Aviation Historical Society of Australia

Aviation Historical Society OF Australia

September — October, 1970

liii

A H.S.A. Journal Sept0mber'=Oe'tobe3r 19?0

■ J THE FIRST AUSTRALIA! OVERSEAS FLIGOT : vi l.Mo Parnell Today it is not unu^sual to encounter Australian military aircraft in various parts of the worldo The RoAoA.F. is the most active service with Oriorv^Ieptune aircraft exercising in New Zealand, the Phillipiries and Hawaiij Canberra/Caribou/Hercules aircraft in South-East Asia, and Mirages/Sabres in Malaysia and Thailand„ The present day mobility is a far cry from the time when the first R.A.AoFc flight from Australia was planned. In 1926 the Australian Goverrunent decided that a service aircraft should visit the British possessions in the PacifiCo The flight would enable experience to be gained in tropical conditions, conduct a brief aerial survey along the route, as well as **showing the flag". The route for this ambitious flight was via Papua, New Guinea, Solomon Islands New Hebrides, New Caledonia Fiji and Sain.oa. Events quickly demonstrated that the , aircraft was unable to match the ambition of the planners and ultimately only part of the route was flown. This flight was a logical extension of two earlier flights - the 1922 Curtiss Seagull's flight from Sydney to Launceston (AHSA Journal VoloIX, NooE/s) and the 1924 Fairey HID around Australia flight (AHSA Journal Vol.VI, No,IE). The aircraft selected for the flight was the new De Havliland DH-50A, AS-l, which had been accepted in England on May 4th, 19E6. Lack of landing grounds en route and the long over-water distances made the conversion to floatplane configuration essential. Following Ministerial approval in August 1926 it was assembled at No, 1 Flying Training School (F.T.S.), Point Cooke and test flown as a landplane. On September 9th the 1 aircraft, in seaplane configuration, was test flown by Group Capt, Ro Williams, who ^ would lead the flight. On returning to the slipway a wind gust swung the aircraft •L' against the wharf causing damage to the starboard wing and float. While repairs were being .made, the Secretary of the Air Board (Major P, Coleman) announced that Fit, Lt, loE, McIntyre would acco.mpany "ffiliiams as oo-pilot (replacing -/- the radio operator and thus permitting the removal of 120 lbs of radio equipment), The third member of the party was Fit. Sgt. F„So Trist, Attempts to take-off on September 24th failed and McIntyre abandoned their ij'departure for the day. At 5,50 am on Sunday the 26th, he successfuly took off and flew to'Paynesville (on the Gippsland Lakes, Vic ) , After r0,fuelling they departed for Sydney direct and passed over Bondi at SoSO pm before landing at Rose Bay, Strong headwinds ' - were encountered for most of the flight and at times, the ground speed was only 60 m,p.h. The aircraft was beached to replace a broken landing wire and to change the engine which had developed -a leak in the water jacket. The replacement engine wag obtained from the ■ Air Force's Experimental Depot at Randwick, and wag one of those supplied in 1920 with the Imperial Gift aircraft. They departed from loss Bay at 10,00 am on the E9th after McIntyre harl taxied around for half an hour to stir up the smooth wrater surface, About 5,00 pm, when near their destination of Southport, a split-pin broke in the engine controls and a landing was made in the open sea to effect repairs, Although the repair was readily effected. the seas, te.n to twelve feet, prevented a take-off and they taxied to Southport, The entrance to the harbour was missed in the failing light and the aircraft was beached through a high-running surf. A party of fifty men dragged the aircraft across the sand dunes to a lagoon, where, after minor repairs, it was taxied into calmer water in front of the Grand Hotel, Ne.xt morning the propellor wa-s found damaged and enquiries to Biehmond aerodrome indicated the only one' available was being built. The continuing series of incidents caused the acting Minister for Defence, Mr, Marr) and Air Board members to question the advisability o,f t-,h6 fli.ghtj partioul&r-ly when there was no urgency for it to be attem-pted this year. The coming monsoon season alcso supported these doubts. The ,replaoe.ment propeller vms received on October 4tb., and the flight was resumed at 6„10 am the next morning,. The aircraft was refuelled at Ma.ryboroagh. before continuing to Gladstone where it arrived at IdS pm. Again headwinds slowed the rate ©f progress. A.H^S.A* Journal -84- September-Octobor 1970

Next day they left for Bowen, where they were met by one of the two Supermarine Seagull Ill’s from Noo 101 (Fleet Co-operation) Squadron, which were assisting in the survey of the Great Barrier Reef, (for photo of Seagulls see AHSA Journal Sept. 1964). Permission to proceed was received from Melbourne on the 7th, and the next day saw them arrive at Cooktown. The weekend wub spent at Thursday Island. The next stage to Daru took ninety minutes, and a further delay was experienced ther ?fhen the propeller struck an object in the watero On the next day, the 12th, they departe for Port Moresby, but the south-east trade winds forced a refuelling stop at Kiaruku (Yule Island). They arrived at Port Morseby at 6.00 pm that night and were the guests of the Administrator, Mr. Staniforth Smith. Samarai was reached the next day after an uneventful flight lasting six hours and and fifteen rninutesi The mooring laid down for their use was unsuitable due to its expose position and a six knot current, so the aircraft was beached opposite the wireless station Their arrival was an event of some consequence as this was the first aircraft to visit Samarai, and a ball was held that evening in their honour. Unsuitable weather next morning delayed their departure until the followrlng day. To pass the time, they visited the Kvy’ato Mission School on the mainland. Considering the almost daily flying and the never-lending round of social engagements, the stamina and ©ndurance of the party must have been very high. At each port of call, their arrival was always welcome/ for visitors were few and far between. The next day’s flying was to Morobe, with a refuelling stop at Banira (120 miles north-west of Samarai). labile crossing Milne Bay, a storm front was encountered and the rain viras so intense that water sucked into the air intakes caused the engine to run rough and seriously lose power. Initially they turned back, but as the engine picked up they continued on a north-west course which kept them ahead of the fronto At Morobe, many natives witnessed the arrival in mid-afternoon, and a large portion vanished into the bush as the aircraft landed. Although it was intended to carry on that day, a heavy swell delayed their departure for another tv?o days. On the 18th they continued to Rabaul via Lindenhafen, and favourable weather conditions enabled an average speed of 80 mph to be attained. While flying along the north coast of New Britain, they sighted tv/elve large rivers which were not recorded on their' charts'. Arriving at Rabaul, they were met by Dr. Cilento (Director of Quarantine) and Commander Webb( of the Sailing Yacht ^Fratiklin^*) and after completion of formal customs/quarantine arrangements, the party was officially welcomed at Government House. The airmen were regarded with considerable awe by the local natives, as if they were from another world. ' During a two day stop-over at Rabaul, the engine was given a top overhaul (after 54 hours running) as a precaution, and the airframe was checked. A further delay of three days was caused by having to wait for Air Board permission to continue. On the 27th, McIntyre made a brief flight to study the weather conditions, and after landing, the rudder fouled the bowsprit of the launch, moS.^^Lorengau’’ causing a further two days delay. While the rudder was being repaired, a four bladed propellor, designed for the Widgeon and having a finer pitch, was fitted but due to an unbalanced condition, was not flown. On October 29th, they departed from Rabaul for Nissan, via Namtanai and the Feni Islands. The weather was stormy and heavy tropical rain started soon after their arrival at Nissan. The next morning, in good weather, they continued to Kieta (Bougainville), via Buka where their arrival evoked little action from the silently watching natives. On the following day heavy rain delayed them at the Shortland Islands for two days. The engine sump was found cracked here, but this was not considered serious, and they continued to Gizo. When attempting to depart- from Gizo, the engine vibrated and missed badly, and this was thought to be vYater in No. 5 cylinder, which had begun leaking on the previous sector. Inspection showed that another leak, this time in No. 6 cylinder was present, but after draining the water and changing the plug they were able to take-off again for Tulagi, via Manutoo Lagoon, where they arrived two days later, on November 6th. They had flo\m some

