FNQ Yestayear Images - May 1992 (addendum 2)

The 'Battle of the Coral Sea' Airshow, Cairns Airport, May 1992.

Held on the GA side of the airfield on the first weekend of May, the southern GA ramp was used for the flight line, with spectator access before and after the flying display.  The western side of the taxiway was used as the spectator line during the show from the FWA terminal (now Hawkers), south to the FWA hangar (now Skytrans).  A temporary tower structure was installed in front of the Nth QLD Aeroclub to monitor the show's active flight line and to keep crowd control where and if required, and had full commx with the main control tower.  A major bonus was the continuing flow of normal traffic during the show, interspersed with the displays fitting in with the former, a credit to the ATC crew that kept it all going to plan, and offering the crowd nearly non stop action for most of the day.  For example, following a departing B747, a Sea Fury enters the active for an immediate, while a DC-3 is visible on long finals, such was the variety all day.  Amongst additional displays were Rotary elements, Tiger Moth, DHC-6 Twin Otter, DC-3 joyflights, SkyDiving, and more plus a stirring Dash 8 performance.

In the current climate of this day and age, this was probably the last such display that could be held at an International airport in Australia such as Cairns.

The 'Battle of the Coral Sea' Airshow, Cairns Airport, May 1992.

 

Taking its opportunity, Cessna207 VH-FIF got plenty of free advertising during the show.

Suitably inscribed the Mig 15 taxies out for an absorbing display, note at rear L to R, Spitfire, T-28 Trojan, P51 Mustang and Fiat G59.

In an atmospheric shot, Fiat G59 VH-LIX 'Ciao Bella' leads the Sea Fury in as the latter folds its wings.

Splendid in full RAAF trim, the Spitfire taxies out for its display.

Flight line up L to R, P-51 Mustang, Fiat G59 and Sea Fury.

Another view of the mighty Sea Fury as it taxies out for its rivetting display.



Arriving for the show, Fiat G59.

Also arriving with the Fiat was this P40 Kittyhawk.

The final salute, magnificent sight and sound as the fighters form up for a flypast abeam the crown flanked by the Mig15 are from L to R, Sea Fury, Fiat G59, P40 Kittyhawk, Spitfire and P51 Mustang.

Star of the show must go the the immaculate Lockheed 10 VH-UZO "Ansertes'.  Seen here OTT Redlynch from Grumman Widgeon VH-WET, in the static and OTT of Smithfield.