Thumbing their noses at the weather, pilots and parachutists teamed up for a busy weekend hosting the Randall Jindabyne Community Airport Open Day.
Skydive Oz from Moruya were on hand and there were enough breaks in the cloud cover to ensure they could fit in a number of jumps each day and the members of the Jindabyne Aero Club provided the BBQ food and drink to all who came.
The Green Machine Adventure Flights Nanchang also flew a steady flow of thrill-seekers into the skies above Jindabyne for some gentle but exciting aerobatic routines.
The Sunday was significant for the Jindabyne Aero Club because the Annual General Meeting was held at the Snowy Mountains Grammar School where members were able to inspect the school’s excellent Aviation Studies facilities including a very impressive flight simulator – all established by SMGS teacher Mr Phil Ryrie. A new committee for the Jindabyne Aero Club was elected for 2010/2011 in preparation for what is going to be a very busy year for the aero club.
Later on Sunday there was a fly-past by the two Skydive Oz aircraft and Paul Duncan in the Nanchang in honour of past President Chris Randall who lost his life earlier this year. Chris was a local personality who contributed to the community enormously and was the driving force behind the establishment of the airfield – which will be now known as the Randall Jindabyne Community Airport. Chris’ wife Helen unveiled a plaque to commemorate the life of Chris in a very moving tribute and Dennis VanZella, from Merimbula, a long time member of the Jindabyne Club close friend of Chris gave some insights into Chris’ huge personality and what drove the man. Deputy Mayor, Peter Beer also attended and spoke enthusiastically about the bright future ahead for the airport.
