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Aviation Historical Society OF Australia

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McDonnell—Douglas Phantom 69—7213 at Fairbairn. E.E. Allen

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General Dynamics F—111A 67—092 at Richmond. E.E. Allen Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal - 21 - May — June 1971

RAAF 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS Celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Australian Air Force on March 31, 1921, were held throughout Australia during March and April. Guest of Honour at the celebrations was His Royal Highness, the Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, KG, KT, OM, GBE, in his capacity as Marshal of the Royal Australian Air Force and he attended a number of functions In , Western Australia, Australian Capital Territory and . His tour commen­ ced in Papua-New Guinea when he arrived at Kieta on March 17 before continuing to Madang, Mt Hagen and Port Moresby. In the Territory his aircraft were a HS748 commanded by Sqn. Ldr. A.F. Matters and a BAC 111 piloted by Wg. Cdr. R.F. Drury, The BAC 111 flew HRH to South Australia, via Amberley, on March 23. The tour of Western Australia Included visits to the Mt Newman and Port Hedland areas where his BAC 111 A12—124 was escorted by Mirages A3—13, 23 and 42 (all in natural metal finish). Arriving at Canberra on March 30 he attended several official functions Including opening an extension to the Australian War Memorial where Wg. Cdr. K. Isaacs explained the Anniversary exhibition and an dinner and reception. A brief visit was made to RAAF Base Richmond on April 1 where he presented squadron standards to No.'s 36 and 38 Squadrons. He departed from Mascot in Comet XR395 for England on April 3.

Other honours granted during the celebrations were the Freedom of the City of for RAAF Base Richmond, the award of the Queen's Colour to RAAF School of Technical Training, Wagga, and presentation of squadron standards to No.'s 6 and 23 Squadrons, at RAAF Base Amberley, by the Governor of Queensland.

Official visitors represented the Governments of Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand, United States of America, , Indonesia, , and South Vietnam at the celebrations. A number of countries also sent aircraft - General Dynamics F—111A aircraft from the USAF, Lockheed Orions from the RNZAF, Canadair Arguses from the Canadian Armed Forces, and HS Nimrod, Avro Vulcans, Handley Page Victors and BAC Lightnings together with the Red Falcon Skydiving team from the RAF. With this participation there was also a very hard sell for the F—111 and Nimrod. Of these two promotions the F-111 appeared the least successful - its display at Canberra was poor in relation to the other aircraft and a much improved showing was made at Richmond. Here most spectators missed the best part of the display as the two departing aircraft barrel rolled continuously while climbing into the sun. In fact, all the F—111 did well was make a lot of noise and was clearly a com­ petitor with the Phantom In this field.

Air Marshal Sir Richard Williams, KBE, CB, DSO, RAAF Retd., featured prominently In the celebrations (he was interviewed in the Channel 9 TV Special and featured in the anniversary film RAAF Heritage and it would not be unreasonable to assume he was responsible for establishing and developing the Air Force). This was true in the post World War 1 years but sub­ sequent events, particularly between 1938 and 1946 would lead one to think otherwise. The Ellington Report of 1938 was critical of flying standards In the RAAF (particularly accident rates) and the Governments subsequent handling of this matter showed Sir Richard as being a scapegoat. Possibly such thoughts are cynical but it does seem strange that Sir Richard Williams should have been overseas during World War 2, the yery time strong leadership was needed. One newspaper expressed the view that it would be fitting for Sir Richard to be elevated to the rank of Marshal of the Royal Australian Air Force.

The Channel 9 TV Network prepared a one hour special to commemorate the 50th Anniversary and this contained some unusual scenes — SE5A's taxying out for take-off (some in silver and others in camouflage); Ansons from No. 22 Squadron over Sydney; two out of three Beauforts crashing into sea off Jervis Bay, NSW; the RAAF B—25 named "Dirty Dora" and the celebrated USAAC Marauder belly-landing at Port Moresby, including some nose views of this aircraft afterwards. Other scenes used were from the film Darling Lili! The RAAF also produced a 28 minute documentary and some scenes similar to the Channel 9 film were used. The Channel 9 Network also used film clips of current service aircraft for station Identification during the celebrations.

SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS As display time approached and the public relations machine built up to full power so did the number of publica­ tions and some of these were: — The Golden Years (The Royal Australian Air Force 1921—1971) by Department of Air, Canberra, Australian Govern­ ment Publishing Service, Canberra, 1971. Price $1.50 soft cover, $2.00 hard cover. An excellent publication which gives a brief history of the RAAF at a reasonable price. It contains numerous Interesting photographs of people and aircraft together with some new information, viz. A69 has been allocated to McDonnell—Douglas F—4E Phantom for stores purposes. A79—814 DHA Vampire Trainer being used for fire practice. A3-59 CAC Mirage — photo reconnaisance version, the first converted and operated by 77 Squadron C Flight. The second aircraft converted was A3—75 and the nose for the third was on display at Richmond. Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal May ” June 1971

The CAC Wirraway A20—10 provided the only echo of the past at the com­ memorative displays. CAC Sabre showing an interesting selec­ tion of weapons. Inset is the nose of Wg. Cdr. Stenhouset A94-361, the only one with its number in this position.

Avro Vulcan XH559 demonstrating its powerful climbing characteristics from the confines of Laverton. A wide range of unofficial squadron insignia seen on the nose gear door of the HS 748 A10-604. Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal - 23 - May — June 1971

Aircraft Magazine, April 1971, contains some interesting and not previously used photographs.

Aircraft and Markings of the RAAF 1939'“45 by Geoffrey Pentland, Landsdowne Press, Melbourne 1971, price $7.50. This book was obviously aimed to coincide with the RAAF celebrations but because of its poor printing, art layout which ranges from good to bad and almost non-existent text must be regarded as poor value at $7,50, It was also widely advertised in the Sunday Austral id n newspaper as an Exclusive Book Offer, Its saving feature is a number of very rare photographs which have not been published before.

Aircraft of the RAAF 1921-1971 by Geoffrey Pentland and Peter Malone, Kookaburra Technical Publications, Melbourne 1971. Price $8.50. Although a vast improvement over Aircraft and Markings of the RAAF 1939-45, it still suffers from poor reproduction and limited text. The side view drawings and colours must be regarded as being very doubtful In accur­ acy — particular examples being the Anson \A/1530, Mosquito A52—604, and Mitchell A47—2 on page 71, There are a number of excellent views of some of the lesser known types such as the Miles Merlin A37—2, and Fairey MID ANA—3, Some text can only be called quaint (the CA—15 was larger than the Mustang and markedly different; radio callsigns VHCUW and VHCTS incorrectly printed; production of the Woomera was discontinued in favour of the Mustang), This book is better value than Aircraft and Markings but is not up to the standard required for the serious enthusiast,

RAAF Aircraft 1921-1971 by AHSA $1,25 posted, A complete photographic record of aircraft in the A series.

The Sydney afternoon newspapers joined the bandwaggon with special supplements, mostly photographic the majo­ rity of which had been used before.

AIR DISPLAYS Two aerobatic teams were formed and they gave polished displays. The Deltas formed from No, 77 Squadron with Mirages used two solo aircraft (A3-19 Wg, Cdr. W, Simmonds and A3-15 Fit, Lt, D, Robson) and the others (Sqn, Ldr. B.G. Grayson, Fit. Lt. J. Archer, Fig, Off. C. Mirow, A3-39 Fig, Off, A, Allen, A3-78 Fit, Lt, N, Ford) were in formation-arranged so that the solo aircraft alternated with the formation to give a continuous display. Very noisy but also very impressive. The other aerobatic team used Macchi aircraft and was from Central Flying School at RAAF Base East Sale, , Their name, the , was based on the second part of their display where the aircraft split into two pairs and they appeared to always nearly crash into each other as they crossed over. All aerobatics, group and as pairs, were completed with smoke and on clear days, the effect was most spectacular. The team members were: Sqn, Ldr, P, Dunn CFI CFS (flown with five RAF Aerobatic teams including Red Arrows), Fit., Lt, F. Cox, Sqn. Ldr, M, Perrett and Sqn, Ldr, P, Jones,

Although the formations in the flypast were tight, it was not until a study was made of negatives that the distance between individual machines was appreciated. The RAAF and RNZAF Orions were outstanding in this regard.