■.X A.HoSoA. Journal „85- September-October 1970

5s340 miles from Point Cooke in conditions Ffhich had seen very little aerial aotivityo Communications with Sydney were more regular than with Rabauls and they requested spare parts f-rr the Puma engine^ but the Air Board decided to send the original engine which had now been repaired by the Randwiok depot. This was shipped on November 12th, on board the SoS, "Mataram", and arrived at Tulagi on the 21st, being quickly installed and readied for the test flight. Due to the approaching typhoon aieason and the desire of the orew to spend Christmas in Melbourne, they decided to termi,nate the flight at Tulagi. ' They left Tulagi on the 23rd, and arrived at Rabaul that night after travelling via Gieo, Kieta and Soraken. This distance of 773 miles took T-l-hours to cover in reasonable weather conditions, although several detours were- necessary to olear local rain storms. Early next morning a severe storm in the Wide Bay' area forced them to return to Rabaul, Again, early in the afternoon, soon after taks-^off, another sto-m was encountered near Blanche Bay, but once clear of this the weather improved and they landed at Palmalmal in Jacquinot Bay where they spent the night. The next day they reached Arawe, after- meeting mrraerous local storms. Although they planned to leave for Finschhafan next day, heavy rainstorms prevented this until the following day, the E7th, After reaching Finschhafen, the weather improved and they continued along the ooagt past Salamaua to Buna where they stayed overnight. On the E8th they flew to Samarai via Baniara, and although heai^y rain fell after landing they continued to Port Moresby the next morning. It was intended to continue to Yule Island where they would overnight, but changing vreather forced them to remain at Port Moresby, Next morning they had difficulty taking off, finally doing so well past Paga Point, which marks the entrance to Port P Moresby harbour. Continuing unfavourable weather forced them to stop at Kerema, On December Ist, the weather had not improved but they decided to take-off for Dam, Within one and a half hours, the weather had deteriorated to such an extent that they had to put down. They landed in the Gama River, a vride but fast flowing stream, and while _ attempting to tie the aircraft up to mangroves on the sheltered side, saw two natives near a hut on the other side. As the DH-50 taxied towards them they fled into the bush. After the aircraft was tied down, the flyers waited, for the natives to re-appear, A canoe soon appeared and pulled up next to the aircraft, but it was found impossible to ; communicate with them in Pidgin English, so every~one crowded into the hut together, and i waited for the rain to stop. In mid-afternoon they reached Daru. The Resident Magistrate was very interested in the attitude of the natives as Europeans had not visited the area there for some two and a half years. Early next morning they left Daru, and after refuelling at Thursday Island, continued to Cooktown where they stayed overnight. On the 3rd. they departed early with the ; intention of reaching Gladstone via Cardwell, Bowen and Mackay, but darkness prevented this and they overnighted at Port Alma, having flown 7l6 miles in 9x hours. The next morning they continued on to Southport via Gladstone, On Sunday the 5th, the weather was fine with favourable winds and an early start was made to take advantage of this. At Port Stephens, during a refuelling stop, they decided to bypass Sydney and fly direct to Eden. The Air Board had arranged a reception at Sydney for the flyers and a formation of aircraft was sent out to escort them in. When the seaplane failed to appear, concern vms increased for their safety, but news of a sighting over Jervis Bay allayed their fears. Unsuitable weather had them grounded at Eden until the 7th, when they departed for Paynesville and Point Cooke, where they arrived in mid-afternoon. Two seaplanes were launched to escort them in but did not make contact. Six escorting S.E, 5*s and six Avro 504K's took off as soon as theywere sighted nearing Point Cooke, and escorted them to a successful ending of an epic journey. The welcoming party included Senator Pearce on behalf of the Federal Government, Commander CoW. Stevens representing the Navy Board, Lt, Commander EoK, Smart representing the military board and the Director of Civil Aviation, Lto Colonel Brinsmead., A guard of honour was formed by the 300 airmen at Point Cooke as the party walked to the Officer’s Mess for lunch. .?'• ....

Av-l.S.A. Journal -86- September-October 1970

The Prime Minister, then in London, sent the folloviring cable i- :"C0ffilMTULATI0KS ON SPLENDID ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUR FLIGHT OF 9000 MILES STOP YOU MVE DEMONSTRATED THE TroNDERFUL POSSIBILITIES OF AVIATIOjN NOT ONLY IN LINKING AUSTRALIA MORE CLOSELY WITH OUTLYING PORTIONS OF THE EMPIRE IN THE PACIFIC BUT ALSO TEE DEFENCE OF AUSTiU'iLIA Ai® ADJOINING POSSESEIOiNS" » Of the twenty-three places visited, the aircraft was the first to land at twenty of them. In his report of the flight. Group Capt, Tfilliams stated, in part "We were impressed by the hospitality of avery-one including the natives, I would say that the natives were hospitable when they were not so afraid that they took to the bush. Host of the natives had not seen a flying machine before and w'hat perplexed them most of all was that a thing so heavy could fly. The missionaries, vTho understood their language, told us that the natives described flying as "white man fashion" and "very fast too much", ifhen they overcame their first awe, the natives helped us beach the machine. Governiaent officials and others told us that the visit of the seaplane had increased the whiteman's prestige among the natives. The cloud and storms gather very quickly in this part of the world. One might start off a flight in good weather and watch local storms form and disperse all around,while in flight. Of the twenty one da3rs awajr from the Australian coast, we e,xperienced rain on thirteen days, but only on five was it so bad as to prevent progress. Visibility of up to 75 miles was experienced on clear days. A tropical radiator had been fitted by the manufacturers, but the air craft carried a reserve tank as fitted to a D.H. 9 of twenty gallons. There was no trouble with the engine overheating. Cruising at 1,275 rpm in the air the temperature was 76°. In the ten weeks taken for the flight, the aircraft was never under cover, being afloat or beached, and seven of those weeks it vras in the humid atmosphere of the tropics. With the aircraft exposed to the sun, it vras often not possible to hold one's hand on the fabric. All round the machine stood up well. The floats were made of dural, painted with white enamel. These were painted three times and no trouble with the floats were experienced. The metal parts, covered with enamel or paint, were repainted three times. There were no difficulties with the wood except at Tulagi where the aircraft was standing out for some time, and the water was trapped by the cross members holding the bottom ply skin on. Water soaked through a number of glued joints which had to be repaired. In one or two oases, the three ply had warped a little due to exposure. The fabric had the normal finish of aluminium with a coat of varnish over the top. Aviation is now developing to such an extent that Papua-New Guinea and the Solomon Islands are fast being brought ^vithin aircraft range of important points on the Australian coastline, and so must be considered as possible places in the future for advanced bases for aircraft (both for the enemy and us) should Australia be at war with a Pacific power. Consequently, it is considered for air defence purposes that Australia should be interested in obtaining all information possible in regard to facilities for operating air craft in Papua-New GMnea and the Solomon Islands". Referenoes 1. Report by Group Capt. Williams to the Air Board, 2. Nm’vspapers of various dates ; - Sydney Horning Herald (Sydney); The Argus (Melbccurrie); Papuan Courier (Port Moresby) and the Rabaul Times (Rabaul). S. Pacific Islands Monthly magazine of various dates. Acknowledgement is made of the assistance provided by the Historical Section, Dept, of Air, Canberra, in making available the report made by Group Capt. Williams. A.H.S.Aa Journal -87- September-Ootober 1970

\ The Federal Minister for Works, Senator Wright, announced in 'the Federal Parliament on October 26th, that a $10ol million contract had been i awarded to Leighton Contractors Ltdo^ for major development work at Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport. The contract allo^Ts for the extension of the north-south runway to 12,000 ft, associated taxi-ways and apron extensions around the terminal building.

