The Only Thing To Do

…Airways aircraft when the latter company absorbed Airlines of Australia in July 1942. They were renamed Binana and Tokana respectively. Eighteen months later, with spares for their ageing 235hp (175kW) Lycoming radial engines impossible to obtain because of the USA’s entry into the war, both Stinsons were converted to a twin-engined configuration using 650hp (485kW) Pratt & Whitney engines. Their improved performance enabled an increase in gross weight. The redesigned VH-UKK is seen here at Essendon soon after its conversion in May 1943 – note the rolls of steel mesh reinforcement in the background for the paving of Essendon’s apron. (via author)

Airline flying was not always the precise procedure it is today. In earlier days, schedules operated without the benefit of accurate radio aids and the support now available from ATC. And requirements such as flight time limitations, fuel reserves and IFR limitations simply did not exist.