Aerobatics in the CAC Sabre were by Wg, Cdr, D, Stenhouse, CO of 5 OTU (at Richmond, Edinburgh and Townsville) and Fit. Lt, D,J, Leach of 5 OTU (at Fairbairn, Laverton and Amberley) These displays were particularly fitting for with its retirement in July, this would be the last chance for most to see a Sabre performing aerobatics and a group flying in formation. As compared with the Phantom, the Sabre flies like an aeroplane and not like a bellowing monster.

In most cases, the displays followed the same pattern of formation fly-pasts and then displays by individual types- some solo and others in formation. At Pearce and Edinburgh weather caused some changes but the plan was followed as much as possible. The RAAF followed the RAN idea and satisfied the sadistic desires of the crowd by dropping the ^^Wing Commanders car'' from 500 ft. - "That's my car, put it down!!" If the type of vehicle dropped can be taken as a sign of affluence, then Richmond won easily with its Holden — Canberra could only manage a Morris Elite, Laverton an Austin A40, Edinburgh didn't and Pearce wasn't fussy.

RAAF Base Pearce; March 28 — notes from M. Prime and R, Siudak The display commenced with the arrival of the Duke of Edinburgh in BAC 111, A12—124, and then the first event was a solo display by Macchi A7-009, This was followed by Iroquois A2-389, Canberra A84-241 which had been holding at the end of the runway for 20 minutes for a rain squall to pass, then showed its paces to prove that there is still plenty of life left in these bombers. Orion A9—292 then gave a demonstration, which was amazing for such a large aircraft. Four Macchis A7—015, 019, 031, and 079, of the Roulettes aerobatic team staged a creditable performance considering the low cloud. This was followed by the Hercules A97-207, 213, and 208, the latter aircraft demonstrating the type's capabilities, A comedy act followed in which Iroquois A2-716 picked up a motor car and dropped it from about 500 feet. The next event was a parachute jump by 15 SAS Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal - 24 - May — June 1971 men from A97—213„ The star turn of the display was a demonstration by Phantom 90306, which made several low and high speed passes, and a display of ''porpoising'" in which the aircraft wallowed around at low speeds by maintaining lift with the boundary layer system. The next event saw seven Mirages, A3—15, 19, 27, 29, 39, 66 and 78, taxi out but because of the low cloud,the first two did not take-off. The final event saw members of the RAF Red Falcons parachute from A97—207. The ceiling at times was down to 300 feet in rain squalls and this caused several delays between events„ Even with the items cancelled the display ran an hour over th^ scheduled time and concluded in deteriorating light conditions.

RAAF Base Fairbairn; April 3 — notes from N. Parnell

Practice day can sometimes prove more advantageous to the photographer than can the actual display. On the Friday, an almost full dress rehearsal was held and with no public present, restrictions were almost nil. The highlight was the arrival of the F—111 which was duly inspected by the politicians. One interesting arrival was C—118 0—13835 which only stayed for a short while. The full display was held in brilliant sunshine with about 125,000 people at the airfield and an estimated 25,000 on the surrounding hills. The action was televised to Sydney but suffered from poor commentary and picture co­ ordination. The best individual display was that of Wg. Cdr. D„ Stenhouse in Sabre A94—361, The F—111 demonstration can only be described as woeful — wide circuits and high altitude passes. The Phantom has taken over the ground attack display of the Sabre and made quite an impressive showing. On display in the hangar was an Iroquois which had been modified to represent a Bushranger.

RAAF Base Richmond; April 4 — notes from E.E, Alien and T,W. Boughton

This most impressive display, attended by 120,000 people, lacked two things - good catering and had numerous "goodies" hidden in the flight line area (FAC Winjeel being one example). Confident aircraft handling was highlighted by split second timing in the flying display. There were many highlights, the most striking being: —

Eight Hercules (A97-177, 172, 213, 214, 205, 208, 211, 187) on the runway in pairs before taking-off singly followed by a rapid assembly in formation. The Can^dair Argus 10733 which slowly and quietly drifted into view as the Caribous were landing. The pilot had a "thing" about low flying and was a serious rival to the Iroquois flying under the limbo bar. Under high power settings the propellor noise also brought back memories of Wirraways etc. The Nimrod (how could the beautiful Comet be made so ugly), the Neptune A89—281 being thrashed around the sky and the close formation work of the three RNZAF Orions (NZ4201, 02, 05) proved that large aircraft can also be very nimble. For sheer noise both the Phantom and F—111 were well ahead of all others. The individual display by the Phantom was awe-inspiring, particularly aerobatics with undercarriage down and the "porpoising" display — one USAF officer commented '"we don't do that!". While not as graceful as the Sabre A94—366, it still looked attractive. Skill of the Falcons, skydiving team in landing together and quickly assembling to receive well deserved applause from spectators.

RAAF Base Edinburgh; April 17 - notes from M. Davis and N, Daw

This display attracted 75,000 despite cold and overcast weather. It followed the same pattern as seen elsewhere except for the mass flypast of RAAF aircraft and the car drop. During the display Lightning XR725 A ingested a magpie and required one engine changed.

RAAF Base Laverton; April 18 — notes from J. Bell and M. Madden

Some 160,000 to 170,000 people attended the display at Laverton. Owing to a short runway the Phantom 69-7213 was flown from Avalon to Laverton with MINIMUM fuel and the Mirage A3—2 was brought in on a low loader. Because of runway restrictions at Laverton some aircraft were based at Tullamarine. These were — Phantom : 97202, 97204, 97206, 97212, 97216, 97220 Canberra : A84—22,2 Mirage : A3-8, 12, 13, 20, 23, 25, 36, 38, 44, all of 76 Squadron A3-4, 14, 15, 17, 19, 27, 29, 39, 66, 75, all of 77 Squadron Aircraft operated by the Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) present were:— Sabre A94—969, Canberra A84—204, Winjeel A85-445, (all painted silver overall) and Mirage A3-2 in a green / yellow colour scheme as shown on page 25. The Moorabbin Air Museum's CAC Wirraway A20-10 was very poorly displayed in the confines of a dark hangar.

RAAF Base Amberley; April 24 — notes from B. Prove and K. Kerle

During their visit to Australia the four F—111 aircraft (69—091, 69—092, 69—104 and 69- ) from the 430th Tactical Fighter Squadron, USAF were based here for the Fairbairn and Richmond airshows and they departed from Amberley on April 6. The supporting aircraft was the Lockheed C—141 67—946, Phantom serial numbers noted were 69—304 to 69—307, 69-7201 to 69-7217, 69-7219, 69-7220 and 69-7234, the latter being damaged on October 10,1970, when landing at Amberley. 1

Mirage A3-2 in a functionally attractive dark green/yellow colour scheme for an ARDU research project. Note the cali­ bration markings on the fuselage and fin.

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CD Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal - 26 - May — June 1971

The airshow followed the pattern of the others with the exception of the Phantoms being used to open the show with a surprise low level run, instead of the Mirages at the other displays.

RAAF Base Townsville; April 25 — no details available.

SERIAL NUMBER CHECK LIST — To be used In conjunction with the text RAAF Base Pearce RAAF Base Laverton Phantom 97201, 97203, 97204, 97208, 97212, 97215 Macchi A7—072 (remainder being the same as Edinburgh) Mirage A3-8, 13, 23, 42 (all silver of 76 Sqn.) Canberra A84-208, 235, 240, 241. HS 748 A10-604 A3—4, 14, 61 (camouflaged of 77 Sqn.) Lightning XS897 K XS921 M XR764 E Macchi A7-011, 013, 023, 024, 049, 054 Dakota A65-78, 84, 101. C-130A A97-205 Orion A9-293 Vampire A79-603, 821 Victor XH591 Vulcan XH559 Argus 10721 Falcon All-090 HS 748 A10-604 Orion A9-292 Dakota A65-91, 102 Canberra A84-227, 235, 240 Sabre (same as listed for Edinburgh) Tiger Moth VH-AMW ex A17-208

