Aviation show, Why Not ?

[ZULU1]

I have attended both the Telford UK Microlight show and also Popham in Hampshire. Both shows really well organized events and remarkable the number of Aviators that pitch up. They are a window of whats available in the European market for trikes and LSA types. It attracts newbies, wannabees and other bees. http://www.theflyingshow.co.uk/home Truly amazing considering the UK costs of flying and its weather. The French have the Coupe Icare http://www.coupe-icare.org/

Now in South Africa we have some of the best weather, with great opportunities cost wise to learn and get into the air at a lets say respectable price (by UK standards anyway) and we have an organized Aero Club it seems and its other bit RAASA. Added to that we have a very good web forum and also a very able and willing training fraternity. The MISASA (now mandatory membership) has a magazine which is also a mouthpiece for the sport.

Now any newcomer to the sport has to hunt out a airfield, sniff out this site then find a suitable training establishment and on top of that see what gear is available.

We have some really good Aircraft manufacturers, importers and builders of some really good products, Bush Babies, Savannahs, Solo Wings, Cheetahs, P and M GT450s, Oupa Gs electronics, P Props, MGL Avionics are just a small example of whats made and imported here. Maybe combine with the Paraglider fraternity ? The community likes to see new toys !! Training establishments would be represented as well.

Now the location would be an issue, the obvious place I would imagine is Rand Airport and a suitable hangar. Who would organize it ?? Maybe Misasa or a suitable candidate from this forum ??

Whats the consensus of opinion ?/ The Cape and KZN would have to travel..

Zulu1

[Stephan van Tonder]

It sounds fantastic. DO IT.

[Tailspin]

Hi Paul

The EAA normally try to do this with their Convention, it is not allways well attended but it does do just what you are wanting to put together. Many people and companies have been invited but sadly only about 40% actually attend or wish to attend. Why not contact some of the EAA guys. I will PM you some numbers and Names. You can say I referred you.

Regards

Gavin v d Berg.
EAA National President 2008/9

[alanmack]

I have for years now suggested an airshow, coupled with a national competition and 'introductory flights" of two kinds: the wanna be a pilot type and the I have a trike and would like to see if I fit in/enjoy a savannah, bushbaby, foxbat, bantam etc. Perhaps charge for the flips with proceeds going to the Aero Club development initiative. Pilots too should be encouraged to display their aircraft. Interestingly the idea was sparked by Paul's pictures of the UK airshow held a few years ago.

The above idea has generally been met with much approval but no offers of help to organise. Whilst I cannot speak on behalf of the MISASA Committee I am confident that they would support an idea like this if an organising committee volunteered their time. MISASA put up the funding for the Sling Around the World roadshow. In the end the lecture tour was a great success and the roadshow repaid MISASA the funding needed to get it going. I'm sure that MISASA would support putting up the funding for this type of event to get it going.

How would you advertise it on a shoe string budget? We have our magazine. If more people register on the MISASA Webo Website we could eMail the membership. Did you know that MISASA only has eMail addresses for about 25% of the membership? It seems that eMail and flying are not siblings! Anyway I spoke to Atholl Frans and he was more than willing to assist so with his circulation figures and given sufficient notice we could get the word out.

Joining with the paragliders? The next mag will run a story on paragliding and as you know we used to have a combined magazine. Internationally, paragliding is a sub-section of microlighting except for SA where these flight disciplines are split. I would support inviting any form of aircraft category to participate.

In the September mag we showed pictures of the EAA National Convention at Bethlehem. many microlighters are EAA members. Here we found many microlight and LSA aircraft parked in a "parking lot" this also is on offer at "wonderboom" and other airshows. We do not need another opportunity of this nature but I do believe that we need one as shown in Paul's pictures. The direct link to the pictures is:

http://sports.webshots.com/album/135238 ... SC?start=0

On the webshots address (see below) if you page through the albums on offer you will see pictures of many SA Airshows and you will see that the UK microlight show is more of a microligfht/LSA aircraft show than an in-the-air-display-show.

So what could be on offer?
- static aircraft dispays: microlights ( weight shift & LSA), paragliders, hot air balloons, model planes i.e. any form of aircraft
- all types of accessories: avionics, seat covering, flight suits etc
- lectures by flight schools
- fly-away movies by pilots
- Introductory flights
- snake team and other displays
- flight schools
- competition
- AP seminar
- food/drink and other stalls

So, if there is support for the idea in the form of an actual commitment of time to organise then please send me an eMail to nemo@webo.co.za with your offer of time to serve on a MISASA communications sub-committee that would be charged with progressing the idea.

fly safe

[Tumbleweed]

I see awesome potential here. (but I'm sure I'm repeating myself )

Besides the obvious accesories i.e. gps, flying suits e.t.c, the cross section of interest paragliders, gyros e.t.c. would be lekker.

Choose a venue on the outskirts of the CBD like Rhino Park or Petit and flood every social organisation with interest, bikers, old boys hockey, motor racing, 4 by 4 clubs cyclists e.t.c.

