?

[Raymond Rowe]

yes i do.It was late

[Geoff W]

Raymond,

I reckon, you are JUST keen!

Enjoy.

Kind regards,

Geoff

[Geoff W]

I am unsure if this is acceptable! Mods please feel free to delete at your discretion.

There is NO nastiness in this IN ANYWAY.

Dan, I struggle to see how you could rely on Tiger given my recent observations of their schedules, they I believe have had a really bad time in keeping arrivals and departures on time by some hours at times.

Kind regards,

Geoff

[Dan Collins]

Oh no, Geoff you misunderstand. I was only considering Jetstar for flights, and merely noted that Tiger's timings were no good. I wouldn't have entertained the option, but thought I'd have a look anyway.

Are you heading down for Avalon - how will you be doing it if so?

Dan

[Geoff W]

Sorry Dan,

I think I did misunderstand.

I wasnt having a heavy go at Tiger either, (it of course could happen with any carrier) but if it eventuated you went that way and you lost some hours, that would be a shame.

As for me, I live in YMML, I normally (transport) and go with a group of 4/5 depending on their work opportunities, this year there are two of us.

We normally buy a gold pass for the Friday, us two have done this again this year.

Even my wife cant get the day off this time! She seriously loves the day.... She has only missed one other. As then I was in hospital for SO long, (crashed up pelvis) I burnt her leave up.


Dan,

Truly hope all works well for you and you have a great time and WE all get to have a great time.

Kind regards,

Geoff

[Dan Collins]

Cheers Geoff!

All good!

We're still no closer to purchasing tickets than a few days ago but I hope we get that together soon. I'll have to kick some butts over here to ensure we're able to attend this year!

Cheers,

Dan

[Sarah C]

I have seen a couple of ads on TV for the show in recent days, heavily promoting the anniversary. I can't remember seeing ads for any previous airshow.

[Brock Little]

The ad for this year's airshow can also be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhHafJR9ZDE

[Mike_S]

Hey Brock, the vid in your link has been removed and replaced with this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSwNgbbQPSE

Same ad or different?

[AaronBradford]

You can take the DC-4 out of the list...

DC-4 is still on the official list - where are you getting your information? :(

Anyways ... I'll be flying down to MEL on DJ on the 4th and staying in the city for three nights, flying back on the 7th. Will probably catch the V-Line into the show. Got a Gold Pass for the Saturday. :)

[Torin Wilson]

Actually, I think they meant DC-6 (which I took it as). Where would a flying DC-4 come from, when a DC-6 was due to be in the country and attending anyway?

In regards to the DC-6 not coming see http://www.yesteryearaviation.com.au/

[Shayne G]

Torin, I believe HARS (Historical Aircraft Restoration Society) operates and owns A DC-4.

[David C]

Actually, I think they meant DC-6 (which I took it as). Where would a flying DC-4 come from, when a DC-6 was due to be in the country and attending anyway?

In regards to the DC-6 not coming see http://www.yesteryearaviation.com.au/

There s a DC4 (C54 ) based at Wollongong Airport , and belonging to HARS . I assume this is the DC4 as expected to appear .

Dave C

[Torin Wilson]

Well in that case, fair enough, and sweet.

The HARS website doesn't list it as a flying aircraft however, but may just be out of date I guess.

[AaronBradford]

Actually, I think they meant DC-6 (which I took it as). Where would a flying DC-4 come from, when a DC-6 was due to be in the country and attending anyway?

In regards to the DC-6 not coming see http://www.yesteryearaviation.com.au/

Thanks for that, I was just reading that thread just now - sad news indeed. :(

[Jaryd stock]

Those DC-4's are the fire bomber's based down there for the summer fire period aren't they ?

[Raymond Rowe]

They are Convairs

[Brenden S]

You can take and publish them, just not make money from them pff as if they are going to know.

[Wayne Bishop]

Hmmmm, love the Organisers chances of getting any "damages" in a Court of Law...firstly they'd have to either prove that the "defendant" read and agreed the Conditions of Entry in lieu of te fact that no-one is signing a written copy of said Conditions. In any case the legal ownership of an image resides with the taker of said image and under Australian copywrite law the owner can do whatever they like with their own image....

