A couple of points about the show (and some topics from various threadsā¦)
There were 3 slings on show. Bernie just showed you the dream machine. The Sling 2 is much more affordable (for various descriptions of āaffordableā), especially in kit form.
If you want cheap, the powered parachutes were there (~$5k up for 2nd hand, $35k new). Take off easy from a small paddock. Fly low and slow. Sounds like a pretty good replacement for 103 to me (but thatās not my thing, so donāt yell at me for suggesting it).
I had a yarn with the Dexter, the Atec distributor (havenāt seen him for years). The low Aussie $ is not making his job any easier.
I asked about CTA transit rather than full access, but the view was that the required training was the same for both, so there was no advantage in doing one before the other.
Errol (GAP - BushCat distributors) confirmed that BushCats were not being manufactured any more, but the parent company (who actually manufacture all the parts) was doing well and will be continuing to supply spares. He said that when sales started to decline, they put up their prices to maintain margin, which of course made sales decline even further ātil it was terminal.
I was really interested in the AvPULP product. Essentially, mogas with guaranteed quality control end to end, and guaranteed no Ethanol and high end volatiles. Currently only available at one airport (Victorian, but donāt remember which one), but promising quite a few more within 12 months. It will only be installed at airports that will consume sufficient quantities, so donāt expect to find it at Upper Cumbucta International. They claimed that the price would be comparable with servo mogas.
Saturday crowd was mostly aviation types (ie all ancient - myself included), but Sunday was largely young families. Just maybe a dream or two were born in little brains. š
The only down side to the weekend that I noticed was that because the visiting aircraft were parked airside, you couldnāt wander around having a gawk. Had to satisfy myself with the ones parked in the under wing camping area that was accessible. Regardless, happy I went.