Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) is confident of a much larger turn-out for the 2024 Fly'n for Fun event at Parkes next week, and the current measurements are showing they're on track to achieve that.
Seemingly a recreational event, but actually open to all aviators, Fly'n for Fun was first held in Parkes in 2022 as a way of getting the aviation community back together in lee of the COVID pandemic.
This year, Fly'n for Fun has the backing of the AMDA Foundation and the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS), which has enabled RAAus to aim for a larger event that it believes will be more enticing to both general and recreational pilots.
“COVID affected our aviation community massively, we just wanted to give everyone an opportunity to get back together and connect again, so that was what 2022 was," said Letesha Stretton, RAAus' Marketing and Engagement Advisor
"[In] 2024 we have the same objective but we wanted to do it on a bigger scale, so we want to invite the public in an attempt to generate interest by immersing more people into the world of aviation."
At the time of writing, RAAus is expecting 400 people to attend, with 200 aircraft registered to fly in and 25 under-wing campers, with around 20 or so aircraft slated for the exhibitor area.
By contrast, the 2022 event attracted about 75 aircraft with 12 in the exhibitor area.
One major change for 2024 is the site. Although still at Parkes airport, the event site has been relocated to vacant land behind the HARS Parkes museum, which enables people to move more freely about without having to be airside and, importantly for the GA community, facilitates under-wing camping.
"It's a bit of a time-honoured tradition for recreational pilots to fly to events and locations on adventures and to camp under wing, stay overnight and share yarns of their adventures around the campfire," said RAAus Business Development Manager Jennifer Douglas.
"That's all part of the fun of being a recreational pilot because we fly our aircraft, we go to wonderful places we can fly anywhere in the country and we all come together to share these beautiful experiences together and that's what Parkes is all about."
RAAus has focused this year's event on getting the general public involved and opening their eyes to a career in the aviation community.
Educational sessions are on offer throughout the weekend for those interested in pursuing a career in aviation or learning to become a pilot as a hobby, with sessions also tailored for seasoned pilots seeking to enhance their skills.
Several flying schools will provide opportunities for TIFs, allowing people to get airborne with an instructor. This first-hand experience will help individuals determine if aviation is the right path for them.
The event program begins on the Saturday morning, and includes seminars on:
- Avalon Airshow
- RAAus' new operations manual
- Group G
- OzRunways and AvPlan EFBs
- technical developments at Jabiru
- the new instructor syllabus
- unleaded avgas.
On the Sunday, Paul Bennet Airshows is slated for a flying display from 1200, with the event schedule finishing soon after.
The new momentum behind Fly'n for Fun can be attributed in no small part to the contribution and influence of AMDA Foundation, which has extensive event experience with The Australian International Airshow (Avalon), RotorTech, the RAAA Convention and road shows, and most recently, Airshows Downunder Shellharbour.
"Thanks to AMDA's increased sponsorship, we've significantly expanded our offerings this year," Stretton said, "With their support, we've introduced an extended program and upgraded our facilities which has allowed us to provide a higher quality and more inclusive experience for our aviation community.
"We're incredibly grateful for AMDA's sponsorship and very excited to see how we can continue to grow Fly’n For Fun into the future."
Fly'n for Fun is on at Parkes Airport 12-14 April. Fly-in information and the official program are on the Fly'n for Fun website.