Aviation Historical Society OF Australia

VOL. XI NUMBER 1. JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1970. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION $5 (AUST.)

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Biiiiliiilii

t; K.E.S.K, Journal ^3- January-February 1970

DARWIN ~ Gateway to Australia.

Darwin^ the administrative capital of the Northern Territory^ is a city and port lying on a flat peninsula at the north^^east entrance to Darwin Harbour. The harbour^ one of the finest on the Australian coast was discovered by the members of H^McSa Beagle in 1839, and named by Gapt* JaC^ Wickham in honour of Charles Darwin, a natur-- alist, who had been -on an earlier expedition of the BeaglOo The site of the settle­ ment tO:.,..be- was examined in 1864,' but it was not until 1869 that the area was surveyed and building commencedo In 1872 the Overland Telegraph Line was completed from Adelaide to Darwin^ thus making Darwin an important link connecting Australia to the outside world via a submarine cable to Javac With the advent of the aeroplane, and the growth of air transport after World Fi/ar One, Darwin became a logical stop-^^over point, for aircraft tTavalling'to, and from, : b Europe". ^ The nearest island was Timor, some 450 miles to the north. The recent London to Sydney air race has shown what the modern light aircraft is capable ofo The first aircraft to touch Australian soil was a Piper Twin Comanche, 'VH»¥JD, only three days after leaving London* s Gatwiok airport. It also showed that Darwin has lost none of its importance as the main entry into Australia from the northg the majority of the aircraft in the race passing through therOo In this article we are listing the flights that came through Darwin, from the first in 1919 until a regular service was commenced in late 1934. The majority of pilots chose Darwin as their land‘»fall although a few went via Wyndham, 300 miles to the south“West. These were the pioneers, and we should give them due credit for opening up the route for today*s travellers. While newspapers are often criticised for inaccurate reporting* their use as a reference source should not be dismissed entirelyo They can provide some interesting side lights which would otherwise ndt be known,. The text for this article has been taken from reports in the ^’Northern Territory Times and Gazette” and the ^Northern Standard” and has been retained in the style of journalism used in that period. To update it into a modern style would make it lose much of its appealo It also gives a different view of the flights and an idea of ^the^; interest that the general public ■ had for aviation in those days. The headings for the 1930-31 period are taken from '■'a note-book held in the Mitchell Library, Sydney. This ”diary” was kept by a Mro R. WcBo Browning during his period in Darwin.

10ol2ol9 Ross and Keith Smith Vickers FBo27A Vimy IV G»=EA0U Wednesday was an exciting day in Darwin when it became known by wireless message that Capto Keith Smith would land at Darwin during the afternoono The cruiser ”Sydney on patrol duty on the route to Timor and when 180 miles out at one pomo the machine passed overhead, the Sydney promptly flashed the information by wireless to Darwin where it was made known to the public by the Administrator and F/L Fysh, The rush to the airfield resembled an old time gold rush in the westo The crowd spent an anxious time watching the skylineo The first to sight the aeroplane was an employee at Vestey’s, who modestly refused to give his namOo The pilot took for his land-mark the light»house at Point Charles, 16 miles away, and those on board sighted Darwin when 40 miles away at 6,000 feet. Ross Smith circled over the landing place and vol­ planed down smoothly and easily, and landed on the ground with the grace and ease of some giant bird. (Since this flight was featured in the last issue the above should suffice of its arrival in Darwin. The only other item of interest was the mention of the starboard radiator being from Alcock’s aircraft). 2.8.20 Parer and McIntosh Airco DH-9 G-EAQM After battling for 207 days against inconceivable troubles, Lt^s Parer and McIntosh safely concluded their great flight from England to Australia at 6o20 p.m. Crowds of people lined the landing ground all day waiting for the arrival of the AoH.S.A. Journal _4= January-February 1970

