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 .

[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).

[Craig Murray]

Originally Posted by Zac M

Why do I get the feeling that you guys on this board just want to push the younger members away.

Not true Zac, a dinner was recently held at the DoG (a popular convening place for board members) with all users welcome regardless of age. This was organised by a highly respected long term member of this board.

May is firming as the preferred month, bearing in mind that plenty of people travel from interstate the requirement to hold the event outside of school holidays is a must. Schools aren't open on weekends so it's pretty much a win/win situation for everyone.

Nigel has put forth a great idea, one that I support and will be attending. No date will have unilateral support - the best is being done to cater for all!

Get voting, get excited and lets get a great weekend planned!

[Nigel C]

Ok, so with nearly 50% of the vote for May 2012 as the next Spotting Weekend time of year, I think it's fair to say that's the preliminary month set at this stage.

It's not too late to vote, so if you haven't done so and are keen to attend, now's the time to let your voice be heard!


Are previous year's spotting weekends the preferred format for activities?

Any suggestions for activities/timetables are welcome. If you have a full weekend's activities plan in mind, please post them here for discussion.

[Adam P.]

Friday drinks give people the chance to arrive at their leisure... somewhere 'close by' the airport given many out-of-towners stay nearby (I know the Stamford has worked in years past).
Something organised on the Saturday evening also gets people together in an environment that's a bit different to the usual 'fence-side' antics.
Not too much 'organised' during the day to allow for the crowds to shift around with the runways in use on the day. Lunch can be organised 'on the fly' so to speak.

So pretty much sticking to the forumula as used in previous years I reckon!