RAAF Base Edinburgh RAAF Base Fairbairn Phantom 97202, 97204, 97206, 97207, 97212, Phantom 97202, 90305, 97207, 97213 97216, 97220 Mirage A3-4, 14, 15, 17, 19, 29, 39, 66, 75, 78, 79 Mirage A3-4, 14, 15, 17, 19, 27, 29, 39, 66, 75 Macchi A7-014, 026, 032, 057, 068, 080. Macchi A7-014, 027, 032, 057, 068, 081 Iroquois A2-384, 390, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, Sabre A94-361, 366, 965, 971,974, 983. A2-505, 506, 507, 508, 509, 510, 720, 490, Canberra A84-222, 235, 240, 241 A2-718, 1019, 1020, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025 C-130 A97-205, 206, 207, 213 Canberra A84-227, 235, 240, 241. Orion A9-291 Orion A9-291, 292, 293, 294, 297, 298, 299 C-130 A97-213, 205, 207, 212. Neptune A89-279 A9-300, 605 Winjeel A85-432, 440, 441. Caribou A4-204 Iroquois A2-485, 487, 508. Winjeel A85-440, 462 Falcon A11-078, 090 BAC 111 A12-124, 125 Caribou A4-195, 204, 233, 236. Dakota A65-86 Sabre A94-356, 366, 361. Dakota A65-65 HS 748 A10-604 Argus 10721 Friendship VH-TQP F-111 67-091 HS 748 A10-595, 608. Argus 10733 Victor XH590 XH591 (55 Sqn) XH616 XH618 (57 Sqn) CV-440 0-25829 C-130K XV303 C-130 64-560 Vulcan XH559 XL387 Jindivik A92-9 Vampire A79-830 Lightning XR764 E, XS897 K, XS921 M, (all 74 Sqn)

RAAF Base Richmond Phantom 90305, 97202, 97205, 97207, 97209, 97211, 97213, 97214. Mirage A3-14, 29, 39, 41, 75, 79 Macchi A7-032, 014, 026, 057, 068, 080 Caribou A4-195, 204, 233, 235, 236 Orion A9-292, 293, 294, 299, 291 Hercules A97-160, 168, 178, 181, 206, 209 Winjeel A85-411, 422, 431, 440, 451, 462 Iroquois A2-484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, Canberra A84-227, 235, 240, 241 A2-506, 508, 507, 510 Vampire A79-807 Dakota A65—65, 108 Neptune A89-279 Sabre A94—356 HS 748 A10-595 F-111 67-091, 67-092 C-130A 63-506A Jindivik A92-60 Auster VH-ALS Blue Steel Gliders (3)

COLOURS OBSERVED

Latest colour schemes noted were very dark camouflage colour schemes with black serials on the Canberras and no upper wing roundels; the mixture of Mirage schemes, some still silver, while two had light grey undersurfaces and most others had the dark grey upper camouflage continued on the undersurfaces as did the Canberras; the lighter Vietnam camouflage of the Phantoms and the almost universal abandonment of nose numbering on the 5 OTU Sabres.

Contributions by :— J. Bell, T. Boughton, N. Daw, J. Hopton, M. Madden, R„ McDonald, N. Parnell, M. Prime. SECRETARY :- R. McDonald EDITORS:- N. Parnell/T. Boughton/D, Stephens. Published by :— Aviation Historical Society of Australia, Box C.208, Clarence Street, Sydney, 2000, Australia. Printed by:— Legal Copying Co, Pty. Limited, 29 Bligh Street, Sydney, 2000, Australia, Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal -21 - May — June 1971

MONTHLY NOTES CIVIL March-April, particularly April, was definitely not the best month for Qantas Airways Ltd. Qantas News, issued on April 14, warned all staff that the Company faced a difficult time ahead and indicated various economy measures to be instituted to prevent a trading deficit. Recruitment of ground crew and hostess/stewards, pilot promotional training, cadet pilot training courses and services on unprofitable routes were all stopped. On April 22, six months notice was given to 138 pilots and 17 flight engineers - as would be expected the Australian Federation of Air Pilots threatened its strike-cure-all but following Government intervention a much quieter public stance was adopted. The Air Pilots' Guild of Australia publicly stated the dis­ missals made the pilots victims of their own greed. At the end of April, pilots were refusing to start Boeing 747B training due to a dispute over salary and superannuation for this aircraft type. A further dispute also caused threatened strike action as pilots objected to economy class seats when travelling to another port where they would begin duty. On one flight the pilots were given economy seats while the engineer and the navigator received first class.

Pan American World Airways and American Airlines continue to press for increased services to Australia while World Airways Inc. are seeking permission for tourist charter flights. After Laker Airways announced it was seeking permission to establish a subsidiary company at Tullamarine with two Boeing 707 aircraft several other companies expressed critical views of the Australian Government Air Charter policy which is designed to protect Qantas. Sir Reginald Ansett complained about not being able to fly PNG-Guam; BOAC announced the formation of its own charter company British Overseas Air Charter Ltd. which would offer cheap fares to overseas countries; E.J. Daly, president and chairman of the board, of World Airways Inc. made a personal visit to plead for tourist charter flights to Australia and the US State Department banned Qantas from flying off-route charters in America, Meanwhile, Caledonian Airways flies fully loaded flights from Singapore to England at fares that are half those charged by Qantas and other lATA members!!

Ansett Airlines of NSW service to Quirindi was suspended on April 13 due to insufficient patronage. East-West Airlines withdrew from the route in October 1967, and after much local agitation Ansett Airlines of NSW began the service 13 months ago. The Fokker F.28 VH-FKD was transferred from NSW to MacRobertson Miller Airline Services and began operations to Port Hedland four hours after receipt on April 14. Several days later the MMA marks and name R.M.A. Goldfields were pain- ted on.

East-West Airlines announced on April 28 that no commitment for the BAC 111-475 would be made until traffic growth rates returned to normal. Friendship VH-MMB was received, on lease, from MMA on March 16 and before entering service on April 1 it was repainted in another "new" colour scheme. East-West has joined New Zealand National Airways Corporation in promoting a "Tasman Tourist Circuit" where tourists could join the circuit at any point and complete it in either direction.

Trans-Australia Airlines' pilots threatened strike achieved agreement to increase the retiring age from 55 to 60, sub­ ject to suitable health, on March 11. Pilot recruitment was suspended for four months from April 16. On March 26, 28 trainee hostesses were dismissed and courses suspended for about 16 weeks.

Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Pty. Ltd. has made a take-over offer for Rex Aviation Holdings Ltd. (receivers and managers appointed) worth $368,000. The Rex directors unanimously accepted the offer in respect to their own holdings on April 15 and recommended acceptance to their shareholders. Cessna have indicated the Rex distributor agreements would continue if the CAC offer is successful. At present the alternative is liquidation and shareholders can expect a maximum of 15ji per 50(5 share. (On January 15 net asset backing was stated at 52.5(5 per share "on a going concern basis" - this difference has not been explained).

Hawker De Havilland was awarded two contracts for Boeing 727-200 components in March. The first was for $1,564,000 and covers the wing ribs and rudders for 50 aircraft. About 10% of the work will be handled by the Government Aircraft Factory in Melbourne. In fnid-March the second order, valued at $846,062, was awarded for the horizontal stabilisers and a(?out 90% of this order will be rnanufactured by GAF.

The retrenchment of about 100 workmen by Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Pty. Ltd., over March-April has caused numerous strikes, together with overtime bans. Unions are demanding Government action to create a more uniform work flow for the aircraft industry. The erratic state of the aircraft industry follows that of America and demands for a more construc­ tive approach had been made in previous years but without much effect. Calls have been made for local production of military aircraft and some have cited Sweden as a prime example.

Despite the impressive time reductions in transporting sick patients to hospital, Victoria's helicopter medical service Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal - 28 - May — June 1971

Is showing signs of failing due to lack of finance. In the first week of March three mercy flights were made, two by Bell Jet Ranger VH—AAL and one by Hughes 369HS VH—BAG. In each case, doctors and ambulance men indicated that road transport would have meant death.

Olympic Airways have been granted two flights per week into Sydney and expect to commence services later this year ****Thai International Airways first service to Australia arrived on April 1 — the service is once a week but will be increased to twice weekly later in the year. Aircraft used are SAS Douglas DC—8's ****Garuda Indonesian Airways second weekly service from Sydney commenced on April 1 **** The Queensland Government's Piper Navajo VH — was handed over on March 22 **** Cessna 150 VH—RZI was stolen from Whittlesea Flying School Pty. Ltd., on March 18 and after flying very low over Melbourne for nearly an hour, continued north to Tallarook where it was abandoned undamaged. Airline traffic over Melbourne was disrupted during the early morning alert **** QANTAS Airways Ltd. announced the sale of its Lockheed L.188C Electra ZK—TED ex VH—ECD to Nomads Incorporated In mid-March. It will become N836E when delivered to them on April 1.

