Warbirds #400 | Two restorations and a retirement

QantasLink Fokker F100 retires to the country

After nearly two decades of performing essential FIFO operations throughout Western Australia, one of QantasLink’s first Fokker F100 jets has now retired to the countryside pastures of mid-west NSW. The aircraft, VH-NHO, was initially delivered to Network Aviation in 2008, before it was part of the Qantas Group, and has since performed over 43,000 flights and carried over 1.7 million passengers. Now that the plane has officially retired from passenger service, Qantas has donated the airframe to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS). The plane is now set to remain on public display at the HARS museum in Parkes, NSW.

QantasLink chief executive Mark Dal Pra said the plane represents nearly 20 years of growth in the regional aviation and resources sector, and within Network Aviation itself. “The F100 has been the cornerstone of Network’s fleet for nearly two decades, supporting the incredible growth of Western Australia’s mining industry over that period,” he said. “We’re proud to be gifting this aircraft to HARS for visitors to enjoy. With our fleet renewal program underway, it’s a great way to preserve a piece of Australia’s aviation history.” At present, the Parkes offshoot of HARS is open to the public on Thursdays and Sundays between 9:30am and 3:30pm.

Lockheed Orion back in the air after 12-month grounding

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the wonderful Historical Aviation Restoration Society (HARS) maintenance teams, the last flying Lockheed AP-3C Orion in Australia has once more taken to the skies. After around 12 months of being firmly grounded, the maritime patrol aircraft has now been officially cleared to fly again, following an intensive maintenance program that included critical propeller repairs.

Since being delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force in May 1978, this aircraft, serial number A9-753, has logged over 16,000 flight hours in surveillance, naval fleet support, and anti-surface/anti-submarine warfare. Its service record includes deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, and in a more recent chapter, the Orion played a key role in the international search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. From 2014 onwards, it accumulated more than 350 hours over the Indian Ocean, contributing to one of the most extensive aviation search efforts in history.

Speaking on the development, HARS president and chief pilot Bob De La Hunty said: “Our huge thanks to the long hours and quiet dedication of a crew that spans Brisbane, Adelaide, Capertee, and California. Their hands are keeping Australian aviation history flying.”

FNQ’s new museum pushes ahead with expansion

The dedicated volunteers who wish to honour the aviation history of Far North Queensland have taken another major step in the development of the FNQ Aviation Museum, based at Mareeba Airport, around 65km outside of Cairns.

The precinct has begun its second stage of development, which will soon take the shape of a World War II visitor centre. The first-stage development includes a restoration facility and a storage hangar, which is now working on displays and significant fragments of several aircraft, including a C-47 Dakota, a NAA Yale Empire Training Aircraft, and the engine cowling of a de Havilland Puss Moth. The organisation has also secured an airworthy RAAF Winjeel (baby eagle), which is expected to be delivered in the coming weeks.

The work is being completed on the back of a $130 million grant through the federal government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, as well as other regional grants and local programs. However, the 100 per cent volunteer-run and not-for-profit organisation is also reliant on member donations and volunteer work.

Memberships start at $25 per year, though other donations are welcome to support the five-stage expansion project. The finalised precinct is hoped to bring about greater tourism to Far North Queensland, as well as honour the deep history of military aviation in the area.