By Cadet Warrant Officer Nathan Snoxall

Given the former Premier of Victoria regarded Avalon as “one of the world’s leading airshows”, I could not believe my luck when I received a call from Squadron Leader (Australian Air Force Cadets) Pepper to tell me I would be attending the airshow and that Boeing Australia would provide a tour guide, full use of the Boeing chalet and accommodation in Melbourne.

The highlights of the first day ranged from talking with the crew of aircrafts such as the F-111, Hawk, Black Hawk, Hercules and the newly acquired C-17, to meeting Ricardo Travern, test and airshow display pilot for the F-18 Super Hornet. He is a very inspiring man, who is extremely passionate about flying.

As the day neared its conclusion, we shared a barbeque dinner with the Chief of Air Force. The night show was a spectacular display of flying and pyrotechnics and the end of a most memorable day.

The next day was cold and wet, so we spent the majority of it enjoying the flying displays from the comfort of the Boeing chalet. We were also introduced to the Royal Australian Air Force pilot who was doing the flying display in the F-18 Hornet, which was an inspiring discussion about life as a RAAF pilot.

Overall, the event was a most enjoyable experience and I would like to thank Squadron Leader (AAFC) Pepper, Wing Commander (AAFC) Tony Lee and all the staff from Boeing and the AAFC who helped to make this experience possible. I had the time of my life.