The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia (AOPA Australia) has today announced that it has signed a 5 year sponsorship agreement with PG Airshow Promotions, forming the AOPA Australia ‘Freedom to Fly’ airshow display team.  The team will showcase a range of high-energy displays at various Airshows and events across Australia, promoting the excitement and passion that general aviation inspires.

“The ‘Freedom to Fly’ display team will be a powerful addition to our association and will enhance our ability to communicate to both current and future generations of aircraft owners and pilots alike.” Benjamin Morgan, Executive Director AOPA Australia.

The team will operate a mixture of high-performance aerobatic aircraft, which includes Australia’s only Sukhoi 26MX – a spectacular all carbon unlimited class display aircraft built in Russia.  The team will also fly the Pitts S2C, S1, Yak 55 and Fox Glider which will all carry the AOPA Australia ‘Freedom to Fly’ branding.

Each of the display team pilots are AOPA Australia members who are passionate about general aviation and have a strong background in aerobatics and display flying.  The team includes;

Mr Phil Unicomb – Display Team Leader
Mr Nigel Arnott – Display Pilot
Mr Ivan Krippner – Display Pilot
Mr Adrian Van Der Sluys – Display Pilot

Mr Michael Jones – Display Pilot & Media Manager
Mr Paul Goard – Display Pilot & Team Manager
Mr Phil Goard – Display Team Engineer

The ‘Freedom to Fly’ team will be managed by AOPA Australia member Mr Paul Goard who will also fly as a display team pilot.  Paul has an extensive background in general aviation along with warbird restoration and operations and is a serving pilot with the award winning Temora Aviation Museum.

“The team are incredibly excited to be partnering with AOPA Australia and are each strong supporters of their advocacy and efforts to see general aviation grow in Australia.  The display team is an excellent platform to be promoting aviation to Australia’s youth”, Paul Goard, Team Manager.

The team aircraft will be professionally maintained by Mr Phil Goard who is better known for designing the Brumby Aircraft that became the first Australian aircraft to be manufactured in partnership with the Chinese government.

The AOPA Australia ‘Freedom to Fly’ display team are proudly sponsored by;  AOPA Australia, Skyfuel, OzRunways, aviationadvertiser.com.au, Brumby Aircraft, Ultimate Aero, Action Aerobatics, Southern Lakes Learn to Fly.

If you would like the AOPA Australia ‘Freedom to Fly‘ team to display at your local event or airshow, please contact;

Mr Paul Goard – Team Manager
AOPA Australia – Freedom to Fly Display Team
Mobile: 0414 677 971
Email: freedomteam@aopa.com.au