Cheers
Wayne

[Torin Wilson]

They are Convairs

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/convair-580-water-bombing-planes-arrive-in-melbourne-for-bushfire-season/story-e6frf7kx-1225974936716

Article about them, cool to see new stuff coming to Australia for those jobs. Pity the DC-10 didn't suit :-(

[Gareth Forwood]

Hmmmm, love the Organisers chances of getting any "damages" in a Court of Law...firstly they'd have to either prove that the "defendant" read and agreed the Conditions of Entry in lieu of te fact that no-one is signing a written copy of said Conditions. In any case the legal ownership of an image resides with the taker of said image and under Australian copywrite law the owner can do whatever they like with their own image....

Cheers
Wayne

IIRC, under Australian law the owner of the property has the right to stop people (or at least tell them to stop) taking photos on their land, without agreement being required from all parties. Also, I'm pretty sure on ticketek or whatev that there'll be something saying "by clicking purchase, you agree to our T&Cs". Having said that, I can't see them being able to practically enforce that rule. And also I'm not sure if, once a photo has been taken, anyone else has a right of control over it's use...

[Jaryd stock]

From another forum, but apparently it appears that the F-22's have been written down on paper to attend the airshow. No word yet on the B-2 but like i said, believe it when i see it. F-22's would make sense that there coming down the C-17 that USAF brings down is from Hickham, well for the last two shows anyway,and now they have replaced a squad of F-15's with F-22's so it seems they are shoe in. the only thing is at RIAT last year they put them away in the shed's and only brought them out for there display. So the question is will they do that here ? hope not...

[Mike Y]

From another forum, but apparently it appears that the F-22's have been written down on paper to attend the airshow. No word yet on the B-2 but like i said, believe it when i see it. F-22's would make sense that there coming down the C-17 that USAF brings down is from Hickham, well for the last two shows anyway,and now they have replaced a squad of F-15's with F-22's so it seems they are shoe in. the only thing is at RIAT last year they put them away in the shed's and only brought them out for there display. So the question is will they do that here ? hope not...

Will not be Hickam, they've got their first couple of 22s not long ago and will be getting them in dribs and drabs in the next few months. And the squadron is ramping up so pilot/crew time will be spent training.

I'd say the 15 Alaskan-based Raptors that are currently TDY at Okinawa will be where the F-22s will come from.

[Jaryd stock]

Yeah you could be right mike, and did think of that but maybe with tension on the Korean peninsula at a all time high the top brass might not want to send any down at the moment. Don't know I suppose we'll see when they get here..I don't care where they are from anyway I just hope to see one.

[A McLaughlin]

Word is the F-22s will be AK tailed jets which are due to be on a deployment to Guam at the time of the show...

[Jaryd stock]

Andrew I presume they will they be supported by tankers, if so do you know if they are KC-10's or 135's?

[Mike_S]

Word is the F-22s will be AK tailed jets which are due to be on a deployment to Guam at the time of the show...

Did you mean Kadena or is there something going on at Guam also?

http://www.13af.pacaf.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123237373

[A McLaughlin]

Did you mean Kadena or is there something going on at Guam also?

My understanding was Guam, but it may be Kadena. I think the B-2s will also fly nonstop 'global airpower' exercise missions to and from Avalon (and possibly Delemere as well) out of Guam each day.

The tanker/s will come from whichever unit has aircraft available to support the deployment, but may be ZZ tailed KC-135/s.

[Bob C]

The following link appeared on ADFSerials.com yesterday :

http://www.airshow.net.au/avalon2011/PDFs/AS2011-media-australian-1st-F22.pdf

[AaronBradford]

I also note that the B-52 has made an appearance lately. :)

[Jaryd stock]

I noticed on the aircraft attending the airshow that 2x Pakistani Hongdu K-8 karakorum trainers will be there, wouldn't it be great if a tanker were supporting them over possibly IL-78 Midas tanker ?.....Also a French CASA 235 and a C-27J Spartan from Italy will be attending.

