Warbirds

It is of interest to note that the T-37 trainer is still in US military service and that some are only now just starting to turn up in America on the warbird circuit. It is understood that the Australian aircraft is the first civil A-37 to fly.

Brand New at 33 – Aircraft

How does one get to own an aircraft that is 33 years old but never even run in? Simple, own the only Fornaire Fl Aircoupe to come to Australia.

In 1959 a brand new Fl Aircoupe was imported from America but during unloading it suffered some damage. Due to the damage and problems associated with first-of-type certification the twin tail two seater ended up in the Ultimo Technical College, in inner Sydney, as an instructional airframe. In later years it was transferred to Tamworth, still as a teaching aid.

In 1986 the aircraft was disposed of and disappeared from sight. Enter PeterMiddleton. Peterhad worked on the Aircoupe during a spell as an instructor at the Tech College and in later years happened to come across the machine, now in retirement. Peter managed to obtain the little 90hp machine and restore it at Wagga, NSW. The CAA opted to give the Aircoupe a full normal type approval, not a permit under CAR 134.

Aircoupes came in either two or three control models. This Australian aircraft has conventional three controls, a 90hp Continental engine, and full metal wings, The machine has side by side seating and a nose gear undercart. Now flying, the Aircoupe carries registration VH-LDN. The first public showing was at the Easter National Antique Fly-In of the Antique Aeroplane Association at Kyabram, Vic.

So, if you ever want to know how to get a ‘new’ old aircraft, talk to Peter Middleton of Wagga. That is, if he is not out flying his very unique aircraft. Move over Lockheed, Beechcraft and Chrislea. Now there is another twin tailed aircraft in the local skies. An Aircoupe.

Naval Museum Receives Funding

In early May the IMB Building Society presented a cheque for $100,000 to Commodore R N Partington to help finance further development of the new buildings for the Australian Naval Aviation Museum at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, NSW.

Recent years have seen the Museum upgrade from surplus buildings to a purpose built display facility that is no less than world class. On November 1, 1992 the Governor of NSW will officially open both stage 1, the aircraft display hall, and stage 2, the restaurant/function centre and exhibition area.

In receiving the cheque Commodore Partington, Chairman of the Australian Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, said he was very grateful for IMB’s donation. He said that even in these difficult times it was good that IMB could see its way clear to support the local tourist industry and in particular the Navy and the Fleet Air Arm. Commodore Partington went on to say that the future of the museum as a showpiece of Naval Aviation history in this country is assured, thanks to the generous support of the IMB Building Society.

The museum in co-operation with the RAN Historic Flight, now has over 30 aircraft. Most are on display. The new complex will make the Naval Aviation Museum at Nowra even more worthwhile visiting.

Whatever Happened to the Enforcer?

What looks like a Mustang but has tip tanks and a turboprop engine? The only answer: The Piper Enforcer.

But whatever became of the two aircraft that were built? Back in the early 1980s the Piper Aircraft Corporation proposed a turboprop counter insurgency development of the well known North American Mustang. Two aircraft were constructed to what was termed a new design, the PA-48 Enforcer. This design had a new fuselage that was 19 inches longer than the NA model, a larger fin and rudder, new cockpit canopy and strengthened wing spars. The wing tips carried large fuel tanks and there were numerous other detail differences. The biggest difference was the engine, a 2,450shp Lycoming T55- L-9 turboprop driving a four bladed propeller. The first prototype flew on April 9, 1983.

The two Enforcers were manufactured to be evaluated for the GroundAttackClose SupportRole. Following flight testing the USAF maintained that the A-10 Thunderbolt II performed the proposed role more effectively. The two Enforcers were then put into storage. Out of sight they soon slipped from the public mind. Today the two long nosed machines still exist. Originally put into store at the Davis Monthan AFB in Arizona, one machine is still in open storage there. This aircraft, N481PE, is apparently slated for the USAF Museum at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio.

The second Enforcer, N482PE, is at Edwards AFB in California where the Flight Test Historical Foundation has put it aside along with a growing number of other historic aircraft while it develops a museum to display the rich heritage of flight testing that the base has been involved with. The Enforcer, out of the air, but not to be forgotten. What a privately owned warbird this aircraft would make!

Don’t Forget Farnborough

As our Oshkosh Tour departs don’t forget that we still have positions available on our 28 day UK tour which takes in almost every aviation museum and ‘historic site’ known in addition to some of the best airshows you are ever likely to see.

And in addition to that don’t forget Farnborough itself, where our lucky tour members will be able to enjoy the privilege of trade day passes in addition to catching all of the big action on the weekend’s finale. This year’s Farnborough should be quite exciting with a number of aeronautical debutantes including the Airbus A340, Saab 2000 and Canadair RJ regional jet, amongst others.

In addition to Farnborough, there is also the spectacular Shepway airshow, Duxford 92 Air Display plus visits to the Tangmere Aviation Museum, the Mosquito Museum, the Museum of Army Flying, Kent Battle of Britain Museum, the Fleet Air Arm Museum and the excellent Aerospace Museum at RAF Cosford. This excellent value tour also takes in the delights of London, Folkestone, Bath, the Cotswolds, Oxford, Cambridge, York, Salisbury, Stratford on Avon, Edinburgh, Chester and returns with an R&R stop in Hong Kong.

For more information refer the Torii Tours advert elsewhere in this issue or phone (02) 233 8500 or fax (02) 231 2758 for a comprehensive itinerary.

