bushcaddy105 Posted August 17, 2013 Posted August 17, 2013 Having attended many Natflys both at Narromine and Temora, as a flyin participant, forum presenter and volunteer, I make the simple observation that the event is what we as RaAus members make of it. It has always been the old adage that the vast majority expect the tiny minority to present a whizzbang show. There will always be the tyranny of distance to travel and weather considerations, but if more members make the effort there will be more incentive for suppliers to spend their time and money to exhibit in the trade displays. Our organization has just been through a bad patch (I didn't fly to this year's event as the registration hiccup got me), but I detect a new sense of optimism emerging at present. Please ask yourself - "What can I do to help make Natfly 2014 an event not to be missed?" The concept of registering your intent to attend has a lot to offer, perhaps this forum could facilitate this? If suppliers (and visitors) get prior indications that attendance will be high there will be greater incentive for them to come. Just my 2 bob's worth! 1
jetjr Posted August 18, 2013 Posted August 18, 2013 Narromine has a slightly improved view towards aerodrome in recent times. Fair bit of cash spent there too with new surfaces etc. New long term plan for funding and development soon to be started. Also got big funding boost for museum which will happen in next few years. Can we afford two major aviation events in central NSW? Not saying there cant be a series of regional fly in events wherever the people are keen. To say its about catching up with mates (a fly in?) is all OK buts whos paying? The sponsors and exhibitors. Its critical they are there and asking them to stump up for two or more fees is a tough ask. They will only support it if people turn up and they sell stuff from it. In addition some of the same team front up as volunteers at both events also a big ask. Need to get over politics with SAAA and combine Natfly and Ausfly to the same weekend in Narromine. If we dont Natfly could contract to small fly in and we loose a excellent event. As far as current format Natfly goes, timing is key difficulty for me. Like it or not visitors love seeing air displays of both light and heavy aircraft, also shiny unobtainable aircraft pull them in. I agree non aviation displays and activities are critical to get public/punters there and grow the business.
Camel Posted August 18, 2013 Posted August 18, 2013 Natfly was well supported, enjoyed, plenty of aircraft and plenty of people, but was RUINED by BAD ATTITUDE . Where is the Sutvey ? No need to combine, no need to change venue, fix the attitude to members and they will come. The rego is a prime example of something that should have been fixed before it got so bad. I say this because after going to many Natflys I and others saw the decline coming, they said to me ," not going waste of money". 1
metalman Posted August 18, 2013 Posted August 18, 2013 Alright , a couple more suggestions, I have no idea what the cost is to display aircraft , whatever it is cut it to the bone , then give a personal invite to every manufacturer, importer, kit supplier, and every ting related to aircraft, its gotta be better to try and get $50k from 2-300 exhibitors than the same amount from 50. So far the flying is the big thing, encourage plenty of it, competitions, demos ( could be done as t&g's or a go round) give the exhibitors airtime on the PA , as well as a slot to show off their wares on the strip, I'm all for making it a Saturday/Sunday event with the other days as travel days. Have the judging for the different trophies done by Saturday arvo and have a display area for the winners aircraft . I've seen a lot of posts bagging the event , well how about we put it in the past, learn from it and see if we can't make it the biggest event in Oz, And just a thought on CASA, just do what you should be doing and a ramp check is a non event. I've got it booked in for next year and will be looking forward to it being a new start for us Matty 1
rankamateur Posted August 18, 2013 Posted August 18, 2013 have a display area for the winners aircraft . This would be a real improvement, especially if it is open to all, even a previous winner would be good to look at and aspire to. And just a thought on CASA, just do what you should be doing and a ramp check is a non event. This seems to be the most overlooked obvious logic in the ramp check discussion.
JEM Posted August 29, 2013 Posted August 29, 2013 Next ime you're looking for a Natfly place why not check out Cootamundra. 15 minutes from Temora, big airfield real close to town Good motels, and right on the Sydney to Melbourne train XPT service. 2
DrZoos Posted August 29, 2013 Posted August 29, 2013 Why isn't it moved every two years so that those who go, get to go to a new location they may not have been to. Most other organisations like Dr conferences do this and everyone loves going to the new location as much as going to the event. That way you get a natural crowd rotation. When its in Noosa lots of Queenslanders go, when its in Taree NSWelshman will go etc. Plus all the keen people who go no matter what.... Put the onus on clubs to run one every now and then... And have a few people that help no matter where it is 1 2
shafs64 Posted January 14, 2014 Posted January 14, 2014 I had a read of some of the posts. And have been to narromine but not temora. only because I have not had the time we should not boycott these events input is much better way to go. due to that fact we are rec pilots are not a large group. and we can't afford to lose them. I also take me hat off to the people who are flying there 55knt aircraft all the way to temora from all over OZ.
