FLY-INS RFDS Simulator
The airfield looked a treat on opening day
Richard Champion de Crespigny
Clare Valley opens for business BY TON Y SMITH
T
HE Clare Valley Aerodrome opening in November was a huge success. A large crowd attended. The wind was relentless but the day was fantastic. The crowd was treated to aerobatic displays by Chris Sperou, Warren Stewart and local, Stewart Michael, from Snowtown. Local helicopter business, County Helicopters, had their tourist arm, Helivista helicopters, out doing joy flights around the aerodrome. Adelaide Warbirds was also busy taking people for aerobatic and joy flights over the Clare Valley. There was a line-up of interesting and vintage aircraft, as well as vintage cars from the local Northern Automotive Restoration Club. RFDS simulator attended and their simulator
20 Sport Pilot .
was available to walk through, and Simon Hackett also made his Pilatus PC12NG available for the public to look through. Children were not forgotten - a bouncing castle kept them amused, as did the face painting, both of which were free. The aerodrome was officially opened by Richard and Peter Champion de Crespigny who said “We are privileged to join with you all to celebrate your remarkable efforts to build only the second private aerodrome in Australia in the past 50 years. “You have created a strategic asset that is the foundation for growth in health services, commerce, travel and tourism. This is an asset that will reward future generations.” A special mention must go to Mike and Rose
FOR RECREATIONAL PILOTS
Chigwidden who, at the opening dinner, announced that their land which is currently leased by the Clare Valley Flying Group, will be donated to the Flying Group - a truly generous gesture. A huge thank you also to Ketrah Eaton, the event planner, ably assisted by her father, Peter (Moth) Eaton and all the CVFG Inc. Committee who put in a huge effort, not only on the day, but in the preceding weeks to make the event such an outstanding success. Finally thank you to Adrian Smith, the founding president of the Clare Valley Flying Group. Because of his vision and passion we now have an aerodrome in the Clare Valley, a community asset for all to use and enjoy into the future. For more information www.clarevalleyaerodrome.com.au.