If you enjoyed the 2011 fly-in then make sure you attend the 2012 event for even more enjoyment.
The Great Clifton Fly-in for 2012.
Clifton Wows Them Again at the 2011 Fly-In
Story by Alan Betteridge
Photos by Scott Williamson and Alan Betteridge
AFTER two years of bad weather the gods finally smiled favourably on the annual Clifton (Qld) Fly-in held on Sunday, March 13.
Over 90 aircraft of all types made the trip out to Bange’s Field, home of the Lone Eagle Flying School, just outside the small community of Clifton.
Last year strong winds and heavy coastal rain prevented many from making the trip with only around 30 aircraft showing up for the day and then having to depart early due to the inclement weather.
One of those who couldn’t make it last was Peter Jensen from Brisbane.
“I like to come out to this event every year but last year I was just simply not able to get past the weather over the coastal ranges,” Peter said.
“We did try on a couple of occasions but in the end it was just too dangerous and so we had to return to Archerfield.
“But this year things are much better and I had none of the problems of last year, although I think we may have to leave a little earlier than I would have liked just in case the weather closes in again,” he said.
A lot of pilots had the same thoughts with many keeping an eye to the east to watch for any gathering clouds and many departing well before lunch – just in case.
What wind there was during the weekend was straight down the strip making 06 the operative runway.
Due to rising terrain 06 has a requirement for right-hand circuits and this caught a few pilots out but with a bit a friendly banter on the radio no real problems occurred and there was never any danger to aircraft,
Many people took the opportunity over the weekend to drive into Clifton and take advantage of the free camping and excellent facilities of the airfield.
First time visitors to the event were Paul and Chris Burleigh from Maryborough who brought their caravan with them.
“This is my first visit and I’m very impressed,” Paul said.
“The meal on Saturday night was fantastic – not to mention great value – and if anyone went hungry at Sunday’s breakfast it was their own fault,” he laughed.
Paul was right about the value for money the meals at this fly-in are. Saturday’s dinner was $15 per person and Sunday breakfast only $8.
Once again this year the meals were held in the club’s hanger and it provided a perfect back-drop to this aviation event.
The move to the hanger occurred a couple of years back and was caused by the approach of cyclone Hamish.
“We always put up a marquee near the lower aircraft parking area,” fly-in organiser and airfield owner Trevor Bange said.
“But this is black soil country and at that time it was too wet and muddy so we shifted the meals to the hanger.
“This proved be a popular move because the hanger is warmer, dryer and less prone to cold winds sneaking in.
“And as an added bonus the volunteers don’t have to erect and dismantle a large marquee,” he said.
Very little alcohol is consumed at Clifton as most pilots and attendees prefer to talk aviation and have an early night than just drink.
“This is what makes this event such a family orientated affair,” Trevor said.
“People know they can come here and just enjoy themselves without having to worry about some people over indulging in alcohol.”
The Darling Downs Sport Aircraft Association’s Clifton Fly-In has been an annual event for the region since 1992 and although has faced cyclones, strong winds and heavy rains over the last 19 years but the event has never been cancelled.
“In a good year we have had up to 130 aircraft attend, this year it was around 90 but last year was the worst with only about 30 attending,” Trevor said.
“But we won’t be put off, we will continue to stage the fly-in no matter what,” he added.
I have been going to Clifton for the past five years. It is one of the best organised events of its type and offers great meals in a fantastic atmosphere.
Trevor and his team of volunteers do a great job and nothing seems to be too much trouble for them.
Everyone I spoke to over the weekend had the same opinion with everyone vowing to come back next year.
Now, if only we only have to convince those pesky weather gods to be kind to us again next year.
Keep watching the Pacific Flyer calendar of events for the date for next year’s fly-in.
