In a major coup for the Lismore Aviation Expo on 17 June, Lismore City Council has secured a RAAF C-17A Globemaster III to do a flypast.
The Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III is a transport aircraft allowing the Air Force to rapidly deploy troops, supplies, combat vehicles, heavy equipment and helicopters anywhere in the world.
Lismore City Council’s Danielle Hanigan explained that it can be used for humanitarian aid drops or transportation of equipment including tanks and Black Hawk helicopters, and its range and performance allows it to fly to war zones and inhospitable areas such as Antarctica.
She said it was a major drawcard for the Lismore Aviation Expo and thanked the RAAF for agreeing to show off their aircraft.
“The C-17A Globemaster is a four-engine heavy transport that can carry up to 77 tonnes. It’s one of those aircraft you normally only see in the movies,” Danielle said.
“These aircraft are used by the Air Force for a wide range of missions, from transporting troops from Australia to Afghanistan, to providing support during the Queensland flood crisis and taking part in Operation Christchurch Assist. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Expo visitors to see this aircraft up close and personal.”
The Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III is just one exciting attraction at the third annual Lismore Aviation Expo coming up on Saturday, 17 June at the Lismore Aviation Centre on Three Chain Road.
Other highlights include an aerobatics spectacular by Paul Bennet Airshows, the chance to go inside the cockpit of a REX SAAB 340, and warbird and helicopter joy flights.
Rotorwing Helicopter Services and local hot air balloon operators will be showing off their flying machines while major sponsor Fast Aviation will launch Lismore’s new 24-hour charter service at the event.
Visitors can also see displays of aircraft from the 1900s right through to the modern day as well as military aircraft, drones, model planes, vintage cars and motorcycles.
Young people interested in flying can visit local aviation training institutes including the Defence Force and emergency services, the Northern Rivers Aero Club and the North Coast Institute of TAFE, which offers a Certificate IV in flight attendant training using an extraordinary replica plane at the Wollongbar campus.
The Lismore Aviation Expo is family event with children’s entertainment, market stalls and yummy food.
As on-site parking at the Lismore Aviation Expo is limited, there will be free shuttle buses running on a continuous loop from 9am:
• Lismore Transit Centre in Molesworth Street to Lismore Aviation Expo.
• Lismore Lake to Lismore Aviation Expo via Lismore Passenger Terminal.
Council encourages people to park and ride the bus from the CBD, Lismore Lake or Lismore Passenger Terminal to avoid traffic congestion.
The Lismore Aviation Expo runs from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, 17 June at the Lismore Aviation Centre, Three Chain Road, South Lismore. Entry is $5 with children under 16 free.
Proceeds from the Lismore Aviation Expo will go to the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.
For more information, go to www.visitlismore.com.au.
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