maohine and at 6 o'clock, thinking Parer not coining, went home, A few minutes later the machine circled over the town. There followed a great rush by all sorts of vehicles for the landing ground. Parer was at his last extremity and only had one pint of petrol left. He had met adverse winds since leaving Timor and it was now dusk. Motor oars raced for the ground flying white flags to direct the benighted aviators to a safe landing which was eventually effected without incident. They had been over eight hours coming from Timor and both men were thoroughly knocked about. Owing to the maohine being badly strained by the stress of the long voyage, the aviators will not take private persons up for flights in the air as was rumoured. The danger would be tod great. 5.8.26 Alan Gobham De Havilland DH-50 G-EBFO Just before 3 o'clock Capt. Gobham's plane alighted on the waters of Fannie Bay and thus another huge stage in his tremendous flight was accomplished. As 2,30 o'clock drew near everybody on HMAS Geranium and ashore kept looking anxiously for the plane, and a few minutes later with a cry of "Here he comesS", the maohine, flying very low over East Point, was seen coming rapidly towards the ship. Gobham circled the ship several times and very prettily came low over the water and landed with a mighty rush within 200 yards of the Geranium, Everybody on the ship cheered and re-cheered the heroes of the flight and Gapt, Gobham waved his acknowledgement from the plane, A pinnace transferred Gobham and Sgt, Ward aboard the Geranium where they were greeted by the Gommander, Gmdr, Bennett, DSO, RN,, and the acting Administrator, Mr, Gopley Playford, for an official welcome. Shortly after Gobham and Ward returned to the plane which was then taken in tow and a course steered for.Mindil Beach, where in about a ^ of an hour the plane arrived. There the aviators received a great welcome from the large crowd that had patientl5r waited to express their feelings of delight at having the much travelled plane actually ashore. Work was immediately commenced by Gapt, Gobham with regard to taking off the floats and placing the land carriage on the machine, Gapt. Gobham left Fannie Bay landing ground shortly after 9,00 a.m, on August 8th and without any preliminary circling over the town, steered south and was lost to view. 22,2,28 Bert Hinkler Avro 58IE Avian G-EBOY Arriving at Darwin landing paddock at 5,55 p,m, on Wednesday afternoon, Bert Hinkler climbed out of the cockpit with a smile. The waiting crowds gave him a cheer. The Government Resident (Golonel Weddel stepped forward, welcomed him to Australia and introduced Mr, Watts, Mayor of Darwin, who introduced other prominent citizens all of whom added congratulations. He was expected to reach Darwin, from Bima, which latter place he left at 6,50, 'between’two and three in the afternoon. Residents began to gather at the Fannie Bay landing ground, three miles from town from 1,30, increasing until 4,00 pm. Fears then began to be entertained for the safety of the aviator, numbers of people returning to Darwin at about 5,30, At 5,50 shouts of "Here he comes I" were heard and the airman appeared from the north-east and made a perfect landing at 5,55 pm,, meaning ten and a half hours in the air for nearly a thousand miles. The abnormal dry season proved fortunate for him as in the usual wet such a landing could not have been made. Beautiful weather prevailed throughout the afternoon, The machine was consigned to the custody of the police while the Mayor escorted Mr, Hinkler, by motor car to Darwin. No untoward incidents occurred on the journey and the engine behaved splendidly. The plane is driven by a 30 hp four cylinder Avro Girrus engine and Shell fuel is used with Gastrol lubricating oil. He estimated that he averaged about 90 miles per hour on the flight from Bima, which he claimed was about 1,000 miles. Asked the objects of the flight the airman said it was simply a private flight from London to his h^ime-Bundaberg, Just having lunched on Thursday Mr, Hinkler seated himself on a squatter chair on the balcony of the Victoria Hotel and submitted himself to a further interview. Last night he got to bed about midnight and rose that morning at 3,30 am, and was down at Fannie Bay aerodrome by 4 o'clock, finding the mosquitos and sandflys there particularly vicious. On lifting the cylinders everything was found to be in excellent condition. He did this for his own protection before contin- A.H«S.A, Journal ^5- January-Pebruary 1970

uing his flighto He was especially pleased with the result of his flighty though a 30 hp is considered low it was a popular type^ with a Fairey Reed metal propelloro Hinkler left Fannie Bay aerodrome at 7 clock this morning (the 24th) in the preBonce of a large number of interested spectators. 19o3o28 Capte Lancaster and Mrs. Miller. AYro 594 AYian III G^EBTU Capto Lancaster and Mrso Keith Miller arriYed at Fanny Bay at 2o30 pmo As no word had reached here as to the time of their expected arriTal^ there was no-one present to meet them.. When word came through that they had landed every-one rushed out to Fanny Bayo Interviewedp MrSo Miller said that they had a fair trip yesterday They left Atamboea on the north^-east coast of Timor at dawn and a ter going a short distance rain fell heavilyo About half way across the engine started to misfire and they thought all was lost. They lost their eleYation and came down to 700 feet^ how- eYer the engine righted itself^ the trouble being caused by water getting into the fuel^ and they rose steadily again^ The landing ground at Fanny Bay was Yery boggy and when they stepped from the plane they were ankle deep in mud. Both said they were pleased to reach Australia and they were delighted with Darwino They epcpressed great appreciation of the serYice rendered by the AYro AYian plane^ Shell Borneo AYiation Spirit and Castrol oils. The fliers departed from Darwin on the 22nd, in their air­ craft^ ^named the ”Red Rose”^ at 8o00 am for Newcastle Waters. Before hitting out along the railway line they encircled the town. The Mayor waYed a serYiette from the centre of the street and then hastily scurried insideo -^s he said afterwards "the plane was just close enough to be pleasant". The fliers reached Newcastle 'Waters at 2,20 pm haYing faced a head wind all the way, 18,5,29 Capto Jo Moir and F/o H® Owen Vickers 134 Vellore G«EBYX At about 1215 on Saturday morning (25th) the QANTAS plane "Atalanta" arriYed at Darwin aerodrome to assist in the search for Moir an^d Owen, last seen oYer Koepang at llo45 on Saturday 18th May and heading in the general direction of Atamboea in Dutch Timor, The Atalanta is under charter to the Shell Company of Australia and ^icl^ers Ltdc The real work of the search began on'Sunday morning when Pilot Brain left the landing ground at Fannie Bay at 9 o^clock and started to search the north coast as far as G-oulburn Island, He dropped a message at the Methodist mission there but receiYed a negatiYe answer. After a anarch along the northern coast Brain started on the return journey intending to drop a similar message at Cape Don light-house when he noticed an aeroplane on the ground about 400 yards away, A message was dropped asking if they were unhurt. They were not and after an exchange of messages the Atalanta started back for Darwin promising to send a boat without delay. They boarded the "Kyogle" at midday on Monday and arriYed in Darwin on Tuesday morning at 8 am, InterYiewed that morning the aYiators said they got within 160 miles of the coast when engine trouble deYeloped and only sufficient power was gener­ ated to keep them flying. A head wind had reduced their speed to almost nothing when land was sighted at 6 oFclock. They saw MelYille Island and altered course towards Cap© Don, By this time the oil pressure of the engine began to rise which mad© things rather serious. When they approached the light-house firing flares^ the keepers lit fires for their guidance. The only place they could land was near the light­ house and this was coYered with mangroYe swamp and small trees. In landing Moir and Owen were thrown out but the injuries were not serious. The machine was badly damaged. As there was no way of sending a message to Darwin they were forced to remain guests of the light-house staff until the Atalanta sighted them. They breakfasted at GoYernment House where they found innumerable telegraphic messages of congratulations, Moir and Owen will leaYe Dairwin in the Atalanta (G-AUHE) tomorrow morning, 25ol,30 R,Ho Chichester DoHo 60 Moth G-AAKK Mrc RoHo Chichester arriYed in Darwin at 3ol0 pm in his Gypsy Moth "Madame Elijah" and effected a good landing at the Fannie Bay aYiation paddock. Seen an hour afterwards in the passageway of the Victoria Hotels clad in plus fours and holding a pint mug of beer in one hand and a pipe in the other^ he disclaimed any desire to A.H.S,Ao Journal =8^ January-^February 1970