The Federal Minister for National Development, Mr, Swartz, accepted delivery of new DHC=^6 Twin Otter 200 aircraft, 7H-BMG, on^ behalf of- the Bureau of Mineral Resources, at a ceremony at Canberra Airport on October 28th, The Twin Otter has been under mod- ification at Hawker De Havilland's at Bahkstown since its arrival in February.

Final agreement between the Federal Gcverrmient and the NSW State Government on the joint construction of an airstrip on Lord Howe Island, 436 miles north-east of Sydney, was announced early in October, Under the agreement, the Federal Government will provide IBfo of the estimated ll million cost^^ vThile the NSW Gcvej^nment vrill provide the balance» SWien the airstrip, of 4,000 foot length, is complete towards the end of 1971, the two Ansett Flying Boat Service's Short S,25 Sandringhams, VH-BRC and BRF, will be withdrawn from service and the Rose Bay flying boat base closed down, Ansett Airlines propose to introduce Fokker F-27 aircraft on to the route as soon as the strip is completed.

As a result of sharply increased charges for aviation fuel and Air Navigation Charges announced in the Federal Budget during August, the Australian domestic airlines increased fares by an average of 5% on September 8th, this being the second increase in six weeks, On August 1st, fares were increased by 6% to cover wage increases and the escalation of other costs,

A committee has been formed to study the future development of Mascot Airport to its utmost capacdty, and advise the Federal Government about its requirements. The committee''s'work, due to be finished by December this year, will then form the basis of a master plan for Mascot, The Mascot Airport Committee has eleven members representing DcO.A,, ail Australian airlines. Customs, Health, Immigration, oil companies, freight agents and the State Planning Authority, Among questions on future planning the coHimittee will have to study and report on are j- Cargo and maintenance facilities, the future of the domestic terminals, airline tarmac and building space requirements, provision of parallel runways, and future access roads and facilities,

ijANTAS Air?/ays started a new Perth-Hong Kong weekly service on October 26th, in competition with Cathay Pacific Airways ’who operate twice weekly on the route.

The annual report of i^NTAS Airways Ltd,, tabled in Federal Parriament on October 1st, disclosed a profit of $8,166,000 for the last financial year. The profit, which is an increase of $1,01 miillion over' the previos year, was reached after a $3,7 million increase in the tax provision to $5,631,000. Total revenue for the year was a record $160,854,482,

Caledonian Airlines Boeing 707 aircraft are operating wet lease migrant charter flights for lANTAS Airways, These have recerrt-ly been seen vdth a decal over each door stating that the aircraft is owned by Caledonian and is on charter to QAKTAS, G-AXRS seen at Sydney Airport on October 24th being an example,

Ansett Transport Industries Ltd,, the parent company of the Ansett Group of airlines, announced early in October that the group profit for the year ended June 27th was virtually unchanged at $4,1.253488, Ho’rever the taxation provision was substantially inoroaged by 11,2 raillion, vihile the depreuiation provision was decreased 'by lO,6 million. The Direotorfi said that the group revenue increased 'by 11,4,^ to a record $160,854,482, A oH o S c A o J ournal =.88» S eptember-Qotobsr 1970

Ansett Airlines of NSW announced late in September that the Fokkar F«28 Fellow ship on order for the company would be deliTsred during mid-lovember and wauld corameno© regular servioes on December ?Lstj operating Initially to Wagga^ Dubbo and Broken Hin^

MaGRobertson Miller Airlines third Fokker F~28 Fellowship^ TO-FEC "Arnhem. Land” arrived at Perth on October EOth after a three day deliver^’' flight from Holland.

East-West Airlines propose to commence operations into Tullemarine during April 1971s according to press reports early in Octobero This was later confirmed by the company*s General Manager, Mro JoGo Riley, on October iSth, when he stated that the reason for the delay was because of congestion and saturation at the combined t9rmi.aal at Essendon .Airport, It is anticipated that the domestic seetion. of the Tullamarina terminal will come into operation during April 1971 and that both Ansett Airlines and loAoAo will move there inmediately.

East-Wsst Airlines armounoed on September 22nd that the ooro.pany would be commeriGing a new weekly service from Sydney to Maroochydore on Saturday, December lOth, Maroochydore 70 miles north of Brisbane, is in the centre of the area known as the "Sunshine Coast" which is a popular tourist and holiday resort^. This is the first time the area has had and air service direct from Sydney, previously having received limited serc.riG9s from Brisbane by various operators.

The last commercial passenger Yiscount flight in Australia took place on August 18th when T.A,Ao*s YH-TYP flew from Canberra to Essendon on Flight 473, The last commercial flight was on August 28th when the aircraft, then used as a freighter flew from Hobart to Essendon, Flights would have continued except that a truck damaged th© aircraft causing its ivithdrawal from service.

With an increasing pure jet fleet T.A<,A, withdrevr their first Electra from passenger service on October 31st, It was used for orevr training for a period before being stored.

All the comrauter airline services being operated by Nationwide Air Services Pty, Ltd, ceased on October 30th, The company operated services from Brisbane to northern NSW centres of Casino, Lismore, Grafton, Goffs Harbour, Inverell and Glen Innes, The service to Morse had stopped on September 25th, The General Manager of Nationwide, Capt, John Barnes, stated that rising costs, especially the recent G-overrjnent increase in fuel tax had made services most uneoonomio.

The directors cf the Cootamundra, NSW, based Masling Ai,rlines, announced on Sept ember 24th, that the Bank, of NSW had appointed a receiver to the company - at the request of the directors. The founder of the com.pany, Mr. JoA, Masling, resigned his position as chairman early in Oetober, while newspaper reports stated that the company had lost a large amount of money. At the request of the Receiver, Mr, H, Quinton, Ansett Airlines of NSW are providing management support to the companyj meanwhile a portion of the route structure has been trimmed. Services between Albury and Melbourne, Newcastle and Brisbane were discontinued early in October ,

Thai Airways International is expected to start services between Bangkok and Sydney on April 1st, 1971, Thai International will become the 17th international airline and the 6th Asian airline to operate services to Sydney, Initially services are expected to be on a weekly basis, building up to twice weekly.

Islander YH-ISA was noted at Perth during late September in the markings of Preston Air Charter (see photo on back page) fitted with a tail boom for survey work. Another survey aircraft operating in WcA, recently vras the DHC-2 Beaver YH-SMi which vras at Jandakct on October 18th. AoH S 0Ao Journal ..89^ September-Ootober 1970

The ParciTal Proctor ¥H-GGB^ wHicn has stood at Parafield^, SA, for soma time in a deteriorating oondition., was, burnt on October End^ in a DGA fire praoticec The remains were dumped at Sto Kilda, SA, on November 4tho It had previously supplied parts for ^ Proctor TO-SCC.