[A McLaughlin]

The K-8 attendance is a strange one...surely the Chinese won't be bidding for Air 5428?!?!?! :eek: I don't think the K-8 is air refuellable, but they might be freighting them out in an Il-76/78?

Alenia have been making a renewed push for the C-27J as a Caribou replavement lately, as has Airbus Military with the CN-235...

[Jaryd stock]

Andrew are the RAAF close to making a decsion on a bou replacment ?

[A McLaughlin]

The decision has been made twice - first it was the C-295M back in 1999, then more recently the preferred aircraft was the the C-27J, but no announcement will be made until funding is in place which is unlikely until FY2013 at the earliest.

That said, there has been a push recently to get a couple more C-17s and to reassess the battlefield airlifter decision, with some claiming the CN-235 or something even smaller (e.g. Twotter, Do-228NG, Caravan, PAC-750) might even be looked at.

Either way, rumour has it the two extra C-130Js that were going to be bought next year now wont be, as they would be 12-13 years younger than the rest of the J fleet and would in fact become a sub-fleet with different support requirements.

Interesting times at ALG...

[Jaryd stock]

Interesting indeed, is Lockhead Martin still thinking of XL Hercules where they have basically supersized it [for an extra $1] like they did to the classic Hornet and came up with the Rhino. And what of the A400m as a replacement for the Hercs, I thought one was going to do a tour of australia soon, And considering that RAAF has now got the KC-30 nearly ready for IOC i think, I would of thought the A400 would of been a candidit for replacing the H or J model Hercs and that would give ALG a bit more room in there aircraft to play around with if need be. Any word on additional CH-47F's other than the ones being upgraded and the two that is it being bought....

[A McLaughlin]

...XL Hercules... A400m... KC-30... CH-47F's...etc

Maybe a bit O/T, but this might end it...

No idea re Herc XL - it's just a concept and unless LockMart gets finding from the US nothing will happen with it.

A400 is a good option to replace the Js but the price and availability may be a concern by the time we're ready to proceed. We have an interview with CAF in the March magazine and he discusses this.

The first two KC-30s should be handed over in March, and reach IOC around July/August. We'll have four by the end of the year - there'll be a big article on this in the March mag too!

The plan is for our seven CH-47Fs to all be new builds from 2014, and will replace the six D models as they wear out. The Ds all have new engines and other bits and pieces so are good for now.

[Gary Smith8]

Andrew,

How strong is the push for the C17s? The four we have are worked very hard, so I would think canning the two Js and rolling funding into the C17s would be a positive move.

[A McLaughlin]

It's strong, but the funding has to be there - 1 x C-17 = ~$240m or > 2 x C-130Js.

Four has always been an awkward number - doesn't give you a lot of capacity if one is in deep maintenance, one is u/s, and one is deployed (which is most of the time). Six or even seven makes a lot more sense - just ask the Brits!

[Tim B]

Am wondering the same thing - their timings don't look like they make it worth going down for one day, but that's about all I can fit in. Tiger's timings are no better :|

Dan

Jetstar cut back the number of flights from Sydney to Avalon when they started going to Tullamarine as well.
Pity, as it made a good day trip.
I just hope the weather is better this year than it was last time.

[Jaryd stock]

I noticed on the aircraft attending the airshow that 2x Pakistani Hongdu K-8 karakorum trainers will be there.

The Pakastani aircraft are now not scheduled to attend.

[andrew evans]

I noticed ths KC-30 is missing too.

[Jaryd stock]

Great, more planes pulling out by the day don't want to be negative but hate to say it, other than the F-22's [at this stage] there's nothing really new and exciting to see. Another boring airshow, the B-2 wont rock up they have said before they have booked it in and it hasn't shown...

[andrew evans]

The B2 has been removed from the list now.

[AaronBradford]

Ahh krud. :(

[Jaryd stock]

First overseas military jets arriving today about 2:00pm Vipers and Herc I think.

[Jaryd stock]

The Rhino's arrived this morning along with some hawks B-1's due in this arvo at around 3 a source on the ground tells me... Fir anyone in the area.

