Air Shows & Displays
Defence Force Air Show 2010
When & Where
18-19th September 2010
RAAF Base Williamtown
See the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) biggest and most exciting air and ground displays ever in the Newcastle region.
The event will feature the latest in technology, demonstrating the range of stimulating and different careers on offer in the ADF.
"It’s a family day with something for all ages".
Watch this page for updates on the road traffic arrangements, flying and ground programs and information on the participating aircraft.
What's On
Expect to see:
- Air Force F-111s, F/A-18A/B Hornets, the new F/A-18F Super Hornet, AP-3C Orions, C-130 Hercules, the big C-17 Globemaster, Hawk 127, B737 Wedgetail and the spectacular Roulettes aerobatic formation display team;
- Navy Seahawk and Sea King helicopters, plus the famous Dancing Squirrels display team and the new A109e Augusta;
- Historic "warbirds" from the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society and the Temora Aviation Museum, including the Avon Sabre, Neptune and World War II Mustang, Spitfire, Meteor Catalina and Dakota, all of which will fly;
- Super Constellation (the “Connie”);
- Civilian sports aircraft, including an appearance by the renowned Red Bull Air Race pilot, Matt Hall;
- A specially fitted out hangar with more than 70 commercial and military displays;
- Hands-on static displays, including a special exhibit from the Army’s School of Infantry;
- Bands, military working dog handling displays, helicopter joy flights, rides and a range of hands-on activities.
Tickets
Where to buy
Tickets are available now from PROticket, on 1300 12 10 12 or from any ProTicket agency.
How much
Pre-purchased tickets: Adults $20; Children (5-15) $5; Family $46
At the gate on the day: Adults $25; Children (5-15) $5
(Family concession tickets must be pre-purchased and will not be available at the gate on the day).
Getting There and Parking
A special traffic plan has been produced for the event by the ADF, NSW Police, NSW Road Traffic Authority, local councils and a traffic engineering company. This plan will be activated on both days of the Air Show. No roads will be closed or converted to one-way only, but traffic congestion around the Newcastle airport can be expected as cars slow to enter car parks. Electronic road warning signs will appear from Monday 13th of September to alert intending air travellers to expect delays.
Passengers intending to depart from the Newcastle airport on this weekend are being advised by the airlines to arrive at the airport three hours before departure.
Air Show direction and guidance signs will be displayed from 5am each day. Car park gates open at 7am and parking will be free. Other times of interest are:
- 8am – the opening of the pedestrian gates into RAAF Base Williamtown from the car park
- 12-midday – Slade Road and the Airport access road entry to car-parks close
- 2pm – No further vehicle entry to car parks; traffic flow reversed to facilitate departures
- 4pm – traffic exiting car parks
- 5pm – RAAF Base event gates close
The only pedestrian entry from outside the car parks will be off Medowie Road.
The primary car park will be on the Newcastle Airport side of the airfield. From this car park, entrance to the event until 12.20pm will be via a walkway across the main runway. After 12.20pm shuttle buses will be provided to the display entrance on the northern side of airfield.
The walkway directly across the runway will be reopened at 4pm to facilitate departures
Patrons should note that exit from the Newcastle Airport side car park will be difficult before 12.45pm. Guidance leaflets will be available at information kiosks and event entry gates for emergency or unforeseen departures during this period.
Patrons with a valid State Government issued Disabled Parking permit, displayed on the car windscreen, will be able to access the disabled parking area, through RAAF Base Williamtown main gate off Medowie Road. Follow the road side signs.
Program
All static aircraft, hangar and outdoor displays will operate from when the gates open at 8am. Concert bands, military working dogs, fire-fighting, model aircraft, ADF Federation Guard and other active displays will be staged throughout the day. A detailed program will be displayed as soon as details are finalised.
The military flying program will begin at 12.30pm and run until 4pm. Some non-military flying may occur late morning if the air traffic flow allows.
Detailed programs of both air and ground activities will be displayed as soon as details are finalised.
Public Amenities
Catering, including a food court, will be available throughout the day with a broad range of food styles. Patrons may bring their own food and seating into the event but should be mindful of the distance belongings could need to be carried from the furthest points of the car parks.
Toilets and drinking water points will be available at the event.
Wheelchairs will be able to access all static displays and view the air show unimpeded from the hard-stand areas. Four special access toilets will be available for wheelchair or less mobile patrons.
Tips for the Air Show
- Very young children and babies can be easily distressed by aircraft noise.
- Ear Plugs will be available at the event for $2.
- Other than registered ‘Guide Dogs’, no animals may be brought into the event.
- No glass containers
- No radio transmitters/devices will be allowed into the event.
- The Air Show is an alcohol free event.
- Random bag searches will be carried out at entrance gates.
- No smoking in the public area because of the potential fire hazard.
- Four Information Posts will be situated in the public areas.
- There will be no ATMs available in the public areas.
- Helicopter Joy Flights will be available throughout the day.
- No aircraft private fly-ins can be accommodated
- Single charter flights may be possible by individual negotiation initially with Newcastle Airport Limited (02) 4928-9800.
- Chartered bus operators should email wlm.airshow@defence.gov.au for parking advice.
- Special needs or organised community groups should plan to be self-sufficient.
- Vodafone mobile phone coverage is very limited on the Williamtown Base.
- There will be limited seating and shade, so come prepared with sunscreen and a hat.
Avalon Air Show 2011
Visit the http://www.airshow.net.au/ for details on the next Avalon Air Show.
Past Air Shows & Displays