MONTHLY NOTES - MILITARY The West Australian Air Force Association's new half million dollar headquarters was officially opened on April 3, 1971. Three weeks earlier, the Spitfire Mk.22 PK481, which had been a landmark in the city for many years in front of the Association's old building, was re-erected in front of the new building at Bateman Estate. The Association has been very active in the last few months obtaining a number of old and interesting aircraft for their proposed museum. In January members of 25 Squadron RAAF flew to Kalgoorlie to dismantle the old Goldfields Airways Anson VH—BEL and the fuselage of the aircraft was trucked down to Perth late in March, and the wings will follow shortly. Also in March, the Association purchased the KSAS Cropmaster (modified Wackett Trainer) VH—AJH to add to their Vampire A79—821 and Lancaster WU16. It is also anticipated that the Wirraway A20—688 and Mustang A68—71, at present held by the Guildford Technical School, will be donated to the Museum shortly. It is proposed to build a "hypar" structure at the new Headquarters to house these aircraft and many other exhibits which the Association has obtained over the years.

From May this year a total of 1025 men and equipment will be withdrawn from Vietnam. The withdrawals will be In five groups, three Involving pilots and aircraft — No. 2 Squadron (280 men, aircraft and equipment), about 45 RAN person­ nel serving with the US Assault Helicopter Company and about 44 men and some aircraft from No. 35 Squadron.

March—April was not a particularly good time for the RAAF in South Vietnam as several aircraft were lost and aircrew killed. Details are: —

March 14 Canberra (Wg. Cdr. F.J.L. Dovyning and Fit. Lt. A.J. Pinches) was shot down by two missiles while flying 30 miles west of Quang Tri. Both were rescued by helicopter on March 15. March 20 Iroquois Pit. Off. R. Betts, the co-pilot, was killed during action in eastern Phouc Tuy Province. The Iroquois was badly damaged. March 21 Iroquois was badly damaged by ground fire 9 miles south of Nui Dat and made a forced landing some 3000 yards away. The pilot was Sqn. Ldr. W. Rayner and co-pilot Pit. Off. R. James. LAC T. Hamill and an Army officer were Injured. March 31 Iroquois During a medical evacuation it was forced down in eastern Phouc Tuy Province and was later recovered by a US Army Chinook. LAC A.C. Bloxsom was killed In the action, April 17 Iroquois was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade while hovering over a landing zone in Phouc Tuy Province and crashed. The crew Pit. Off. S. Ford, Fig. Off. M. Castles, Corporal R.A. Stephens and AC R. Zegers, were all injured and later evacuated.

Flood rescue work, commenced In February by Iroquois helicopters and Hercules aircraft, continued through March and April. Initially the work was in northern New South Wales, but this was later changed to Queensland and Northern Territory/ South Australia. In addition to the RAAF, light aircraft up to DC—3 size were being used to transport foodstuffs to Isolated centres. By early April RAAF aircraft had handled nearly 5,000,000 lbs. of cargo — film of Hercules dropping fodder to trapped stock from tree-top height was most spectacular. The weather trapped Beech Baron VH—TYE at Moomba, SA, and photographs in Australasian Post, May 6 issue, show water up to the wings. A diver assisted in floating it to higher ground before it was flown out.

An underground Air Force Operations Centre near was "uncovered" for the Press on April 20 and two papers (Sydney Morning Heraid and Daily Telegraph) carried descriptions and photographs the next day. The land is now controlled by the Commonwealth War Service Homes Division and present plans are to retain this installation. Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal - 29 - May — June 1971

Moorabbin Air Museum have purchased a dismantled Wirraway A20—649 from Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Pty. Ltd., and after an overhaul will be able to fly the machine on special occasions **** The Grumman Corporation has proposed the Australian Government purchase a fleet of re conditioned ex US Army Mohawk aircraft complete with cameras and electronic equipment for some $400,000 each (John Stackhouse writing in the Financial Review, April 19) * *** The RAAF's remaining 36 Sabre aircraft would be phased out of service by July 1971. On April 25 the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdul Razak, indicated a further six Sabres were being sought from Australia so that a Squadron could be formed **** A public appeal for $3,500 was launched in March to establish a memorial at Rathmines to airmen who were trained there during WW II.

MONTHLY NOTES - PEOPLE Former No. 1 Squadron, AFC, pilot, Claude H, Vautin, OBE, died on April 24 after a short illness, aged 81 **** Commandant Pierre Cussinet, chief pilot of UTA-French Airlines in Australia, disappeared under strange circumstances during . the pilot lockout In February/March **** Sergeant Noel Edward Power was awarded the Military Medal (the first to a member of the RAAF since WW II) for action in South Vietnam on February 11, 1970, At that time he was a Corporal serving as an airfield defence guard with 2 Squadron RAAF at Phan Rang Air Base **** Group Capt, N P- McNamara replaced Air Commodore C.H. Spurgeon as Commander, RAAF Vietnam, and Deputy Commander, Australian Forces, Vietnam, when the latter completed his tour of duty in April * * * * Sqn. Ldr. P.W. Mahood took command of 9 Squadron RAAF at Vung Tau on April 21 with the acting rank of Wing Commander •X' * * * Alexander Schaefer was fined $230 for driving a car on on December 23 last while intoxicated - an airliner was diverted while the car was being driven along the east-west runway **** Jeffrey Lawrence Whitehead, 21, was placed on a three year bond of $250 on April 16 for illegal use of a Royal Victorian Aero Club Piper Cherokee VH— on February 2, 1970,

THIRD LEVEL NEWS Jetair still continues to haunt the aviation scene. On March 11, the starboard engine of Queenair VH-CMI, which Jetair previously owned, was found tampered with before a proposed flight by L.C. Gruzman, QC. The NSW Police Department investigated the matter with DCA staff but no further action was taken. Next day the DC—3's began to depart for Bankstown where they were parked in a disorderly array at Hawker De Havillands. Brins Australia Ltd., announced on April 1 that disposal of Jetair assets had adversely affected trading results for the six month period ending on December 31. At the same time, the sale of the two Bristol Freighters VH-SJG and VH-SJQ, was announced to Air Express Holdings of Brisbane. Questions in Federal Parliament still continue to probe various aspects of the Company.

Low traffic volume has caused Bizjet AIRCABS to cease all services in Victoria on April 23 except for its nine flights per week between Melbourne and Swan Hill. Passenger traffic on the other services averaged three passengers per flight with no sign of an improvement.

At the end of April, Hicks Aviation Pty. Ltd., was in financial trouble as Civil Flying Services had impounded three of their aircraft to cover outstanding payments for work done, Westraiian Aviation were "holding" the Hicks Cessna 310N VH-KRZ for similar reasons and had stopped work on the Cessna 402 VH-DIL, The Skyvan VH-FSG which had been operated since mid-1969 was flown to Kalgoorlie on its way to Melbourne in the second last weekend of April. A small number of the fleet was being operated at the end of the month.

The Port Augusta based PAGAS Airlines commenced commuter services between Port Augusta and Woomera, and between Ceduna and Port Lincoln on March 1, connecting with Airlines of South Australia flights to Adelaide at the latter two points.

Early in April East Coast Aviation Services Pty. Ltd. applied to DCA for a licence to operate a twice daily commu­ ter sen/ice between Grafton - Lismore - Brisbane using Britten Norman Islander aircraft based at Grafton. The company's General Manager, Capt. John Barnes, said that a service centre would be established at Grafton and that the commuter service would be commenced six weeks after the licence was granted. This is the third attempt by a commuter airline to operate on this route — both Nationwide Air Services and Westernair Navigation made previous attempts; for Lismore it is the fourth attempt as Lanham's Air Taxi service commenced a Brisbane — Coolangatta — Lismore service early in 1969 but it operated less than a month.