[Jaryd stock]

Anyone down at Avalon might wanna stay there till about 7 a source tells me F-22s are inbound from Kadena KC-135 half hour after...

[Danny Rizk]

Regarding the DC-4 at HARS, I cant see it being at Avalon as it isnt flying... Sat in the hangar during WOI yesterday.

[Danny Rizk]

Oh and the Roulettes are currently grounded so not sure if they will display either...

[Scott K]

What time did the Raptors arrive at Avalon?

[Peter Agatsiotis]

Not sure Scott but a live cross on ABC24 early this morning showed them and the B1.
Update:
Just checked a post of avalon arrivals from another forum that shows 2 arriving at 7:45 am yesterday with callsign Jest 38/39

[Jaryd stock]

My old man just sent me a text saying the channel nine news said the Raptors were only on static display only due to how senstive the aircraft is, is channel nine so they will probably fly...

[Dan Hammond]

The Raptors will not be flying, it has been made clear on another forum. But atleast they are here!

[Michael Atkin]

Why wouldn't they fly them? it seems a bit silly to bring them all this way and not fly them.

[Jayden Laing]

The reason its not flying is because the demo pilot has been switched to another show in the US that fell on the same weekend as Avalon. Thats why the Raptor wont be flying!!

[Michael Atkin]

They could still put it up and have it do a few fly buys to atleast show us something, i.e what the hornet did at WOI, nothing special just so it can be seen in the air etc

[Jaryd stock]

I reckon the ADF shows are way better than Avalon now, the 1992, 1995, and 2001 were the best. I'm glad I'm not heading down I'm going to Miramar instead in October and I'll get to see a Raptor in it's true element..speaking of which anyone been to Miramar ?

[BernieL]

Miramar is a fantastic airshow, but it suffers from backlighting even worse than Avalon- thankfully, the raptors there usually perform just before the Blue Angels so by that time of day it is slightly photographable.

[phil smith]

On the F22s, the Geelong Advertiser spilt the beans, or at least the official version of them.

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2011/03/02/246465_news.html

"Despite the allure, Avalon Airshow patrons won't get to see the Raptor stretch its wings.

Lt-Col Niemi said only one US Air Force pilot had been specifically trained to fly Raptor demonstrations, because the margin for error at low altitude is so fine. That pilot was unavailable."

That is what I was told from the friendly ACC bloke in an email a few weeks ago and posted elsewhere. But I thought there was a difference between flying handling display demo and a gentle fly past, or departure. So you blokes wont be missing much that wasnt at willy, which I went to and was just superb BTW. Really all I can see that is new and sexy are the SAF F16s.

A sad first post, but hope to make up for it soon.

[Gareth Forwood]

I went down to the show today. The Raptors were under constant Vic Police guard with military/police dogs walking around the fenced-in area. You are able to get reasonably close, and there are plenty of photo ops still. It is a shame that they won't be flying, same with the B-52...

[AaronBradford]

If that's the case why in the world did the USAF bother coming. :| This is seriously underwhelming and I'm becoming doubtful about my decision to go with a Gold Pass.

[Scott K]

Maybe the "Raptors" are here for another reason!! Why would they fly them all this way and park them for a few days. They could have sent one made out of wood like JSF mockup would have been cheaper.

[Nigel C]

Connie just departed Wollongong for Avalon at 1635. It has done a couple of circuits prior to departure, but now is on the way.
Both the Dakota and Neptune departed a short time ago too.

[John Pas]

Well, I have just arrived home from the Air Show and it was very UNspectacular, it is very unfortunate that people have to pay that amount of money to see 2 F16's and the F/A 18 doing what they have done since 1992, the thing worth mentioning would have to be the B-1B from the USAF, that was out of this world to see that, it set off car alarms all over the carpark, stuffed up hearing the afterburners with all those going off around me!!. Never mind, it would have given the kids a buzz anyway.

