A few pics from the Pearce Airshow, taken by Andrew Tingle!
There is a lot more info on our Facebook site:
June 29, 2012
May 2, 2012
NATFLY 2012 - Temora
A bit of a late post, sorry folks, NATFLY 2012 has been and gone.
As usual, it's great to catch up with my friends at Temora, it's a very friendly "Airpark" and I am always made to feel welcome.
I only had the aircraft back from Singapore for about one week. That was enough training time to present a reasonable display on both the Friday and Saturday.
As the only flying display at the event, my attendance drew lots of attention and interest from other pilots and visitors.
Les Day again made the trip over and supported me throughout. Grant ( aka Kaos ) of Upside Down Websites gave me a bed for a couple of nights, did my commentary, updated our web page, tried to get me on the drink (I resisted) and generally showed me a good time. Thanks guys!
As I've mentioned on Facebook, one of the hot items on display was Oz Runways. I've started using the product whenever I fly cross country. On an Ipad and kneedock, it is simply amazing. I now understand the hype!
My partners, Allianz Insurance, also visited and gave a very popular presentation on aircraft insurance. It's not the sexiest of topics but the gouge handed out was well received and I'm sure a lot of people went away to check their policies, especially if they are not using Allianz!
The pics are from Mick, (and despite the watermark, yes, they are this year's pics!)
Our next event is the RAAF Airshow for 2012, being held in WA. I'm excited about flying at this event and the trip over West will be the first time I've taken the Rebel beyond Adelaide. (unless it was in a container!)
It's a long way on a hard aerobatic seat pan but I'm still looking forward to the trip. The Airshow program is looking very promising. If you make it over, be sure to come and say hello! I'll be flying just prior to the lunch break on both days.
Cheers,
Tony.
March 14, 2012
NATFLY 2012 Temora
The Rebel 300 will soon be back from Singapore, unfortunately, it is taking a couple more weeks than expected.
Our next event is NATFLY over the Easter weekend and planning is well underway.
http://www.natfly.com.au/
Natfly is great event and attracts a huge number of light sport aircraft.
I'm looking forward to several of the presentations, especially the Oz Runways session ...
Hope to see you at Temora!
Our next event is NATFLY over the Easter weekend and planning is well underway.
http://www.natfly.com.au/
Natfly is great event and attracts a huge number of light sport aircraft.
I'm looking forward to several of the presentations, especially the Oz Runways session ...
Hope to see you at Temora!
This a couple of our pics from Temora in 2011!
March 5, 2012
Singapore Airshow 2012 wrap up.
After more than a year of discussions and planning, Singapore Airshow 2012 has been and gone.
The event was even bigger than I anticipated. Over US$30B in aircraft sales were negotiated, record trade displays and attendees and a totally sold out public weekend are just some of the main achievements.
This Airshow seems to be going from strength to strength, now being run by Experia Events.
The profile is huge, the biggest event in Asia and toted as the 3rd biggest in the world!
There were many firsts with our attendance.
It was the first time an unlimited or stunt type aerobatic aircraft had been involved in the 30 year history of Singapore Airshows. I can't say how proud I am to have been the person they entrusted to bring this type of display to Singapore. By nature, aviation in Singapore is very conservative, there is very little general aviation and no aerobatic flying conducted there. You might imagine that their airworthiness folks were very interested in my participation. Experia had taken a risk with this and luckily, with top feedback from airshow attendees, the risk has paid off.
This was also the first time I had performed outside Australia. It was very much a test case to see if we would undertake future overseas events. There was so much we learnt. By we, I mean Nathan Lewis and I. Nathan is a fellow ADF instructor at the Defence Flying School (ADF BFTS). Over a coffee one day I mentioned that I'll be taking someone to Singapore to support me. He immediately insisted it should be him. Nathan had no idea what he was getting himself into - I'm afraid I worked him very hard. Given the two of us did everything from aircraft re-assembly, to security, immigration, flying committee approvals, aircraft daily inspections including re-fueling and smoke oil sourcing, sponsor attendances, various radio and other media interviews, spectator autograph and photo sessions, daily aircraft transport (to and from the static display site), aircraft disassembly and packing into the container, oh and by the way, there were flying displays to be done daily with a team of experts watching and assessing my every move (or should I say maneuver). Often we were too busy to stop and appreciate what we were achieving, now with time to reflect, I can't thank Nathan enough for his support - thanks mate!
There were other people who helped too. Before leaving Australia, my "normal crew", Stuart Hutchison and Les Day spent two days helping disassemble the aircraft and develop a safe way to pack it into the container.