PAPUA and NEW GUINEA NOTES The sale by Ansett Airlines of Papua-New Guinea of STOL Commuters Pty. Ltd. to Macair Charters Pty. Ltd. for an undisclosed consideration was reported on April 19. Macair took over the STOL operations, including equipment and licences Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal -so­ May — June 1971 on April 30. Initially no changes will be made to operations in Papua. This acquisition places Macair in a very strong position in PNG and the BSIP (where they have a controlling interest in Solair).

Recent economic restrictions have delayed the extensions of Port Moresby's terminal building and the construction of a new fire station at Madang (as part of the new control tower/operations building development). Establishment of the DCA training college at Port Moresby as well as the extensions of the apron there will continue. An early decision on the new run­ ways at Port Moresby and Madang, together with an early start to establish Nadzab as Lae's new airport cannot be expected.

The Speaker of the House of Assembly accused Ansett and TAA of racial discrimination in the Territory on March 2, The charge claimed that natives were always off loaded when over booking occurred. Next day both airlines denied the char­ ges. In previous years when the Douglas DC—3 was the standard passenger aircraft, some airline staff did exercise discrimination towards natives. Two examples of this noted were directing natives to overwing seats on unlined DC—3's while Europeans sat further back at the tail (less noise there) and reduced cabin service (ignorance of entitlement). As the DC—3's became lined and were replaced by Friendships, such practices were greatly reduced.

Menari Airstrip, 1400 ft x 100 ft, on the Kokoda Trail, was opened late in April when an Army Pilatus Porter landed there. The airstrip was commenced in August 1967 and was built by local people with Army civil action patrol aid **** Following TAA's entry into Papuan services, Ansett started services into New Britain on April 18 — now P-NG is enjoying rationalised air services ****Territory Airlines Pty. Ltd. was instructed by DCA to cease advertising a charter to Guam in June as they were infringing international regulations. The Guam Teacher's Association was seeking a back charter to their Air Micronesia Boeing 727 flight to Port Moresby and had approached TAL for assistance**** Helicopter Transport Pty. Ltd. was offering three houses and their hangar at Lae Airport for sale In April ****The Mitsubishi Zero aircraft recovered from Rabaul Harbour near Matupit Village late last year was flown to America during mid-April. After being rebuilt it will be placed on display at San Diego. The pilot flying it when shot down in 1943, was Sekizen Shibayama and he currently works in Yokosuka, Japan.

PORT MACQUARIE AIR PAGEANT - April 11, 1971 by David Carter

The Hastings District Aero Club organised this display and it followed the usual pattern with aerobatics, crop­ dusting, gliding and skydiving Trade demonstrations were made by Piper PA24-260C c/n 4922, PA27-250E c/n 4191, PA28R—180 VH—BME, and Beech V35 VH—TEC^ The AESL Airtourer 150 VH—EQA, flown by B. Abbott performed on three occasions to make up for the limited trade attendance. Highlight of the afternoon was the aerobatic/glidlng demonstration by Alex Oliver in his vintage Klemm Swallow VH—DDR Among the interesting visitors to the display were Auster J5 VH-ADS Cessna 150 VH—PUM, Cessna Agwagons VH—KQF and VH—KQH, DHA—3 Drover VH—EOO and Piper Twin ComancheVH—SRM. An interesting resident of Port Macquarie is the only Lockheed 60 in Australia, VH—ELI, but it does not appear to fly often as the cockpit was full of cobwebs.

ULTRA LIGHT FLY IN -- MORWELL APRIL 10-12, 1971

The fourth annual Ultra light fly-in organised by the Latrobe Valley division was held over the Easter weekend. This year it was held in perfect weather unlike last year when it was washed out. Sunday was the actual display day and fifty- three aircraft finally turned up. The pride of the show was the Latrobe Valley's own Corby Starlet VH-ULV which had only just been completed- It is finished in a yellow and white colour scheme and differs from the prototype in that it does not have wheel spats or canopy. A total of eight ultra light aircraft turned up: the two Hamilton Jackaroos VH-ULA and VH-ULB (a version of the Stits Flutterbug), two Thorp T18s from Sydney VH-ACE and VH-RCD, Jodels VH~ESJ and VH-DRJ from Coffs Harbour, Emeraude VH-CXU from Albury and the Starlet VH-ULV. Although not an ultra light, but rebuilt by a mem­ ber and on display was the DH,82 VH-PME from Bendigo which had just been granted a CofA. Other DH.82s present were VH-RVI in WW1 markings and the yellow and silver VH-BFW. Veteran aircraft included Proctor VH-DUL from Berwick, Argus VH—ACW and DCA's Cessna 170 VH—CAS. Austers included four from Coldstream VH—BTA, VH—KCT, VH—KSZ and VH—RJP (now in a new brown and cream scheme), VH—WWG from Berwick and VH—WBA from Moorabbin. Three Chipmunks were present, VH-RVY, VH-ESP and VH-BSU.

During the afternoon a short flying display was given. In which most of the ultra light aircraft took part. The Corby Starlet VH-ULV was put through its paces and showed how very manouverable it was. Roy Goon gave one of his impec­ cable displays of aerobatics in Fuji VH—FJL, and the Jackaroos proved just how slow they can fly, The three Chipmunks gave a rather ragged display of formation flying and the Argus and Proctor chased each other across the sky.

In the hangar there was a display of ultra light aircraft in various stages of construction. Among these, nearly finished, was another Corby Starlet and a Taylor Monoplane, Other aircraft in a far less advanced stage of construction were a Jodel D.11, a Stits Skycoupe, a Volksplane and a Wittman Tailwind. There was also a complete and anonymous Benson Gyrocopter, Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal -31 - May — June 1971

AIRPORT MOVEMENTS - March and April 1971 PERTH - Guildford. Friendship VH-MMR left on 11.4 for delivery to Ansett in Melbourne. Boeing 727's have replaced Electras on the Cocos Island service operated for DCA every two weeks. Ansett operated the first service with VH-RMD on 11.3 and TAA's first service was on 25.3 Foreign airlines of interest have been Cathay Pacific CV.880M VR-HFY on 28.3 and the SAA Boeing 707 ZS-SAG on 3.4. Smaller aircraft noted were Bizjet's Falcon VH-BIZ on 18.3, Gulfstream II N100WK from Bali with tfie Rockefeller party the next day and Gulfstream I N500S of the Freeport Sulphur Corporation on 12.4 On the commuter side, Murchison acquired another Baron VH—ILF on 3.4, and Opal Air's Cessna 402 VH—BUS visited on 12.4. Military visitors have included RAF Comet C4 XR397 on 17.3, RNZAF C-130H NZ7003 arrived on 18.4 using callsign Kiwi 7003, and on 22.4 RAF C—130K XV193 paid the first of several visits. Thai Army personnel, on a tour of Australian military establishments, arrived in USN C—118B 152687 on 20.4.

PERTH - Jandakot, Beech Barons seem to have taken a monopoly on the visitors as VH-TYD was seen on 6.3 and VH-FDN, VH-FWX, VH-SQC and VH-WBR were noted on 13.3. Also seen on 6.3 were Jet Rangers VH-BHV and VH-SJJ, Auster J4 VH-CGF and Bonanza 36 VH-TYT. The fuselage of Cessna 150F VH-ROE was noted in the Westralian Aviation hangar.

ADELAIDE - West Beach. Airlines of South Australia's last DC-3 flight was to be on 13.3 when VH-ABR flew West Beach to Kangaroo Island and return. On 15.3 VH-ABR and VH-ANW were ferried to Melbourne for storage. As Friendship VH-FNB was______sent to Melbourne to replace the burnt-out Friendship VH-FNE, the two DC-3's VH-ABR and VH-ANW were sent back to Adelaide and arrived on 30.3 and 28.3 respectively. They were then put back into service early in April. TAA Twin Otters on services from Brisbane included VH-TGU on 2.3 and VH-TGW on 27.4. HS.125 VH-BBJ visited on 28.3 and Cessna 207 VH-UBW arrived on 21.3. The Aero Commander VH-EXV, still in Aerial Services Tasmania markings, visited on 20.4 and Cessna 336 VH-CMU arrived for Skytours Adelaide on 30.4.

