Today I was lucky enough to attend the Trade Exhibition at the Australian International Airshow 2013 in Avalon.

This is an amazing display of the latest military and civilian aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, maintenance equipment, air traffic control systems and other feats of aviation engineering.

RAAF Globemaster

I think the RAAF C-17A Globemaster was the largest aircraft there today. This is enormous and can hold troops, troop carriers, tanks and  helicopters. The RAAF can even equip them as portable hospitals. Just as impressive was the knowledge, enthusiasm and professionalism of the crew showing us through.

Inside the Globemaster

Rear of the Globemaster

We were also extremely lucky to get a tour of a RAAF Hercules, and even a seat in the cockpit.

Me in the Herc cockpit

The Heads-Up Display was amazing; I have never before seen one in IRL. The photos don’t really do it justice but you get the idea.

Here’s me and my friend Leeroy in our new Airbus A319 private jet:

Inside the Airbus A319

The A319 cockpit

We also saw a number of fly-bys: Air Force jets, parachute jumps and even a lady standing on top of a biplane!

“Cripes it’s windy up here.”

The weather held out (almost) and we managed to cover a lot of ground in a few hours.

All in all, a most successful day.

Many thanks to Lee for making it happen.