An unusual visitor noted at Sydney Airport on October 24th was a Grumman Gulfstream 2, PH^FJP, of the Phillips Organisation^ th; ' h o

At present based in Darwin^ and'used for Supply flights from there to Timika mining camp on the south coast of West Irian^ is Fairchild FH«227^ N228X^ c/n 96\^ owned by Freeport Indonesia Companyo The aircraft replaces the Catalina Model 28-5ACF^ K68740., which was used^ landing on the water at Timika^ until the land airport was completedo

Further to the listing of Fuji FA-EOO aircraft in Australia detailed in the November December 1969 issua^ only one further machine has arrived to datOo C/n 44 was assembled during July 1970 by Port Augusta Air Services and test flown using a trade plate call sign ¥H«FIYo It was delivered to Moorabbin during August as ¥H-FJNo

Hicks Aviation Skyvan, TO-FSG^ was used to transport a damaged Cessna 172D, 'VE-SWB of West Coast Air Taxis from Meekatharra to Jandakot WA^ late in October^ The Cessna had force landed on October 23rd during a flight from Meekatharra to Wilunao

Bush Pilot^s Airways have recently taken deliveiy of an Islander, ¥H«BPV, c/n lS4o It is reported that the firm traded in Aztec on the Islander^ I JHA-S Drover 3^ YH-FDS, has now appeared in its fourth colour scheme variation since being purchased by Murchison Air Services in July 1969o It arrived in full Royal - Flying Doctor Service colours but these were replaced in August by Murchison*s bronze and white colours, but with no sign-writingo In July 1970 the legend **Southern Airlines” was painted on the upper fuselage but during October this was removed and replaced by the word Murchisono A painting of a ”murbird” appears next to the dooro The aircraft will be used on scheduled flights from Perth to Rottneet Island up to fourteen times a day during the summer holiday period.

The Latrobe Valley Division of the Ultra Light Aircraft Association is at present reaching the final stage on construction of a Corby Starlet registered VH-ULV, the second to be built in Australiao The aircraft is fitted with a 1^,600 go Volkswagen enginSo At least five other Starlets are understood to be under construction.

A small fly-in was held at Yfaikerie on October lithe About 25 aircraft attended,

the most interesting being Auster JIB VH-AYJ and KAQ>5 Waco YKS-6 VH-UYD, Cessna A150K’ VH-RDO,. Chipmunk VH-UPD^ Fuji FA-200 VH-FJU. The remainder were Cessna and Piper types a

The first around Australia helicopter flight ended at Eagle Farnij Qld, on September 25tho The Bell Jet Ranger, YE- , was flown by John Stanwix, with Pat Long as GO“pilot» The flight took more than 80 flying hours and covered about 9^000 miles» Total time for the flight, which included sales demonstrations, was five weeks.

The first Boeing 747 to be seen in Australia, arrived at Sydney Airport on October 4th under the command of Capt,, Wo Saulsberiy. The aircraft, N734PA, was some nine hours 35 minutes late for the scheduled arrival time of 8o55 am. It departed for the U.S.A. via Fiji at 10o05 pom.

A hot air balloon of polyester film sheets joined by adhesive tape made from fibre glass and polyester, test flew in the grounds of Gladesvills Mental Hospital, Sydney on October E4th. The 43 foot diameter balloon was built by Phillip Kavanagh, of Hunters A^HnS.A. Journal September-October 1970

Hill5 and his wife Wendy^ brother Davids and John Holmes of Concord, The group hope to make a long distance f'.i'^ht next October in the balloon which holds two peoplOo

A company has been fomed in Sydney to manufacture hovercrafto The firm^ Taylor- craft (Air Cushion Vehicle s) Ptyo Ltd. is a subsidiary of LNC Industries^ a motor distributor.

Mro Tom Warner, the ra-^io operator on Sir Charles Kingsford Smithes epic 1928 trans» Pacific flight in the ’^Southern Crcs£‘V, died in California^ USA, on October Srd^ aged 79^ Mr. Warner was the last surviving member of the crew. I , The first five of the tiYenty-four F«4E Phantom aircraft leased by the RAAF "'.arrived at Amberley PAAF Base on September 14th^ after the delivery flight across the Pacific ' *ia Guam. Six aircraft set out but one had to turn back / soon after leaving Guam ?fith engine trouble. The Phantoms will be used by NOo^s 1 and 6 Squadrons virhich are components of 82 TiTingo The aircraft are in USAF type caraouflage with USAF serials^ but v'd.th PiAAF roundels in place of the star and bars. The ferry flight was led by Wing Cmdr^ Ro Frosty temporary commander of 82 Wing. The second delivery of six arrived on September 19th «« this batch including the one which had returned to Guamo The last two of the twenty-four arrived at Amberley on October 4tho All of the aircraft were grounded for one day after a failure in the arrestor wire at Amberley caused an aircraft to be badly damaged when it left the runway on landing.

Delivery of the Phantoms has given rise to discussion as to whether the RAAF should purchase Boeing 707-3E0 tanker/transport aircraft, to operate in conjunction with the F~4E*s„ It has been reported that the Dept, of Air has given a report to the Defence Depto of their requirements and that six aircraft should be ordered.

An RAAF Iroquois made a forced landing in a mangrove swamp near Nui Dat, South Vietnam, on October 7th, The four RAAF and five Army members on board escaped injury.

Two Orions and tvuo Sleptunes left for lew Zealand on September 28th to take part in exercises with hew Zealand maritime forces, aircraft and ships. The exercises, vdiich commenced on September 28th will last until October 12th.

An RAAF Flight Lieutenant whose Dakota aircraft clipped the mast of a trimaran off Darvj-in during August, has lost six months seniority as a result of charges laid against him by the RAAF,

The GAG Mustang Mk,23, A68-170, which has been on display at the RAAF Stores Depot at Toowoomba, Qld,, for many years is expected to be transferred to RAAF Base Point Gook, for restoration and display there.

The RAAF is evaluating a new steel grey uniform in place of the traditional navy blue used since before the Second l^'

It was reported in the financial review on September 1st that the RAAF has post poned for about five years its search for a light piston engined trainer to replace the Winjeel basic trainer. Aircraft evaluated to date have been the A.E.S^Li. Airtourer 150, Fuji FA-200 and the Siai Marchetti SF-260.

The Jindivik Mk,3B - the latest model of the GAP designed and built pilotless jet target aircraft - has exceeded 600 mph, and can operate to an altitude of 68,000 feet. This was disclosed in the Defence report released recently, which also comments that one Jindivik, used for crew training at Woomera is expected to complete 200 flights in 1970. A.H.S.A, Journal =91- September-October 1970

Economicallys the Jindivik progranme has also performed well. The report says else where that the Jindivik, up to the end of June had earned about $20 million in overseas sales and that of 434 aircraft ordered to date, 400 will be produced by the end of this year. Further expected orders will ensure that the Jindivik will continue to be in production for some considerable time.

Air Force Week displays at RAAF bases, together with open days, were not held again this year due to "heavy MAF commitments in Australia and overseas". Flypasts were made over ceremonies held in most capital cities and some country towns.

In late August two Ganberras were involved in a mid-air collision near Phan Rang, South Vietnam. The starboard wingtip of A84-246 hit the port elevator of A84-233, Both aircraft suffered slight damage and landed safely. During mid-September a Dakota ran off the runway at Buttenvorth after being hit by a 25 knot gust. The aircraft hit a distance to run sign before stopping. There was a thunderstorm in the area.

'At Nowra on September 18th, the first of ten Macchi MB326H to be delivered to the R.A.N S N14-072 coded 866, was noted. It is understood that the RAN Macchi serials run from N14-072 to 081. The aircraft was finished in the orange and white scheme with a black code letter on the nose and "NAVY" on the fin.

