Aviation open day set for take off

BY TIM HOWARD

South Grafton Aerodrome will be a magnet for people inspired by the freedom of fight as the annual Wings and Wheels Open Day makes its return this weekend.

Last year’s foods grounded the 2022 event, but the Grafton Aero Club has opened up the throttle to ensure this year’s event takes off.

The club’s secretary, Kevin Wilson, said the break has allowed club members to work on the area and reported the display areas are in the best condition ever.

He said visitors would not only get a chance to get up close and personal with a wide range of exhibits, but would have the chance to get off the ground too.

“Helicopter joy rides will again be available,” he said. “And there will also be Warbird Adventure fights available in an ex-RAAF CT4 and Winjeel aircraft.”

He said barbecues would be going all day with sausage sandwiches, bacon and egg rolls and soft drinks available. There will be coffee and tea available in the clubhouse and a coffee cart will be operating plus ice creams and other food trucks.

“For the children, there will be some aviation themed show bags courtesy of Recreational Aviation Australia as giveaways for the kids,” Mr Wilson said.

“The day is free for all (exhibitors and visitors) however, as always a local charity is chosen and donations are most welcome.”

Mr Wilson said the club had chosen to support the Oncology Department of Grafton Base Hospital to assist them to provide additional support to cancer sufferers and their families.

“Please throw a gold coin or whatever you can afford in to the donation bucket at the aerodrome entrance as you arrive or leave,” Mr Wilson said.

Mr Wilson said as usual there would be displays of terrestrial machinery as well with vintage car clubs and static machinery groups setting up exhibits

“The car clubs and aero club will have static displays of aircraft and motor vehicles in a cordoned off area,” he said.

This year’s Wings & Wheels participants are:

• Grafton Gliding Club

• Coffs C/ex Classic and Touring Car Club

• Coffs Harbour Veteran and Vintage Car Club

• Grafton Vintage Motor Vehicle Club

• Grafton Historical Motorcycle Club

• Grafton Stationary Engines Club

• Grafton GoKart Club

• Tractors

• SES

• Grafton Model Aircraft Club

• Phil Munro with CT4 & Winjeel Warbirds

• Precision Helicopters

• Hot Rod Club The display is open between 10am and 2pm 0n Sunday.

Note: The Northern Rivers Times ran a similar story last week saying Wings & Wheels would be held on June 11. This was incorrect. The highly popular event will be held this Sunday, from 10am to 2pm. The paper apologises for any inconvenience this caused.