Warbirds

Meanwhile, the Dutch Government is planning to use an airworthy American DC-2 to re-enact the flight of the original KLM aircraft that was forced to land on the Albury racecourse after it encountered weather problems at night during the race. Some Albury locals say the spot where the DC-2 got bogged can still be seen at the racecourse, some 50 years later. The town of Albury is planning to hold a special celebration in January 1984 and even ii a DC-2 does not fly in for the event at least there is a former RAAF DC-2, mounted on a pylon outside the airport terminal, painted up in the same markings as the original DC-2. PH-AJU “Uiver”.

In Sydney, the local wing of the C. A. F. is about to commence in earnest the rebuild of the DC-2, formerly VH-CDZ. In an effort to get the project rolli17g some members are pledging finance to a fund to help pay for the work and materials that will be required. By the end of 1983 the DC-2 will have been moved from Sydney to Ballarat, Victoria where Field Air, who are also working on the C. A. F. Firefly, will work on the airliner. A pair of freshly overhauled Wright R1820 Cyclone engines will probably be brought out from the U SA for this aircraft.

DH Mosquito Rebuild

Former Warbirds Aviation Museum Mosquito, A52-600, has been bought by a group that plans to rebuild and fly the aircraft. The group, led by Ansett Airlines Chief of Operations, Alan ‘Dusty’ Lane, and with Geoff Milne and Dr Vin Thomas of Wodonga are each prepared to pledge a fixed annual amount to help finance the rebuild.

The Mossie, which is currently in storage at Wodonga, will be a total rebuild with almost all the wood and balsa structure being replaced. Six Merlin engines have been obtained to ensure that there are adequate power plants for the aircraft as well as spare units.

This DH Mosquito is one of only three left in Australia and the only one that is to be rebuilt to fly again.

An English-built PR Mk XVI, A52-600 completed a number of wartime operations with the RAAF jn the South Pacific. It was eventually disposed of in 1954 to a Mildura orchardist who intended to mount it on a turntable and blow air from the idling engines to prevent frost damage to the fruit. This Plan did hot however eventuate and the Mosquito lay dismantled on the property until salvaged by the Mildura Warbirds Aviation Museum. The Museurp has disposed of the aircraft in a rationalisation move.

Butler Bat for a rebuild?

The remains of the Australian-built Butler ABA-2 ‘BAT’ have recently been recovered with a long-term view of a rebuild and flight.

The remains, consisting of the engine mount, firewall, cockpit frame and fuel tank, were recovered from Wyong, N. S. W. by a party led by aircraft engineer Nigel Apperley.

The BAT was the second aircraft designed and built by C. Arthur Butler, a lamed Australian long-distance flyer and founder of Butler Air Transport. The two-seat side-by-side machine was built at Cootamundra, N. S. W. and first flew in July 1937. Powered by an 80 hp Cirrus Minor engine the wings and rear fuselage were of wooden construction while the cockpit and engine mount were steel tube. The aircraft, not unlike the post-war British Auster in appearance, was fabric covered. C. Arthur Buller passed away in April 1980.

Formerly registered as VH-ARG in October 1940 the BAT remained on the civil aircraft register until 1951. Post-war the aircraft was owned for a short time by R. H. (Bobby) Gibbes, later to become known for his PNG charter operation, Gibbes Sepik Airways. Its days eventually ended at Obeon,N. S. W. when, in storage, it was virtually destroyed in a bushfire.

While Nigel admits the remains are not much to start with, overseas rebuilders of Antiques have started with less, so perhaps there is still a chance that Australians will be able to see this unique locally built aircraft fly once again.

Work on the Hawker Furys progresses.

In Tooryay, West Australia, Rob Poynton now has the wings on his machine and all the hydraulic systems finished. The Bristol Centaurus engine is currently in Darwin where it is being overhauled.

At present, plans are for the Fury to be basically complete by early next year and maybe finished by the end of 1984. Meanwhile, at Darwin, N. T. the other three ex-Iraqi Furys, belonging to Guido Zuccoli, are rapidly coming along with one at the engine running stage, a second not far behind and the third underway. It would seem that Darwin will soon see the test flying of the first of these magnificent thoroughbred aircraft, one of the fastest piston engine-powered lighters in the world.

Fly-In Date Changed

In a surprise move the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia (AAAA) has decided to alter the date of its annual National Antique Fly-In.

Previously the AAAA has held the Fly-In over tile Queen’s Birthday long weekend in early June. For the last five years, the event has been held at Drage’s Historic Aircraft Museum airfield, Wodonga, Victoria.

Following a survey of members, the date of the next Fly-In has been changed to October 6 & 7, 1984. While the location is considered satisfactory members expressed a request for a date closer to summer and possible wanner weather.

Antique flyers and enthusiasts please note your calendars now!

Aussie Mustang on the Move

One of the best-known Australian Civil Mustangs of the 1960’s was VH-FCB. Previously A68-192 the machine was the star attraction of many an airshow at the hands of its owner, Jack McDonald, until rising costs forced its sale overseas in 1969.

Registered in the Philippines as PI-C-651 it was eventually damaged in an accident and laded from the scene. Recent news reports advise that the machine was transported to Hong Kong, whereas VR-HIU, it was rebuilt.

The Mustang has recently been bought by a British group, led by Ray Hanna, and will be transported to the UK in a Cathay Pacific 8747 where it is expected it will make its Air Show debut at Biggin Hill.

Fairey Firefly restoration well advanced

The town of Ballarat, Victoria, is last becoming a mini Warbirds centre with a number of projects, underway or about to arrive.

One project well on the way to airworthiness is Fairey Firefly AS. 6 WD828.

This ex-RAN aircraft was owned by the Moorabbin Air Museum until late 1982 when sold by tender to Mike Wansey of Newcastle, N. S. W. After purchase by Mike, a Colonel in the Australian Wing of the American Confederate Air Force, the machine was moved from Essendon Airport to Ballarat where the firm of Field Air has been making steady progress on the aircraft.

The Firefly has most of the hydraulic, electrical and avionic gear re-installed and tested and it is probable we will see the aircraft take to the air in the next year.

The C. A. F. reports that after testing the first travel flight will be to Canberra and then its former base, the RAN Air Station at Nowra. No doubt it will be most welcome there as the RAN is now a strictly rotary wing-only force.

A total of six Firefly aircraft remain in Australia and WD828 is the only one being made airworthy, at least at present.