enlarge on his experiences, He was simply going home and that was all he was worried abouto He did not know why the southern -press referred to him as a captain as he was not a captain^ Possibly they were confusing him with a cousin who was a pilot. Mr Chichester took 19 days for the flight as against Mr„ Hinkler's 15^ days whose record he attempted to lower. He departed from Darwin on Sunday, January 26th, at about 6„30 am for Brunette Downs en route to Sydney. 24.3.30 Piper and Kay G-AATI Silver top and red underneath, flew over at 2.40 pm. Apparently Piper and Kay but nil known about them here. Flying Officers Piper and Kay, on leave from the Royal Air Force, arrived in Darwin at 2.30 pm^on Monday afternoon, having left Dili, on the island of Timor, at 9.30 am that morning (Dutch time ^ which is considerably in advance of Darwin time). The aviators came into Darwin about an hour after landing and returnee^ to the aviation paddock at Tannie Bay to refuel, but found something wrong with the engine. Press representatives motored out and arranged for an interview but the aviators were more than an hour over the appointed time in returning, the interview finally taking place while the aviators were having dinner at the Hotel Victoria about eight. The aviators claim to be the first Hew Zealanders to accomplish the trip, being native born. Chichester was born in England. Their machine is also the first monoplane to arrive in Darwin, though one arrived previously at Wyndham. Lack of definite information as to oil supplies at Hewcastle Waters possibly delayed the intended resumption of the flight to Sydney at daylight on Tuesday morning. The airmen are scheduled to leave Darwin at 7 o'clock in the morning for Birdum. Other stops will be made at Brunette Downs and Camooweal, arriving in Sydney on Sunday, 24.5.30 Amy Johnson DH-60 Moth G-AAAH 16.5.30 VH-Um arrived from Brisbane with reporters and CcC. Wakefields representatives to meet Amy Johnson, Brisbane-Darwin,2,000 miles,16,50 hours. 18.5.30 VH-UNQ Jones and VH-UMO arrived from the south. On Sunday afternoon two aircraft arrived in Darwin for the purpose of meeting Miss Amy Johnson on her expected arrival from the U.K. One machine was that of the Shell Company of Australia, which flew from Melbourne, whilst the secomd was that of a Gypsy Moth owned by Mr. D, Cotton of Eva Downs, on the Tablelands, During the last two afternoons the machine has been available to passengers and many flights have been made over the town. A large crowd had assembled on one side of the aviation paddock and about 120 oars were in attendance. On Friday (23rd) evening the Public Works Dept, had flare lights in readiness in case of a night landing, Miss Johnson was expected about 2 o'clock and after this had passed a good' deal of concern began to be felt amongst the waiting crowd. The Shell Company's red painted plane, piloted by Capt. Murray '^ones started at about 2.30 to reconoitre. The minutes still ticked away with no sign of the aviatrix, until the plane was sighted in the distance coming in from the Point Charles light-house. After circling the landing ground the aviatrix • ■ effected a splendid landing bringing the machine, named "Jason" to a stop adjacent to the QANTAS machine (DH-50 VH-ULG C.W.A. Scott). After clearance by the cheif quaran­ tine officer. Dr. Cecil Cook, she was formally welcomed to Australia by the Mayor of Darwin, Councillor Adams, and Col. R.H. Weddell, Government Resident, on behalf of the Commonwealth Government. Miss Johnson then posed at the request of the photographers. She was dressed in a dark brown woollen pullover and breeches, her bobbed hair being covered by a helmet. Miss Johnson departed at 7.30 am on Monday May 26th, followed by the Gypsy Moth of D, Cotton, the Shell Coy's aircraft and the QANTAS plane. 17.^0. 30 Capt. F. R. Matthews DH-80 Puss Moth G-ABDW On Saturday afternoon shortly after 4 o'clock when most people were becoming anxious for the safety of Capt. Matthews, his monoplane was sighted in the distance and a few minutes later he was over the landing ground. After a good landing he taxied his machine up to the fence coming to a stop alongside the Vacuum Oil Company's plane and the Golden Shell Oil Company's machine. After being put through by the quarantine ’A.H*S*Ao Journal January^February 1970

