Fly Ins

FLY-INS 

Fly-ins are an opportunity for any member to become involved in the social side of flying. Although we hold a number of “traditional” flights, listed below, we are always looking for places to go and experiences to share. And sharing the flying experience is what these events are all about. Usually organised by a member of the flying committee, a fly in gives you the support of having issues such as accommodation, ground transport and meals planned for you as well as the comfort of flight planning as a group. Socially, having a meal with your fellow pilots at the end of a flight is an added bonus. These events are great for newly qualified pilots as well as the stalwarts of the Club.

AUGUSTA. Usually held on the Australia Day long weekend in January, the Augusta fly in takes in a lot that the South West has to offer as well as introducing some challenging flying. En route we stop at Busselton where the local aero club provides a wonderful welcome and fantastic country meal. The quick hop to Augusta and the often fickle winds get you ready for the next stage of the event, a trip to a local winery. Full of cheer and too much food we all meet for the evening meal. Sunday morning can be leisurely for some, for the die hards it is a competition with the turning point being the historic Augusta lighthouse. Those who have not taken part in the competition join us at the airport for another quick leg to Margaret River where yet more food of many varieties is available. The serious side of a trip like this is the navigation, the food and social interaction is an added bonus.

MANJIMUP – is a three day trip held in March. This gives participants an opportunity to explore “touring” flying with trips to local attractions and scenic vistas offered. Once again eating and socialising pay a big part in making this a fun event however the process of organising your flight and using your licence to reach a destination all adds to the adventure.

LEEUWIN ESTATE. The whole idea of flying in to a winery is exploited to the maximum by this superb venue. The food is great, the samples of wine (make sure you have a teetotaller on board to fly home) and the challenge of finding the “bush” strip before landing make this a special day trip. Recently we have incorporated an optional stop over in Busselton the night before to once again join members of a sister aero club for a social occasion.

The items above are regular events however we are always looking for other places to fly and events in which to join in. Previous fly-ins have been to Albany, Collie, Kalgoolie, Geraldton while events as diverse as The Brookton Old Time Motor Show, The Dowren Field Day, The Kulin Bush Races, to name a few have all provided an opportunity for us to exploit what we love – FLYING.