The Royal Navy is to fit tne Australian designed and developed Ikara missile system to their tv/enty-four Leander class frigates, The missiles will be built in Britain by Vickers Ltd. at Barro’w-in-Furness.

Noted at the R.A.N. Apprentice Training Establishment, HJIAS Nirimba, at Schofields, NSW on September 21st, were the following ground instructional aircraft. Sea Venom F(AW)53, yG898 coded lW-874 and VE937 coded 862-Mj Fairey Firefly TffidSS coded 845; Grumman S-2A Tracker 133160, The Tracker was transferred recently from Nowra and is to replace the Firefly. An inspection of the instructional airframes at Nowra Naval Air Station revealed Sea Venom WZ895 coded 870-M, Tifestland Wessex ?ifA217, Grumman S-2E Tracker 151646 and complete control system of a crashed Iroquois, N9-881.

On September 30th, the Minister for Air, Senator Drake-Brockman, outlined new rules on the use of Air Force V.I.P. aircraft. He said in the Senate that members of the Royal family, the Governor General and the Prime Minster could approve their own flights and were responsible for approving people travelling in their party. For other people, the only authorities who could approve V.I.P. flights were the Governor General, the Prime Minister and the Minister for Air.

Senator Drake-Brockman left Canberra on October 7th to inspect the Learmonth air field at Exmouth Gulf, to see the RAAF facilities and progress on the extensions to the base. Noo5 Airfield Construction Squadron will move into Learmonth in November for major reconstruction work. The advance party has been there since March 1970.

The United States Government has informed the Australian Government that___ it i s withdrawing from the multi-million dollar communications development Project Mallard, In 1967 Australia, Canada, Britain and the U.S. decided to build the $126 million project. The viTithdrawal was the result of a congressional decision.

An attempt to place a sattelite in orbit from Woomera on September 2nd, failed when the three stage Black Arrov/ vehicle did not achieve sufficient velocity. The sattelite, OpA^ - a gold plated 180 lb thirty inch sphere vras designed to go into a near polar elipbical orbit at heights between 220 and 620 miles to study upper air density, ^The 200th Skylark rocket fired from Woomera was launched on October 14th. It went to a neight of 170 miles to study X-ray source positions. ApHoSoAo Journal -9E™ September-October 1970

Air Display « RAAF Bass Pearce. Lo AndersoELo An air display was held at this base on October 25tb., in order to allow the residents of Perth to inspect eight Mirage aircraft of 76 Squadron that had arrived from WilliamtowD-j ISW, on October 23rdc The display, organised at short' notice attracted about lOjOOO people^ and featured sonic booms by the Mirages^ aerobatics by Maoohl instructors and a rescue demonstration by an IroquoiSo Aircraft noted were s- Iroquois A2»S90/715o Mirage IIIO(F) A3-3, 9, 20, 24 and 44. Mirage HID AS-lOl, 103 and 106. Macshi MB3E6H A7-001, 004, 006, 009, Oil, 012, 015, 016, 017, 018, 019, 021, 02E, 023, 024, 025, 029, 030, 031, 033, 035, 036, 037, 038, 040, 041, 042, 043, 044, 045, 046, 047, 048, 050, 051, 052, 053, 054, 056, 066, 069, 070. HS 748 A10»603 Dakota A65~91, 102 Vampire A79-603, 821.

Papua- Hew Guinea Notes. Early in September the Papua-New Guinea Administration stated in the House of Assembly, that it had considered purchasing Papuan Airlines but due to several factors including the lack of definite ambitions on international services, decided against the proposal. In the following debate a number of motions were submitted, that the Admin istrators share in the new company should be increased from 20% to 49%, but all were .. defeated.

At a cocktail party for the Pacific Area Travel Association, at Lae on October 4th, the General Manager of Ansett Airlines of Papua-New Guinea, Mr. PoD. Steadman, spoke of the benefits that tourists could bring if the Guam-PNG air link was completed.

Two new airstrips were opened in Papua-liev; Guinea during early October. The first was at Sio in the Kabwum sub district where the Morobe District Commissioner attended the opening of the airstrip and new aid post. The second was at lokea (lOO miles from Port Moresby) where at 2,000 foot runway was opened after several years work by the local people, the United Church, Dept, of Public ii'iorks and its owners, the East Kerema Council. The airstrip will be used by Aerial Tours thrice weekly third level service in Papua.

The Post Courier newspaper records an unusual charter = even for Papua-New Guinea. "This was a drinking charter. More than thirty people booked a DC-3 to take 'em to Goroka, Madang and Lae, for several hours drinking in each spot". As they say, it's the only way to flyl

Cessna 182 VH-DFQ returned to service with the South Pacific Aero Club at Port Moresby in mid-September after Territory Airlines had repaired it. On September 29th two Bell Iroquois A2-649 and 507 were noted at Port Moresby.

Oh September 26th Piper Aztec, VH-SPM, crashed while flying from Kokoda to Port Moresby, killing the pilot, Richard Smith, and three passengers. Although the wreckage was located on October 1st, the ground party did not reach the crash site until the 15th due to weather and dense jungle. ______

MILITARY AFFAIRS, the journal of militaiy history, including history, theory and tech nology, is published for the American Military Institute by the Dept, of History, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, 66502, USA, The articles, while covering a wide field, are very academic in their approach and expect the readers to have a good knov/ledge of the subject. Anyone interested may write direct to the above address. A H c S,Ao J ournal -93»^ S ©ptembe r-Octobar 19 ?0

