Aviation Expo takes flight on the Sunshine Coast

If you’re a budding pilot or interested in aviation, then head to the inaugural Sunshine Coast Aviation Expo for the ultimate aviation showcase tomorrow (Saturday 4 August).

Supported by Sunshine Coast Council, the Aviation Expo will run from 9am to 4pm at the Sunshine Coast Aeroclub at Marcoola.

Acting Mayor Tim Dwyer said the event provided a terrific opportunity to showcase current and future career opportunities in aviation and aerospace - one of our region’s High Value Industries identified under the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Strategy.

The strategy provides a 20-year blueprint for the region’s sustainable economic growth.

“We currently have more than 70 aviation and aerospace-specific businesses on the Sunshine Coast and the aviation and aerospace sector contributes around $124.6 million to the regional economy, as well as more than 500 local jobs,” Cr Dwyer said.

“The Sunshine Coast Aviation Expo will really showcase the great things happening locally within aviation and aerospace and also show why the Sunshine Coast is an outstanding location for aviation businesses now and into the future.”

Sunshine Coast Aeroclub President Aiden Bickhoff said the event had something for everyone - career aspirants, aviation enthusiasts, thrill seekers and the wider aviation community.

“The Defence Force, Aviaition Australia and Flight Options will be at the expo and they’ll have information available for anyone interested in taking the next step into aviation,” he said.

“A recent Boeing report highlighted there will be a global shortage of 639,000 pilots over the next 20 years.

“We’re uniquely positioned to take advantage of this opportunity. We can train our own pilots, the next generation of aviation technicians, engineers and cabin crew, right here on the Sunshine Coast.

“It’s a booming global industry and we need to capitalise on this opportunity.

“The event’s Aviation Experience Zone will be a major attraction, with a variety of industry displays inside and featuring a range of aircraft, providing patrons the opportunity for the perfect photo opportunity.”

The Sunshine Coast Aero Club will be providing ‘Expo Special’ – Trial Introductory Flights where budding pilots will get to be the pilot and fly one of the ultra-modern Sling 2 Aircraft with a qualified instructor and get hands-on experience on the day.

The Sunshine Coast Aero Club is located at 16 Friendship Avenue, Marcoola.

For more information or to book tickets, visit http://sunshinecoastaviationexpo.com.au