For some recreational pilots, Gloucester Aero Club's annual fly in is a not-to-miss event.
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It's an opportunity for them to get up into the air, spread their wings and fly into the beautiful Gloucester valley. And this year, it's been bumped up to earlier in the season to coincide with Gloucester's annual Chill Out Festival.
According to club secretary Bob Francis, Gloucester is a prime location to take to the skies, which is why he spends so much time here. The long-time recreational pilot lives in Seaham, near Raymond Terrace, but he parks his aircraft in Gloucester.
"I like Gloucester. It's a great spot to fly," Bob said.
So he understands the attraction of coming to the area, and knows that it appeals to recreational and amateur pilots to have a place to fly into instead of just flying around their local clubs.
This year's Fly In event will take place on Saturday, July 27 with avid aircraft lovers from around the State invited to fly in to Gloucester and stay the night.
"Anyone who flies anything is welcome to come," Bob said.
In the past, the airstrip has welcomed everything from a circa 1920 Tiger Moth to large model airplanes to enjoy a day or two of flying around the valley. In the evening, pilots, family and friends gather for a meal and a bonfire.
"Some camp under the wing of their aircraft, some in the hanger and others stay in town," he said.
As the pilots typically don't have land transport, the club organises a shuttle bus in and out of town, that way the visitors are able to enjoy everything Gloucester has to offer.
Because the airstrip is so close to town, it's very appealing for people as a weekend getaway.
As this year's event runs alongside Chill Out, visitors will be travelling both ways, either coming from the airstrip to the festival or from the festival to the airstrip.
"Anyone who wants to come and visit us can come along, have a look at the aircraft, talk to the pilots and maybe have a look inside one," Bob said.
The Gloucester Aero Club is located on Maslens Lane, Gloucester.