officer^ he was officially welcomed to Australia by Goli Weddells On landing he said with feelings that he was glad to see the people and that the stretch of water between here and Timor was a lonely onOo This view was also held by Wing Commander Kingsford Smitho Capto Matthews waited on the landing ground to welcome Flto Lt, Hill and did not leave until 7 o^ clock when a message was received that Hm had crashed at Dili, Capt. Matthews left Darwin this morning (October 21st) in company with the Shell Oil Coy^So machine and it is understood that they are flying direct to Sydney. ISolOoSO Charles Kingsford Smith Avro Avian G^ABCF The flight to Australia from England of Wing Commander Kingsford Smithy which began on Thursday October 9th, finished a few minutes before two o* clock on Sunday after- noon^ when his plane, the "Southern Cross Junior" landed on the Fanny Bay landing ground, ^^ith that feat accomplished, Hinklers record of IH^- days, which has stood for a number of years and has been challenged on many occasions, was smashed, Kingsford Smith having accomplished the 11,000 mile flight in 10 days 2 hours 10 minutes or an actual flying time of 110 hours, Those in Darwin who witnessed the end of the flight and also that of Hinkler, were less impressed on Sunday last, not withstanding the fact that Australia had been brought within ten days of Australia. In sayingthis we do not in any way wish to detract from the merits of the great flighto The fact is that w th the creation of airmincjedness, the improvement in machines and greater landing facilities, the people are not now so intensely thrilled when advances in aviation are recorded® When the "Southern Gross Junior" was first sighted it was coming from the direction of Point Charles and was about 3,000 feet up heading for Darwino After circling the town, Hiugsford Smith came straight for the landing ground, and coming down for a thousand feet or so in a spiral, he flattened out and glided the machine to earth, touching Australian soil about 7 minutes to 2c When the plane was brought to a standstill in line with the Shell Oil, Vacuum Oil and Capto Matthews, three cheers were given for the airman, a ter which he was greeted by the Vacuum Oil Coy^s representative® Smith met Lt. C.W® Hill at Atamboea, and said that poor old Hill*s crash had benefitted him as he had borrowed his collapsible rubber boat. On the trip out he carried a two gallon waterttank and when he reached here he had a couple of biscuits, two oranges and a bun, the remnant of his supplies which he carried from England® Kingsford Smith left Darwin at about 6,30 yesterday morning (Oct.20th) and is flying to Camooweal or Cloncurry en route to Brisbane, from where he goes to Sydney. IO0I2.3O Lto Cedric W. Hill DH-60 Gypsy Moth G-ABEN Lt. Hill arrived from Koepang at 10*30 am and left for Daly Waters at lo37. Lto Hill, who put up such a good flight from England to Timor en route to Australia, and who crashed and wrecked his machine on October 18th, landed in Darwin on Wednesday morning and after a short stay, took off again at 1.30 pm from the Fanny Bay landing ground® ho great excitement was occasioned in the town at the presence of the visiting airman. After leaving Darwin Lt® Hill^s engine developed a fault and the airman made a forced landing at Pine Creek. A message from there, lodged at 4.15 pm stated^- Hill had an emergency landing at Pine Creek owing to engine trouble. He was not hurt and expects to leave in the morning. This is the first plane to land ,here and there is great excitment. 9ol.31 Capt. FoRo Matthews DH-80 Puss Moth G-ABDW On Wednesday last, on receipt of cabled intelligence from Koepang that the weather conditions were satisfactory, Capt. Matthews, the English airman, who is in Darwin waiting to "hop off" in an endeavour to lower Kingsford Smithes time of a little over ten days between England and Australia, left Darwin for Atamboea, but was forced to return after encountering a solid wall of rain about 60 miles from Darwin. Capto Matthews later stated that the rain was so heavy that he could not see his instrument gauges or compass. After returning to Darwin the monoplane was up over the town for some time doing some stunts which proved highly interesting to a large number of watchers on the ground below. He is now awaiting another favourable change. A.HoS.Ao Journal -8- January-February 1970

10„4«31 C.W.A. Scott DH-60 Gypsy Moth G-ABHI Mr, Scott arrived from Bima at 5o50'pm from London in 9 days 3 hours and 25 minuteso Capt. Scott arrived at Darwin from Bima at ten minutes to six o'clock on Friday afternoon. He had left Bima at 8„30 Bima time - 9 o'clock Darwin time, Four“ news- paper representatives, two male and two female, had been waiting near the aviation paddock at Fanny Bay since before 9 o'clock in the morning with only a sort of hurry- scurry motor ride to Darwin for lunch. Though it was generally supposed that Capt. Scott would not reach Darwin until between two and five o'clock in the afternoon, really definite information was, as previously when visiting aviators were expected, conspicuous by its entire absence. The look-out tower of the goal was connected with the Darwin post office by telephone, the telephone service between Darwin and the goal being temporarily suspended, and the telephone inside the golf club house was not available. Pilot Wilson, who had flown to Darwin on Good Friday, April 3rd, from Anthony's Lagoon, made several ascents in his i^oth plane, and was actually in the air when his former tutor in aviation, Capt, Scott, made an excellent landing. Having twice previously visited Darwin in QANTAS planes, on one imcasion to welcome Miss Amy Johnson Capt, Scott received a most demonstratively enthusiastic welcome, and was evidently quite well acquainted with those who so warmly greeted him. The crowd surged against the plane when it came to a standstill, Mq more enthusiastic welcome was ever given to an aviator who reached Darwin, not even Miss Johnson, whose sex probably debarred the boisterous element. . He proudly displayed his possessions, including a collapsible life-belt, and a little black woollen doll mascot. He did not carry a parachute. The cameras of amatuer photographers got busy while Capt, Scott partook of some liquid refreshment from a teacup, Mr, James Wingham, mounted at times upon a short ladder, was busy taking photos for the southern metropolitan newspaper. After arrival Capt. Scott was conveyed by motor-oar to the Government Residency, where he was accorded a short official welcome by Col. Weddell, He afterwards returned to the Victoria Hotel with Col. Weddell and was there met by a number of former acquaintances and some prominent Darwinites, who drank his health in champagne. Press representatives who waited considerably over an hour for the promised interview were disappointed. Evidently Capt, Scott was unable to tear himself away from the hospitality of Darwin friends. When he was available, he simply repeated his former statement that he was disposing of the exclusive rights of the story of his flight to a London newspaper (presumeably the Times) and did not think there was anything outside of that worthy of special mention. Asked what was the worst portion of his journey, he promptly replied, "Grossing the Timor Sea - I did not like it a bit". The best part he proudly asserted was the home stretch to Darwin. He left the aviation paddock at Fanny Bay at three minutes past seven on Sunday morning for Camooweal, Only about a dozen people witnessed his departure. 18.4.31 Pat Fairbairn and Kenneth Shenstone Spartan G-ABHD Arrived at 3.27 pm from Dili. Fairbairn and Shenstone, who flew from London in easy stages, reached Fanny Bay aviation paddock at-twenty-five minutes past three on Saturday afternoon, being among the few aviators yet to reach Darwin near the expected time, A good number of people assembled at the aviation ground where the long grass had been cut in preparation for the landing of the British mail plane. The aviators left London on February 19th, the trip being in the nature of a joy jaunt home to Australia, Fairbairn interviewed beside the machine just after landing, stated he belonged to the western district of Victoria and had just been four years at Cambridge, where he was a member of the Cambridge University Air Squadron and had had three years flying experience. The airmen were not out to lower records, simply taking',;the trip in easy stages. The journey had proved interesting and pleasant.but several holdups had been experienced. The spent a fortnight in Karachi having the engine overhauled. The brought the plane to Australia with the idea of taking up flying in Australia. The following report was dated April 20th.- Fairbairn is apparently a casual sort of individual, as yesterday afternoon about 4 o'clock, without mentioning the matter to A\H.S«Ao Journal ^9^ J anuary-February 1970

