Possible YSSY Spotting Weekend 2012???

[Nigel C]

OK folks. Following some light discussion at the DoG dinner last Thursday, it's time to throw it out there...

If a spotting weekend (Friday night-Sunday afternoon inclusive ) was to be organised for 2012, what would be the preferred time of year, and would you go regardless of the time of year it was to be organised?

Previously, the YSSY Spotting Weekend has been held in February, but there have been numerous pros and cons associated with having it at that time of the year, including but not limited to the heat, heat haze for photography, length of available daylight for spotting, availability of accommodation etc.

So, to kick start things for a possible spotting weekend, what is the preferred time of year for a spotting weekend. I have included a poll for possible times of the year to get things going. I have left out the Christmas school holiday period at each end of the year so you can all spend time with the family!

But for the rest of the thread, what activities would you like to see at a spotting weekend? Dinners with a message board awards night? Planeplotter/ADS-B demonstrations? Photography hints and tips sessions? Others? Throw it out here and let's discuss it!

Remember, if a weekend is organised, then your input to its format is vital. Let's use this thread to rationally brainstorm what you'd like to see and do.

[Grant Smith]

Throw in a golf day on the Sunday

[Adam P.]

I think the previous formula has worked reasonably well - a number of 'organised' events like drinks on the Fri and a Saturday dinner but with plenty of available time for geeking at aeroplanes for those that way inclined.
Time of year doesn't matter to me, though I reckon it's far more pleasant to stand around outside when it's not the middle of winter. People tend to stay in their cars when it's cold, thus defeating the more social purposes of the weekend.

And what's this, Nigel being the social secretary???

[David Ramsay]

People tend to stay in their cars when it's cold

Doesn't work on a push bike, mate.

[Brock Little]

Would be good if its on the school holidays so some of the younger members like myself can make it, just to meet you all and of course spot!

[Raymond Rowe]

How about the long weekend in october a great way to fly up there for model railway exhb and then the nights drinking with everyone .

[John Arena]

Either the April or October school holidays, that way our younger, next generation of spotters can attend. also, its a happy compromise between daylight hours and heat-haze

John

[Nigel C]

Brock, perhaps you can suggest that mum and dad go to Sydney for a 'weekend away' while you spend time at the airport? I'm sure they'll find plenty to do while you're spotting and having dinner on Saturday night

John, I must be way out of touch with the current schooling system, but I thought weekends meant that kids had the free time to go and do things. It would give the interstaters time to fly in on Friday night or Saturday morning and fly home on Sunday evening and still be back to school on Monday morning.


But seriously, the proposed months I've suggested were to purposely avoid school holidays so that during that time the younger mob can go on family holidays or do family activities (which their parents may/will appreciate).

[Jacob P]

Happy with any time of year, also I like the idea of a golf day!

[Mick F]

Outside of school holidays preferred thanks. The flights are much cheaper.

Mick