Rotax Fly-In Caloundra

[skippydiesel]

Rotax Fly-In Caloundra - 21 November 2026

 

https://www.flyrotax.com/dis/bef/e/rotax-fly-in-australia-2026

 

 Where

Caloundra aerodrome, Australia

https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/experience-sunshine-coast/airports/caloundra-aerodrome

 

😈

[skippydiesel]

Trying to find out if Landing/Parking fees will be suspended for the event 😈

[BurnieM]

Looks like this is a $50 entry fee.

 

Will be a SAAA dinner at night with additional fee to be announced soon.

 

[skippydiesel]

2 hours ago, BurnieM said:

Looks like this is a $50 entry fee.

 

Will be a SAAA dinner at night with additional fee to be announced soon.

 

I thought that the $50 entry may be covering the dinner.😈

[skippydiesel]

I am intersted in attending BUT there is an unusual lack of information for this sort of event. Promotion usually comes with at least 95% of the plan.

 

Will not be making any (weather dependent) commitments until much more info is forthcomming.😈

[skippydiesel]

Today's news (from Council representative) Caloundra Airfield will be charging landing fees  etc, during the comming Rotax Fly-In. Apparently they will have costs, that need to be coveded, as a result of hosting the event.

 

So now we have RoTax $50 entry + Landing $11.70 + Parking/ day $11.70 = $73.40 

 

So for one landing / take-off, stay two nights, could be up for $85.10 (before accommodating & food)and so far no detail as to whats on offer????

 

The good news isCouncil will think about putting their landing/parking fees in ERSA.

 

😈

 

[Reynard]

Excellent air museum at Caloundra.

[skippydiesel]

• The cost has gone up to near $100, just to fly in an attend (assuming at least two night aircraft parking)
• "Excellent air museum at Caloundra" - may be the $51.25 includes entry??
• Dinner is "pay as you go" whatever that means.
• No mention of other food services.
• Underwing camping???? Toilets etc???

 

May be its just for those flying in from SE Queensland.

 

I don't think I have seen a Fly-In offering so little upfront details.

 

😈

[skippydiesel]

Hi BurnieM -

You sad for me or sad for the lack of event information/detai???

😈

[BurnieM]

Sad for Rotax stuffing this up

ie high cost without delivering much in return.

 

[facthunter]

Nothing about Rotax is cheap.  ( I will be canned for saying this but it's true. ) Nev

[Kiwi]

I don't know why they would organise a flying event in Southeast Queensland during storm season....

[skippydiesel]

The whole thing has a whiff of amateurism about it - should a have got one of the Clubs, that have been doing this for years, to advise or even event organise.

 

😈

[facthunter]

Best to use a few Locals. If you are distant you are More likely to have Organisational Problems. Murphy's Law. 

[skippydiesel]

In response to my enquiry regarding cost & arrangements for the comming Rotax Fly-In

 

From Travis McLeod, General Manager, Bert Flood Imports Pty Ltd

 

"..........

The $50 dollars registration fee covers landing and overnight parking fees.

 

Unfortunately due to council regulations, camping is not permitted on the airfield.

 

There will be food truck on site on the Saturday and we have made a booking at the Drift bar on the Saturday night for those wishing to attend for dinner or drinks but there are lots of options available in Caloundra if this does not suit."

 

I wonder how many "landings & overnight parkings" will be "covered" - I could see being there for at least two nights, with a possible third or more if the weather turns bad.

No camping! Not good for us who fly on the financial "shoe string" - I wonder if there is any nearby (<1 hr flight) airfields that would allow camping??

 

Food truck - from what time to what time? What sort of food? (could be Dagwood Dogs & Chips)

 

Its all a bit like getting " blood from a stone" - Not inspired / motivated at this time.

 

😈

[BurnieM]

11 minutes ago, skippydiesel said:

Its all a bit like getting " blood from a stone" - Not inspired / motivated at this time.

 

😈

 

It is a bit odd.

I would have thought this would be a major promotional event for Rotax but instead it appears to be a small scale non-event.