Shenstone or anyone else^ he took off in his plane for Casuarina Beacho Not having returned by 6 o^olock^ Russell Tapp in QANTAS Appollo started out to look for him and found Fairbairn with the plane in soft sand surrounded by water at a place on the beach about half way between Rapid Greek and the Dripstone Caveso A motor loriy was sent out by the local agents for the Shell Oil Co« and it is reported that the engine is being overhauled and adjusted on the beacho 23,0 4.31 Kingsford Smith in Southern Cross arrived from Clonourry in 8-J hours. 24o4o31 Left at 7o35 am for Koepang to collect Imperial air mail. 25.4o31 Returned with first air mail at 2o40 pmo 26o4o31 Russell Tapp in Appollo (DH-61 VH-UJB) arrived from Brisbane with airmail for the U^Ki Left for south with incoming mail 27.4o31o 27.4o31 7o05 am Kingsford Smith left for Koepang with first Australia-UoKo airmail. 9o5.31 Russell Tapp in QANTAS Hippomenes (DH-50J VH-ULG) arrived from south at lo28 pmo llo5e31 Kingsford Smith in Southern Cross arrived at 2o48 pm from Akyab with second airmail. i2o5;:3i Tapp and Hippomenes departed at 7o47 am for south with second English airmailo 18o5.31 Hudson Fysh piloting Hippomenes arrived from Brisbane at 2ol0 pm with second airmail for the U.Ko 19o5.31 Capto Mollard piloting Hercules arrived from Wyndham at 10^45 amo 20o5o31 Imperial K^rways Hercules left for Koepang at 6o45 am with second air­ mail for the UoK. The references to the airmail flights have been kept short as the introduction of the overseas airmail is worthy of an article in itself and the space available, here would not do it justice. 6e6o31 Capto Jo Mollison DH-60 Moth VH-UFT Capt. Mollison arrived from the south. Tried to take-off at 12o30 am on the 7th^ but crashed through corner fence in dark. Sheer bad luck attended the effort of Capto Mollison^ senior pilot of the Australian National Airways to effect a hop off at midnight from the aviation paddock at Fanny Bay^ for Batavia, Various reasons are given for the failure^ but Mr, Gordon Cowper, inspector in charge of aviation at Darwin holds the theory that the heavily loaded machine was unable to rise in atmospheric conditions differing from those of the southo Those who were on the ground to witness the departure say the engine was functioning properly. Starting in the usual place^ Mollison tore down the ground but the machine either did not rise sufficiently to clear the trees or did not leave the ground. It is surmised when the airman realised his inability to get off he shut off the engine as it was heard to stop before the crash ocourredo Thera was no wind to assist the takeoff. The aeroplane ran into the fence at the race-course end of the paddock underneath the telephone wires which had been taken down in readiness for the take-off. The engine was undamaged^ but the force of the collision with the fence rendered all the spars of the wings totally unserviceable and the fuselage was broken. The damaged plane was brought to Darwin in two sections on a motor lorry, Mr, Gordon Cowper is taking the plane to pieces at the Government garage with a view to its shipment south by the ^Hvlarella^^ about June 14th. Mollison finally departed from Australia via Wyndham in late "^uly. 9,llo31 Arthur Butler Comper Swift. G-ABRE 4o22 pm Butler arrived from London breaking Scott^s record. Aircraft fitted with 75 hp Pobjoy, A large number of motor cars lined up along the road at the bottom end of the aviation paddock at Fannie Bay from three o*clock in the afternoon to await the arrival AoHoS^A. Journal -10- Janua'ry-February 1970 '

