It’s refreshing to get out of the office now and again and meet our readership face to face so we didn’t hesitate in jetting off to Queensland last month for the Wide Bay Airshow. At grass roots level, the aviation industry seems to be strong. Swarms of youngsters invaded all the exhibition stalls, precociously enquiring whether exhibitors were ‘just civilian’ or covered military as well. Tongues were bitten and fists clenched as we politely informed the little darlings that we were simply the lowest rung on their particular food chain. However, once their gun fetish has worn off, they will be prime candidates for GA and RA. And if it doesn’t, it looks as though our armed forces will soon be replete with enthused and clued-up patriots.

Oddly enough, once the kids had dispersed, it soon became apparent that the average age of the aviation enthusiasts was about 55+. Fascinating tales of apocalyptic headwinds, wind shears and near death exploits were shared and their infectious passion for flying rippled through the crowds. Yet, one thing was disturbingly apparent: where were their children? Where were the baby boom generation? The 30 to 45 year olds?

It used to be a matter of course that a pilot’s children would inevitably end up equally as passionate about aviation. But they simply weren’t there. Somewhere along the line, there seems to be a missing link. A missing generation. We know they’re all purchasing ever larger plasma screens and remortgaging to buy boats, outdoor spa tubs and jet skis. Why aren’t they going into aviation?

Some would blame over-regulation, others would point towards soaring costs but this missing generation is not short of money nor would a few permits or licenses stand in the way of their dreams.

So where on earth are they? It’s a critical question that needs to be addressed if the industry doesn’t want to face an extended downturn until the obviously enthusiastic adolescents return to the airfield in a few years time. Could it be that these kids have been switched on by the allure and technicolour displays of computer games which their baby boomer parents missed out on? Would slick new marketing brochures, higher levels of customer service and newer fleets attract more thirty somethings to their local flying schools?

Our favourite theory at the moment is inspired by close observation of the cashed up punters at any Retrovision store on any Saturday afternoon, anywhere in this great nation. You’ll hear dozens of homegrown experts debating the merits and pitfalls of plasma dimension, pixel count and picture ratios in all their glorious and manifold combinations. Translate that fascination into an all-glass cockpit and a machine that looks like a jet and we may be half way towards attracting these technocrats.

That’s our theory for today anyway. Then again, maybe life on the open ocean is simply a cheaper, easier and more flexible pastime. After all, it’s no picnic hopping into the Cessna, flying 200 kms, tying it down near a solitary eucalyptus tree and overnighting inside the cramped cockpit. Maybe the introduction of a galley stove and a beer cooler into new training aircraft would solve the problem…

Simon Hollway