SPORT AND LOVE OF LIGHT AIRCRAFT

The 2023 Australian International Airshow (AIRSHOW 2023) will celebrate Australia’s general aviation and airsport communities, with up to 180 aircraft on display and more than 30 aviation groups, associations and museums represented.

New for 2023, the General Aviation and Airsport precinct will include a host of private vintage, classic and modern light aircraft, a live build of a Zenith CH750 aircraft, historic engine runs, restored military aircraft cockpits and a conference facility in which associations are invited to run their own seminar sessions at no cost.

In and around the new precinct, more than 30 organisations, from the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia, Airtourer Association and Angel Flight, to Recreational Aviation Australia, the Sport Aircraft Association of Australia and Victorian Model Aeronautical Association, will display in a dedicated exhibition precinct provided at no cost as part of the Airshow’s contribution to the development of Australian aviation.

They will present a broad cross section of aviation activities for recreation and commercial operation, including seaplanes, gliding, ballooning, museums and aircraft restoration, women in flight, safety and attracting youth to aircraft engineering.

As part of the event, the Australian Sport Rotorcraft Association will also celebrate the centenary of the first successful flight of the autogiro, which took place in Madrid, Spain on 9 January 1923.

Visiting pilots are being encouraged to park their aircraft in the precinct, as part of the wider aircraft exhibition that will also include around 40 aircraft from manufacturers such as Cessna, Cirrus, Diamond, Sling, Foxbat, Tecnam, Robinson, Piper and Quest, across the event.

“We want to feature general aviation and airsport and show the general public that this sector of aviation is exciting, advanced and innovative,” said Justin Giddings, CEO of AIRSHOW 2023 organiser AMDA Foundation. “We hear a lot about larger commercial and military aircraft, but a lot of Australia’s economy in agriculture, tourism, transport and flying training depend on general aviation aircraft. The general aviation and airsport sectors have been pioneers of new technologies in recent years, in everything from materials to avionics, fuels, electric propulsion, licensing and construction methods.

“And this is still the sector of aviation that often provides that first connection with an aircraft, the first spark that leads someone to pursue a career in the industry. So it is an important part of the future development of the Australian aviation community.”

From opposite page, counterclockwise:

Cirrus Aircraft is one of many general aviation manufacturers displaying at the Australian International Airshow. The Wings And Wheels display combines the best of classic and vintage cars and aircraft1.

Manufacturers see AIRSHOW 2023 as an important market place for general aviation.

From Light Sport aircraft like this Bristell to heavy iron like the United States Air Force KC-135, AIRSHOW 2023 has something for every aviation enthusiast.

The Airtourer Association is one of more than 30 aviation related groups that have been invited to display at the Australian International Airshow.

Australian company SWISH Projects is offering AIRSHOW 2023 visitors a chance to do their part in the build of a real aircraft at the event.

Located in the Southern Precinct, a new specialised area of AIRSHOW 2023 designed to highlight Australian aviation associations, vintage, sport and general aviation, SWISH Projects will be building a Zenith CH750 Short Take Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft.

And visitors will be invited to roll up their sleeves and play a part in building the aircraft.

The Zenith CH750 was developed as an “off-airport” short take-off and landing kit aircraft to fulfill the demanding requirements of both sport pilots and first-time builders. It is described as combining the features and advantages of a “real” aeroplane with the short-field capabilities of “ultralight” aircraft.