FLOCK TO AIR SHOW

Image: WOI 2017 was a Jumbo event

Each year a truly amazing air show is held at the home of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) at Illawarra Airport, Albion Park NSW. 

This year, for the first time, Arthur Mitchell took a team to the Wings Over Illawarra (WOI) air show to set-up shop so that spectators could get a big assortment of military collectables to remember their special day out. 

Arthur says the event “was nothing short of spectacular!”

A big day out for everyone

“The Weather Gods smiled and provided outstanding flying conditions, which meant scheduled aircraft were up and about and the spectators were given clear skies to ooh and aah at the manoeuvres,” he said. “Being able to bring to the show memorabilia that reflected the eras of the aircraft on display, as well as doing honour to our veterans, many of whom attended and dropped by our stands to say g’day, resulted in a great weekend.” 

Arthur says aerobatic displays by the likes of Matt Hall of Red Bull fame and the RAAF Roulettes simply defied gravity and all aeronautical principles.

“There was also a stunning display of aerobatics in a glider. I had never seen anything like this and to be honest it completely took my breath away.”

Arthur, who is an ex-policeman and private pilot said the static displays, which included a 747 Qantas jumbo, DC-4’s, an F-111 and many more classic aircraft were a visual feast for all who attended. 

With thousands of people milling around ground displays, including a restored Spitfire, Defence Helicopters, and a Focke Wolfe Fw-190 (WW2 German fighter), which was on display for the first time, Arthur and the team were inundated with people wanting model kits.

“A real head turner was the incredibly restored and turned out Grumman Avenger. This is a famous WW2 era torpedo bomber and also infamous for Flight 19 that went missing in the Bermuda Tri-angle in December 1945.”

“Getting home and putting together a kit of a historic plane you had just been looking over would be an absolute treat for families,” he said.

WOI 2017 attracted a record crowd of more than 30,000 visitors. Arthur says many service personnel, cadet groups and Air League members were at the show to help out and to keep things on the ground moving.

“This show was a credit to the organisers, volunteers, stall holders, and of course the tens of thousands who attended to make it such a special event. We look forward to being part of the show for years to come.”