Air Display - Bank,stown; HSW

On September EOth., as part of Ariat 70 and festlYities to celebrate the ?5th annlYsrsary of local goYsrnment in the Bankstown districts an airshowWas held at’ Bank£town Airportc- Iher® was a great Tariety of airoraft on show^ from, a QAITAS Boeing ■ 707-='338G down to the ultra light Emeraiide:, Perhaps the highlight of the display was the ”beat.-up** hy HlawarraW two Mustangs^ ifd-BOY a,ud BOZj vAo made mook attacks on. a CoMoFo battsry'o Iftiile the local aTxation magazines praised ”the fast moTlng programm© keeping the crowd on its to6s''<, ecnfirmed airshovr watchers found the display rather drawn outj with large gaps between, each STento The weather was fine during the morning but gradually clouded OYer although it'did not X’ain. Organisers had expected some- lOOiOOO people to attendbut only some 40*000 turned up. Perhaps in the future,organisers should not advertise their estimated attendance* as it tends to put people off knowing there may bs such a large crowd. Trade demonstrations were kept down to a flypast of sing;le engined types* and then twin engined types, with an Islander* Skyvan and Airtruk performing separately. An Agwagon and a Fletpher gave crop spraying demonstrations. Another highlight was a very loos© formatiem of three Beech 17*s which made a pass aling the runway. Aircraft present were S ” Auster 7H-E0I, EGA. Douglas DC-3 YH-EQO* EDO* EDD Airtourer mÊQA, EQG, Ami, MOI* GTM* M7A, Sea Fury YH-BOU Aiii^ruk W-TEX (t/p) c/n 932. Hughea 500 CBM (t/p) ' Aero 146 7H-DUB Beaver YH-AAY* AAX* IDK Commander ■yH-EXD HS-1E5 'VH-EGE, EOF. Caribou A4-233 Cessna 310 WI-CAZ* RIX* EGY* FJW Cessna 180 ASS--’144 Cessna 172 YH-EPD* KLJ* RJE, DFT Chipmunk 'VHÂKB, RIK, eye* EYf. CBS* DEK, KFA, DQK Callair YH-IffR Cessna 402 YH-RZF* RZI Boeing 707 YH<-’EBP(did not land) Cessna 207 YH-DFiS Beech 17 YH-ACU* MJE* UXP. Drover '^TH-lOO* TJMA Beech 23 YK-igR I'lavion tH-WA Beech 33 YH-DHL* TPX Taylor Cub YH=.BPK Beech 36 ra-ILT* ILS* ILY, GAG, TEC* AWC* EHH* DUN. Beech 55 YH-WBR* SQL. Mooney MEO ’^-ERG Beech 65 YH-SLB* AMG, Piper PA24 YH-¥fCS* PAW* Kingair YH-BIB Piper PAE7 'VE-IAC* AYW* AYE* PFD Beagle Pup YH-EPA* EPE* EPD Piper PA28 YH-DDO* PBB* RRF* PXJ Bell 47G Al-672 RSN* TPD* PBF. Bell 47J YH-Iffi) Piper PA18 YH-RRG Bristol 170 W-EJQ Puss Moth YH-ITQB Fletcher Fu24 YH-EPZ* SOD Skimmer YTi-ARB Dart Kitten YH-WGL Skyvan TO-FSH Cessna 150 iÎ-ACI, Rh*y* DFD* KPY, RDJ, Piper PA23 YH-CAR Swearingen YH-CAJ Fuji FA200 YH-FJI Agwagon 'YH-KYG, RIK* Cessna 182 W-EIP* EHX Emeraude YH«FWB* DBJ, IGG Minicab YH-SZT Thorp To 18 YH-AGE* RCD, Gloucester Fly-in. Eighteen aircraft attended a very successful fly-in and barbeque at Gloucester* NSW, on August 9tho This airfield is approximately 140 miles NNE of Sydney. Among those who attended were* Kelvin Gore in his Emeraude W~IGG, Ralph Dand in Thorp YE-RCD* Keith Attneave Jodel D9 YH-CYS* Dr* Rob Jelliffe Jodel Dll YH-DEJ* Jack Davidson in DH-82A YH-BGX, Jack Zapletal Minicab \Ti-SZT and Alex Oliver in Klemm Swallow 'VH-UTJR* Other airoraft inc.l.a.-ded a Turbulent YH-Fvffi* a Taylor Cub* Sundowner YH-RJE* an Auster* Cessna 160* several i7g*s and 18?,*s and a Gherokee 140, All of the ultra-lights attending, as well as Ale.x Oliver*gave demonstrations of their aircraft. A.H.S.A, Journal -94- September-October 1970 AETICLES B’OR THE JOUEIJIL Please do not forget, that the Journal is always in need of articles, short medium or long, on some facet of Australian aviation military or civil,J Help the Journal Committee to help you.

THE GRAY IvlONOPLANE Perhaps one of the most intriguing aircraft held by the Camden Museum of Aviation is this unfinished homebuilt,(see photo inside back cover). As the aircraft was never completed a full analysis of the type can not be given, however, below are a few notes on what was intended with the aircraft. The origianl patent was obtained and granted in October 1928, This was the Common wealth Patent No, 16113/28. Other countries were Great Britain 337480, France 682871, ti.S.A. 1,820613, Canada 315593, Italy, Germany and others (not specified). Patent rights were taken out first and then the construction of the plane. Briefly the invention was as follows A VARIABLE 'inKG INCIDENCE CONTROL Vihioh varies the angle of attack whilst in flight. A PAIR OF VERTICAL RUDDERS which are operated in the ordinary way as steering rudders and when caused to open out, act in the manner of an air brake whereby reducing the run after landing. A \'vheel in the pilot’s cockpit operates the simple mechanism which varies the angle of attack of the v/ing and at the same time opens out the vertical rudders, their use a steering rudders still being maintained. The control mechanism is positive in its action and remains in the position to where it is moved by the pilot. The control wheel is placed in a convenient position in front of the pilot where it can be operated by the left hand, leaving free use of the right hand for "stick" control. Provision is also made where by the vertical rudders can be operated independantly of the v/ing incidence control by a simple and improved type of rudder bar which opens out the rudder for braking and and assisting in spinning recovery. Mr, Gray claimed that an aeroplane fitted with the features of this invention would have had many advantages over the ordinary type of aircraft, and in addition to slowing the speed of the aircraft in landing, it had the distinct adx’-antage of increasing the high speed of the aircraft, the latter being brought about by reducing the angle of attack of the wing to zero or a slight negative angle, thereby reducing the wing drag to a minimum. Some of the advantages to be gained when using this patented combination are - The distance of approach to a landing field lessened and the gliding angle steepened. The "holding off" period reduced oonsiderablj''. The run after landing shortened apprec- iably, The risk of nosing over lessened when a bad vrheel landing is made or when the wheels strick a small ditch. It permits a shorter take-off, the high speed increased. By the use of the vertical rudders when opened, a quicker recovery from stalled flight and spinning can be effected (wing incidence in this case, of course, is not increased), the autorotatioa of the tail is checked easier and earlier, and flying speed regained with less loss of height. The wing could be moved up to a 50® angle of incidence. Technical details were Span 26- 0" Length (not shoim because of allowance for the type of engine to be fitted, would have been approximately 24*.0" Chord (max) 4* 9" Wing Area (Incl. ailerons) lEl-S/s sq.ft. Chord (tip) 3’ If Aileron area (each) T-g- sq.ft. Chord (ave) 4’ s|-" Rudder area 5-|- sq.ft. Psfing loading 5-l/l2th lbs,/sq.ft. Fin area 7# sq.ft. Weight (empty) 420 lbs Elevator area 7# sq.ft. Useful load 225 lbs Stabiliser area 9.4 sq.ft. Total weight 620 lbs Power loading (Henderson engine--?,? h.p,) Fuel capacity 3 gallons 23 lbs par h.p. Oil capacity 3 quarts Est. landing speed 26 m.p.ho AJio S,A« Journal -95- September-^October 1970

