OzKosh 2016 has left its mark on Australian aviation after a very successful event at Narromine last week.
The show followed a different formula than its predecessor event Ausfly, with more emphasis placed on ground events than aerial displays. With drawcards like Matt Hall, Paul Bennet and the Roulettes absent, the new format risked having little attraction for Australia's flyers.
The reality turned out very different.
At 10.00 am on the Saturday, there were 387 aeroplanes in the parking area; the same figure for Ausfly 2015 was 136. The gate attendance has not been finalised, but is expected to be close to 2000 – on par with last year's event.
Most importantly, OzKosh organisers are reporting an atmosphere of optimism among the 39 exhibitors present.
"After speaking with many pilots and exhibitors we were left with the feeling that there was an air of excitement and that the industry may be in a form of recovery," said organiser David Young.
"One exhibitor told me that they expected that there would be more exhibitors that attendees and that if that was the case; it was likely that they would decide to throw in the towel. Thankfully they have left OzKosh with a positive vibe and prospects to go along with it!"
The exhibition hall was located in twin marquees located on the hard stand instead of being in the SAAA hangar, and included a members' area for SAAA and RAAus members. Exhibitors reported good interest to Australian Flying, with several recording good sales at their stands.
In all, 45 seminars were held over the two-and-a-half days of OzKosh 2016 with several presented to packed rooms. The topics covered safety, aircraft building, electronic flight bags, avionics, human factors and materials.
"I think OzKosh has made an impression on GA in Australia," Young commented, "and we are really amazed at just how far many people flew and travelled to attend the event, including one lady from Florida in the USA who said she would be back next year.
"She also said that we had started something special in Australian aviation."