Format changes for TVAL Shows

[ErrolC]

www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=520378814700039&id=130953866975871

Due to the ever increasing numbers of WWI aviation enthusiasts attending our shows we are altering our format to give our visitors a more personal and unique aviation experience.
Our previous 2 and 1/2 hour airshow will be shortened to almost 2 hours, allowing us to keep the show fresh by alternating aircraft for future shows. Additionally, an hour before the air show begins, all our aircraft will be able to be accessed on the flightline by the public. Pilots and ground crew will be available beside the aircraft to talk to and answer any questions and there will be plenty of close-up photo opportunities available.
Owing to the success of Gene DeMarco's Rotary engine talk at our last April show, we plan on wrapping up the show with a similar engine or aircraft demonstration.

For now, this new format says goodbye to our vehicle rides and vintage car displays, however we hope the added bonus of being able to walk the flightline and listen to the pilots explain their aeroplanes will satisfy many of our visitor requests for more detailed information!

We are also moving our air show and spectator area to the opposite side of the airfield to take advantage of the hangars and buildings in case of weather disruptions. This way, even in the event of a complete rain-out, visitors will still be able to view the aircraft under-cover and talk to the pilots. Additionally we can develop our VIP area (intended for all those hardcore TVAL enthusiasts who visit us every show) and finally be rid of the dreaded portaloos!!!

Do you have a topic of interest that you would like one of our pilots or engineers to discuss or explain in more detail at the end of the show? Rotary Engines; Interrupter Gear;the Great Aces of WWI.......? Ideas on this site are welcome! Let's get some discussion going!

[Dave Homewood]

Sounds very good!

[ErrolC]

Well, pluses with a couple of minuses (I'd like to be fairly sure of seeing the Snipe and bomber FE.2b), but quite logical.
Should be a bit better for photography too.
I've never been in the hangars, despite being to 3 shows, this should fix that!

Must be one of the best value shows around.

[ErrolC]

Revised approach for 2014/15 season, last weekend of the month practice/display days, with interruptions for big non-TVAL shows
Details on FB

Interesting that they are going to Avalon!

[Dave Homewood]

For those who do not use Facebook here's the message TVAL posted today:

Hi All,

TVALs air shows are changing!

Due to increasing numbers of aircraft and a heavy ‘away’ shows commitment both in NZ and overseas, our TVAL air shows are changing to accommodate more practice and handling for our pilots. Flying will now take place over the last weekend of every month from November to April. This season’s air shows commitment will unfortunately affect our new flying dates however we expect ‘the last weekend of every month’ to become the norm over coming seasons.

Monthly flying will focus on handling and practice in the mornings and display practice in the afternoon with a late afternoon option to take advantage of the generally still evenings if weather has prevented flying during the day.

The new flying weekends are casual with none of the previous air shows infrastructure, parking, food stalls etc., so bring your own seat and refreshments. Hangar tours will be offered outside of flying hours. Flying will be scheduled from 10.00am – 12.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday, with a Saturday only option of 6.00pm – 8.00pm if flying that day has been held up with weather.

Additionally, the new flying weekends will see the introduction of the TVAL Supporters Club offering exclusive opportunities for enthusiasts from private group displays and pilot presentations to being first on the mailing list for our very limited up and coming Wellington Workshop Tours. More on this to come soon!

Before we launch the Supporters Club, we need a more imaginative name!
Put forward your suggestions and the winner will receive a free membership. Note them here on Facebook or email Sara at [e-mail]

Here are the dates for this season’s weekend flying. Remember that if you want to see TVAL’s 4 originals or rare reproductions flying, you’ll need to come to a TVAL flying weekend. TVAL’s replica collection and sometimes one or two of our reproduction aircraft represent TVAL at other air shows.

November 29th & 30th 2014
TVAL Flying Weekend

December 27th & 28th. 2014
TVAL Flying Weekend

January 17th – 19th 2014
See us at Wings over Wairarapa

January 31st & 1st February 2015
TVAL Flying Weekend

February 24th – 1st March 2015
See us at Avalon, Australia

March 2nd – 4th 2015
No flying weekend, see us at Classic Fighters Omaka

April 25th & 26th 2015
TVAL Flying Weekend

[ErrolC]

Cheers Dave, I normally don't go to FB at work
Their FB is veiwable by anyone, if people want to look at the comments.

Sent from my D5503 using proboards

[ErrolC]

I've just noticed, the March dates are wrong.
I assume they mean 'No March TVAL Flying Weekend, see us at Classic Fighters Omaka April 3rd-5th' (and I certainly will!)

[Poohbah]

Whoops.

Correct Errol.

Edited the dates on the page.

Pooh.

[Mustang51]

Great idea to alter the format of the shows and, from what I have heard and read - not necessarily experienced all the time at Masterton - it will ensure that weather is not the overriding factor. Pilot and ground crew talks with the aircraft makes it all an individual experience as well. Well done TVAL. Tours of Wellington..... now there's something! Hope they still keep "Area 51" closed. I just really enjoy the way that suddenly a new type just pops up out of the woodwork every now and then. Love the 'shock and awe' that produces. I know many would prefer to have all the news instantly but, in my lowly view, its a bit like knowing what your Christmas or Birthday present is two years beforehand - nice to know but the anticipation is just not the same.

[ErrolC]

Looks to be a good approach, gives flexibility, lowers costs, enables more (smaller) events.

Sent from my D5503 using proboards

[Dave Homewood]

They are going to have a really big presence at Avalon by the look of things
www.airshow.com.au/airshow2015/PUBLIC/aircraft-display/civilian-display-performers.asp

[Deleted]

Wow. Slightly o/t but WOW what a lineup!

TVAL-wise, it's great to see they're heading over - but I'm also pleasantly surprised at the amount of Aussie WW1 stuff that will be there. It's wonderful to see such a diverse range of aircraft, especially during the War's Centenary.

[ErrolC]

Outline for 2015/16 season
m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=903897289681521

This 2015-2016 season The Vintage Aviator will be hosting ‘Flying Weekends’ at Hood Aerodrome in Masterson. It will take place the last Saturday and Sunday of every month from November to April. The flying weekends are casual so make sure to bring your own seat and refreshments. Tickets are sold $20 for adults and $10 for children. Flying will be scheduled from 10.00am – 12.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday, with a Saturday only option of 6.00pm – 8.00pm if flying that day has been held up with weather. Hangar tours will also be offered outside of flying hours. The guided tours will be $15 for adults and $10 for children.

[Deleted]

Great news, thanks Errol. I will have to head down for one or three of these.