if you got it... flaunt it

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/aircraft-open-day-creates-a-boom-that-doesnt-go-bust/1343842.aspx

Aircraft open day creates a boom that doesn't go bust
BY NYSSA SKILTON
MEDICAL AND TECHNOLOGY REPORTER
27/10/2008 1:00:00 AM
Gold-plated belt buckles, cream leather armchairs, three kitchens and three bathrooms.

Welcome aboard one of Australia's largest privately owned corporate planes, owned by Queensland's richest man.

The MD-82 corporate jet, worth more than $10 million, was on showto the public yesterday as part of Canberra Airport's open day.

More than 15,000 people attended the event to inspect aircraft and watch the display of low-level aerobatics.

Other aircraft on display included the newer, faster Qantas Bombardier Dash-8 Q400, a 104-passenger Virgin Embraer E-jet and an Australian Defence Force public relations hot-air balloon.

The corporate jet is one of three planes and two helicopters in mining magnate Clive Palmer's aircraft collection.

Mr Palmer, who has dined with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, is the owner and chairman of mining company Mineralogy. His business trip to Canberra yesterday coincided with the open day.

Curious aircraft enthusiasts lined up for more than an hour to take a peek at the plane's executive interior. No photos were allowed.

But there were angry retorts after Mr Palmer asked organisers to close off the plane to the public. Minutes later, he appeared to have changed his mind and allowed people back on board.

Chief pilot Damien Fitzgerald said the plane was a ''business tool'' to take Mr Palmer and his passengers around the world.

''It's designed for them to travel where they want to and carry out their business on the aircraft,'' Mr Fitzgerald said.

''It's a nice aircraft to fly, a smooth, simple aeroplane to fly.''

Overhead, an RAAF F/A Hornet thundered across the sky.

The fighter jet, reaching speeds up to 1100km/h, corkscrewed and pirouetted above the crowd, drawing exclamations of awe and, from babies in the crowd, a number of yowls.