[Tony P]

B1 take off from last night:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJK4ftA_UQU

[Daniel M]

Well, I have just arrived home from the Air Show and it was very UNspectacular, it is very unfortunate that people have to pay that amount of money to see 2 F16's and the F/A 18 doing what they have done since 1992, the thing worth mentioning would have to be the B-1B from the USAF, that was out of this world to see that, it set off car alarms all over the carpark, stuffed up hearing the afterburners with all those going off around me!!. Never mind, it would have given the kids a buzz anyway.

agree...stayed for 3 hours...5 in total if you include the hour to drive into the carpark and the hour to drive out...

what an absolute waste of money....would rather watch a dvd of it

[Jaryd stock]

Apparently one of the B-1's was up here in Sydney or at Richmond, can anyone confirm this?

[Jayden Laing]

Wasn't at Sydney Airport!!! There all day & never saw/heard anything.

[Paul f.]

Apparently one of the B-1's was up here in Sydney or at Richmond, can anyone confirm this?One of the B-1,s had a problem after it flying display last night and landed at MEL,its since returned to Avalon this afternoon.

[Jaryd stock]

Thanks Paul.

[Nigel C]

Nearly, no make that every year, someone has a moan on here about how ordinary or boring an airshow or flying display is. Stuff is static when it should fly, flying displays are too short, too crowded, no shade, too cold, rained, crap light for photos, yahdah, yahdah, yahdah, etc, etc, etc.

Well, what would you do differently if you were the organiser??? It's easy to pick something apart just because it doesn't entirely meet your 'wants and needs'.

For all the moaning and groaning of the 'hardcore enthusiast', there are no doubt many Joe Blow's and their families (especially the kids) who are thrilled at what they've been able to see, touch, and hear.

Now I haven't been to an airshow for probably over 5 years (except for the daily show I get when I go to work), and I'm pretty sure it was a day at Temora, but I had a fantastic day with my now late father. I got to see what was on offer, the flying displays were good, and that was fine by me. I've not been to an Avalon show.
Perhaps I'm just happy to see the results of someone's hard work coming together.

[Greg McDonald]

Well said Nigel.

For those that are whinging (and do every year) it's really simple....DON'T GO!!!

[Tony G]

Absolutely, very well said Nigel. But there are many sides and opinions to any situation. Kids going to their first airshow will get a huge buzz at the current show. However after going to a few airshows human nature kicks in and we always want bigger and better. I remember going to the late Richmond air shows and we had a huge variety, you could climb all over the C5, KC10, L1011, nimrod, starlifter, even had Russian helicopters and antanovs back then. Even the fighter range was huge, with harriers, 15s, 16s, 18s, saabs etc. Im not whinging but the variety is not as much as it used to be, going on my ageing memory. Don't get me wrong I appreciate any aviation event but I can also see the other side as well. What can you do differently? Good question. I don't know, money talks I guess. I don't know what it takes to get more countries to bring out their aircraft. Malaysia and Indonesia are quite close. Not sure if it's politically correct but it would be good if they bought out mig 29s for a fly, something different. We give them enough funds each year don't we? And having the E3 and kc135 in the distance is not much point bring the barriers a bit closer. And to have a F22 come allllll the wayyyy out here and sit as a static is very disappointing. I know the airshow pilot was not available but get
up and do a few tight turns. So my point is I can see both sides. In saying this , I appreciate any aviation event that we get.

[Danny Rizk]

Nigel you are spot on mate!
I know exactly what you are saying, being the organiser of an aviation show on a much much smaller scale I know what would go into organising such a huge event like Avalon.
The organisers should be commended for making the show happen!
Those who complain and are never satisfied should stay home...

[damien b]

Throughly enjoyed the 2011 airshow yesterday despite getting sunburnt in the process. I am unsure what wasn't to like really. Some great flying, not just by the expensive jets but also the older jets, WWII aircraft and a very impressive display by the Italians in the C-27. Some great mix of static displays and good weather - all in all a good day out. I even got to use my ex-RAAF ties and have a look on the 36 sqn C-17 before it was called away on operational matters. I will admit to missing just one thing - the F-111 display.

