February's Australian International Airshow promises to be the most spectacular aviation extravaganza ever staged in Australia.
Among the features will be a special 80th birthday tribute to the Royal Australian Air Force.
It will include a large contingent of current and historic warplanes, taking part in what organisers say will be a colourful and memorable pageant. They hope to secure one warplane of from each era of the RAAF's history. Taking pride of place will be the Air Force's latest attack aircraft.
A dozen overseas air forces will also be represented at the Airshow to be staged at Avalon airport, Geelong, between the 16th and 18th of February.
The largest international contingent will come from the United States which will provide 20 combat and support aircraft for the event.
Numerous attack helicopters will also be present including the Apache Longbow. The Longbow is making only it's second visit to Australia and is expected to attract widespread interest from professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The Airshow will also feature a gathering of historic "war birds" - combat aircraft which have been restored by private collectors and enthusiasts. Among the aeroplanes on display are a number of World War Two Mustangs.
The Airshow will also showcase a large number of privately restored and built aircraft, including ultra-lights, historic replicas, balloons and experimental aircraft. AirSport World brings together the many facets of general aviation with wide representation from the aero-club community.
On top of all this will be a series of flying displays by some of the best precision flyers and performers in the world. Like the barnstormers of old, these daring young men in their flying machines will captivate the crowd with gravity-defying feats of bravery and skill.
One of the many highlights of February's show will be the "Night Alight" display - a stunning three-hour pageant performed beneath the stars. The performance, by a variety of internationally renowned aviators, culminates in a mock bombing run with a massive wall of flame erupting along the length of the tarmac.
Meticulously choreographed six-hour flying displays will be a feature of the two public days (Saturday February 17th and Sunday February 18th).
The 2001 Airshow is an officially designed Centenary of Federation event and is being staged at Avalon Airport, Geelong (Vic) between the 16th and 18th of February. (ends)
