SUNRAYSIA Sport Aircraft Club members are looking forward to showing off the freshly revamped Wentworth Aerodrome at their annual fly-in this weekend.
The club will today welcome members of the public and fellow light plane pilots from far and wide to the popular annual event, after last year’s event was shot down by COVID-19.
“We have quite a bit of interest from around Clare, northern South Australia, people from near Truro, Tocumwal, Griffith, Bendigo … we always get a lot from Broken Hill,” club president Rod Taylor said.
“Going back until the 1980s, this June long weekend fly-in has been very popular right across Australia.”
The free event is also popular with locals, especially children and those fascinated by flying.
“Children dream of flying, so it’s a good opportunity for parents to get kids out as well … they might be lucky enough to sit in one,” Sunraysia Sport Aircraft Club publicity officer Owen Bray said.
“If people have got an interest in aviation, or just want a day out, come to Wentworth, do the (Sesame Street Circus Spectacular) thing the same day.”
Visitors will even have the opportunity to take to the skies themselves, with joy flights on offer for a small donation, as well as introductory flights for those keen to test their wings and try out a new hobby.
“We will have introductory flights from the instructors, who will talk about the basics of how to learn to fly,” Mr Taylor said.
“We’ll hopefully have two instructors here, and Andrew Mason will be out here with his Tiger Moth, giving joy flights over the junction and around the town.”
Local vintage car and motorcycle enthusiasts will also be at the fly-in showing off their vehicles, and the Wentworth Military Collection will have a display commemorating the centenary of the RAAF.
Club member John Waters’ Spitfire replica will also be on display.
But perhaps the biggest spectacle will be the aerodrome itself.
“For the last few months the airport’s been closed for major $9.2 million refurbishment, and wow, haven’t they done a good job,” Mr Bray said.
“This is our opportunity to show it all off.”
The Sunraysia Sport Aircraft Club is open today from 10am-3pm at the Wentworth Aerodrome on Old Renmark Road. Refreshments and a barbecue lunch are available.
