Yes, I know we haven't have the Merlin for a while now, but I just love the name, because at Coomalie Airfield on a cool moonless night surrounded by history, aircraft, friends, music, food and a warm fire it is hard to say that there isn't a little magic in the air.

We may not have fire breathing dragons, but we do have knights of the air and saints on the ground.

It was great to see 3 gyrocopters participate in the event, the storch was given a showing and a variety of recreational aircraft from MKT and beyond came for the event.

Joe came down for the flight after a blown fuel boost pump fuse almost put paid to our journey down on the Sunday morning. It was Joe's first departure from our new bitumen strip which he celebrated with a big Woohoo! as we took off.

A single trike was heading back in the opposite direction from Coomalie as we headed down with air that was nice and smooth, unlike the gales that had been blowing over previous weeks.

As we turned across the airfield, the DC3 stood out at the end of runway 17. Other aircraft including John in the red drifter were in the circuit and wondered what Darwin tower or Brisbane must make of this activity on 126.7 around Coomalie.

After we had landed and parked up, Joe headed off with Christian, another MKT youngster and they had a great time inspecting the DC3 and sharing stories.

After catching up and looking around at all the aircraft we jumped back in and headed back to MKT. A little more wind this time, but Joe really enjoyed the flight as I did.

A big thank you to all who make this event possible - especially Richard Luxton.

Oh, don't forget to check out the newly manicured cricket pitch in the photo album which dates back to the second world war, complete with with sentinel anthills acting as fielders on the pitch.

See you in 2011.

Merlin Magic 2010

Well it is that time of year again. Details are sketchy but looks another wonderful Merlin Magic night will be held on the 7th of August. If there are any further details, please leave a comment.

If you can imagine a darkened moonless night, flames from engines, aircraft converging on a world war II airstrip, campfires, folk songs and good fun then Merlin Magic is the event.

Aerial - Merlin Magic 2009

5 Jul 2009

Seeing as I am going through this process, I thought it best to share it with you... Firstly for those who don't know, it isn't a card that gets you into the Australian Security Investments Commission... but rather

If I may quote from Fact sheet 13 http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/transport/security/aviation/factsheet/fact13.aspx#1

What is an ASIC?
An Aviation Security Identification Card, known as an ASIC, is an identification card which is used to identify a person who has been the subject of a background check. An ASIC is required to obtain unescorted access to the secure areas of security controlled airports that have regular public transport (RPT) services. ASICs are valid for up to two years.

The ASIC scheme is a layer of security that ensures that only people who have been background checked to a certain level are permitted to be in the secure areas of airports. The ASIC scheme aims to reduce the risk of unlawful interference with aviation, not just terrorism.
 

Why do I want an ASIC? Read on...

[More]