of aviator Butlero Prominent amongst the crowd were Government officials and members of other leisured classeso A good number of ladies, mostly youthful and a large crowd of children of school age were present. The sky was dull through out the day, dark clouds occasionally threatening rain. Suddenly someone cried out "Here he is I" and the aero­ plane was then observed approaching. After a half circle of the aerodrome the plane made a perfect landing near the Vacuum Oil Coy’s, plane in charge of Allsopp. People quickly assembled around the plane while the Quarantine Officer (Dr, Cook) examined Butler. Pilot Allsopp said "You are looking well, Arthur." and Sutler replied, "I am in the pink." After Allsopp had introduced several local notabilities to Butler including the Mayor, Mr„ Jack Brogan, cameras got busy, and three cheers were givpn. Butler asked "How did I get on?" and was told that he had beaten Scott's record by an hour and three-quarters. Butler remarked "Wfell, Vacuum Oil can be thanked for that for the weather was against me. Allsopp said, "I suppose you want a good sleep" but Butler, who is a teetotaler, replied "No, but I would like a cup of tea." This was brought from one of the cottages on the other side of the road. Interviewed last night at the Victoria Hotel, Butler appeared very little fatigued after the long journey of approximately 1,000 miles, which he attributed to the Comper Swift machine with its 75 hp Pobjoy engine. Butler was highly elated at breaking Scott’s record, more so as it was in the smallest commercial machine ever flown to Australia. He stated that he thought with this machine and the magnificent organisation for the supply along the route by the Vacuum Oil Company he could have easily broken. Mollison^s record. Butler left Darwin this morning (10th) at 6ol5 pm, with Allsopp in the Moth. His first stop was Newcastle Waters for breakfast, thence his intended route was Gamooweal, Bourke to Sydney, Butler claims to be the first Australian trained pilot to break a recordc He is an Englishman by birth but arrived in Australia as a babyo He said all his sentiments are Australian. 22oll.31 Southern Sun (Avro X ¥H«.UNA) Pilot Allen arrived at 2o30 pm from Hobart, Tas. 2Sollo31 Left for London at 6^40 am with 1,450 lbs of mail. On the 26th it failed to take-off from Alor Star and crashed. 2,12o31 Southern Star (Avro X VH-UMG) flown by Kingsford Smith arrived from Sydney at lo45 pm. Hit cross bar on telegraph pole outside aerodromeo Damage repaired. 3ol2o31 Southern Star left at 6.30 am for Koepang, thence proceeding to London after picking up Southern Sun^s mail. 19cl.32 Southern Star arrived back from London at 1,45 pm. 20olo32 Departed for south at 6ol5 am. 10o2.32 Jenkins and Jeffries Desoutter G-ABOM Mro Ho Jenkins, a Melbourne dentist, and Mro Ho Jeffrey, director of a soft goods store in Melbourne, completed their flight from London to Australia by landing at Darwin at 6o40 pm, having left Koepang at llo45 am that morningo The flight was accomplished in a Desoutter monoplane, powered by a Gypsy Mkolll engineo Indefinite knowledge of even the approximate hour of the anticipated arrival of the aviators at Darwin was again featuredo Throughout the day inquiries through the oil agents and officialdom were alike futile. It was stated that officialdom had got in touch with Koepang by wireless but that the message had faded outo Press correspondents waited at the Fanny Bay aero­ drome the whole of the afternoon. It was stated that the Acting Quarantine Officer, Dr. WyLo Fothergill would go out about two o^clock. Evidently further information, not divulged by offialdom to the tax-paying public intervened and saved them from waiting wearily as their indirect employei‘s were compelled to do owing to the Boy Scout* s pledge regarding good deeds being inapplicable to public servants. Up to four o*clock the only occupants of the aerodrome were a large mob of white goats, but these were driven off by a mounted ranger. About 6ol5 pm a number of motor-cars commenced to return to Darwin until only two remained when the aeroplane arrived and effected a good landing. Press representatives motored out to Fanny Bay the next morning to Interview the aviators but waited till noon in vain, the aviators having been ^^taken for a ride" by a school- A;HoSeAo Journal -11^ January^^Tebruary 1970

teacher who conYeyed them to the State School., where Mro Jenkins delivered a most interesting address to the children on geographical subjectso Later shanghaied by press correspondents, both aviators spoke interestingly. Jenkins described the trip as most satisfactory, the plane and engine functioning without troubleo The trip had occupied some six weeks, totalling thirty different stopping places. The receptions at most places consisted of only one man, the Vacuum agent, who either spoke English himself or through an interpreter and arrangements were most satisfactorily carried out even for conveying them to town from the aerodromes. 22o3oS2 Elly Beinhorn Klemm Swallow D^2160 Fraulein Elly Beinhorn, a German lady pilot, reached Darwin at 3o00 pm from Koepangc She was flying a stock model Klemm mono-plane, with an 80 hp Argus 8 cylinder engineo The ground organisation throughout her flight was in the hands of the Shell Oil Company. The majority of Darwin sightseers had journeyed down to the jetty, there to await the arrival of the British Southampton seaplanes (S1162, S1127, S1128). There were however, a good many people out at the Fanny Bay aerodrome to welcome the lady aviatrixo The landing ground appeared to be in perfect order, with the grass just recently cuto She was expected to arrive at 2.30 pm with the seaplanes a Capto Jonas, senior aviation officer of the Shell Oil Company of Australia went aloft to welcome Fraulein Beinhorn, and about 3 o*clock, as before stated, the planes were sightedo The German lady aviator parted company with the seaplanes and, guided by the Shell machine made towards the aerodromeo Her machine, like an immense silvery shark, appeared to glide through the sky rather than fly. She effected a good landing at the opposite side of the drome to the goal, and volplaned across to where the five Australian Air Force machines were parked. After medical examination by Dr. W«La Fothergill, she alighted from her plane to the cheers of the assembled people. Interviewed at the Victoria Hotel just before lunch the next day, Fraulein Bein­ horn made restrained reference to her wonderful achievemento She had a few mishaps, but nothing serious. With a German engine, not using British standardised spare parts, she had to carry a large number of spares. It was impossible to schedule the flight owing to the weather met. She had heard Koepang drome described as heavenly and Darwin as hellish, but she thought her experience justified a reversal of the clasification. Wing Commander A.Co Wright, who commanded the seaplanes complimented her on the perfect manner in which she kept formation on the flight across the Timor Sea. She left Darwin at about 9 o* clock on Thursday morning (24th) for Newcastle Vifaters. (A complete account of Fraulein feirihorn^ s flight was featured in Vol. IX Noo5,1968) 26o3.32 Charles de Verneilh-Puyrazean Couzinet 30 F» Following close on the heels of Fraulein Beinhorn and the three Southampton seaplanes, the French, aviators were expected to arrive at Darwin on Good Friday afternoon at about 2 o^clock but later information came through to the effect that they had been unable to leave Koepang owing to the boggy state of the aerodrome. On Saturday morning news was received in Darwin to the effect that the French fliers could be expected to reach Darwin any time between two and four o*clock that afternoono A good crowd of people went out to the landing paddock, three miles distant, there to await the arrival of the aviators. One of the five Australian Air Force planes (Yfapiti A5-35) went aloft just about 3 p.m. to meet the French plane and escort it to the landing ground. The visiting plane was sighted at 3.47 pm and appeared to be doing a considerable amount of manoeuvefing in the air before deciding just where to land. It circled round, sometimes almost out of sight, and location rocket signals were fired from a pistol, -finally a good landing was made, but assistance had to be given by other aviators on the ground after the machine had volplaned across the paddock to park in a suitable place. Only one of the aviators could speak English, and that only indifferently. Mro F.IgIL Finniss however acted as interpretero They had made good time across the sea stretch, and everything had happened just as well as could be expected. They did not even sight the Air Force plane which had bean sent out to meet them. Asked for a press interview the aviators were by no means enthusiastic as they were making another start in the morning and petrol, supplies,&c, had to be arranged for. AoHcS.Ao Journal -12- January-February 1970

