I thought I would give a brief overview of this year’s Jamestown Airshow which occurred last month. The weather for the weekend was absolutely perfect, unlike last year, which was a complete washout. The weather in spring can be a bit variable so this time the organisers got lucky.
Paul Bennet Airshows was the main contributor to the flying display with several warbirds and aerobatic aircraft on show supported by a semitrailer full of spares and a number of support staff. With this professional operation based in Cessnock NSW it would be interesting to know what it costs to display in SA.
Our local RV aerobatic team, the Silver Sharks, put on an excellent display and seem to get better every time I see them.
I was tasked to lead a formation of vintage aircraft comprising 2 DHC-1 Chipmunks and 2 DH-82 Tiger Moths. These aircraft are quite low performance at the best of times but the Jamestown airfield elevation of 1550’ with higher hills to the east required some extra caution, as performance was lower than normal. It all worked out OK though.
The crowd numbers seemed down on previous years. It will be interesting to see if another Jamestown airshow happens next year as per their two yearly cycle or if they have run their course for the time being.
Our speaker for last month, Barrie Rogers, was a no show due to a family emergency, but he has promised to return in the new year to give his talk on local electric aircraft development.
Our Christmas Dinner event on November 22nd replaces our normal club meeting. Planning is on course to ensure it is a good night out. If you have not yet booked now is the time to do so. Book online on the club website as per normal but be sure to prepay your $60 per head directly to the club bank account. Details are below. This is because the West Adelaide Football Club requires prepayment for this type of event.
For your $60 there will be a 3 course alternate drop meal. If you have special dietary requirements they can be catered for but you must inform us in your online booking. There will also be prizes on the night in the form of a free raffle along with a fun quiz and the paper aeroplane contest. Time to start test flying your designs now.
On December 2-3 the club will host a fly in event to Boston Island, just off Port Lincoln (airfield details in OzRunways). Presently I still have 1 double and 2 single beds available for those wanting to stay overnight in comfort. There is also additional space in the shearers’ quarters but you will need to BYO swag or bedding. For everyone attending it is BYO food. Plan on a BBQ on the Saturday night and toast or cereal for breakfast on Sunday. If you need lunch as well then sandwiches are probably the way to go. Please contact me if you are attending overnight or even a day trip on the Saturday to assist with planning. Our host, Hugh Davis, will show us around the island and if it is a warm day you may want to go for a swim on one of the several lovely beaches.
Our final club event for 2023 will be another BBQ brunch at Murray Bridge Airfield on Saturday December 16th. It will be the usual fare with some Christmas spirit thrown in. As always, the entry is by donation with all monies collected to be donated to the club charity, the RFDS. I will send a clipboard around at the Christmas dinner so you can advise your attendance. Please note there will be no December Club meeting.
I hope to see as many members, their partners and friends as possible at the Christmas dinner.
Blue skies,
Steve
The strength of the air turbulence is directly proportional to the temperature of your coffee- Gunter’s Second Law of Air Travel
