FLY IN AND TRADE SHOW 2nd & 3rd of October 2010
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Wings of Life is an organisation developed to raise funds and awareness for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). On the 2ndand 3rd of October 2010 the recently established organisation hosted its inaugural event which was a Fly In and Trade Show at Archer Falls Airfield. Archer Falls Airfield is a private airfield located to the east of the small township of Kilcoy in the beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Spitfire VH-SFG
Unfortunately the weather on the weekend was mediocre and prevented a significant amount of aircraft attending the event. Fortunately we had outstanding support from members of the local community and aviators that decided to leave the aircraft in the hangar and drive to the event. It was evident that the Fly In and Trade Show had generated a significant amount of interest as on Saturday the 2nd; over 300 individuals came through the gates. Upon arrival those who attended the event either by air or road were greeted by Griffith University students that are currently undertaking a Bachelor of Aviation. The Griffith students directed the visitors to parking locations and gave accurate directions to main event areas. The Griffith University students did an extraordinary job at facilitating the traffic at this event despite the occasional obstacles like a bogged vehicle.
Those fortunate to attend the event were embraced by a fun-filled atmosphere created by all of the festivities. The Kilcoy Art Society Inc had a group of painters that sketched and painted art for all to see and provided advice to those interested in the hobby. They also displayed an art gallery within the Archer Falls Clubhouse that included approximately 50 pieces of art. This created a fantastic backdrop for the bar area and the Saturday night dinner.
There was a coffee shop proudly supported by Auswana Coffee, a local coffee grower from D’Aguilar. The coffee shop featured some of the best cakes and slices of any Fly In around. The coffee shop was run by dedicated women from the community who spent numerous hours of their own time baking and preparing the products on sale. These ladies delivered an outstanding service and their efforts significantly contributed to the success of this event. While the visitors enjoyed the delightful refreshments from the coffee shop, their ears were charmed by pleasant tunes from an accordion played from the back of a DC-3 (Converted into a bus).
Douglas DC-3 Bus
Woongooroo Estate, a local winery, provided wine tastings and catering for the weekend. As some would have experienced, Woongooroo Estate produces amongst the finest of Australian wine, highlighted by the numerous accolades they have received. I greatly encourage all, especially pilots that are looking for somewhere to go for lunch or breakfast to utilize the Archer Falls Airfield and make your way over to Woongooroo Estate Cellar as it is literally a stone’s throw from the airfield. Stretton Pastoral Co, a local butcher supplied the highest quality meat which made a terrific BBQ over the weekend.
The Trade Show unfortunately was one area that suffered from the poor weather conditions as many of the sites involved aircraft flying-in that were unable to attend. Despite this, the Trade Show featured numerous aircraft manufacturers, aviation supplies, farming equipment, local businesses including Moore Bee-J products, Carien Industries who displayed the latest products in solar electricity, and flying schools which offered trial introductory flights.
Daniel Huskisson, featured next to the Jabiru J170 below, flew in from Kingaroy representing Air Services Kingaroy. He said “their flying school was currently expanding and they will soon be able to offer flight training from recreational aviation through to Commercial Pilot Training”. So if anyone lives in the vicinity of Kingaroy and is interested in obtaining their pilot license be sure to give Daniel and the team from Air Services Kingaroy a call on (07) 4163 6655.
Daniel Huskisson and Flying School Jabiru
A major highlight of the event was Chris Brislin with his radio-controlled Extra that displayed the finest of aerobatic flying. His display was commonly discussed amongst visitors and provided great entertainment. Numerous other model aircraft enthusiasts attended the event and displayed their terrific flying skills throughout the weekend.
Chris Brislin "Doing what he does best"
Throughout the duration of the weekend numerous car clubs and car enthusiasts brought in their prize possessions to be displayed. This added a great aspect to the Fly In giving the visitors an opportunity to observe some rare and vintage vehicles.
Vintage Car
Over the weekend, some visitors took advantage and camped amongst the picturesque bush land surrounding the airfield. The campers really enjoyed their stay and I am positive that I will see them again in the near future.
On the Saturday night a two course dinner was held which quickly sold out. Peter Randell, Deputy General Manager (Aviation) of the RFDS attended the event and spoke of how he became affiliated with the RFDS and highlighted to the visitors the significance of the services that the RFDS provides to rural Australians. That night many visitors enjoyed some fine wine by the warmth of an open fire whilst listening to great music played by a band called “Locus Wimple”.
Overall, despite the weather, the Fly In and Trade Show was a huge success. Through the efforts of Wings of Life, the RFDS received $5,000 in funds that can be utilised to aid in the replacement of aging aircraft and to update vital medical equipment that is fundamental to the services they provide.
Wings of Life is conducting a flight around Australia in late June 2011. The flight will pass through towns and cities that are significant both to the RFDS and to aviation history. At present the following aircraft will be conducting the flight: 2x Spitfire Mk26 (80% replica), Jabiru J230, Rv8, and a Robinson R44. The route is still being finalised, but all aviators are welcome to join us for part or all of this flight to help us raise funds and awareness for the RFDS.
As most would realise, the efforts and results of Wings of Life are dependent on the support we receive. There are numerous ways in which you can support Wings of Life, some of which include sponsoring the flight around Australia through a donation; this can be done online by credit card or by downloading and printing a cheque/ money order donation form. You can also contribute by hosting an event of your own, such as a sausage sizzle or bake stall, and donating the proceeds from the event. In the near future supporters will have the ability to become part of an online group hosted at Everyday Hero that fundraises online for Wings of Life. Check the Wings of Life website in the near future for details on how to do this or email me on wingsoflifecharity@gmail.com and express your interest.
Please fell free to land at Archer Falls Airfield and say hello or even stay the night, or head next door to Woongooroo Estate for breakfast or lunch. All we ask is for pilots to visit the airfield website at www.archerfalls.com.au and read the local procedures, and of course a phone call is appreciated.
Hopefully I will have the opportunity to catch up with many of the supporters prior to departing on our trip around Australia and discuss aspects of our flight. Remember the efforts of Wings of Life is only as good as the efforts of those who support our cause. YOUR SUPPORT IS VITAL!
For more pictures from the event please click here.
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Thank you to the following trade show representatives
- Jabiru Aircraft & Engines
- Aerosport Aviation Limited
- Skyshop
- Spidertracks
- Pacific Ibis
- Foxbat
- Sports Aircraft Australia
- IndigoSat
- Caboolture Recreational Aviation
- Adventure Flights Redcliffe
- Redcliffe Flight Training
- Air Services Kingaroy
- Aerodynamic Flight Academy Caboolture
- Woongooroo Estate Winery
- Moore Bee-J Products
- Carien Industries
- Glass House Tractors
- Superior Water Tanks
- Thomson Trading
- Ray Grace Trucks
- Tuff Built Sheds
- Tractor Slashers
- Griffith University
- Metafoil Magic
- Kilcoy Art Society Inc
- Auswana Coffee
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