The first Pacific Airshow centred at Surfers Paradise

Held over 3 days in August 2023, the organisers of this show must be happy with the crowds, both free and in the paid areas, plus the weather got better as the weekend unfolded.

There was a quick fire programme of events with only a minute or two between each display. Some lasted 5 or 10 minutes while other featured performers did 20 minutes or more sometimes.

Plenty for camera enthusiasts to capture as well as the casual observers with their smartphones pointing skyward. Lots of smoke trails forming hearts or random spirals and loops. It was a great family friendly event, with the crowd of all ages appreciating the skills of the pilots.

I came back on Sunday after my first try on Friday. I’d especially wanted this image of the Hercules deploying countermeasures. Quite a sight that brought Ooohs from the audience.

Matt Hall and Emma McDonald in a MXS and Extra-300. Brilliant aerobatics by both

The Freedom Formation: Yak 55 plus 13 x RV’s

Hayden Pullen, a local pilot from Hope Island, performed his magic in a solo aerobatics performance

Half of the Red Star Roolettes

The US Marine Corps MV-22 (Osprey) hybrid craft…one minute it hovers like a helicopter and then it can swing the engine pods through 90° and perform like a standard aircraft

There were also many other good performances to view. Well worth the trip down to Surfers or anywhere along the beach front to Narrowneck or Broadbeach