Mfo Gray converted a four cylinder Henderson motor cycle engine^ but was not satis fied ¥^ith the bench test performances because of the lack ofreseirve power that he considered necessary for the design. The engine was sold to a Mr^y Darcy Shipman and pro'ved satisfactory in his small aircraft, Mfo Gray was born at Southgate^ Clarence Hiver^ near Grafton, NSW, in March 1888, He attended Southgate Public School and LavTrence until he was 14 years of age^ He studied books on engineerings taught himself to braize and weld various kinds of metals, and also fitting and turningo He taught himself to drive an English **Star” motor oar with a chain drive which had been given to him to overhaul in 1907o Mro Gray commenced business in his own right at the age of IS years in Casino, HSI?^ The business was a general type. After five years he shifted to Parramatta, MSW, an outer Sydney suburb,opening a similar business and later a garage at the corner of the Great Western Hoad and Church Street, At a later date he commenced a private hire oar and taxi service with a fleet of five oars as tim.8 went on. He then joined the staff of a large agricultural manufacturing and distributing company as a sales organiser. During i^'vorld War Two he joined Somierdales of Stanraore, doing gear cutting, fitting and turning and general engineering duties, Mr, Gray died on March 31st 1964, It seems a pity that the construction of the aircraft did not reach a stage of final completion and tested the unique patents of Mr. Gray. The aircraft is now on permanent display at the museum and provides an interesting view of an exercise in aircraft design. ______^WEEHEHD AIR TRIAL 1970 The annual "Weekend lews" Air Trial was held over the weekend, October lo/llth. The first competitor was flagged off at Jandakot at 8.00 am on the 10th by the Minister for Civil Aviation, Senator Cotton. This aircraft, a Cessna 172, W-FBL, w'as follov/ed at two minute intervals by the other competing aircraft. Four Perth newspapers gave the number of aircraft competing at 56, 58, 55 and 54 - but none were correct, in fact there v/ere 51 aircraft. Although there were 57 numbers allocated, six were not taken up. The course was from Jandakot to Kalgoorlie, via Kellerberrin and a number of secret check points, thence after overnighting at Kalgoorlie, they flew on to Weebo Station, where they lunched and returned to Kalgoorlie for the finish of the trial. The trial was not a "race" as points were awarded for navigation, flying skill, landmark recognition and the like, and prizes were awarded for these aspects and also for point to point flights, however, the overall winner was Mr. Graeme Doyle in Cessna 172 7H«CXC, second was Mr. Tom Scott in Cessna 177 VH-DZB and third placegetter was Mr. Bob McAndrew in Cessna 172 VH-UES. The fifty-one aircraft in the trial were Cessna 172 ! ~ ¥E~FBL (1), 7H~RWG (2), TO-ASf/G (3)/¥H-UES (4), 'VH-DPE (5), \Ti-RYM (6), YH-EFF (sh'TO-GXC {9), VH-DKP (log VH-RLF (ll), VE-DM (22), ¥H~EFC (54), W.-IAG (57). Piper PA~22 TH-PAE (12) Cessna 170 YH~DFS (13) Cessna 150 TH-DTM (M) Cessna 175 m-sm (19) Cessna 177 YH-DZB (21) Piper PASO YS-IWB (29) Beech 33 TE-DYD (30) Mooney 21 YH-FlSK (34) Beech 35 YE-TYX ( 31) Gardun Horizon;- YH-CJZ (44) Beech 36 IZ2) IH Chipmunk YH-FEK (56) Piper PA24 YE-CYI (33) Piper PA28R t- Yli-PGG (35b YH.~CYP (36) Fuji FA200 Yli-FJH (23), Yli-FGL (24) Airtourer YE~TPY (20), YE-MOO (27) Beech 23 VH_RWA, (47), YH-TYII (48), YH-CPO (49), FE-CTl (50), YH-DYJ (5l) Cessna 182 YH-cox (15), m-ma (39), ye-krq (40), yh-dqq (4i), yh~gsi (42), YH-EIO (43). Piper PA28 YE-.CTJ (16), YII-CLB (17), YH-TSA (18), YH-Evffi (25), YH-PEE (26), YE-TIvil (45), W.-PEO (46), YE-CYK (55), Ths figures in parentheses are the race numbers allocated to the aircraft. Aero Corntflander YII-ELE was the Press aircraft for the trial, and had the word PRESS painted -- / ...

=96- AoH.SoAo Journal September-October 1970

in large letters on the fuselage. Senator Cotton flew up to Kalgoorlie in F-E7, 'VH^TFEs to peat the competitors as they arrived. A late entrant was Mrs. Bonnie Quintal, who is tlying Cessna 172, ¥H.=IAG, around Australia as a fly-a=thori to raise money for the Norfolk Island hospital.

AVIIT 70 DISPMY « JANDIKOT, September 27th. The Aviat 70 air pageant held af Jandakot Airport on this date was the first air-show held in Perth for mors than five years, and was also the largest ever held in the state. The display was organised by the Air Force Assooiation and attracted about 30g000 people 0 Aircraft on static display Inoluded Spitfire Mko22, PK481, Maechi MB.326H-S, A7=035 and 044, Iroquoi-s AE-390, King Air tH-DYN, Super Cub W-RTM, Tiger Moth TO--FAS, Gypsy Moth VE-ITIO, Stinson Eeiiant, and the cabin section of Super’Courier, YH^KTY (being rebuilt after storm damage) and different examples of the Beech, Cessna and Piper range. The flying programme commenced at 9.30 am with the arrival of visiting aircraft! which consisted mainly of commuter aircraft flown down from Perth but also included a' number of country' based aircraft auoh as Chipmunk TO»RSK (now painted all over yellow), Cessna'170 VH-DFS, Jodel D„9 YH-CJB, Yiota Airtourer Cessna 172 W-SGa/Csssna’lSO Cessna 182 VH-CBIP, Bonanza YH-^TfX, Cherokee \?E=.3GF and Cessna 172 YH-TfPO (based in Victoria): Throughout the morning joyrides were conducted at $4.00 per adult and IS.OO for children/ and the aircraft used were mainly Fuji FASOO’s and Cherokees, although larger types such as the Islander TOÎSA and Navajo VH=RT0 were also used. After the joy^ rides there was a demonstration of parachute jumping from Cessna 180 VH-RG? followed by a display of radio controlled model aircraft. Several gliders were then put through their paces after being towed aloft by Cessna 175, VH-RDU and Cessna 172 Va-GBIi. The flying display proper got under way with a flypast of eight twins - Navajo's VH-RTO And CJB, Cessna 402A VE-TIV, Kingair VH^DYN, Commander 680E VH-GAY, Islander VH-ISA Mitsubishi Mu»2B VH=B’SE and Queenair VH-CFD. This was followed by a solo performance of .. the HS-125 VH-BBJ. After the luncheon break and official opening, the flying continued with a novelty item by Cessna ISO's of the Royal Aero Club, and Pawnee VH=FBI. Tiger Moth VH=FAS then • - gave an aerobatic display. ^'hsKL this aircraft was landing, it became evident that its radio must have'been unserviceable as it cut in front of Twin Bonanza VH-KPB which was oh final approach, and was forced to go around, The Pawnee VH-DAZ then gave a cropdusting solo. The nextitem was a display by the'EAAF Iroquois A2-715, after which Mr, Ted Acres, three time Australian aerobatic champion , displayed the Fuji VH-FGI. The women's air race was the next event on the programme with Cessnas and Cherokees being the most popular mounts. Tiger VH-FAS being the slowest and Baron VH-FIT the fastest aircraft participating. This handicap race required each aircraft to fly three laps of the airport, but over a personal VHF receiver, the pilots of some aircraft were told to cut the corners of the course and close up the gaps to make it a more exciting finish for the' crowd. The ultimate "winner” is therefore unimportant. The next' event was Cessna 185 VH=DGL which gave another cropdusting display followed which flew without its canopy. Macchis A7-011 and 017 which had landed earlier, then took off and performed various stunts and manoeuvers. On completion of this event eleven parachutists jumped from the Skyvan VH-FSG for a free fall demonstration. The next item was listed as Jodel D.Q VH=CJE but as events were running behind and a flight of Macchis had arrived in the vicinity, this item was cancelled. The Macchis, A7-.002 023, 025, 031 and 041 gave a display of formation flying and aerobatics.: The last item was an excellent display by the two Jet Rangers VH-BHV and BHW, After this the joyriding continued with the addition of Drover VH-FDS. ShortlyT' after two more interesting aircraft arrived =■ luster Arrow VH-AFD and Cessna 180 VH-lfIT. The display was carried out in a professional manner and was very well received by the public. The only aspect that marred the day's proceedings was the three hour delay in driving half a mile from the parking area to the main gate, but, of course, these traffic jams occur at most venues which are well attended by the public. A.H.S.A. Journal -97- September-October 1970 Australian Civil Aircraft, 1/H-UIL Avro Avian IIIA c/n 146 Sept.28 to June.46 After one of the wheels had fallen from the aircraft in the air on March 4th, 1937, the Avian was badly damaged in the subsequent forced landing. It was owned by Mr. George Read and was under lease to Intercity Airways. The pilot, Sqdn. Ldr. D.E. Stodart was not aware of the loss of the wheel and made a normal landing at Mascot shortly before 7.00 am. The aircraft ran for a short distance then the axle dug in and the Avian slewed and overturned. The upside down occupants were rescued by the local mechanics. Stodart suffered minor internal injuries while Mr. Kitagavfa, a Japanese wool buyer was not injured. De Havilland DH-60G c/n 834 Juno29 to Nov.38 Mr. NcWo Roberts, a student pilot, was practising turns w'hen the aircraft went in to a spin above the Brisbane River on December 8th, 1937. It crashed into 25 feet of water, but the pilot escaped with bruises and slight shock. The aircraft, which had been owned by Light Aeroplanes Ltd,, virtually fell to pieces when it was lifted from the water by a crane. ¥H.,UJS DH-.50A (QANTAS built) c/n 6 Jan.29 to Deo.37 At the inquest which was held on February 9th, 1938 into the deaths of four victims of the crash of DH-50 "\/lI=UJS on the Yeppoon side at the mouth of Barweil Creek near Rockhampton on December 2nd, 1937, the pilot Yif.O. Weaber (19) said that the tredgedy had occurred because the aircraft had got out of his control. The machine had flown 3,000 hours and the engine had been in good condition. It had been purchased from a Mr. To O'Dea. On leaving Yeppoon, he follo?red the coastline south for about three minutes then thought that the engine was short of vwater as it seemed to be running rough and decided to return. He shut off the engine and went into a gliding turn to the south. The plane hit a bad bump at about 150 feet and stalled, going into a tailspin. It turned over twice and the pilot was just about to right It when the crash occurred. ¥H=ÛAH De Havilland ffl-60G c/n 245 Augo26 to Jan.46 The aircraft was damaged during a landing at Mascot on March 19th, 1937. Mr. J, Duggan, a student pilot, noticed two people standing near the edge of the landing strip, as he was approaching to land. On touching down he lost sight of them thoughtthey may have walked into his flight pathj and turned out of wind, but the Moth went onto its nose damaging the propelior and undercarriage. It was owned by Kingsford Smith Air Services, Tffi-IJFA DH-50A (QANTAS built) c/n 1 Dec.26 to Deo.37 Three passengers and the pilot were slightly injured when the aircraft crashed during a landing after dark at Cairns, Qld, on December 1st, 1937. The aircraft, owned by North Queensland Airways, was making a special flight with £5,000 worth of gold from the Peninsula goldfield, Batavia, and reached Cairns at 7.40 p.m. The landing flares were set for landing, but when making his approach the engln® faltered and the DH~.50 lost height rapidly, crashing into a small clearing in nearby mangroves. TH.UJZ Avro Avian I? c/n 202 Jan.29 to Mar.32 The three occupants of this aircraft had a narrow escape when it crashed'at Harrington, NSW on January 5th, 1932. The pilot was Mr. T.J.Pethyridge with i'ô' Pur\’-is and W.'Kingsford Smith as passengers. They had been in the district for some time making passenger flights, arriving at Harrington on the 4th, with the intention of flying to a neighbouring town the next morning. A fairly strong wind was blov'vlng across the field as it took off, rising well to 150 feet for some distance v/hen the nose of the machine sudd enly pointed down. The pilot was able to level the aircraft just before it flew into a patch of small tea-tree. The noise of the crash attracted a number of people half a mile away, and they arrived in time to see the occupants crawl from the wreckage. The engine was salvaged but the remainder was abandoned. A.H„S.A„ J ournal -98= SeptemberÔotobQr 1970