ADELAIDE - Parafield. Cherokee Six VH-PPK marked Nagoya International Services arrived on 20.3 as did the Cessna P.206 VH-SIR The Devon for Australian Helicopters, VH-MGT (ex RNZAF NZ1801) arrived on 10.4 and among the new arrivals for Rossair were Cessna 210L VH-EKW on 17.4 and Cessna 177B VH-RPG on 24.4. Bell 47G-3B-2 VH-BHF and Wallaroo 605 VH—AAX visited on 24.4, while on 25.4 Coveair's Pawnee VH—BXP was blown over by strong winds and badly damaged.

MELBOURNE - Essendon. The last two airworthy Viscounts in Australia VH-TVP and VH-TVQ left on delivery via Adelaide to Far East Air Transport on 2.4 and 16.4 respectively. Both retained the TAA cheat line although all other TAA markings were painted over. A small "Australian Aircraft Sales" title was on the port side forward fuselage behind the entrance door. The other TAA Viscount VH-TVR is still in the graveyard at Essendon minus its engines and all useful components. New DC-9's for both Ansett and TAA, VH-CZJ and VH-TJS were delivered on 28.3 and 30.3 respectively. The two blue and white ex Ansett DC-3's VH-ANO and VH-ANV, which were to go to Pan Indonesian Airlines late last year, departed on 4.3 to United Kymer Aviation of Cambodia. The ex MMA DC-3 VH-ANZ and the ex Ansett DC-3 VH-ANH both now painted in the new Ansett shceme with red/orange and dark brown cheat line and small "AAS" titling behind the cockpit windows, are also reported to be going to the same owners in the near future. The Hicks/Rothmans International XI Skyvan VH—FSG arrived from Perth on 28.3 for an overhaul. Forrester Stephen have repainted their Piaggio P,166's in a new blue, yellow and white colour scheme. Visitors have included Island Airways Aztec VH-IAB on 22.3, Flying Doctor Cessna 180C VH-FDH on 12.4 and Australia's first Gulfstream II VH-ASG arrived on 21.4 for Associated Airlines.

SYDNEY - Mascot. The Universal DC-8 N803U arrived on 29.3 and was followed the next day by TMA Boeing 707 N7096, leased from Braniff. Friendships ZK-DCA and ZK-DCB stopped overnight on 1.4 on delivery to the New Zealand Ministry of Transport. Airfast's second Alouette III VH-UHR c/n 1606 ex ZK-HCX was fully assembled by 5.4 and on 21.4 their DC-3 PK-OAZ c/n 19623 arrived from Tamworth, where it had been having a major overhaul, leaving for Darwin a few days later. On 5.4 the Gulfstream II N663P arrived, and VH-ASG paid its first visit on 30.4. Military visitors have included USAF C-141 67-011 on 29.3 C-135 61-310 on 2.4, USN C-118B 152687 on 20.4 and the Canadian Armed Forces CC-137 13701 on 26.4. The USAF C—141 65—0246 is still undergoing repairs after its accident.

SYDNEY - Bankstown. The Vampire A79-637, owned by Arnold Glass, was in the Hawker De Havilland hangar being over­ hauled for a CofA. Colour scheme is silver with red trim, and 37 on the nose in black and white. His other Vampire A79-649 is stored in Yeoman's hangar. Doves on.overhaul by Hawker De Havilland included the Northern Territory Medical Services VH-DHH and G-ARMT, which emerged as VH-DHA for the NT Medical Service. Islander news is that the Malta Gozo Airlines 9H-AAB arrived here as G-AXFL, named "Calypso" and is undergoing conversion in Hazair's hangar. GRD's Islander VH-FLE now has a magnetometer boom on the nose as well as the tail. The demonstrator VH—ISC is in and out frequently while G_AYBI never moves. East Coast Airways have acquired VH—EDI and it is now painted in their red scheme but had not been delivered by the end of April. Noted in the Ansett hangar were two new Aztec E's, N13975 (27-4591) and N14008 (27-4626), Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal - 32 - May — June 1971

Ansett's new demonstrator Navajo VH—CIZ and the new Navajo VH—SAO for Arnhem Air Charter of Darwin, Patair's Piaggio P.166 VH—PND was noted on 30,4. The Air Pacific Baron VQ—FBG Na Drua was in for overhaul. Recent Beech deliveries have included Baron B55 N9086Q (TC1372), Baron 58 N9159Q (TH134) and VH-DAN (TC1367) ex N9046Q. GRD's E55 Baron VH—ILD has been fitted with a large magnetometer boom tall, and been overhauled by Hawker De Havilland. The Ryan VH—AGW, fitted with a continental engine, stayed for a few days on delivery to its new owner, Connell Monk, at Hoxton Park, At Aerosmith's Mustang A68—187 is to be re-engined with a Rolls Royce Dart turbo-prop; Cub VH—CUB has been rebuilt after being badly damaged by wind about a year ago, and the Spraymaster VH—GEB has arrived in a wrecked condition to be rebuilt for aerobatics with a 260 hp engine, a single seat, larger fin and several feet clipped from its wingspan. It is hoped to have this flying by July. Victa VH-DAO has been converted to AESL 150 T6 standard, Fletcher Fu-24's parked alongside the AESL hangar are VH—EOF, VH—EOG, VH—CYT and VH—CYV. Other aircraft in the same area include the GRD Cessna 180 VH—CDW, Riviera VH-SAV, Queenair VH-CMI and Hawk Commander N9089N,

SYDNEY — Camden. On 28.3 the Pacer VH—lAT was noted being recovered, Auster VH—BTB was under repair following a heavy landing and the Chrislea Skyjeep VH—RCD was also being rebuilt. This aircraft was withdrawn from service in 1965. The immaculate white blue and red Fairchild F—24R VH—ABZ is for sale, and a new Lake LA—4 amphibian VH—EOl was noted assembled on 5.4.

SYDNEY — Seven Hills. The Transavia PL—12 VH—EDN (c/n 930) left for air delivery to Thailand early in April.

BOOK REVIEWS by T.W. Boughton and J. Hopton AIRPLANE 5 - VIEWS is published by Bernhard Klien, 76 Highland Avenue, MIDLAND PARK, New Jersey. 07432. USA and costs $5—10US for six issues. Issue No. 4 dated September 1970 was submitted for review and contains nine five view drawings of rare aircraft - Focke Wulf Fw 190V1, North American XB-28A, Dornier Do217P0, Blackburn B.48 Fire- crest, Tupolev Tu—2S, Westland P.14 Welkin, McDonnell XP—67, Rikugun Ki 93—la and Junkers Ju 188S. The drawings are very clear and will be invaluable to model makers as details of these aircraft are not generally available. As each drawing Is at a different scale It would help if a scale was included to simplify enlarging. Not withstanding this the publication is highly recom­ mended.

AIRSPEED AIRCRAFT SINCE 1931 by H.A. Taylor and MILES AIRCRAFT SINCE 1925 by Don L. Brown. Both Putnam and Co. Ltd., London, 1970, (Review copies at $7,40 and $15.00 respectively). These two books are the latest in the Putnam aeronautical series and follow previously established formats. Both are very interesting and easy to read and give excellent insights into the capabilities of the respective designers. In some cases the proj&cts listed are more interesting than some of those built. Even today, the work of the two Miles brothers can still be seen in the now defunct Beagle range and the Short Skyvan.