[Oliver Gigacz]

Here are my photos from yesterday.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aviationphotos/sets/72157626198913818/

[Grahame Hutchison]

Thanks for sharing Jason, I decided not to attend this year but always interested. It looks like the weather was perfect photography wise, nice crisp shots.

The nose wheel on the Raptor looks really small for the size of the aircraft.

[Mick F]

Might want to correct the info on one of your photo's Oliver, it's an RFDS Beechcraft B200 King Air, not an RAAF King Air, ;).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aviationphotos/5498375243/in/set-72157626198913818/

Mick

[Tony G]

Thanks for sharing the photos. Very nice. Weather looked great. A friend of mine sent me a photo of the F22 and I was surprised to how close he was to it. He later let me know even the Crew were amazed on how close people were allowed to be.

[Dan Hammond]

I spoke to one of the F-22 crew members. He was telling me they were very busy at the moment and nearly pulled out all together. So it was lucky we got to see them down here.

[Brendon I.]

I went again this year as I have every 2 years since 1999. For me, this year was definately not as good as years gone by. The flying display program jumped around a bit and no times were allocated just "morning call", "middle of the day", "post lunch wake up", "tea time" and "finale". Nothing from Qantas or Virgin this year either which was a shame. Interesting to note the obvious security presence for the F22 Raptor with Victorian Police placed at the front of the display and a RAAF Police dog handler and dog at the rear.

Worth the money and will I go again in 2013? Yes and yes. I go for the love of planes and flying and its only every 2 years. Of course I can't speak for everyone but I don't think we have as much exposure to these sorts of events like some of the bigger shows in the US and Europe, so I am happy to take what I can get.

Not really sure what they can do to make it better but perhaps as suggested in another post more participation from some other countries.

[Oliver Gigacz]

Might want to correct the info on one of your photo's Oliver, it's an RFDS Beechcraft B200 King Air, not an RAAF King Air, ;).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aviationphotos/5498375243/in/set-72157626198913818/

Mick

Thanks Mick. Wasn't thinking straight.

[Sarah C]

I will post my full thoughts tomorrow but overall, happy with what I experienced. Would be interested in the posted crowd, the good weather definently meant there were more people.

Kudos to the guy commentating during the Singapore F16 - that guy as entertaining :D

[Paul McFarlane]

I went on Saturday with a few mates and absolutely loved the day! Due to the tyranny of distance, kids & wife, I don't get to many of these events. In fact the last one was Avalon 2007. But I love them everytime. I don't care if it was the same as last time. That was 730 days ago and I've forgotten all about it.

I think there are a lot (the majority) of punters that went and had a great time. I, like them , have not been spoilt for choice in the airshow market and appreciate the show that was put on for me.

Because of my geographical disposition I cannot pop over to Richmond every time something awesome is due in. I can't head out to Amberley to check the movements that day. I can't even get to Edinburgh to see an Orion parked on an apron! I love aviation, it's why most of us work in this industry, and I am happy to soak up whatever they put in front of me. Well done ASDU for another great weekend.

(My appreciation is probable heightened because I was airborne out of Avalon East 20 minutes after leaving the gate! I certainly feel for those that had to find their way out of the car park that afternoon!)

Arguably there maybe better airshows (depends what you want in an airshow) but I am still happy in begging for a biannual leave pass from the Mrs and heading to Avalon to witness the fun and joy of aviation!

[Ryan Hothersall]

Had a great time. Could not have asked for better weather.

Dad loved the early jets (meteor, vampire and sabre), and the maritme patrol aircraft catalina etc.

However one thing that annoyed us was at the end of the day, especially the sunday, was some security goon came and moved everyone on. Yet the impression was from announcements during the day was for everyone to take their time and not all rush out at once.

I was quite looking forward to watching the many aircraft depart on the sunday afternoon after the show.

[Nigel C]

I wonder if Tony's a man of his word.....

http://yssyforum.net/board/showpost.php?p=54561&postcount=29

Is the Tracker Airworthy? I know it was doing taxi tests but I'll doubt it will be flying to Avalon.

I think I mentioned two years ago,if the F-22 or B-2 turn up, I'll do a nudie run.

