Festival of Flight 2008

[Scottw]

Hi all

 

Just wondering who maybe coming and joining us for our annual festival of flight out at Watts Bridge airfield this year.

 

We have a couple of lovely surprises install. Three new antique/classic aircraft fresh into the country will be making their debut at the fly-in. The usual "repeat offenders" will be joining us as well. Expecting a nice turn out.

 

Regards Scott :D 8)

 

 

[Guest OzChris]

Hi Scott - sounds like a fantastic event! =D>

 

I would love to fly up and check it out...just cant get time off work and other commitments #-o

 

Best of luck with it though Scott - Im sure it will be amazing!

 

Looking forward to seeing some of the photos you get! :D

 

 

[Robbo]

never heard of Watts Bridge

 

 

[Guest aviatrix27]

When?

 

 

[Guest OzChris]

Some info on the Festival of Flight:

 

The Queensland Vintage Aeroplane Group is once again staging it’s annual “Festival of Flight” event and the 2008 event is scheduled for 30th and 31st August inclusive. This will be the seventeenth year of the event and as on previous occasions, Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield in the picturesque Brisbane Valley will be the venue.

 

As on previous occasions, the QVAG Committee is hoping to attract a large number of Vintage, Classic and Warbird aircraft as well as those from many other facets of aviation in general. To achieve this, we need your support and thus we cordially invite all owners/operators of aircraft to come and join with us to celebrate the miracle of aviation.

 

Whilst the title of the organising body (Queensland Vintage Aeroplane Group) might suggest that the event is meant for vintage aircraft only, we strongly encourage owners of all types of aircraft (regardless of the age of your machine) to bring them to the event. Typically, the “Festival of Flight” attracts in excess of one hundred vintage, Classic and Warbird aircraft and over fifty more modern types. This provides a broad spectrum of aircraft types that, in the main, are representative of most facets of aviation - particularly pertinent to the theme of the event. In essence, the event provides one and all with the opportunity to appreciate a veritable smorgasbord of aeronautical machinery.

 

Additional to the aircraft, QVAG is anticipating the attendance of a large selection of vintage and ex military vehicles and militaria displays which will compliment the aircraft. This not only enhances the event, but also allows us all to foster the common interest that we have - preserving old machinery for future generations to appreciate! Besides the owner/operators of aircraft, if you are a “die-hard” enthusiast with regard aircraft and/or aviation activities, then you too are invited to partake of the festivities. Thus your attendance will be welcomed.

 

Except for the formal arrangements that the Committee is required to put in place to comply with various laws, insurance requirements and those that are needed to cater to our guests needs, in the main the event will be a very informal affair - specifically formulated to promote the pleasures of recreational aviation in a relaxed atmosphere. A variety of facilities exist on the Airfield and these include toilets, hot showers, fuel (Avgas) and a dedicated camping area is set aside for visitors.

 

Due to the conditions as stipulated by our Insurance underwriters, camping “under the wing” of your aircraft is not permissible, unless in a dedicated area and by prior arrangement with QVAG and this is only at the discretion of QVAG. Motel and hotel accommodation is available in the nearby townships of Toogoolawah, Esk and Fernvale. Food and beverages will be available throughout the entire event and this will include breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, and BBQ on Sunday evening.

 

 

[Scottw]

G'day Chris

 

and thanks for the info

 

G'day aviatrix27

 

the "cheetah" is more than welcome to attend

 

G'day Robbo

 

Watts Bridge airfield was an old RAAF airfield. It was a back up airfield incase Amberely was ever"attacked" during WWII. But now is in the hands of the Watts bridge Memorial Airfield Committee. Even after all the years the airfield was not used, it did not take a lot of work to get the runways and airfield back to servicable condition. Due to the soil type in the area, the RAAF put a lot of work into the runway construction and today is still a great surface (grass/gravel) and drains off water very efficiently. It is located in the Brisbane valley and you can get the history and location of the airfield by visiting the Watts Bridge website- http://www.wattsbridge.com.au

 

Kindest Regards

 

Scott

 

 

[Guest aviatrix27]

Scott,

 

I'd love to take the Cheetah, alas the timing's really bad for me. Next year, I hope!

 

 

[Robbo]

whats the runway length? is it sealed?

 

 

[Scottw]

G'day Robbo

 

Don't quote me on this, but I think it is 3000ft approx. what will be happening is the fence at the end of rnwy12 threshold will be removed which will give the runway a temporary extension to approx 5000ft. This is done (with council permission as there is an access road for locals through there) to give plenty of room for the Mustang group to conduct adventure flights throughout the weekend. And also allows other larger Warbird types to operate from the strip. Which was the original runway length

 

The runway is grass over gravel(unsealed)

 

regards

 

Scott

 

 

[Robbo]

The runway is grass over gravel(unsealed)

Doh! :P

 

 

[Guest Glenn]

were you going to take the GLEX?

 

 

[Robbo]

Nope :D ... I know someone who is taking a Lear to Brissie was goner hitch a ride :mrgreen:

 

 

[Scottw]

Hi all

 

Adding Interest for the event, we have confirmed two new aircraft in the country will be making their debut at the event-

 

One aircraft is a Fleet 2 Model aircraft, built and first flown in 1927 and will be flying into the event. Designed and built in the US. Believe first of type in the country and definitely first time ever this type has graced the grass runway of Watts Bridge.

 

The second type that will be making its debut is a Boeing Stearman. Recently also arriving in the country and now calls Watts airfield home.

 

hoping for a good turn out. A number of Warbird and Classic types have confirmed attendance, incl. CAC MK.21 Mustang, A rare US Navy L-5E Stinson, 2 x AT-28D5 North American Trojans, plenty of Yakovlev varieties, Nanchang CJ-6A's, Chipmunks and Tiger Moths, a DH-60 Moth, CAC Winjeel, Fairchild Argus, and variuos Auster and Piper Classic varieties.

 

Added to this are the Replica Warbird types, lots of various sport and homebuilt aircraft types and also not forgetting the the various GA types which also participate in numbers and are great supporters of the event.

 

I look forward to this event each year as there is also a surprise or two thrown into the mix.

 

Kindest rEgards

 

Scott