By Charlene Macaulay
Top Gun fanatics and aerospace enthusiasts got to live vicariously through jet fighters and other aerobatic daredevils last weekend when the Avalon Airshow came to town.
Hundreds of thousands of people descended upon Avalon Airport between Friday and Sunday to hear the roar of jet engines, see amazing aerial displays up close and view the extensive ground displays and exhibition pavilions.
High energy aerobatic team the Russian Roolettes made its long-awaited airshow debut, presenting a precision display using six Russian YAK-52 and Chinese Nanchung Cj6 aircraft.
The Roolettes were among nine world-class aerobatic acts to perform at the airshow, with the Air Bandits and national aerobatics champion Paul Bennet also taking centre stage at times during the weekend.
Airshow organisers moved up flying displays to earlier in the day on Saturday and Sunday due to the hot weather.
Meanwhile, Friday’s Night Alight pageant saw showers of sparks shoot from the wing tips of aircraft performing death-defying aerobatics; fuselage mounted laser lights pierce the darkening sky; and the Wall of Fire, which erupted along the length of the runway.
State Jobs, Innovation and Trade Minister Martin Pakula said the airshow was one of Victoria’s biggest events, attracting more than 200,000 visitors and delivering a huge economic boost to Geelong and the surrounding regions.
“The airshow is a great opportunity to showcase Victoria’s world-class expertise in defence, aviation and aerospace to the world, attracting new investments, creating more local jobs and encouraging our brightest minds to consider a career path in these exciting industries,” Mr Pakula said.
