Sky Aces Model Jets club propose to have a weekend ‘Fly In’ at the Kempsey Airport with a tentative date for the event being the second weekend of May in 2019, it was announced yesterday.
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This would involve a Saturday and Sunday with pilots setting up from midday Friday.
President of the Sky Aces Model Jet Club Levi Wagner has stated if everything goes according to plan, international events will be held at the Kempsey Airport.
“More than 60 pilots and their families would visit Kempsey from all over the eastern seaboard,” Mr Wagner said.
“It would be estimated that an amount of well over $100,000 would be injected into the Kempsey local economy from the sale of food (a gala dinner on the Saturday night), accommodation, fuel and sundries over a three day period.
“Depending on the success of this weekend there is a potential to make a national and even an international event at the Kempsey Airport over the forthcoming years, making Kempsey a popular venue for model jet fliers.”
Mr Wagner went on to state that these jets were valued in the vicinity of $20,000 each with some having a value in excess of $35,000 and provided a spectacle rarely seen by country people.
MR Wagner has also pointed out the facilities at Kempsey Airport were second to none in regard to these jets being flown and being able to be viewed “up close and personal” by the public.
Consideration was given to hold the event at Taree Airport but Mr Wagner emphasised that Kempsey is the preferred venue.
Preliminary discussions have been had with the Kempsey Council to host such an event and have been met with a postiive and co-operative response from both the council and other airport users. Namely: The Australian Aviation College, Coffs Sky Divers, and Kempsey Flying Club as well as local aircraft owners.
At this stage, there is no proposal to charge entry on the Saturday and Sunday Fly in.
As a bonus on the weekend of the Fly In, Paul Bennett, of Paul Bennett Air Shows, has been invited to perform in his Wolfe Pitts Special Aerobatic aircraft on both the Saturday and Sunday.
If you’re interested in viewing the model jets in action, the Sky Aces Model Jets club is hosting its final event for the year at the Kempsey Airport this Sunday December 9 from 8am to 4pm.
Food and drink will be provided by the Kempsey Flying Club at their clubhouse from 11am for members of the public, pilots and their families.
Entry to the airport on Sunday is free.
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