Albatross Air Day Countdown
20 October 2008
Hunkered down in a hangar at HMAS Albatross a dedicated team are working around the clock, juggling logistics, poring over maps, sweating over the details. But it's not some top secret Navy mission, this team's brief is to deliver the Albatross 60th Anniversary Air Day Spectacular and it's no secret that they've put together a top line-up of aerial attractions designed to appeal to everyone from military hardware enthusiasts to children of all ages.
Team leader LCDR Liz Waddell says "Our primary objectives were to provide a low cost, high quality event and to mark our 60th anniversary with a truly exciting and unique program".
Second in Command, LCDR Doug Purvis sees the major challenge of "Coordinating something out of the ordinary for everyone" as also being one of the major rewards. For him the highlights of the day will be "The mass Navy helicopter flypast which opens the Day, the RAAF displays and the Warbirds especially the Sea Fury and Avenger.
For CPO Jim Hill, an air day veteran having worked on approximately 25 in the last 17 years, it's not the thrill of the aerobatics or the speed of the jets that make a great air day but "Good Weather and a satisfied crowd".
Display Organiser, CMDR Graeme Hawkins lists "must sees" for aviation enthusiasts as the RAAF Roulettes and displays by the Edge 540, Extra 300S, Giles 202 and Pitt's Special but the bit he likes best about any air day is "seeing the end of the show and knowing that it was safe and enjoyable."
Two stand-outs of this years program for Terry Hetherington, Manager of the Fleet Air Arm Museum, will be "Having over 1,000 veterans from the Fleet Air Arm Association attending, their reunion will make this Air Day extra special and I also think a lot of visitors will be keen to take up the opportunity to tour the areas of Albatross normally closed to the public. "
Air Day visitors will be welcomed on board Albatross where they can inspect Squadron hangars, take a windscreen tour of the base or watch the RAAF Military Working dogs jumping through hoops, burning ones at that, to keep crowds happy. The RAN Band and Federation Guard will also be adding to the occasion.
Meanwhile back in the bunker, the clock is ticking down and the team are working through checklists which include ensuring ample fuel, water, portaloos, and quality food, parking – cars and jets, face painting, security, cleaning, first aid, lost children, bouncy castles and the list goes on.
No wonder CPO Hill says the highlight for him will be "Putting my feet up after a safe and successful day "
Gates open at 8.00am, flying commences at 10.00 am and finishes at 4.00pm. Admission: $20 for adults, $5 for children (under 5 free). For more information please call: (02) 4421 1121 or http://www.airdayspectacular.com.au
