Experience a piece of aviation history

There is something for all ages at the Open Cockpit Weekend.

By Hollie Harris

Queensland Air Museum is in full preparation mode for its open cockpit weekend.

This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a large range of historic aircraft on show and a raft of new attractions.

The QAM has Australia’s largest and best display of vintage aircraft all in one fantastic location, just opposite the Caloundra Airport. It boasts more than 80 historic aircraft and many other displays – it is a place where you can spend several memorable hours.The main attractions at the Open Cockpit Weekend on July 7-8 include the museum’s historically significant aircraft displays, with over 20 of them open to the public. The event offers a unique opportunity for visitors to sit in the pilot’s seat and experience what aviation was like from the 1920s right through to the F-111 and Mirage Jet that were in service from the 1960s through to 2010.

Other attractions include a huge air-side display on the airport tarmac with many vintage aircraft flying in for the weekend. The RAAF have also promised delivery of a very special new aircraft for the public to view – but details of this aircraft remain confidential and the fly-in is subject to operational priorities.

Many of the usual attractions will be there, plus some new ones and include:

• WWII Jeep rides

• Free ‘planes’ jumping castle for the kids as well as colouring in and paper plane making

• Engines running on the hour from 10am to 2pm

• Girl Friday Jazz & Blues band playing all weekend

• Vintage Calendar Girls fashion parade on Saturday

• Appearances from The Coastal Caring Clowns along with Star Wars characters and other characters

• Model aircraft displays

There will also be a great range of food and drink options, including real coffee!

The memorabilia shop will be open all weekend.

So, here’s your chance to be the pilot for a day and be part of Open Cockpit Weekend on July 7-8.

Check out www.qam.com.au for more details.