When CEOs are asked about Key Performance Indicators (KPI), most of them will launch into an numbers-based answer peppered with percentages, projections and quarterly results.
When Australian Flying asked Recreational Aviation Australia CEO Maxine Milera about the KPIs for Fly'n for Fun this year, the answer was devoid of mathematics.
"We want to bring back the social activity for our members so they can catch up with people they haven't spoken to for a little while," she said plainly.
"We want to bring back the community; we want bring back the atmosphere of going to a fly-in and enjoying catching up with friends and going to the forums. That's what we want."
Fun is a concept that is marbled through all the answers Milera gives about Fly'n for Fun, RAAus' national GA fly-in that is back at Parkes for the third time in late March this year.
The last edition, held in 2024, attracted around 800 visitors and 20 exhibitors, which RAAus is hoping to build on for 2026 with new highlights.
"This year we have the Freedom Formation team coming to do a presentation for the members and the Parkes community," Milera says enthusiastically. "Jabiru is also sponsoring movie nights showing Top Gun on the Friday night and Top Gun: Maverick on the Saturday night.
"We also have Cran Middlecoat, better known as That Pilot Guy. He works with young students and children and our STEM program, and we'll have a children's activity centre set-up this year for that."
One of the key attractions of Fly'n for Fun is that not held airside. As Parkes is a security-controlled airport, much of what makes the event most interesting would be impossible were it not for the involvement of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) and AMDA Foundation.
HARS makes the ground behind their Parkes facility available to RAAus, which they enhanced with a dedicated taxiway and planted grass. Being landside, security concerns are no barrier.
"As with previous years we have the bonfire and barbecue on the Saturday night, and one of our members Graeme Hutchinson will be singing on the night," Milera continues."There's also be the bar where the members can sit down and catch up, just as they did last year, which was a really good evening.
"We had people from the age of 15 to the age of 93 all around the bonfire. Everyone had a really good conversation."
AMDA Foundation, the entity behind the Australian International Airshow, is a principle sponsor of Fly'n for Fun, but has no organisational responsibility. AMDA supports the event as part of a declared interest in the future of general aviation, and according to Milera is key to the success of Fly'n for Fun.
"AMDA is the principal sponsor, which enables us to make the event free for the members; we don't charge anyone," she points out. "AMDA's sponsorship is what keeps it free. It will pay for Freedom Formation, the movie night and the marquees we need to set-up for the seminars and forums."
RAAus does charge people for under-wing camping, and for the general camping area where people without wings to camp under can stay in tents and caravans, drawing a $40 payment to cover the cost of on-site showers and toilets.
The 2024 event was spread out across two days, but this year the main activities have been compressed into one day, a result of members telling RAAus that things were spread too thinly; that there were periods when not a lot was happening.
"We have had some feedback from members and taken it on board," Milera explains. "That's one of the reasons why we've cut the main event down to one day. It gives people time to fly in on the Friday and fly home on the Sunday.
"People were also saying there wasn't a lot of activity, so this year we're trying to expand that."
Among the features of Fly'n for Fun 2026 are:
- Freedom Formation 12-ship display on the Saturday
- movie nights on the Friday and Saturday nights
- Parkes Aero Club BBQ on the Friday night
- all-female Bushcat aircraft build
- food vendors from local cafes in Parkes
- a program of forums and seminars.
Positioning themselves as the entry point of GA in Australia, RAAus has consistently expressed the aim of increasing the exposure of the general public to the aviation community, and Milera sees Fly'n for Fun as a key point of contact between the two.
"Aviation is such a small part of Australia: 30,000 out of a population of 26 million. We need to show people how accessible aviation is, and not just to become a commercial pilot, but to be a recreational pilot and just enjoy the aviation experience.
"To bring in non-aviators and be able to show them helps grow our industry. I'd love non-aviation people to come and have a fun day too."
Milera is also keen to attract the non-RAAus portion of GA as well, and once again returns to the theme of fun when asked about the value of Fly'n for Fun to aviators of all persuasions.
"Fly’n for Fun is the perfect chance to experience the joy of recreational flying in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere," she believes.
"Whether you’re a seasoned pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or someone who’s always dreamed of taking to the skies, this event is all about fun, community, and the thrill of flight.
"You’ll have the chance to meet friendly pilots and like-minded people, enjoy a day filled with aircraft, stories, and smiles, and discover the exciting world of sport and recreational aviation.
"It’s a great event to bring the whole family along too, because there truly is something for everyone.
- Steve Hitchen