Sunday 3 April 2011

April 3 – Echuca AAAA Airshow Day

The freezing night dawned onto a bright sunny but slightly breezy day.  Kev caught a lift with Chris & Lorri to the airfield whilst Mum & I stayed back for a slower departure and food preparation morning.  We arrived at 9.45am with the airshow due to commence at 11.00 am.  The show opened with the Bagpipes Band playing down the taxiway.


Southern Knights Harvard

Aerobatic Formation







The first event on the programme was the Southern Knights Harvard formation aerobatic team.  They are a very polished and experienced crew who display at many events throughout the eastern states of Australia. 



 Following them was a Vintage Aircraft flypast display with


Kevin & Dick Nell after the display

1935 Stinson Reliant Gullwing (us of course)
1942 Beech 17 Staggerwing  (Shines)
1934 Avro Cadet with Clin Ashton Martin at the controls
1930’s DeHavilland Dragon (Colin) and a Dragon Rapide
1948 Cessna 195 flown by Craig Taberner
Kevin and Mum Elwyn outside RIAMA the Dragon


All machines have their own attributes with the Staggerwing being retract undercarriage showed her stuff at speed with the C195 sliding along not much slower than that at 135knots.  The Dragon & Rapide were quite slow but very elegant whilst the Cadet showed her paces and her great character.  Our Reliant showed off her huge wing to the crowd as her specialty is comfort and style.  Kevin had the honour of taking Dick Nell with him on this display.

The day's programme also included a helicopter, Winjeels, Lockheed 12 handling displays, aerobatics by the L39 jet trainer. Then Yak 9, Mustangs, Spitfire, Curtiss Kittyhawk and Warhawk and Hudson flybys. The major highlight was Australia’s Red Bull ace pilot, Matt Hall completing a detailed full aerobatic sequence in his MXS-R low wing monoplane.  It was a very exhilarating and crowd pleasing display.  The day’s event closed with the RAAF Roulettes Pilatus PC-9/A 7 aircraft team aerobatic display. 

The stream of departing GA aircraft was also very interesting for the public to watch due to the variety of aircraft ranging from Tiger Moths to homebuilts. 
We traveled home in style once again with Lorri and Chris in their rental car to relax again before our evening meal.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Enjoying the Blog - have been tracking the site since viewing UXL at Tocumwal.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip

Anonymous said...

Good to hear all about your adventure. Keep it coming

Anonymous said...

PS That was from me!!
Jude

Anonymous said...

Was wondering why cheese won't answer phone!

Anonymous said...

Fantastic to read all about your trip and amazing experience. Congrats on your award! Can't wait to hear all the stories. You looked positively "spiffing" Vick for the 90th.
Gaynor and Steve.

NikkiC said...

Looks like your having a fantastic time Grandad and Nanny. Send out love to Nanny Milly. Another tooth popped out today, not letting Mum sleep much LOL Hope to see you for my party. Love You Both Heaps, Bailey xxxxx

Stinson Reliant SR8C VH-UXL

Stinson Reliant SR8C VH-UXL
over Perth city (Photo: Greg Hill)

About Us

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Flying farming couple who live on 135 acres. Kev is obsessed by aeroplanes. Vicki is devoted to horses and White Swiss Shepherds.