A large number of motor cars were parked in three lines in the narrow road near the landing paddock apd it was difficult for those right in the pack to emerge when returning to Darwin until seme on the outer edge had left and made this possible. The French plane left Darwin early on Sunday afternoon, March 27th. Colonel Deve, the navigator and radio operator, in the course of a short conversation on Sunday morning, said that there was such a multitude of matters requiring attention that it was impossible to make a start early that morning. • 30o3o32 The Southamptons, S1162, S1127 and S1128, which arrived on March 22nd, departed at 7.30 am. One developed a leaky radiator so they alighted near Melville Island, and after repairs, went on. Two TiCapitis had arrived on the 19th to meet the aircraft. The pilots were Fit. Lt. Wight and F/o Berry, and they were joined by a third I'apiti flown by Hepburn on the 20th„ They all departed for Adelaide via Alice Springs on the 30th. "Two Bulldogs flown by Sqdn.Ldr. Summers and Fit. Lt. Simms went via Queensland. 31.3.32 J. ¥c Weir DH-60X Moth VH- UGX 5.30 pm JoW. Weir arrived from the south in Gypsy Moth en route to England. Later discovered valve seating in engine (Mk.l) faulty owing to inequality rate of expansion of two component metals in tropics. Left a few days later for the south for repairs, temporary ones fixed here, Mr. J.N. Weir, aviator, reached Darwin at 4.55 p.m. on March 31st and made a perfect landing at the Fanny Bay aerodrome. It is his intention to make a leisurely trip to England in 18 days. His machine, an X type Moth similar to Mollison's, was formerly owned by Major de Havilland and then known as "Prudence II" and later as "Golden Quest" .now^been named "Edith" after Mr, Weir's mother, now resident at Sydney. His engine is a Gipsy No. 1 and he will use Shell petrol and Castrol Oil throughout the trip. He expects to leave Darwin for Koepang about April 4th. 28.4.32 C.W.A. Scott DH-60M G-ACOA Arrived from London at 10.23 am breaking all recorde from England. 8 days 20 hours 45 minutes. Left for south at 7.30 am on April 30th, A wireless message predicted Scott to leave Koepang at 1 o'clock on Thursday morning and that he would arrive in Darwin at seven o'clock. A number of people motored out to the landing ground. An exceptionally cold wind was blowing, Scott was sighted over the town at 10.22 and made a perfect landing at 10.25. On alighting he said he had had a rotten time. He had left Koepang at one o'clock and had no sleep last night. After leaving Koepang' he encountered strong winds which blew him off his course, and he did not know his where-abouts. He sighted a lugger (now stated to be the Maroubra) and flew low in order to try to get a direction but the crew misunderstood and waved their arms vigorously. Evidently they thought the stunt was a big joke, When told he was looking well he said he did not feel well, Asked if he would have a drink he replied, "Anything you like." A bottle of V'ictorian Bitter beer was^ thereupon^ oonsumed. Detached for a brief interval from his many friends at the Victoria Hotel about 6 o*clock in the evening, Scott said it was not policy for him to convey the story of his trip to local press representatives as he was hopeful of selling the story to advantage, There was nothing sensational about the tripo The route had been organised for him, though he preferred to take his own way homOo He would leave Darwin on Saturday morning at seven o^clock for Camooweal and hoped to stop at Brunette Downs for a cup of tea en route^ and to reach"Longreach on Sunday and get home to Brisbane on Monday. He still carried his baby mascot gollywog belonging to his daughter Rosemary. 27c4.32 R.T* Richards DH«60 Moth G«ABSD Richards, Lady Chator’s pilot arrived from Koepang at twelve o*clock and left for Wyndham at 3.30 pm. vague misleading information concerning the arrival of aviators was again featured today. A good many people went out to Fanny Bay aerodrome in the expectancy of witnessing the arrival of both Scott and Richards who were stated to have left Koepang at three Journal ^13.. J a nu a ry-F eb rua ry 1970

