NOT even the looming threat of a cyclone could dampen the spirits of the organiser's 17th annual Clifton (Qld) fly-in.
All week cyclone Hamish had been slowly making its way south down the Queensland coast. At one stage the category five system looked set to cross the coast at Hervey Bay causing much concern for the residents of the area.
But the weather gods smiled, as did the organisers, as it first headed east and then north back up the coast from whence it had come.
"A cyclone wouldn't dare interfere with our fly-in," a defiant Trevor Bange said.
"We have never cancelled the event since its inception in 1992 and we didn't intend to start now. That's why we frightened it away," he added.
The threat of the cyclone did, however, mean some changes in the planning for the weekend.
"We decided to park aircraft a bit further up the airstrip and the dinner and breakfast was held in the hangar instead of the marquee."
"As it transpired, that change proved to be very popular and resulted in a lot less work for our club members and a more comfortable night for visitors.
"No cold winds to send people back to their camps early. That's one idea we will be keeping next year for sure."
Aircraft started arriving on Saturday, at first there were just a few but by Saturday evening tents were seen to be sprouting like mushrooms all around the airfield beside the 20 or so aircraft that had arrived during the afternoon.
Aerochute pilot, Rob 'Rizzo' Van Riswick started his flying weekend, or at least his tent did, somewhat earlier than he expected.
Rizzo learnt a valuable lesson: When it's windy never put the tent up prior to pegging the base firmly to the ground!
Result? One tent rolling across the airstrip with Rizzo in hot pursuit. His good friend and Aerochute associate Craig Reis was more than a little amused at Rizzo's predicament.
"I would have helped him, honest I would, but I couldn't stop laughing long enough," he said.
The evening meal was, as usual, superb and great value for money. Trevor said the preparation of the meal was becoming a real family reunion.
"We had a very willing band of helpers and most of the kitchen crew are not even members," Trevor said.
"One is our daughter Fiona (who is a chef), her boyfriend, our brother and sister in-law, our daughter's friend, our son's wife and a few others.
"It was a real family reunion, albeit a working one."
Sunday morning arrived with plenty of sunshine but there was clearly some weather to the east.
This didn't deter the more than 100 aircraft who flew in for the weekend, but it did cause many of the pilots to depart somewhat earlier than in previous years.
"We were happy with the result especially given the weather in the lead-up," Trevor said.
"There were a few firsts on the weekend with a Nanchang, Yak and Panther jet making their debut on the field.
"Although drive-in visitors were down, about 20% all-in-all, we had a great weekend and we look forward to doing it all over again next year so cyclones be warned - don't bother coming, you're simply not invited!"
The annual Clifton (Bange's Field) fly-in is held in March each year and is a must for all aviation enthusiasts. Whether you fly in or drive in and camp for the weekend you simply must put Clifton on your calendar. Keep watching 'Coming Events' in Pacific Flyer for the date of next year's event.
Remember everybody is invited and made to feel welcome - unless you're a cyclone that is.
