Thread: Avalon 2011

Pics from the Avalon airshow. Got two see two of the sexiest american girls up close fo the first time. I must say though, when I learnt they were not flying I threw up most of my internal organs.

Spoke to one of the pilots which was great. He said the 11 hour flight from Japan took its toll on his butt. He thought he was nearly here when he hit the North of Australia but then realised there was quite a way to go before getting to Avalon.

Also spoke to a female loadie on the C130J. She was from Texas and flew here via Hawaii and US Somoa. Her ship was only a month old and she stated it ''it still got that new plane smell''.

Highlight was the B1-B. That thing is loud. Liquified the remaining organs I had when it took off. Its shape says fighter, but its size says bomber.

Best flying display was by the Roulettes, but they have the advantage of being cleared to fly directly over the public. Australia's new Rhinos were pretty good to, the solo display showed that it was more maneuverable than I thought. F16 seemed to be louder than the Hornets.

The Italian C27 was pretty good to watch, knife edge and barrel role. Interesting to watch a cargo plane doing those maneuvers. The pilot did a great tactical landing.

Also spoke to a Rolls Royce fellow. He reckons the cancellation of the second f-35 engine is not finalised. Their engine is around 85% complete and it has the advantage of being wholly designed for the F-35. I asked him how western engines compare to Russian engines. He stated that Russian engines are 'throw away units' and not even nearly comparable to the wests powerplants.

Overall a great day, although my legs were stuffed after so much walking.