The national fly-in Fly'n for Fun will return to Parkes NSW in 2024, organisers Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) announced today.
RAAus will team-up with AMDA Foundation to organise and support the national GA fly-in once more, hoping to attract aviators of all types from around Australia to Parkes on 12-14 April.
Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) CEO Matt Bouttell said Fly’n For Fun was “a wonderful opportunity to get private aviators together as a community, and in 2024, to also showcase our private aviation industry to the general public.
“Fly’n for Fun surpassed our modest expectations in 2022,” he said. “We had more than 70 aircraft fly in for the weekend, and a range of products, services and static aircraft on display. We’re planning to at least double the size of the event for 2024 and to appeal to aspiring aviators as well.
“Parkes Shire Council has once again welcomed us and we’re thrilled to support this community, many of whom had to deal with not only the effects of the pandemic but also multiple natural disasters in recent years.
"We’re really excited about bringing some business to the region and also inspiring the next generation of aviators."
AMDA Foundation has increased its sponsorship support for Fly'n for Fun, with CEO Justin Giddings stating that the event fitted well with AMDA mission.
“Promoting recreational aviation has always been part of our mission, from the first Schofields Air Show in northwestern Sydney in 1976 to the Centenary of Federation AirShows in the Outback in Queensland during 2001 and providing free space and sponsorship for aviation associations and groups at the Australian International Air Show at Avalon since its inception in 1992,” he said.
“The first Fly’n for Fun in 2022 provided the recreational aviation community with a chance to regroup after COVID and share their passion for flying. The 2024 event will expand on the theme, with more activities to spark interest in the general public and particularly young people who may see aviation and aerospace as a potential career.
"Flying for fun is not only a great recreational pastime; it is also a serious endeavour that benefits the broader community.”
The event site will relocate to vacant land behind the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) Parkes museum building, which will enable organisers to construct a taxiway for static display aircraft and under-wing campers to cross the airport boundary and park aircraft on the display site.
“We’re also thrilled to be working closely with HARS Parkes Aviation Museum [not only] as a chance to provide a terrific attraction for Fly’n For Fun attendees, but also to support their continued dedication for preserving Australia’s aviation history, Boutell said.”
AMDA's involvement with Fly'n for Fun is part of an expanded portfolio of GA events for the foundation, which also includes Airshows Downunder Shellharbour, formerly Wings over Illawarra.
More information is on the Fly'n for Fun website.