SAFA Skysailor Magazine

16 SKY SAILOR July | August 2021 With the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show back in 2021, SAFA got the opportunity to showcase our sport to a whole new crowd of potential future pilots in the region recently. The Show was held at Nambour Showgrounds on Queens- land’s Sunshine Coast from Friday, 11 June to Sunday, 13 June, highlighting the many facets of the region, including sports aviation. While the weekend was the coldest of the year so far, the sun was shining, and good crowds turned up to experience all the region has to offer over the three days. SAFA President, Paul Green was responsible for the preparations of the combined SAFA/Sunshine Coast Sports Aviators (SCSA) stall at the Show, which he said attracted interest from show-goers throughout the event. “Like many others we’d intended to showcase our sport last year but were thwarted due to the COVID induced cancellation of the Show, so this year it was fantastic to be out in the community sharing our love of sports aviation,” Paul said. “It was great to be able to create interest in our sport, and it was clear that show-goers were impressed by what we had to offer. They were also delighted to see an aviation display at the event. The display also provided a meeting point for retired sports aviators who called by to reminisce and share tales of the good old days.” The SAFA stall featured a hang gliding simulator for visitors to test out and experience the means of flying and controlling a hang glider. There was also an ultralight on display (a huge thank you to Ken Hill) and promotional material to attract newcomers to sports aviation, as well as daily giveaways. A powered paraglider and wing provided a further attraction and we were well stocked with SCSA and SAFA brochures. “We gave away two tandem flights each day during the Show, which proved to be very popular with those who visited the stall,” Paul added. “This was the first time we’d participated in a non-aviation specific community event and it was very well received by Show organisers and patrons alike and very productive from our perspective.” Sunshine Coast Sports Aviation Showcase Left: SAFA display at the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show Right: Our stall set up