1990 Warbirds Register

As history records, the economy of this nation has had a roller coaster ride in the last few years but this had apparently not put off those that are keen enough to want to own and fly what they describe as a real aircraft, a warbird.

Perhaps the biggest problem for the budding warbird owner has been the lack of machines to buy locally that are either flying or close to flying. The end result of this has seen aircraft imported from America, Asia, Africa, New Zealand, Poland, China and Italy just to name a few. Indeed it is now the case that supply exceeds demand for some types given the limited number of people in this country that have the interest, the flying experience and the finances to want to become involved with warbirds. It is thus of interest that the larger numbers of warbirds are the types that are less costly to buy and operate, the Winjeel and T-6 in particular.

Overseas, particularly in the United States and Britain, private owners fly their warbirds at airshows across those countries almost every weekend. In Australia the number of major airshows put on in a year can be counted on one hand. In short it takes a special type of person to want to be involved with this type of aircraft given the high costs of operation and the lack of financial return from them. Of the warbird types noted in this listing there are a few observations that can be made. One is the small number of twin engined machines currently flying. Another is the large number of jets, particular MiG types, that have recently been imported although as yet none has flown. A large proportion of the piston engined aircraft are radial engine powered, an engine type that a few years ago was on the decline. The listing does not include trainer types such as the Stearman, the Bf 108 or the Cessna L-19s.

To date the warbird movement can feel proud that its safety record has been good. While the people from the CAA will say that for the number of hours flown the record is so so, if you look at the small amount of bent Warbird metal the movement has a good reason to be happy with its track record.

At the 1989 Museums Conference it was indicated that the CAA was to keep an eye on how the US FAA regulated the American warbirds. One thing that was mentioned was the possibility of asking that the pilot of a high performance type have a minimum of 1,000 hours and that person undergo a type check or course to ensure that they were fully conversant on the aircraft to be flown, or as some would put it, that they were in front of it. For those that have come from the air force mill or had been involved with airliners they would probably have the subject requirements and most probably agree with them.

In the three years since the last register there have been a few deletions as well as additions. It is on the record that Wirraway VH-WIR has gone to the USA as have several CAC built Sabres. The OH Mosquito A52-600, slated for a rebuild to flying standard, has also gone, traded to the RAAF Museum and thought to be eventually rebuilt to static display standard. Fairey Firefly VH-HMW had acrash landing and will not be flown again though a replacement Firefly has been acquired that will fly in the next two years (refer Warbirds, this issue). Another aircraft to leave these shores was Hawker Sea Fury VH-HFA. This magnificent aircraft went to the USA where it still flys.

One aircraft that aroused much talk when it stopped flying was the War Memorial’s B-25 Mitchell, VH-XXV. A decision was made by theAWM to take the aircraft out of the air with the view that it would eventually be put on display in an aviation hall that has yet to be built.

When the warbird movement first took root there were several organisations keen to tuck these types under their wing, be it a genuine interest in their welfare or simply as an exercise in power and politics. It is good to note that over the years sanity has prevailed and now to all intents and purposes there is only one organisation in Australia that looks after the interests of the warbird community. This organisation is known as Australian Warbirds Ltd.

Australian Warbirds has held or been a major part of several airshows and has held scheduled meetings for its members. It has also talked constructively with the Government and continues to do so. While people can have different views it is a known fact that the Government likes to talk to one body and Australian Warbirds seems to be doing just that. For those who are interested in joining A W should write to PO Box 1593, Woden, ACT, 2606.

The Register

With the increase in the number of warbird types in the country has also come an increase in the problems of selection for this listing. The list does not include museum aircraft that will not fly again. Permanent static exhibits are not listed. The listing has tried to include those warbirds that are flying, under restoration or stored. It does not include situations where a small portion of an aircraft is deemed by some to be a rebuild. When there is a reasonable amount of structure to be noted that project will be included in the next listing.

Guide to Status of Aircraft Listed

F – Flying; M -Museum; S- Stored; U/R – Under Restoration; SPR- Stored Pending Restoration; IMP- Being or to be Imported.

The left hand column shows the Australian Civil Registration where issued. A registration in brackets is a reserved marking. The second column is the (major) previous identity, if known.