Having to drag info out of Floods presents poorly too.

 

[skippydiesel]

1 hour ago, BurnieM said:

 

It is a bit odd.

I would have thought this would be a major promotional event for Rotax but instead it appears to be a small scale non-event.

Having to drag info out of Floods presents poorly too.

 

They seem to have a full seminar/talk schedule lined up - but "pilots can not survive on talk alone"😁

 

😈

[skippydiesel]

Have writen back to Travis McLeod, General Manager, Bert Flood Imports Pty Ltd with the following comment's/suggestions for future events;

 

"No offence friend but all this information and more, should have be in your promotion flier.

 

Some more points, for any future Fly-Ins you are considering;

 

• A lot of Rotax pilots fly on the smell of an “oily rag” – no camping, no nearby caravan park (cheap) accommodation is a big negative for many. This should have been part of your location selection criteria
• Those flying in, will often do so, the day before & depart the day after – so a minimum of two nights. As many as x 4 (additional to dinner) meals need to be accommodated in some way.
• You should inform fly in pilots of parking area and facilities  ie will there by tie-down cables or similar, or should they bring their own equipment.
• Arrangements for getting into/out of  town – usually a mini bus service is provided.
• Catering – Often done by the host Flying Club but also commercial. Its usual to give some idea of the type of food  that will be made available and when eg Friday night 18:00 dinner (chicken salad) Saturday 07:00 – 09:00 breakfast (cooked & cereal) Lunch 12:00-14:00 (sandwiches) Sunday 07:00 – 09:00 breakfast (as before) Coffee Van on site all day Saturday & Sunday morning.
• Timing /Location– I have been told that SE Queensland experiences a lot of storms  in November. Not great for small Rotax powered aircraft. In general, inland locations will have weather more conducive to small aircraft operations but luck will still  be a factor.
• Aircraft Control- Most Fly-Ins have a UNICOM  to assist pilots to maintain aircraft separation/awareness and Ground Marshalls for safe taxying/parking.
• Landing/Parking Fees (if any) – These are usually waved, as the event will be a financial benefit to the local businesses eg accommodation, catering, fuel & general tourist activity.

 

You would do well to collaborate with a Flying Club that is well experienced in running this sort of event. They will not only provide experience but likely volunteers for much of the services. You may like to contact the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia (Leeton Branch), or Holbrook Ultralight Club, as resent examples of how an event of this type should be run."

 

😈

[facthunter]

Caloundra is a Bit tricky with Conflicting traffic too. as well as being flat and getting soggy  when wet.  Nev

[FlyBoy1960]

Here is the comprehensive information gathered about the Rotax Fly-In Caloundra - 21 November 2026 event, compiled from the official event page and associated Australian event directories:

 

📅 Event Basics

• Event Name: Rotax Fly-In Australia 2026 (Caloundra)
  www.flyrotax.com
• Date: Saturday, 21 November 2026
  www.flyrotax.com
• Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
• Location: Caloundra Aerodrome, 21 Pathfinder Drive, Caloundra West, QLD 4551, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
  events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
• Entry Fee: The official Rotax website lists an entry fee of $50
  www.flyrotax.com
  . (Note: Some local council event listings mark it as "Free", which may apply to general ground spectators, but it is best to confirm via the official registration link).

 

✈️ What to Expect & Activities

• Aircraft Displays: An incredible range of aircraft on display, including Rotax-powered recreational, sport, classic, and the newest Light Sport aircraft on the market
  www.flyrotax.com
  .
• Industry Seminars: A range of free seminars and presentations by industry experts, including representatives from:
  • ROTAX
  • SAAA (Sport Aircraft Association of Australia)
  • OzRunways
  • RAAUS (Recreational Aviation Australia)
  • CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority)
  • SEABEAR
    www.flyrotax.com
• Exhibitor Showcases: Opportunities to connect with vendors and explore the latest aviation technology and services
  www.flyrotax.com
  .
• Family-Friendly: Designed as a perfect weekend outing for families and aviation enthusiasts of all ages, with dedicated activities beyond just the aircraft
  www.flyrotax.com
  .
• Food & Refreshments: Multiple food trucks will be onsite serving meals, snacks, and drinks throughout the day, alongside a cafe/kiosk
  www.flyrotax.com
  .

