Top Guns to wing it with Baywatch on the Gold Coast

Story by ANDREW KACIMAIWAI

A week out from Pacific Airshow Down Under 2023 (my term for it) and everything is playing ball – for the most part.
The weather on Australia’s Gold Coast is both clear and cold and the branded fencing is going up.
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast proper is happening from August 18-20, 2023.

The Gold Coast show’s founder Kevin Elliott said he was thrilled by the response from different militaries, emergency and commercial operators.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have the support of the Australian Defence Force, showcasing key assets from their arsenal at our event,” he said.
“The Royal Australian Air Force’s commitment and participation is of particular significance given Pacific Airshow is the new kid on the block. Their presence will elevate the excitement felt on the Gold Coast and further reinforce our message of mateship between Australia and the United States.”

Among the participating military types (and amended from the original announcement):
AUSTRALIA: F/A-18F Super Hornet, C-17A Globemaster III, C-130J Hercules, Pilatus PC-21 (Roulettes) and a RAAF Flight Simulator.
US: USAF KC-135R Stratotanker, US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey Demo (VTOL), USAF C-17A Globemaster III.
Airbus CC-150
On the civilian side, Jeff Boerboon’s jet-powered Yak-110 will make its Australian debut, there will be Jetworks S211s, the 13-plane Freedom Formation display team, Screaming Diamonds Pitts Specials, aerobatic displays, a P-51D, Curtiss P-40 and Focke Wulf 190 as last-minute call-ups, and more.

Elliott, who is also a pilot, said: “What sets our event apart from your ‘typical airshow’ is its unique setting, high tempo and diverse hospitality offerings. We offer something for everyone, including those who have never considered attending an airshow before.”
He pointed out that Pacific Airshow is a remote show, meaning it takes place over water as opposed to an airport.
“We present performers in a cadence that really changes the whole airshow experience, which is what Pacific Airshow is all about. As one aviator finishes their display, another flies right in, and you have less than 60 seconds between performers.”

The airshow is also a chance to help the Australian Defence Force’s recruitment efforts.
Meanwhile, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is an enthusiastic backer, having witnessed the show at Huntington Beach in California.
“Pacific Airshow Gold Coast will be a spectacle like no other, where visitors and locals alike will witness stunning aerobatics and formation flying with incredible skill and precision.
“Keep looking up and you won’t miss a beat.”

RESCUE HELICOPTERS
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopters will also make an appearance with rescue demonstrations.
The Surf Life Saving Queensland’s helicopter service operates from Carrara on the Gold Coast and Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast and patrols from Rainbow Bay to Rainbow Beach.
Ken Clark OAM, General Manager of Aviation for SLSQ Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Services says: “We are extremely proud of our partnership with Pacific Airshow Gold Coast as this event is a fantastic opportunity for the Gold Coast, Queensland and our service. 
“Visitors to the Airshow will be able to see our red and yellow helicopters on display each day with rescue demonstrations being performed. Saving lives is expensive so we are also hoping to raise some much needed funds for this valuable community service.” 
Mr Clark said the proactive service patrols beaches every weekend, during school holidays and peak periods to ensure residents and visitors remain safe while they are enjoying Queensland beaches.
The service operates across South-East Queensland with eight pilots, five full-time aircrew and 25 volunteers.

US AIRBOSS
American airboss Wayne Boggs will be in the hot seat as he makes his first trip to Australia since he was a young Marine on R&R from Vietnam in the 1960s.
“It has always been my dream to come back to Australia and I finally have the chance so my wife Carolyn and I are planning a holiday to take in all the amazing sights,” he said.
“Airshows are good, wholesome and affordable family entertainment. You don’t have to be an aviation enthusiast to enjoy the atmosphere and watching people doing incredible stunts.
“It is also an opportunity for fans young and old to see the new technologies in action and to develop a real understanding and appreciation for the skill of people in the military.
“Although I boss about 23 airshows a year, adapting to the different regulations in Australia will be a challenge. It is a busy airspace and we want to make sure this event meets and exceeds Australia’s safety standards.
“I love what I do and the people I work with. I am starting to wind back now in my twilight years but I have been working closely with some very talented people coming through and I know I will be leaving the industry in capable hands.”

Wayne will be supported at Pacific Airshow Gold Coast by Californian colleague Ray Shaw and Australia’s Chris Tibbetts.
For skydive pilot turned airboss Chris, a father of two from Lake Macquarie in NSW, the opportunity to work with his hero is a dream come true.
“Wayne is a legend on the airshow circuit and I am blown away to have the opportunity to work with him and learn from him,” Chris said.
“The Australian airshow scene is comparatively tiny alongside the US. We only have about 25 or 30 events a year and most happen in regional areas over an airport.
“Pacific Airshow is special because it is a true destination event. The performance centreline is directly over Cavill Avenue in the heart of Surfers Paradise. The best way to get the full experience is to buy a ticket and be in the thick of things right on the beach.
“Our job is to make the performance seamless and to ensure people can feel the rush and excitement without compromising safety. There are so many variables to manage like weather conditions, the capabilities of different aircraft, breakdowns, distances and flight speeds.
“We will be synchronising planes flying in from four different airports with pilots and aircraft that people rarely have an opportunity to see.
“Being an airboss, I’ve got the best seat in the house and I love putting on a good show.”
The airbosses will be responsible for choreographing a program featuring elite military and civilian aviators.
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast has been launched in Australia by Kevin Elliott and Code Four, founders of the famous Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach, in California.