Peter and Lee-Ann Thompson flew their 172 Cessna aircraft from their wheat and sheep farm in the state’s north-west to Elmore for the Elmore Field Days yesterday.

Mr Thompson said the one-hour plane ride was preferable to a nearly four-hour car trip, especially with small children Luke, 2, and Elise, 4 months.

“It’s much, much faster with kids, although they’re still not any easier to entertain,” he said.

Mrs Thompson said the children loved flying in Wan Darri Park, named after their property in Manangatang.

The family visits the Elmore Field Days every year. 

“It’s a family day out,” Mrs Thompson said. Mr Thompson said he tried to use the plane rather than driving when he could.

“It’s not cheap but if we’re going out far then we use it when we can,” he said.

“It’s good fun. It’s a hobby as well as a form of transport.”

Elmore Field Days is one of the only field days in the state to have a designated airstrip.