RAN FAA Museum Developments

The new facility will have space to display the 20 aircraft earmarked for the main hall as well as ‘hands on’ dynamic displays housed in a number of theme capsules and display areas specifically set aside for either visiting displays or different aspects of naval aviation. Public facilities are to include restaurant, book shop, theatrette and a special air show viewing area. Future directions include the establishment of the present informal links with other aviation museums and collections throughout Australia and overseas. Already, in the interests of a common approach to the preservation of the nation’s aviation heritage, the Naval Aviation Museum has informally supported the plans to establish the Air and Space Museum at Laverton. Also further development of the links between the Power House Museum, the Australian War Memorial, the UK Fleet Air Arm Museum and the United States Naval Aviation Museum to name a few, are planned.

A significant and complementary part of the Naval Aviation Museum’s aircraft display is provided by the RAN’s Historic Flight. During the past year the Flight has been undergoing some major reorganisation in the areas of maintenance and operations after a hectic and successful air show program from late 1986 through to the end of 1988. One of the Flight’s major projects nearing completion is the delivery of an ex-USN A-4B Skyhawk. The aircraft donation was arranged by McDonnell Douglas through Mr Andy Patten, Director of Marketing in Australia, and Mr Jim Milichic in Los Angeles. The aircraft was prepared last November at Davis Monthan AFB by three of the Historic Flight’s maintenance team assisted by MDC technicians. Unlike the recently arrived F-4 Phantom (courtesy HMAS Tobruk), the A-4 will be air freighted by Qantas from Los Angeles. Conversion to A-4G and reassembly for display is expected to be completed in time for the opening of the museum’s new aircraft display hall in mid 1990.

A visit to the Naval Aviation Museum is a most enjoyable and enlightening experience. It will enable you to leave with a better appreciation of the rich history of the Fleet Air Arm, a major part of our nation’s military aviation heritage. All Australian’s are invited to contribute to the development of the Naval Aviation Museum. To register your interest or to send your contribution, write to The Administrator, The Australian Naval Aviation Museum, PO Box 15, Naval PO, Nowra 2540. Donations are formally recognised in the museum and are tax deductible.

Tour Leader

David Prossor is your 1990 Oshkosh Tour Leader. A pilot and experienced Airshow Announcer he is a keen aircraft photographer, spotter and aviation writer. His special interest is Australian aviation history, particularly antique, classic and warbird type aircraft. He has had numerous articles published here and overseas and writes a the regular Warbirds column for Australian Aviation magazine. David was the popular leader of the 1988 Oshkosh tour. He is looking forward to this year’s tour being just as successful and invites you to join us.

Tour Itinerary

The tour departs Sydney on 24th July by Qantas Airways 747-400 direct flight to Los Angeles, where you will board your connecting flight to glittering Las Vegas, for a Night Club Extravaganza and a breathtaking flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the rugged Grand Canyon. Special entry is being obtained for our visit to Nellis Air Force Base, home of Red Flag.

Onto Oshkosh ’90, the World Headquarters of Sport Aviation and a must for all aviation enthusiasts. Organised by the Officers and Directors of the Experimental Aircraft Association and EAA Aviation Foundation, it is the world’s most significant and spectacular aviation event. The 38th Annual International EAA Convention and Sport Aviation Exhibition will include thrilling air shows, exciting exhibits and thousands of aircraft, an unforgettable experience and a must for all active, innovative and committed aviation enthusiasts.

Whilst the enthusiasts spend four days engrossed at the Oshkosh Airshow, accompanying spouses and friends will be given a sightseeing programme taking in the many attractions of this lakeland area.

Our next call is Dayton, Ohio, the very birthplace of aviation. See the world’s first practical aeroplane and visit the famous US Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, the largest military aircraft museum in the world – exhibiting military aircraft from the time of the Wright 1909 Military Flier to the most modern supersonic jets including the XB-70 Valkyrie. No other military aviation museum contains such a comprehensive and unique display of US military aircraft.

Onto New York and 3 nights to enjoy this great and vibrant city. A sightseeing tour of lower New York includes an exciting helicopter ride over Manhattan for a bird’s-eye view of the city and skyscrapers. Visit the unique Air-Sea-Space Museum aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, and enjoy a highlight of your tour, the Airshow and unique and magnificent collection of aircraft at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome.

We travel to Washington DC via the picturesque city of Philadelphia, “the birthplace of the Nation”. In Washington a sightseeing tour introduces you to this historic city, before spending a day at the National Air and Space Museum, part of the great Smithsonian Institution. The museum offers visitors a dazzling array of flying machines and spacecraft never before assembled in one place and is the world’s most visited museum. A tour of the incredible Paul E Garber Preservation, Restoration and Storage Facility has also been specially arranged.

Across the continent with United Airlines to the Emerald City – Seattle. Visit the giant Boeing 747/767 factory, Museum of Flight and experience an exciting float plane flight during your three night stay.

A short flight to Los Angeles and a visit aboard one of the world’s greatest luxury liners, the Queen Mary. Experience the technological wonder of the Spruce Goose, the-biggest US aircraft ever built, and which remains today as a unique achievement in aviation history. March Air Force Base have also arranged a special tour of the Base for you ending with a tour of the March Field Museum.

Visit one of the major warbird airfields in the USA – Chino and the Planes of Fame Air Museum, one of the richest collections of famous warbirds ever assembled, including over 70 unique and rare planes such as the only remaining flyable Japanese Zero.

An inspection of the McDonnell Douglas plant, home of the Douglas DC series aircraft and MD-80, MD-90 and MD-11 range of jetliners is an extremely interesting and informative morning. Ample time is also allowed for browsing and sightseeing in this exciting city.

Two days to relax in Honolulu, unbroken by any specific arrangements other than a delightful farewell sunset dinner cruise.

Finally Qantas returns us to Sydney on Monday 20th August.

Hotels

Hotels throughout the tour will be Holiday Inns, Ramada or equivalent. These hotels are comfortable, secure and well situated. * In Oshkosh, accommodation will be single or double rooms at the University of Wisconsin. These rooms are not comparable with our normal standard of hotel but are clean and comfortable. Transfers from airports in all cities are included.

Tour Operators

Torii Study Tours (TARS 1154) specialise in finding the most interesting and inspirational points of call for their fellow travellers. Their extensive travel expertise, coupled with David Prossor’s aviation background, ensure your Oshkosh ’90 experience will be one you will remember for many years to come.

Accompanying Members

A programme of optional tours will be available for accompanying spouses/ friends etc who do not wish to partake in the outings of specific aviation interest.

Cost

The price of this fascinating trip is $5,550. 00 sharing twin rooms. Single supplement is $1,600. 00. Cost includes round trip group airfares from Sydney, hotel accommodation, transfers between airports and hotels, sightseeing tours as specified. The tour is also available from other Australian centres. Please contact Torii Tours for additional costs.

Cancellation

Up until 24th May refunds will be made on cancellation less a $100 administration fee. Refunds after that date will be made at the discretion of Torii Tours. We strongly recommend you take out cancellation insurance which we can provide.

Itenarary Amendments

If you are unable to join us for the entire 28 days, please refer to our 12 Day Direct Oshkosh Tour or contact Torii Tours for details of alternate travel arrangements which can be made for you subject to the availability of accommodation in Oshkosh.