ANN News-Spy James Szabadics writes from the southwest corner of Western Australia, "Thought I'd send some pics from the Busselton Airshow [this past weekend] in Western Australia.

"The airport was constructed 3 years ago, and an airshow was held for the official opening that has become an annual event.  This year the highlights were the 79SQN RAAF Mk109 Hawk lead in fighter trainer from Pearce RAAF base ably piloted by FLTLT Steve Kruger (who originally hails from the beautiful seaside town of Busselton). (79 SQN retired their MB-326 Macchis and have taken delivery of 14 Mk109 Hawks built under licence in Australia.) The PC-9A pilot that arrived before the Hawk can be seen 'worshiping' Steve as he taxies in after his dazzling display."

In the shot are tail of PC-9A, Harvard T-6, Velocity, CT-4A, Glasair, Chipmunks... Another interesting machine seen at the show was this taildragger Jabiru powered by the 2200 Jabiru aero engine (bottom).

"A fine example of the P-51 gave a low level strafing demonstration. Unfortunately, the tinder-dry grasses caught fire, setting off the remaining pyrotechnics and giving the organisers and the local fire crew a few interesting moments. As the remaining pyrotechnics started popping off in the fire after the first strafing pass the commentator explained to the crowd that the enemy were returning fire on the P-51!"

James added that the show attracted about 2000 onlookers and about 60 aircraft.
[Thanks, James, for the look, the photos, and your report! --ed.]