rankamateur Posted January 14, 2014 Posted January 14, 2014 One of them is organising Natfly this year shafs, expect to see a bigger 95.10 turn-out. 2 1/2 hours range is a bit of a challenge for long cross country trips. 1
planet47 Posted January 31, 2014 Posted January 31, 2014 I would certainly support a workshop/forum on painting a plane as previously mentioned.
cscotthendry Posted February 1, 2014 Posted February 1, 2014 The biggest factor deterring me from planning a trip to NATFly is the uncertainty of the weather around Easter. Move the event into the winter when the weather is more predictable and I'm there. 1
metalman Posted February 1, 2014 Posted February 1, 2014 The biggest factor deterring me from planning a trip to NATFly is the uncertainty of the weather around Easter. Move the event into the winter when the weather is more predictable and I'm there. Mmm the Victorians will be coming in cars I think,,,,,it's a bugger of a great big country, the best weather at either ends is at the opposite time of year Matty 1
Guernsey Posted February 2, 2014 Posted February 2, 2014 The biggest factor deterring me from planning a trip to NATFly is the uncertainty of the weather around Easter. Move the event into the winter when the weather is more predictable and I'm there. I agree however daylight hours are less, always a bl**dy problem somewhere. Alan.
rankamateur Posted February 2, 2014 Posted February 2, 2014 I agree however daylight hours are less, always a bl**dy problem somewhere.Alan. The rainy days at Narromine were fairly short too, but didn't stop a lot of very good discussions taking place! The people out in the rain really wanted to be there.
DrZoos Posted February 2, 2014 Posted February 2, 2014 I still reckon it should get moved. If its truly a national event and our membership dollars are spent on it it should move around a bit. Its only 3.5 hours for me, but crossing the ranges is the issue. The ranges from here are so often impassable or so rough that booking and paying in advance is the issue. If it where not west of the ranges i would book it tomorrow. And as said above, easter is notoriously wet n cloudy .
M61A1 Posted February 2, 2014 Posted February 2, 2014 My simple suggestion is to have stand where members can check the calibration of their torque wrenches. I am sure that this is not done often enough. Again good luck. You may be able to convince a Norbar rep to have a stand fitted out with a torque tester they are good machines. Maybe a rep could be convinced that there might be some torque wrench sales when his machine shows how inaccurate some are.
motzartmerv Posted February 3, 2014 Posted February 3, 2014 Easter.. I reckon its easter that causes the problems. Most blokes (and chicks) wu=ill not be aloud to do easter every year on a flying trip. or driving to go play aeroplanes again. I bet even the good wives are gunna make you stay home for easter every couple of years. So you lose a few players before you even consider the venue. Go a long weekend not associated with family holidays etc, and school holidays, and i reckon we could get lots more interest. 9 1
68volksy Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 Good on you TK! I've been to the last 3 Natfly's and must say that the layout of last years event was brilliant. Bringing it all together really created a much more festive atmosphere. Food was great. One thing i'd love to see more of is flying displays. Just simple things like the display aircraft popping out for a few circuits every now and again. Maybe the displayers could provide some commentary also? I also agree with the other suggestion to get a vintage car/motorcyle club or two along and on display as others have mentioned above. My last suggestion would be something for the kiddies!! A jumping castle (Jumping Beans in Wagga) and some rides maybe? Face painting? I noticed there were a few lost-looking kids and non-flying spouses wandering around each year and I think it would be nice to show we're thinking of them.
rankamateur Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 They used to do ladies bus tours, there must be something of interest around Temora, it would be a long drive up to Searle's rose nursery at Narromine.
geoffreywh Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 Jesus you blokes. Get over Narromine .The Natfly WILL NOT BE AT NARROMINE not this year nor the next....But .I will attend wherever it is weather permitting. I do like the idea of the Saturday/Sunday event. Leaving Friday and Monday for travel. But if it can't happen then I wont go on and on about it....I don't think its an event for little kids. I do think it's an event to listen to experts, Talk to enthusiasts and generally take away more than you bring...... 1
rankamateur Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 Tony is smart enough to do the good things they used to do at Narromine to keep the non-flying ladies happy so the fliers can come away again next easter, otherwise some of them will be staying home and going to church with the kids (or something). 1 1
Tomo Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 Easter.. I reckon its easter that causes the problems. Most blokes (and chicks) wu=ill not be aloud to do easter every year on a flying trip. or driving to go play aeroplanes again. I bet even the good wives are gunna make you stay home for easter every couple of years. So you lose a few players before you even consider the venue. Go a long weekend not associated with family holidays etc, and school holidays, and i reckon we could get lots more interest. This is the reason I will not be able to attend whilst it is over Easter. As part of a band we play at another large event that time of year.
motzartmerv Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 :) Easter is only second to Christmas on the average families calendar of "must do's". I reckon numbers would almost double if it was held over a long weekend or something. Queens birthday? Who even knows when she was born? It certainly wasnt on the weekend we 'chose' to celebrate it:) 5
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