mmg.com.au

Benalla Aviation Museum has taken second place for its display stand at Avalon International Air Show.

The team of 14 was awarded second place in the ‘Best Display Stand operated by volunteers’ general aviation section.

They were beaten only by a professionally presented and co-ordinated display specifically set up for TAA and Ansett Airlines.

Three aircraft belonging to Benalla Aviation Museum were on display throughout the two-and-a-half-day show.

Captain Mark Carr also received second place for his Winjeel aircraft in the ‘Best Restored Training Aircraft’

classification.

It was the museum’s first visit to the invite-only biennial show.

Museum representative Terry Kay couldn’t be happier.

‘‘Fourteen members attended the show,’’ he said.

‘‘It was our first time there, and we are delighted as we are amateurs.’’

The club has received a letter of congratulations from Benalla Rural City Mayor Cr Barbara Alexander and has already been invited back to the air show.

‘‘There were 150000 people at the show across two-and-a-half days and we’ve already been extended an invitation for 2015’s show,’’ Mr Kay said.

The win emphasises the aerodrome facilities in town and complements the announcement that of the 2016-17 World Gliding Championships to be held at Benalla.

‘‘The focus on the value of the aerodrome here and the activities going on in the area is very exciting,’’ Mr Kay said.

‘‘We are really moving forward in terms of the development and focus on our aerodrome.’’