 

🎟️ Registration Options

The official website provides separate registration pathways depending on your participation level:

1. General Admission: For attendees coming to watch and participate in ground activities.
2. Fly-In Participants: For pilots/owners intending to fly their aircraft into Caloundra Aerodrome for the event.
3. Exhibitors & Sponsors: Dedicated registration for businesses wanting to showcase products or sponsor the event
   www.flyrotax.com
   .

 

You can register via the official event page: Rotax Fly-In Australia 2026 Registration

www.flyrotax.com

 

📞 Contact & Organizer Information

The event is presented and organized in partnership with Bert Flood Imports & Aircraft Maintenance Specialists (the official Rotax distributor in Australia)

www.facebook.com

.

• Email: [email protected]
  events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
• Phone: +61 3 9735 5655
  events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
• Official Website: flyrotax.com/dis/bef/e/rotax-fly-in-australia-2026
  www.flyrotax.com

 

♿ Amenities & Accessibility

• Public toilets and onsite cafe/kiosk facilities are available
  events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
  .
• The event is a non-smoking environment
  events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
  .
• Disabled access is available (attendees are advised to contact the operator in advance for specific arrangements)
  events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
  .

 

---

 

💡 Pro Tip for Attendees:
If you are planning to fly into the event, be sure to use the dedicated "Fly-In" registration link on the official site to coordinate with Caloundra Aerodrome for parking, PPR (Prior Permission Required) protocols, and arrival slots. Always verify final details closer to the date via the official website or by contacting Bert Flood Imports directly, as event logistics can occasionally be updated.

[BrendAn]

On 14/10/2026 at 5:11 PM, facthunter said:

Nothing about Rotax is cheap.  ( I will be canned for saying this but it's true. ) Nev

are lycoming and continental cheap

[facthunter]

For our Purposes, they are Not a replacement option generally. Was my statement correct or not?  Who wouldn't welcome a cheaper, simpler, alternative?  Nev

[BurnieM]

10 hours ago, FlyBoy1960 said:

Here is the comprehensive information gathered about the Rotax Fly-In Caloundra - 21 November 2026 event, compiled from the official event page and associated Australian event directories:

 

📅 Event Basics

• Event Name: Rotax Fly-In Australia 2026 (Caloundra)
  www.flyrotax.com
• Date: Saturday, 21 November 2026
  www.flyrotax.com
• Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
• Location: Caloundra Aerodrome, 21 Pathfinder Drive, Caloundra West, QLD 4551, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
  events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
• Entry Fee: The official Rotax website lists an entry fee of $50
  www.flyrotax.com
  . (Note: Some local council event listings mark it as "Free", which may apply to general ground spectators, but it is best to confirm via the official registration link).

✈️ What to Expect & Activities

• ....

 

I understand what you are trying to do but the website info is still not selling it to anyone.

 

You can charge $10 for a fly in breakfast with no landing fee but if you are charging $50 you (anybody) needs to tell us what we are getting for our money.

If the $50 covers landing and parking why would you not tell us this up front. What else do we get ?

 

The seminars look good but they are all short so probably not a lot of depth.

 

If this is a Rotax promotional flyin why is Rotax not covering all costs ?

 

Is this the only Rotax flyin this year ?

Why the limited promotion ?

Why the small scale ?

 

When and where is the Vic/NSW flyin ?

 

 

[Siso]

14 minutes ago, BurnieM said:

 

When and where is the Vic/NSW flyin ?

SA?

[BurnieM]

3 minutes ago, Siso said:

SA?

Any company running an annual promotional event needs to bias towards their major markets and in most things this is the east coast.

There is a argument for running a second smaller event but ignoring your major markets always has a financial effect.