[A McLaughlin]

As an exhibitor/(real)media participant this year, here are my comments:

Flying display - didn't get to see any of it until Friday afternoon, but overall pretty good. There are a few gaps in the program, but airplanes are finicky things and people just have to accept that sometimes they break or pilots get sick or have to be elsewhere at short notice (B-1B, F-22 etc)! Friday night fireworks were awesome, but it was lacking something... ;)

Static display - better than any Avalon I can remember!

Exhibition - fewer top end exhibitors and a little quieter than usual. Hopefully it was mostly the bottom end of the market that dropped off, not the top end!

Crowds - huge crowds on sat and Sun. I wouldn't be surprised if records were broken. Took me 2.5 hours to get back to Melbourne on Sunday night thanks to stupid lane closures on Princes Freeway and those f%$#ing roadworks on the West Gate Bridge!!!

[Adam P.]

didn't get to see any of it until Friday afternoon
...explains why I couldn't find you when I visited the stand about then!!!

[Tony P]

I wonder if Tony's a man of his word.....

http://yssyforum.net/board/showpost.php?p=54561&postcount=29

Of course. Where were you on Friday night after the fireworks? It was pretty cold so didn't need to cover up with a 600mm lens! :p

[Tony P]

Here is a compilation I put together from the Friday night. Goes for 14 mins. Had to cut out the nudie run.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPZE12r88-c

[Geoff W]

Tony,

Thanks for your efforts. It is great.

My mate & I were there on Friday , had a great day & night.

I didnt get sunburnt for once! It was very pleasant weather, cloud a little low, hey cant have it all.

Nudie run, Nigel, I reckon I saw Tony tryng to do one after dark on the way back to the car! Sorry Tony I had to throw that in!!!!

Kind regards,

Geoff

[Ray P.]

Here's some pics, that I took on Saturday:

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0571.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0483.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0463.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0457.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0442.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0372.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0240.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0233.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0215.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0180.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0120.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0116.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0365.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0352.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0345.jpg

[Ray P.]

Some more...

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0257.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0113.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0112.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0111-1.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0110-1.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0108-1.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0105-2.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0111.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0110.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0108.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0105-1.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0817.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0809.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0752.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0750.jpg

[Geoff W]

Ray,

Excellent, thank you for sharing.

Kind regards,

Geoff

[Ray P.]

and more...

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0603.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0542.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0362.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0774.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0766.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0178.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0080.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0085.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0094.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0105.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0118.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0121.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0122.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0123.jpg

[Ray P.]

Ray,

Excellent, thank you for sharing.

Kind regards,

Geoff

Thanks Geoff, here's some more;

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0134.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0140.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0165.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0173.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0179.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0183.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0221.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0226.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0228.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0331.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0336.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0366.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0374.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0386.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0395.jpg

[Ray P.]

Getting close to the end...

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0433.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0438.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0443.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0450.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0456.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0496.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0509.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0512.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0516.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0566.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0584.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0613.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0696.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0727.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0741.jpg

[Ray P.]

Last lot:

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0751.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0831.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0848.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0256.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0258.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0440.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0507.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0581.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0691.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0732.jpg

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Groover158/_DSC0815.jpg

[Ray P.]

...I didnt get sunburnt for once! ...

I ended up looking like a Lobster. Left the hat in the car and the sunscreen at home. Sure, I could've gone back to the car and grabbed my hat, but that would have taken away some valuable photo-taking opportunities. :o

[Ray P.]

BTW, is it just me or does the US$300M plus F-22 Raptor look like it has the cheapest looking Cessna 172-ish nose landing gear? ;)

[Jeff T]

Good shots Ray!

Thanks for posting them.


Cheer's,
Jeff.

[Maikha Ly]

Fantastic photos folks! :D

Was originally going to come down for it as well, but unfortunately other plans had come up.

Maybe 2013? :)

[Brock Little]

I'll be there in 2013. Hopefully the 787 will be there at that time! Fingers crossed! :D

[Danny G]

Thankyou for the photos & video , very good ...the best i have seen .Could not get to the show so these are very interesting.