Each volume, unlike some of the earlier publications from Putnam, gives brief references to Australian registered aircraft (all Airspeed aircraft but only a portion of the Miles ones) as compared to those registered in New Zealand and both authors must be challenged on this. Both suffer from a number of detail points which detract from the overall value of each book. Typical examples of these detail points are: — AIRSPEED — incorrect initials for J„M. Gould (p.87/187) and failure to explain why the two Oxfords were returned to the RNZAF (caused by carriage of fruit without a licence and, in December 1947, his death in a Tiger Moth crash); non-mention of the Australian Oxfords purchased by JT. Brown for conversion to Consuls, a number of which were ordered by Japan but as DCA would not certify them the proposal lapsed; failure to explain why the Butler Air Transport Ambassadors were withdrawn in August 1958, p.129 (Butler was taken over by Ansett and the aircraft were replaced by Ansett's Convair 440's); failure to explain Captain Thain's accident in the Elizabethan G—ALZU at Munich on February 6, 1958, and probably the most serious of all is the poor appendices of the various models (these think only in terms of Britain whereas the aircraft were in world wide usage), MILES - undoubtedly the most frustrating point is what were the initials F.G. for; AJ. Jackson in Avro Aircraft Since 1908 records Hinkler's Avro Baby G—EACQ as being the machine used on the flight to Turin, not G—EAUM; some registrations are rather mixed up — on p.375, c/n 193 is G—ADHG not G—ADGH and c/n 213 is G—ADLC not G—ADIC, while on p.94 the second experimental R.A.E. Sparrowhawk could not have become G—AGBI as this was a DC—3; Hawk G—ACZI is shown as an M2 on p.62 and an M2H on p,67, while G—ADGL is shown as an M2F on p.66 and an M2H on p,67; on p.122 the Whitney Straight Ml IB is stated as being the second and third production aircraft. Despite the minor errors, of fact, and the poor proof reading, both books are strongly recommended as being the best references available on these two aircraft companies. Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal - 33 - May — June 1971

AUSTRALIAN CIVIL AIRCRAFT REGISTER

ADDITIONS

VH- Type C/n Date on Owner Previous Identities AHS Bell47G-3B-1 6544 22 Mar Rotor-Work Pty. Ltd., Box 174, Avalon Beach, NSW, N1320Z CAL Swearingen SA—226T T213 9 Mar Dept, of Civil Aviation, 188 Queen St., Melbourne, V. CAM Swearingen SA—226T T210 9 Mar Dept, of Civil Aviation, 188 Queen St., Melbourne, V. CFP Piper PAS 1-310 687 20 Nov Civil Flying Services (WA) Pty. Ltd., , WA. CHD Hughes 369HS 900253S 11 Feb Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Pty. Ltd., Box 779H, Melbourne, V. ► CLX De Havilland DH-114/2D 14098 12 Mar Connair Pty. Ltd., 51 Todd St,, Alice Springs, NT. G-ANPV, G-5-24 CZJ Douglas DC—9—31 47547 29 Mar Ansett Airlines of Australia, 489 Swanston St., Melbourne, V. DMP Cessna 172L 59235 18 Mar Rossair Pty. Ltd., , SA. DVW Fletcher Fu-24 139 2 Mar Marsden Air Spread Pty. Ltd., Thurloo, Blayney, NSW. ZK-CVW EZD Beech 58 TH111 30 Mar Hawker De Havilland (Aust) Pty. Ltd., Box 90, Yagoona, NSW. N9114Q MKK Cessnfe U206E 01463 19 Mar Macair Charters Pty. Ltd,, Box 107, Goroka, PNG. VH-CBJ (NTU) PJE Cessna 180 31130 26 Feb J.J. Evdokimoff, Box 271, Bunbury, WA. VH-PJE, N3632C RAV Cessna 177 RG 0002 26 Mar Rex Aviation Ltd., Box 51, Bankstown, NSW. N8002G (NTU) SAO Piper PAS 1-310 676 23 Mar Arnhem Air Charter Pty, Ltd., 2 Wells St. Fannie Bay, NT N6769L TJS Douglas DC-9-31 47550 1 Apr Trans-Australia Airlines, 50 Franklin St. Melbourne, V. UHP Bell 205A-1 30002 2 Feb Airfast Services Pty. Ltd., Eleventh St. Mascot, NSW. N6208N WOL Piper PA28-180 2441 24 Mar B. Griffiths, MS 901, Middle Ridge, Q. VH-WOL All dates are for 1971 except VH—CFP which is for 1970.

VH-AHS a partial replacement of the Jet Rangers VH—AHJ and VH-DVW was owned In New Zealand by Air Parts (NZ) of Hamilton, VH-AHV. VH-MKK noted at Bankstown on 15.1 as VH-CBJ for C. & B. Chee VH-CAL are the first Merlin's in Australia; they have 840 e.s.h.p. Pty. Ltd, Lae who apparently cancelled their order, VH-CAM Garrett TPR 331—303G engines, with an increased playload VH-RAV is the first retractable gear Cardinal in Australia. plus an extra 900 miles range over the Merlin 2B. Powered by a 200 hp Lycoming It is a direct competitor VH-CHD replaces the earlier demonstrator VH—SFS which is now to the Cherokee Arrow 200. operated by Jayrow Helicopters of Moorabbln. VH-UHP was operated in the USA by Arizona Helicopters, VH-CLX was operated by T.l. (Group Services) Ltd, Birmingham. VH-WOL was struck off on 1st Feb 1970.

DELETIONS

ABS AusterJIB 2699 9 Feb 71 WFS pending unspecified repair work AIM Cessna 172 46232 ‘ 29 Aug 70 SOR at owner's request ^ j ANO Douglas DC-3 4094 9 Mar 71 SA to Taiwan ANV Douglas DC-3C 10082 9 Mar 71 SA to Taiwan ATN De Havilland DH-82A 100 17 Dec 70 WFS CMO Cessna 185A 0422 10 Mar 70 CR 27. 9.69 at Efogi, PNG. CVG Piper PA23-250 3978 28 Jan 71 SOR at owner's request (See CR 27. 1.71) DTB Cessna 150H 67871 23 Jan 71 CR 23. 1.71 at Outer Harbour, SA. FIH Cessna 210-5 0267 12 Feb 71 DBR (see note below) FNE Fokker F-27-200 10145 25 Mar 71 Substantially damaged by fire at Essendon, V. 25. 3.71 IDL De Havilland DHC-2 1540 1 Nov 70 SOR at owner's request IDS De Havilland DHC-2 1558 1 Nov 70 SOR at owner's request IDT De Havilland DHC-2 1559 20 Aug 70 SOR at owner's request MMP Piaggio P.166 365 12 Mar 71 CR 2. 3.71 at Essendon, V. MPB Callair A9A 1067 16 Feb 71 SOR at owner's request (»DAM 16. 2.71) PMF Piper PA28R-180 30984 8 Feb 71 SOR at owner's request (DAM 8. 2.71) PNE Cessna 180A 50181 27 Sep 70 DAM 27. 9.71 at Clifton, Q. PPC Piper PA25-235 3930 17 Mar 71 DAM 17. 3.71 at Jindah, Q. RKK Victa 100 164 15 Aug 70 SOR at owner's request RPR Cessna 172G 53836 30 Dec 70 SOR at owner's request (DAM 30.12.70) RTK Britten Norman BN-2A 194 27 Nov 70 SOR at owner's request (DAM 11, 1.71) SAJ Cessna 180B 50378 19 Mar 71 SOR at owner's request as unairworthy SPB Piper PA28-180 3904 8 Jun 69 SOR at owner's request (CR 8. 6,69) TVP Vickers Viscount 816 433 5 Apr 71 SA to Taiwan UAZ Cessna 210A 57581 20 Oct 70 CR 20.10.70 at Heatherton, V. UEF Cessna 210A 57666 16 Feb 71 CR and DBF 31.10.70 at Yendon, V. UVC Com per C7 Swift 532/10 1 Aug 68 SOR at owner's request

VH-ANO are shown as exported to Taiwan t>ut both will be operated VH-FNE has been moved out into the graveyard at Essendon with VH-ANV in Cambodia by United Kymer Aviation, all undamaged useable parts removed., VH-ATN has been engineless at since early 1969. VH-MMP being repaired by Forrester Stephen Aviation at Essendon. VH-DTB was used by radio station 5AD as a beach patrol aircraft VH-PMF withdrawn while repairs are carried out at Parafield. when it crashed. The aircraft does not appear to be very Vh-rpr noted at Bankstown during January in damaged condition. extensively damaged when noted in the Rossair hangar at Leaseair are now using Cessna 172F VH-DOK as a Parafield early in April. replacement aircraft. VH-FIH overran the strip at Mindik on 12,10.70., When being lifted VH-TVP sold to Far East Air Transport, owners of Viscounts by a crane from the ditch, the cable broke and the air­ VH-RMG, RMH, RMJ, RMK and RML, craft crashed to the ground causing extensive damage. VH-UAZ removed to Tyabb where It will eventually be rebuilt. Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal - 34 - May — June 1971

ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS

January 1971 (Additional entries)

24th Piper PA28-235, VH-PAM, (10171) was substantially damaged when the aircraft force landed 8 miles S of Aurukun mission, Q. , : 25th Fletcher FU24, VH—EQH, (149) was damaged when it flew through power lines near Rockhampton Aerodrome, Q. 27th Piper PA28-140, VH—TLY, (23038) ran into a fence while making a precautionary landing at Ross, T, and was damaged. 29th Cessna A188, VH—RXC, (0028) suffered an undercarriage collapse while landing at a strip 25 miles SW of Tumut, NSW. 30th Beech V35/2, VH—DEM, (D8305) was damaged when It made a wheels up landing at Barrdaine, Q.