The aircraft is still on it's way back home, so these guys will probably be helping me again soon ... This type of support is essential to my operations, thanks guys! In Singapore, MAJ Aviation were superb in their support with aircraft assembly and the transit flight from Seletar to Changi - I could probably write a book on that experience alone ... Once in location, the support from the organizers was impeccable. We had issues, mainly because we were the only small piston engined aircraft at Changi, but these were easily resolved in time.
We have developed many efficiencies in our processes from this event, mainly involving the aircraft logistics. There have been many lessons learned too on how to interact with the international airshow/corporate industry.
I would feel very confident with future events of this nature.
Nathan Lewis and I during our first day full day at Changi.
So as a test case, I'm calling it an enjoyable and rewarding success and I look forward to future overseas performances!
Thanks again to all those who assisted Blair Aerosport at Singapore Airshow 2012!
(I've included a few pictures here but there are many around the web and on my Facebook page.)
Safe flying,
Tony
Good smoke is a must!
Nathan and Fiona, Angela and myself.
You can't do that in an F16 or F15, and that's why we were at Singapore Airshow!
Spin ...
My office!
Very clear shot of me flying on the practice day, taken by Mark Wagner.
Check out his other photos on the web.
No comment required ...
This photo was very popular in the media. The caption from China Daily read:
"Two chaplains from Canada and Belgium watch a performance of the Rebel 300 aerobatic aircraft flown by Tony Blair of Australia's Blair Aerosport during an aerial display at the Singapore Airshow in Singapore Feb 16, 2012. The largest airshow in Asia runs from Feb 14 to Feb 19."
No jokes thanks, that was a really big sign ...
The MD of Experia, Mr Jimmy Lau and his fiance. Both lovely people, full of support and encouragement.
Nathan with my wing at MAJ Aviation during re-assembly at Seletar.
A leaking hose cost us a practice session and some stress trying to find a replacement. However, with a month in transit and 11 flights in country, it was the only issue we had with the aircraft - not too bad!
Nathan at our favourite eatery - Chef's Kitchen near Bugis.
Breitling Observation Tower before the crowds had arrived.
The ground crew were excellent and even made this tow bar!
It wasn't all hard work.
It's a shame I'm not this popular with my own family ...
Charlie White from Hill & Knowleton helped a great deal with the media events and we all got on well.
This is an invention we wanted to take back to Australia - love it!
This cool looking guy is Bernie Chan from LORD Corporation. Bernie took the time to educate us on all sorts of interesting things in Singapore - thanks for your hospitality Bernie!
Spinning on another day.
February 19, 2012
Singpore Airshow 2012 Pics
A few pics from Singpore Airshow, we still have one more day of flying. I'll post more when we get time ...
February 11, 2012
Our first day on site for Singapore Airshow
What a day ...
We arrived at Seletar before sunrise and with the help of literally, a team of people, got a security clearance and departure for Changi. Flew between 747s , closer than I had ever cared to do. Vectored over Malaysia and Indonesia, in very questionable VMC.
ATC here are not used to an aircraft that can't fly an ILS! Eventually got there. A quick brief and some breakfast but then no AVGAS! Took my slot time with min fuel, enough to see the display area and land again.
First chance I got to put some G on the plane since reassembly.
Lunch, now got AVGAS and the Roulettes and I are the only ones flying the pm session, it was first day for us. The other guys are red hot already and headed home.
The plane felt good in this session, it's been over a month so I'll need a few sessions to get going properly ...
The best part, had to push the plane about 2 to 3 km in steaming heat. Had lots of help but no fun! Will need a better logistical plan for tomorrow.
Been a very long day, looking forward to bed!
Nathan has been a huge help, bet he had no idea what he signed up for on this trip!!
Our wives arrive tomorrow, both looking forward to that.
Best regards to all!
We arrived at Seletar before sunrise and with the help of literally, a team of people, got a security clearance and departure for Changi. Flew between 747s , closer than I had ever cared to do. Vectored over Malaysia and Indonesia, in very questionable VMC.
ATC here are not used to an aircraft that can't fly an ILS! Eventually got there. A quick brief and some breakfast but then no AVGAS! Took my slot time with min fuel, enough to see the display area and land again.
First chance I got to put some G on the plane since reassembly.
Lunch, now got AVGAS and the Roulettes and I are the only ones flying the pm session, it was first day for us. The other guys are red hot already and headed home.
The plane felt good in this session, it's been over a month so I'll need a few sessions to get going properly ...
The best part, had to push the plane about 2 to 3 km in steaming heat. Had lots of help but no fun! Will need a better logistical plan for tomorrow.
Been a very long day, looking forward to bed!
Nathan has been a huge help, bet he had no idea what he signed up for on this trip!!
Our wives arrive tomorrow, both looking forward to that.
