HGFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 3 July | August 2019 Wings Over Illawarra A viation enthusiasts, young and old, had the chance to spread their wings and learn the fundamentals of flying as the HGFA showcased the four disciplines of sports aviation at the recent ‘Wings over Illawarra’ Sydney Airshow. Featuring Australia’s first Hang Gliding Simulator (featured on the Today Show), the event, held from 4 to 5 May, saw intrigued crowds experience the free flight without even leaving the ground. With a wingspan of over six metres, the simulator allowed participants to adopt an inflight attitude, allowing them to move the control bar in different directions. HGFA CEO, Brett Coupland, said the simulator display actively encouraged the younger generation to experience the thrill of flight with hands-on experience of the key flying essentials. “We provided an exciting experience for aviation enthusiasts to view the various disciplines of sports aviation – hang gliding, paragliding, powered paragliding and microlighting,” he said. “Visitors were also given rare access to a wheel-based powered paraglider and weightshift microlight aircraft. We were proud to be flying the flag for sports aviation at one of Australia’s biggest airshows. We are actively providing career pathways for our future pilots, nurturing their interest in aviation, helping them to take flight and be part of a close- knit flying community. As a key sponsor of the AOPA Junior Pilots Program, the HGFA teamed up with AOPA at the airshow, providing the younger generation, who are interested in aviation, with experienced pilot mentors who gave real time, industry level advice.” The AOPA stand featured a 3D Virtual Reality Flight Simulation, where budding young pilots were able to experience an immersive simulation that was second to none. Tony Dennis, aWM Instructor of SydneyMicrolight (based at Illawarra airport), said airshows were a great opportunity for the general public to get up close and personal with the many flying disciplines under the HGFA umbrella. “Modern young men and women have so much choice and never get the opportunity to get close enough to the aircraft they see on TV. The airshows not only gets us up close to the machines, but it plants the seed for both young and old,” said Tony. “The displays put on by the many sport aviation fraternities give that chance to touch, feel and learn about the various aircraft. At this Wings over Illawarra event, the general public got to experience the hang gliding simulator, sit in a trike or paramotor buggy. They were able to see that flying and taking to the skies is actually achievable. The annual Illawarra airshow is the best airshow I have been to – you can see the static displays and also watch history fly by. I hope this will be a regular event for the HGFA and our clubs.” Brett said he and Tony were extremely grateful to all the volunteers who helped out at the HGFA stand, highlighting the excitement of our sport to the wider community. As Brett states, “Being part of these airshows is a great opportunity to create exposure for sports aviation and encourage the younger generation to take flight.” Australia’s best annual airshow, the ‘Wings Over Illawarra’, offers an aviation extravaganza. From the heart stopping aerial antics of flying displays, static displays, restored WW2 flights and the record breaking Qantas 747, the HGFA was amongst good company. Many thanks to our volunteers: Rob De Groot, Vicki and Greg Cain, and Tom McDonald.