‘All aviators under one sky’ at Narromine
AN aircraft built by Narromine students in team work with three other schools from across the country will be on display for all aeronautical lovers this month at the Ausfly fly-in event.
To be run at the Narromine Aerodrome from September 1517, “Ausfly – A Traditional Aussie Fly-in” will kick off on the Friday morning with a day full of seminars, workshops and a ‘Young Aviator Program’.
“(That’s running from 10am to 1pm) and we have a number of guest speakers; aeronautical engineer Dave Evans, licensed aircraft maintenance engineer Miles Breitkreutz, Royal Flying Doctor Service’s Ashley Miles, Red Bull Air Race World Champion (and former Royal Australian Air Force top gun fighter pilot) Matt Hall, and (fulltime pilot and operations manager at Matt Hall Racing) Emma Mcdonald,” Ausfly coordinator Lainey Bradley said.
“They are all going to be speaking to students coming from one of Dubbo’s high schools and also some students who are children of attendees, inspiring them about a career in aviation and how to get into that career.
“(Attendees will be taught about) aeronautical design... (being a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer) which is about rolling your sleeves up and doing maintenance work, how you can be a commercial pilot, and also assist the community (in the
RFDS).
“Matt will talk about his career in defence and how his path into racing has taken shape, and Emma will be there inspiring wonderful females.”
Seminars will run for twohours with breaks between.
Also on offer at the event is viewing of the Aerodrome’s ‘Static Display’, Mr Hall’s aircraft which will be on display, as well as aircraft including a Van RV 12.
“(The Van RV 12) was built as part of the Sport of Aircraft Association of Australia’s Build and Fly program,” Ms Bradley said.
“Each school had a different component, and it has been integrated in Narromine with the
assistance of Narromine High School students.”
Joy flights for the youngsters will also take place on Friday through booking, followed by an air display in the late afternoon.
Those interested in aviation are also encouraged to come along to the Community Day on the Saturday, from 11am-4pm, which will be attended by Civil Aviation Safety Authority senior official Mark Sullivan, Sport Aircraft Association of Australia president Tony While, a Narromine council member, Ms Mcdonald and Mr Hall.
“Everyone in the surrounding areas (is invited). There will be bouncy castles, joy flights available,
sponsors and exhibitors, with the air display starting at 1.30pm (until 3.30pm),” Ms Bradley said.
“Pilots will be coming from all over Australia, including pilots from Western Australia, NSW, Queensland and South Australia.
“Our tagline is ‘all aviators under one sky’.
“This will be a relaxed, traditional Aussie Fly-in, bringing everyone together.
“This year is important because we know how hard aviation has been hit during the pandemic. We can’t wait.”
She also thanked sponsors QBE Insurance for organising Mr Hall’s attendance.