Best regards to all!
February 10, 2012
Getting ready for Singapore Airshow
This is now our second day in Singapore.
The aircraft has gone back together OK but we found a split in a fuel hose and didn't have a spare. Nathan spent the afternoon shopping the various aviation suppliers in Singapore.
We should have a replacement in the morning - about the same time I had planned my first practice session at the display site.
There are still a few practice days, so not too much of an issue just yet!
We are enjoying Singapore, food is great, shopping is more vast than imaginable, the people friendly but hot and humid in the hangar!
The aircraft has gone back together OK but we found a split in a fuel hose and didn't have a spare. Nathan spent the afternoon shopping the various aviation suppliers in Singapore.
We should have a replacement in the morning - about the same time I had planned my first practice session at the display site.
There are still a few practice days, so not too much of an issue just yet!
We are enjoying Singapore, food is great, shopping is more vast than imaginable, the people friendly but hot and humid in the hangar!
December 20, 2011
Microair Avionics upgrade
I have been able to operate throughout Australia without a transponder but Singapore Airspace is a little different to our open spaces.
As a result, I'm in the midst of having a transponder fitted.
We chose Microair avionics, an Australian made product with a great reputation.
I'll give you some more details as we go but in short, I need a compact, light weight unit that I could rely on!
Check them out at:
Best of all - Microair has a 15% off sale running at the moment!! Handy for Christmas presents ...
Magenta Shores Corporate Display
Our final official display for 2011 ...
This was a corporate display for Allianz at a very impressive facility!
This is our 3rd year of partnering with Allianz, always an impressive organisation to deal with!
I operated out of Warnervale, that is quite a skinny runway for a mid wing tail dragger ...
November 7, 2011
Bright Rod Run
I'm a hot rod fan from way back so I always enjoy being part of the Bright Rod Run.
The scenery around Bright is spectacular - interesting for a display but still spectacular.
By Australian standards, it is quite mountainous.
The standard of cars that attend this event is amazing. Just Google it ...
The main web site is here:
I did 2 displays and I was happy with both but due to the location, proximity of the town etc I do wind it down a notch or three. Despite this, I still got a noise complaint back through CASA from someone living in town.
Next time I will need to be even more careful to avoid the town area. You'd think with a 1000 hot rods visiting town you wouldn't worry about 1 aircraft flying around for 5 minutes ...
Last year I had a disaster with fuel - the bowser at broken which made refuels tricky to say the least!
No such problem this year and I was well supported by the Wangaratta Aeroclub - thanks guys!
October 3, 2011
Oakey Wings, Wheels and Rotors 2011
The first weekend in October had me make the trip back to Oakey, the home of Army Aviation in Australia.
This is the 3rd year running that I've flown at the Museum Open Day.
Unfortunately, the weather was terrible on the Saturday morning and I couldn't get there. Things were only slightly better the next morning but I managed to sneak past the hills and clouds and made it to Oakey.
It was a windy old day but I managed to get the show done in the end ...
I flew straight after the RAAF Roulettes, it was good to catch up with those guys. An old mate of mine, Glenn Canfield is finishing up his tour as Roulette leader.
Check out the museum at:
September 4, 2011
Thunder West 2011 - Long Tan Service
Thunder West is an event run by the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club (VVMC) at their Pearlbrook facility near Murrurundi, NSW.
The location is relatively remote but draws a good crowd.
I flew a display for the guys about lunch time. It was a very interesting location to fly - quite a tight valley and the club house is down low in the terrain and trees. With some turbulence and other weather I couldn't do my full display but the guys seemed happy enough.
As soon as I landed back at the airport, I jumped on my Wide Glide (yep, I'm a bike fan too) and headed back for the official service.
I've been in the military for about 23 years now and I've seen a service or two in that time. I reckon the Long Tan service conducted by these guys was one of the most interesting and moving services I've ever attended.
Well done to the VVMC!
The location is relatively remote but draws a good crowd.
I flew a display for the guys about lunch time. It was a very interesting location to fly - quite a tight valley and the club house is down low in the terrain and trees. With some turbulence and other weather I couldn't do my full display but the guys seemed happy enough.
As soon as I landed back at the airport, I jumped on my Wide Glide (yep, I'm a bike fan too) and headed back for the official service.
I've been in the military for about 23 years now and I've seen a service or two in that time. I reckon the Long Tan service conducted by these guys was one of the most interesting and moving services I've ever attended.
Well done to the VVMC!
Jakes and Rhonda came down for the ride too, the smoke was part of the service.
Me in the foreground, Jakes with his new Victory behind.
Rhonda has better taste in bikes than her husband and posed for a pic on my bike!
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