Model-Airs Iritemat-ional is a new monthly publication directed tb loPoMoSo members in lorfehern Californiao It repilaces tha IPMS Nor Cal NewSo The arxsiual subscription is lUSScOO. The first edition contai.ns information-on new kit release-Sg a brief history of the IISAF 1st Fighter Wing (Ineludirig marking details of the 84th Fighter Interceptor Squadron aircraft = P=47Dg F=84Eg F-86Fg F-IOIB and F-106) and oonTersiPa details for Chuck Hall’s modified Mustang N7?lBCg ”Miss RoJo**. Enquiries should be'directed to Model-Aire Internationalj PoOo Box 257g SausalitOg California, 84965_s U.SoA.

Another new organisation is The International Air Photo Exchangee Briefly, the aims of this group is to proTide a medium through v/hioh bona-fide aviation photographers may sell or exchange materialj to arrange press faoilities for photographersj to arrangs a library of aTiatioa pho'tographs for sale to the press or general publioj and to introduce members to others with like interests. Membership is open to photographers over 21 years of age for a period of twelve months and a fee of £lo75 sterling. Enquiries should be directed to The International Air Photo Exchange, 79 Manor Way, Deeping St, James, Peterborough, England. RENEITALS This time of the year has come around again. Please send your renewals in promptly as this makes the Treasurer’s job much easier, A form to include with your remittance has been enolosed. Several times payments have been received with no names and it has been most difficult to track down just who had sent them in. ______~ THe"jOURNAL Al© ITS SUPPLEMENTS Followers of the Civil Aircraft Register supplement will no doubt have noticed its absence from the last few issues. We hope to make arrangements to re-oommenee this feature in the near future, and hope that those who use this information will bear with us. In the meantime, the 7H- block will be continued. It is also hoped that the production, of the Journal will be improved with the next issue. ______Notes for this issue have been contributed by s=lo Favelle, P, Ricketts, N, Parnell^ R„ McDonald, G, Knight, K, Kerle, I, Boughton, L, Anderson, M, Prime, BoWhit®, T, Ellis, A,Thomas. A.H.SoNoZ Airsportj, and edited by N,Parnell and I, Boughton. Enquiries for information, subscriptions, and contributions to the Journal, should b© addressed to Ho^o Seoretaryc, AYiation Historioal Society of Australia^ PoOo Box Co208^ Clarano® Street, Sydney^ 2000.^ Australiao

PHOTOGRAPHS IN THIS ISSUE Front CoTer and Inside Front CoYer Four Tiews of the DH«50A^ A8«l^ whose flight is featured in this month's article. The photos were probably taken at Tulagi, during its stay thereo In the lower Yiew. Group Cant. Williams may be seen standing on th© right with his back to the camera. Yia Wgo Cdr, Et Isaacs. Inside Rear CoTer §- Th© Grey Monoplane hanging up on display at the Camden Museum of AYiationo This intriguing aircraft is described on-page 94o N.Parnells A panorama Yiew of the aircraft participating in the ^HYeekend NewsT^ Air Trial Details are on page 95o MoWo Prime. Chipmunk^ YH-UEU^ which was on© of the display items featured at the AY'iat 70 airshow at Jandakot, see page 96o MoWo Prime. Also at this sam© show was th© Islander^ YE-ISA^ which has been modified for aerial surYeyo MoW^ Prime. Back Pages- September-October has usually been the month which featurei reports on RAAF air displays. Due to commitments in Yietnam the last few years none haY© been heldo As froBi next year any airshows held will b© during the Mareh-April period ' Gommemorating th© anniYarsary of the RAAF rather than the Battle of Britain. Soyas a last effort for this months we'have illustrated two trainers, Wlnjeel A85-4S8| Maochi A7“081| and two bombers^ Canberra A84-231 and Phantom 90304, P., Jo Ricketts and R A..A«Fo Officialo