Omaka Flying days

[typerated]

What happened to these this year?

anyone know?

[ErrolC]

They mentioned on Facebook that they are doing them as 'members days', rather than for the public.

[Dave Homewood]

Here is a message sent to me tonight from Graham Orphan:

Hi Dave,

I just noted a couple of posts on your site re the above. The responder is correct. We stopped running these as public events as the public would pay their $10 and expect a full-blown airshow for the day. They could not seem to understand that it was by definition, a casual members' flying day and that there would be breaks in the flow of the flying. So our staff and volunteers would get complaints from a disgruntled public. The solution - don't invite the public and save them from any disappointment.

So we held our first event for the season on 20th January as a members-only breakfast/flying day. It proved to be hugely successful and we all had a fantastic brekky and a great flying day. The public who came through the museum scored an extra bonus, and our staff could do their jobs without being hassled, instead being complimented by the public for the bonus flying display they received.

Based on this success, we'll be doing more such days, but won't be making them public events again. For die-hard enthusiasts, there is always the option of membership in the MWA/AHC if they wish to stay informed of such occasions, but we won't be putting up public notices of these events at all.

Cheers,
Graham

[Gavin Conroy]

Was going to mention something about these days and good that Graham has.
He is right there was always an expectation from some of the public to see regular flying, if the Spitfire was outside they would expect to see it flying for example.
Some expected a huge amount for 10 bucks and lets not forget owners and pilots were providing this flying out of their own pockets so in the end it got too difficult.

Must say that the day we ran on the 20th was a lot more fun and a lot less pressure on everyone.
The aeroplanes and venue could be enjoyed by those who are involved in the MWA/AHC group.

As Graham said for those keen to take part become a member so you will get notified as to when these events take place as they will not be advertised as they once were.

[vultee43]

Good on you Graham. Given everything that you and your team do at Omaka it would seem that the public are somewhat underappreciatve of the massive efforts (and expense) that goes into running all of your endeavours. A coffee and sandwich can cost more than $10! What more do they want,a side of Spitfire and a supersized Anson? If you want to be involved then get involved. If you have the time and interest there are so many opportunities. If I lived in Marlborough then I would certainly join up.