How long has it been since Australia has seen a major air race?
Almost from the time of Orville and Wilbur up until the 1980s, a number high profile air races had been successfully conducted in this country and of course, to and from this country. The early air races also provided a stimulus for technological advancements. These races piqued the average Australian’s interest and promoted aviation as a safe and efficient mode of transport, and importantly, they fuelled a national appetite for adventure and discovery.
To the best of my knowledge, and I stand to be corrected, Australia has not seen a major air race for at least 25 years.
Australia hosts Air Shows, Conferences, and Seminars, and these are very successful. Examples include, the Safe Skies conference and the International Air Show are held every 2 years and both are internationally acclaimed. At the other end of the scale, the UAV Outback Challenge is an event specifically for unmanned aerial vehicles, held in the QLD regional town of Kingaroy annually.
Whilst these events are good, where’s the big air race? Maybe it’s the rising costs that have dented the enthusiasm for the big race, or it could be that there is little to gain, or maybe we have just lost our childlike enthusiasm for aviation? Personally, I hope it’s not the latter, as this is what fuels the industry.
A race in conjunction with one of the other prominent events could be a mutually beneficial arrangement. Surely airlines, oil companies, aircraft manufacturers, hotel chains, fast food multinationals, banks and insurance companies could gain some useful exposure from an Around Australia Air Race, or a Canberra to Port Moresby Air Race, or a Brisbane to Broome Air Race, or something similar – open to all comers. Some of the nomination funds could assist charitable aviation organizations such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Angel Flight. In the end, all Australians would benefit, and it may be the pill that the aviation industry needs at this time to say goodbye to the financial crisis!