C-47 to South Australian Museum

At Port Adelaide, the SA Historical Aviation Museum has just added another aircraft to the collection. The aircraft is none other than a Douglas C-47B Dakota, formerly with the RA AF as serial number A65-114 Taken on RAAF strength in 1945, A65-114 served faithfully until October 1986 when, during a takeoff at Edinburgh AFB, it suffered an engine failure. During the emergency landing,back on the runway, the left main landing gear collapsed and the aircraft sustained structural damage.

During RAAF service -114 was used for VIP transport and later served with the ARDU at Laverton and then Edinburgh. A65-114 completed 13,897 flying hours.

The SA Historical Aviation Museum managed to obtain the Douglas and mid January this year saw the dismantled Dak transported on a Brambles low loader from Edinburgh to Port Adelaide. At the museum there were a few drawn breaths as one wall of the building had to be partly dismantled in order to get the aircraft inside. For the record itwas squeezed in with a few inches to spare. Now reassembled, -114 is on display for all to see as a true unconverted Air Force Douglas C-47B.

The SA Historical Aviation Museum is keen to hear from anyone who may have flown in or was a member of the aircrew of -114. Can you help? The museum can be contacted at 11 Mundy St, Port Adelaide, SA 5015.

Of Doves and Gooney Birds

If you like to go flightseeing in interesting aircraft and Navajos, Tiger Moths and passenger carrying Agcats no longer hold any appeal then be sure to visit Melbourne’s Essendon Airport. Here there are two of the country’s most interesting operators, operators of real aircraft, Doves and a restored Douglas C-47B Dakota.

Shortstop Jet Charter operate the Douglas, better known as the Gooney Bird. For less than $100 you can enjoy a delightful dinner and the nightlights of Melbourne as you overfly the city. The Gooney Bird, in fact VH-OVM, gleams of polished natural metal and reeks of nostalgia. Shortstop can be contacted on (03) 37 9299. Almost next door is Rudge Air. Here the appeal comes the form of four classic de Havilland Dove aircraft. These aircraft also ooze charm and polished metal as you enjoy an evening dinner flight over Melbourne and Port Philip Bay. So romantic, read the adverts and rightly so. Rudge Air can be contacted on (03) 379 8554.

Both Shortstop and Rudge Air fill a niche market, one that combines a flight with airborne nostalgia. Both operators also cater for special charters such as flights to country race meetings or vineyards. Flyingin the Gooney Bird or Doves is almost a flight into yesterday but one that an increasing number of people are taking and enjoying. Forget seeing the Penguins, forget going from A to B. Take a flight in a real aeroplane and take your camera. Enjoy.

Flight Suits and Helmets

Pilots flight clothing and accessories. Often seen but where do you obtain them.

Be it the Gulf War, Vietnam, Top Gun or the nightly TV news we pilots and enthusiasts regularly see warbird pilots wearing the latest in flight clothing. The nomex flight suit and bone dome helmet have become synonymous as standard safety gear for the warbird pilot, be they military or civil. The leather jacket has become apres-flight wear.

Pilot flight gear has come a long way from the days of the leather flying helmet. Today the nomex flight suit and gloves are standard issue for some, and provide protection from fire, should the worst occur. The hard helmet protects the head of the weareras well as providing comms and supporting an oxygen mask.

There are no doubt a number of outlets that can supply a limited range of flight gear. For those wanting a full range of the real thing, new, off-the-shelf, here are two sources of supply that can equip the warbird pilot. Both are American. Flight Suits Ltd, 1675 Pioneer Way, El Cajon, California, 92020. Watkins Aviation Inc, 15770 Midway Road, Hangar 6, Dallas, Texas, 75244.

Watkins and Flight Suits both supply illustrated catalogues free to an American address. For an overseas address a $US5 note or money order attached to a letter should get you a catalogue. Request Air Mail. Credit card mail orders are accepted by both firms.

In Brief

• Remember the Me 108 that was imported a year or two ago? The aircraft, in fact a Nord 1002, built in 1951 with a Renault engine, has recently had a most appropriate registration reserved for it in the form of, VH-HUN! The aircraft was last flown in Canada with registration C-GRIT. The markings that some people apply to their aircraft!

• Following on last months note regarding the flight of yet another North American T-28D Trojan, this time at Essendon Airport, Melbourne. The registration of the aircraft, owned by John Raynor and Jack McDonald, is VH-LAO. The machine, which took to the air on April 16, is painted in a grey colour scheme and has a serial, 0-38320, on the tail. Comment: There are now more T-28 Trojan aircraft flying in Australia and New Zealand than the combined total of flying Mustangs. Apart from the joy of flying a trainer turned fighter-bomber (with a significant combat record) the Trojan has distinct advantages over some other warbird types. It has a nosewheel and it has two seats and dual controls. The seating aspect makes it so much easier and safer to check out a new pilot. Although there are now a good number ofthis type in the country there is no doubt that the popularity and purchase price for new owners will rise in the nextfew years. The Trojan has enormous appeal. It has size, can carry a wide range of authentic colour schemes, it has speed, is aerobatic and has a distinctive sound all ofits own. May the Trojan live long.

• The Government has said that Point Cook air base is to be disposed of. A local newspaper has run an article indicating that a Japanese businessman has shown an interest in obtaining the base in order to operate a covered over market garden. Some of our forebears would rightly turn in their grave.