In the interest of full disclosure, I’m going to go on the record and say I am an aviation fanatic. I love aircraft – whether we are talking fixed or rotary wing, military or civilian, it doesn’t matter. I love flying in them, looking at them and generally everything about them. So much so, that I learnt to fly and obtained my pilot’s licence before I learnt to drive. Yes, I’m the kind of guy that enjoys spending a lazy afternoon hanging out around airports, watching and photographing aircraft for hours as they come and go. Not to be confused of course with the potential terrorist types who also like doing this (disclaimer added for the benefit of any government agency that may already be checking into my background because I like to hang out at said airports – yes, humour folks, don’t be so serious).
So, back to what I was saying…
Oh yes, I'm also a bit of a photography nut. I have been for years. So, It’s not surprising then, that when I was given the opportunity to attend and photograph the Avalon Airshow, I immediately jumped on the chance.
Officially known as the Australian International Airshow and Defence Exposition, this biannual event is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. As its name suggests the event is comprised of two separate, but concurrent events. The first being, the Australian International Aerospace and Defence Exposition that is held over the course of a week and is a major trade fair for Australia’s aviation, aerospace and defence industries. The second, and more interesting as far as I’m concerned is the Australian International Airshow, which is a three-day, action-packed public spectacular that includes both static aircraft displays and a breathtaking flying program.
Held every two years at Avalon Airport in Geelong Victoria since 1992, the event is next scheduled to take place on 1-3 March 2019.
General entry tickets will cost $68 AUD for an adult (over 15 years), $32 AUD for a child (5-14 years) and children under five are free. A student/concession ticket is $55 AUD, but it should be noted that seniors’ cards are not acceptable. You can also pick up a one, two, or three-day gold pass that will get you the best reserve grandstand seating, free parking and a whole bunch of other goodies starting at $200 AUD for a one day pass.
I've got my tickets booked, and I'll see you there.
