GALLERY

Zephyrus at the inaugural Australian International Airshow at Avalon in October 1992. 

The Avalon Australian International Airshow came to Victoria’s Avalon Airport in 1992 at the invitation of then premier Jeff Kennett who was keen to establish a technology-based event that would attract key industry and defence representatives and tourists alike. What resulted was the very first Avalon Australian International Airshow which paved the way for more than thirty years of roaring success over the skies of Victoria.

These photos were taken on the last day when the participating aircraft were flying home. Zephyrus was flown to Avalon by Christopher Thorpe the week earlier, towed by Bill Chapman in Pawnee VH-TNC into a 30-knot headwind (the 40 km trip took 30 minutes). ATC directed the pilot of a RAAF F-18 Hornet to hold while Zephyrus landed, and upon touchdown the glider was met by ground crew who removed the glider off the runway to the grass between the runway and taxiway to allow the F-18 to land.

At the end of the week, during which Zephyrus had been on public display with several other gliders, Chris flew it home accompanied by Noel Vagg as second pilot. On the return trip the glider was towed by Jeffrey McDonald flying his Auster, VH-ADQ. The Air Traffic Controller asked Jeff to turn right (to the West) as soon as the combination got airborne to clear the runway for the many aircraft lining up to take-off. The combination crossed the western boundary fence at about 50 feet and flew around the South-western side of the You Yangs Regional Park to Bacchus Marsh. These photos were taken by Noel Vagg.