Offer the catering to semi pros and the bar to the Lions Club and arrange a serious breakfast/ spit braai and serious jol including 'The Cousin"

if the adventure tourism/ organised fly in/ rallies were highlighted and marketed to the international flyers, we could expect the flush Europeans to spend a few days on guided hire n' fly trips to Cape Town,Ballito (PE for a test) Wild Coast and Hoedspruit. They splash out enough on golf tours and this could launch the Micro world cup bid.

Just need support from the trade and the flyers.

Just limit an air show to flyovers.

[LarryMcG]

Hi
The only way to ensure wider participation, would be to rotate the venue acroos the country ie, Jhb, Durbs, CT, Maybe Pe or EL, Maybe bloem.

Then, it would involve all, and not be just a vaailie thing.

LM

[alanmack]

Mmm...

- WHEN:
I feel it should be during the World Cup and I agree that the event would be supportive of the MISASA bid to hold the 2013 bid in Springs. June the 16 th is a Holiday so what about Saturday the 12th to Wed the 16th of June.

- WHERE:
If held at an airfield many who do not find trailering appealing could fly in. Gauteng: Has Springs got hangar space? Rand, Petit etc. Cape, Durban etc?

If held at a Shopping Centre in the car park, will we get the space in the parking garage, centre court etc - can the planes get in etc?

- WHAT
Should it or some of it be a traveling roadshow to smaller towns?

- FUNDING
I'm sure that MISASA would consider this project a plus for the membership - let's see if on this forum we can define the requirements and draft a budget for MISASA to consider.

- WHO
MISASA is a group of MPL & SPL pilots that volunteer their spare time to ensure that we have safe skies that are a pleasure to use for recreational flying and who supports the promotion of our sport so QED it's within the targeted objectives but it needs a sub-committee to:
Gather the facts.
Consult the membership, suppliers and experts.
Raise the working capital for deposits etc
Sell the space to exhibitors and obtain members & other commitment to display private aircraft of all types.
Market the event.
Collect gate money.
Manage the event.
Celebrate.

So are there any volunteers?

fly safe

[Low Level]

Brilliant idea.

My 2c.

When? - May, not too cold and weather is quite nice in GP.

Where? - Definately an airfield. People want to drop in, and the atmosphere is just DIFFERENT.

What? - Plan it as a first, learn and then take it further. Microlights, gyros and LSA.

My suggestion would be a place like Heidelberg AF. Bit out of the rush, but close enough for the GP's and even the Freestate and Natal guys to consider.

This can be absolutely

[Slider]

Great Idea,

I’m for Springs airfield, somewhere in the winter. Where is the guys from Springs or any suggested airfield, as we need some info. Its easy to name a airport, but we need to know from the guys at that airport.

We need to find out about the following:
1) Security
2) Camping
3) Parking of aircraft
4) Hanger space for exhibitors
5) Air show / crowed lines
6) Media coverage
7) Prizes to be given out
8 ) Parking for public
9) Aircraft on display
10) Open for ALL pilots or not???
11) Will be allowed to do it with the municipality consent
12) CAA / RAASA

[Tumbleweed]

Would a remote airfield not be better suited i,e, not built up, like Springs? Could the para motors e.t.c.operate there? Heidelburg sounds good, but the trade-off is getting a wider audience to support.

I think the challenge would be to get the exibitors on board. It's a costly mission to trek all your kit, spend on stay-overs and exhibit space, man a stall all day and effectilvely leave your business for a while. Perhaps, charge nothing for exhibition, get the local club to pocket the gate takings but be responsible for limited hangar / facilities, toilets e.t.c.

A chance to evict the trash collectors/ one day builders and non- flying hangar hoggers.

[Slider]

Heidelberg also sounds great. I think we need to start a poll to decide on a venue, before we can move on.

1) Heidelberg
2) Springs
3) Rhino park
4) ?

For that matter lets do a "date Poll" as well

"Mod's" plse help

[Conrad]

Denotter ?

[Tumbleweed]

First poll each local aerie agent, wing builder, avionic supplier e.t.c. Would they exhibit (3 - 4 days)?

[Grumpy]

GENTLEMEN..........GREAT IDEA....... but........ With the greatest respect.........

You might as well start a poll, to decide on whether you should start a poll, (Or Not)
Experience has taught me, don't start a poll, you will never find a place and time that suits everybody.
You will go around in circles and this 'Show' will never happen.

Decide on a date, decide on a venue and 'NIKE'...... Just do it !!! From there learn by mistakes made !!

Those who are in are in, and those who are out, lose out....

NO amount of 'polling' will make it a priority for someone to attend or exhibit.
My 2c worth

[Slider]

Hi Grumpy,

I think you are right. I think if it was up to us, we would have had this “ light flight convention” in our back yards

So guys, all I can say is, I will be willing to help you guys (if you need my help) to get this up and running, as long as its not to far from my BACK YARD