April 23, 2014
More than $2 million worth of gyrocopters paid a visit to Wondai Airport over the Easter weekend to take part in the four-day Australian Sports Rotorcraft Association (ASRA) Nationals.
The event was hosted by the SEQ Gyro Club which is headquartered at the airport, and over the course of the weekend hundreds of enthusiasts took the opportunity to visit the site, look over the machines and talk with the pilots.
Some also took advantage of free gyrocopter rides that were available, although most seemed happy to simply watch as the sprightly machines executed a range of manoeuvres or buzzed through the bright blue skies.
In all, 26 planes ranging from $140,000 deluxe two-seaters down to more modest $9000 home-made flying machines took part.
Organisers said they couldn’t be happier with both the turnout and the weather.
Even two grass fires in the airport precinct on Friday and Saturday, which required the help of the Wondai District Fire Brigade to extinguish, didn’t cause any problems.
The grass fires were accidentally started by a contractor unconnected with the event who was mowing long grass for hay when his slashing blades hit rocks and sent out sparks.
The event was the first time the club has hosted the ASRA Nationals, and visitors travelled from as far afield as Western Australia and north Queensland to attend.
Many enthusiasts also camped out at the airport over the four days, enjoying the delights of Wondai and surrounding areas in the evenings.
models costing $140,000 (Photo: Paul Campbell)