February 1971

1st Grumman G.164A, VH-PUV, (441) flew through power lines while engaged in spraying operations near Macksville, NSW and was damaged. 1st Piper PA28-180, VH-CLB, (2549) ground looped while landing at Rottnest Island, WA. The aircraft was substantially damaged. .1 3rd Cessna U206, VH—DIG, (0361) swung off the strip and was damaged when the pilot abandoned the take-off due to the wet surface at Conways, NT„ 4th Piper PA28—180, VH—PPQ, (4022) crashed on to an emergency airstrip set up on a road at Narrabri, NSW, after hitting power lines. One passenger was killed and the other three occupants were seriously injured. 4th Piper PA25—235, VH—SCT, (3483) was damaged when it flew through power lines while spraying at Dalby, Q. 6th Bell 47G-5, VH-BHH, (7951) struck power lines while spraying 3 miles N of Cessnock, NSW. The rotor blades were damaged. 6th Cessna A188, VH-KQB, (0244) struck power lines while spraying near Tooma, NSW, and was damaged. 6th Grumman G164A, VH—CCK, (318) was damaged when it flew through power lines while spraying near Coffs Harbour, NSW. 7th Cessna 310N VH—KOM, (0028) and Piper PA23—250, VH—TOK (4179) were both damaged when they collided en route Tontouta (New Caledonia) to Brisbane. Both aircraft returned to Tontouta and landed safely. 8th Piper PA28R-180, VH-PMF, (30984) was damaged when it struck a fence during take-off from Yunta, SA. 10th Piper PA25-150, VH—PAQ, (714) struck power lines and crashed near Euramo, Q. Destroyed by impact and the following fire. 11th Beech A23A, VH—RWA, (Ml012) was damaged when it veered off the runway while landing at night at Jandakot, WA. 13th Auster J5, VH—KSP, (2813) force landed north of the Orange Aerodrome, NSW after an engine failure and was seriously damaged. 13th Avro 643, VH-AFY, (R3/LT3451) struck a flying fox cable and crashed while spraying near Murwillumbah, NSW. 13th Piper PA28—140, VH—CTP, (26592) and Cessna 150G, VH—RXS, (66542) collided while on final approach to Jandakot, WA. Neither aircraft was seriously damaged and both landed safely. 14th Beech V35B, VH—ILY, (D9132) struck a bird while en route Morwell to Moorabbin, V, and damaged the wing leading edge. 14th Fuji FA200—160, VH—FJU, (36) was damaged when it made a heavy landing at Parafield, SA. 16th Cessna 310L, VH—BNL, (0003) overran the strip while landing at Hopevale, Q, and ran through a fence. 16th Callair A9A, VH—MPB, (1067) was damaged in a forced landing due to engine failure 35 miles E of Albany, WA. 17th Beech 58, VH—EZE, (TH106) was badly damaged when its nosewheel collapsed while landing at Yura, 70 miles SW of Mackay, Q. 19th Victa 100, VH—WAU, (7) struck power lines when taking off from Wangaratta, V, and was damaged in the following forced landing. 19th Cessna 180A, VH—FDD, (50017) overturned while taxi-ing at a strip 125 miles NE of Nullagine, WA. 21st Cessna 172D, VH—lAG, (49789) was carrying a woman parachutist who drowned when she landed in a dam near Camden, NSW. 21st ES 52, VH-GRP, struck the ground while being launched by auto tow at Mt Isa, Q, and was damaged. 23rd Beech 58, VH-EZA, (TH37) ground looped after an undercarriage collapse while landing at Meekatharra, WA. 23rd Piper PA25—235, VH—PID, (2565) was taking off from a road near Brookstead, Q, when it swung off the road to avoid an oncoming semi-trailer. The aircraft ran into a ditch and was badly damaged. 24th Piper PA25-235, VH-SCT, (3483) overturned after it swung off the road and ran into a ditch near Nangwee, Q. 25th Blanik Glider, VH—GTD, was damaged when it landed among trees at Bond Springs, NT, 25th Boomerang Glider, VH—GNG stalled and crashed from 150 ft at Kimba, SA. The glider was destroyed and the pilot seriously injured. 26th Cirrus Glider, VH—GSI, fouled long grass on take-off from Goulburn, NSW, and ground looped. 27th Piper PA25—235, VH—SVA, (4447) overturned while making a forced landing on a road near Clare, Q, 27th Beech A23A, VH—BWV, (Ml025) suffered a collapsed nosewheel when landing at Parafield, SA. 28th Piper PA25—235, VH—PIK, (2034) struck a fence post following an abandoned take-off from Gatton, Q.

March 1971

2nd Piaggio P.166 VH—MMP, (365) made a wheels up landing at Essendon, V, when the undercarriage would not lock down. 5th Piper PA25-235VH—BCJ, (4347) struck power lines while spraying 6 miles E of Manjimup, WA. 5th Cessna 172H VH—DOT, (56107) struck a tree while landing at Blue Valley Homestead, 30 miles W of Collinsville, Q. 6th Cessna 150H VH—DTQ, (68147) was damaged when a wingtip struck the ground while landing at Canberra, ACT. 8th Cessna 180 VH—AVV, (32654) ground looped when the undercarriage collapsed while taking off at Labertouche, V. 8th De Havilland QHA-3/3, VH-FDS, (5007) swung off Rottnest Island Strip following brake failure and hit a mobile G.P.U. 12th Piaggio P.166, VH—PNC, (357) was damaged following an undercarriage collapse during landing at Mt Isa, Q. 14th Cessna 210/5, VH—RWL, (0187) overshot while landing at a strip 17«miles W of Goulburn, NSW, and struck a fence. 17th Piper PA25—235, VH—PPC, (3930) force landed following loss of power on approach to Jindah, Q, and was extensively damaged. 19th AESL 150, VH—AHW, (A543) damaged in a forced landing 7 miles W of Bankstown, NSW, following fuel starvation during aerobatics.

CHANGES OF OWNERSHIP VH- Type C/n Date New Owner DIP Cessna 150D 60265 261070 W.B. Crowson, Montejinnie Station, via Katherine, NT. DIU Cessna 150D 60092 061070 T.C. Comans, Hamilton Street, Kilmore, Vic. DJU Cessna 185C 0677 160970 W.T, Appleton, 72 St Lucia Rd, St Lucia, Old. € ^ DLX Beech 35-C33 CD1118 190171 Wrights Airways P/L, Box 796, Mount Isa, Old. DMH Piper PA22-160 6367 071070 P-S. Cheeseman, 153 Olinda St, Bendigo, Vic. DMS Cessna T207 00130 101170 Airfast Services, Eleventh St, Mascot, NSW. DPD Cessna 172H 55811 181170 P.A, & Y.L. Bennett, Victor Harbour, SA. DPR Cessna 172H 55998 220970 B.C. Robinson, 67 Finch St, East Malvern, Vic. DQU Cessna U206B 0892 221270 Rossair P/L, Airport, Parafield, SA. DTB Cessna 150H 67871 071270 J.R Manthorpe, 34 Pirie St, Adelaide, SA. DTD Cessna 150H 67891 110171 Rossair P/L, Airport, Parafield, SA. DTS Cessna 150H 68200 151270 Auscott P/L, 68 Pitt St, Sydney, NSW. Canadair Argus 10733 flying low and slow at Richmond. F F. Allen

Lockheed Orion NZ4205 at Richmond before the flying display. E.E. Allen

HS N mrod XV242 at R chmond. E.E. Allen

Lockheed Neptune A89—281 gave a solo display at Richmond. T.W. Boughton I

BAG Lightnings XS897, XS921 and XR765 at Laverton. D. Stephens

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CAC Winjeels A85-451 and 422 with the Roulettes at Richmond. T.W. Boughton ■■■ iiilll 'lllll ■ill iiimi I Klllllli iiiii iiii■111

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CAC Sabres in the formation flypast at Richmond. T.W. Boughton