o'clock this morning and were due in Darwin at ten o^clock. A later message stated that Richards had been mistaken for Scott at Koepango Richards effected a good landing shortly after twelve in the machine Beefex^', which presented a bright appearanceo ’ He left Koapang at So30 and had a good trip across the water but encountered head windso Lady Chaytor is coming to Sydney by the steamer ^Hiarkunda^\ He had no news concerning Scotto Lady Chaytor will possibly accompany him on his return aeroplane journeyo He showed a couple of snap-shots depicting the stranded machine in the snow after the crasho Lady Chaytor was unhurt. Only about thirty people witnessed Richards' arrival. The Cheif Medical Officer Dr^ CQcil Cook^ was the first to vTelcome the aviator as quarantine officer. Richards was wearing white trousers over a khaki coloured suit belted at the waisto The visitor left this afternoon taking with him Mro D. Davidson to 'Wyndham. From Wyndham the flight will continue down the coast to Freemantle. This article will be continued in a later Journal. It will go up to the time" of the MacRobertson Air Race from London to Melbourne in late 1934 which showed that.air travel over this route had really come of age, and that Darwin was firmly established as the main entry point into Australia from that diractiona Two points should be noted from the foregoing reports. There seems to be some difference of opinion in the spelling of Fannie/Fanny Bay even by the local residents. Secondly there is occasionally a difference betvYeen the arrival time stated in the newspaper and that stated in the note-book of R.W.B« Browning. Which is correct is left to you to judge.

ISL VA/^ QO'L-f

I SEP

I

X

\ Rori> f I 1 \ South VF.fl. I /V.-r I The number of passengers carried by Australian and Papua-New Guinea airlines for 1969 increased by 12o7% to 5o9 million, compared to 1968o For the same period, freight carried increased by 10o9^ to 104,490 tons. When announcing the 1969 figures, the Minister for Civil Aviation, Senator Cotton, also • disclosed that the hours flown by general aviation aircraft increased 12^o to 1.1 million hours, and the hours flown by aerial agriculture aircraft increased in all states except. Western Australia and Queensland where drought conditions existed. An American Government sponsored team of negotiators arrived in Australia early in February to discuss the American Aus^tralia air agreement with reference'to the American decision to allow American Airlines Inc. to operate into Australia. The talks began in Melbourne on February 2nd., but no conclusions had been reached by the end of February. Reports indicated that the Australian Government was taking a very conservative view regarding the estimated grow'th of passenger traffic on the Pacific route. The Minister for Civil Aviation announced on February 16th that the new International Terminal at Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport would be officially opened on May 3rd, by the Queen prior to her departure for England in a chartered B.OoA.C. , Super YC-10, an hour and a half later. The Queen's departure will mark the first -14- January-February 1970

official movement from the terminal, however, regular airline services will not commenoe until May 5th» The Minister also stated that the terminal would be open to the public from mid-April to allow D.C.A., airlines and other services to familiarise staff with the new eriYiromento Also, the mechanical operations of the terminal - such as air conditioning, escalators and lifts can be tested under part load conditions, For the settling in period no charge will be made to the public to use the observation deck, however after a few weeks, a charge of five cents will be made to enter the deck. Three days later, on February 19th, Senator Cotton announced that the Prime Minister, Mr. Gorton, would open the new Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport on July Ist,, and that the airport would be opened some weeks earlier for public inspection, as in Sydney. Senator Cotton announced in Canberra on January 11th,, that celebrations marking fifty years of progress and achievement in Australian aviation would be held throughout Australia during 1970. Senator Cotton, said the celebrations, to be known as "Aviat 70" would comprise a series of aviation'days at various city and country centres. He mentioned it was the fiftieth year since the founding of QAMTAS and the Royal assent to the Air Navigation Act. Australian aviation history was made on February 19th., when the first pure jet cargo aircraft went into regular service between Melbourne and Perth, The aircraft a Boeing 727-77QC, VH-EMS, of Ansett Airlines of Australia, is the'first jet "QC" air­ craft to be used on internal Australian routes and will operate as a 19-ton freighter by night and as a 98 passenger aircraft by day. An Ansett Airlines of Australia DC-9-30, VH-CZE skidded off the rumvay and became bogged at Brisbane Eagle Farm airport on the night of February 26th. after a flight from Sydney, The airport was struck by a severe wind and rain squall a few seconds prior to its landing. No passengers or crew were injured nor was the aircraft damaged. The northern Western Australian town of Kununurra was included on the Fokker F-28 routes of MacRobertson Miller Airlines as from February 3rd., making it the fifth cemtre to be serviced by the single F-28 aircraft. During a ceremony at the Kununurra airport after the inaugural flight, it was announced the the M.M,A F-28 VH-MMT, was aohieving_.the highest daily utilisation rate of any F-28 aircraft in service, at 8.5 hours per day. The NSTf Minister of-Transpo^-t ; lrr,v M„. Morris, announced on February 20th, that Ansett Airlines of N.S.W. would commence services to Quirindi in northern NSW on March 9th and would provide for four return services weekly. The resumption of an air service to Quirindi follows more than two years of agitation by local authorities after East- West Airlines withdrew their service to the town in October 1967, following the Federal Governments withdrawal of the subsidy being paid to operate into Quirindi. Mrs. Mary Tully, widow of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith christened T.A.A.*s latest DC-9 VH- , "Charles Kingsford Smith" at Essendon Airport on Februaiy 13th. Mrs. Tully remarried and now lives in Canada. Ansett Airlines first Twin Otter ¥H-PGS^departed from Sydney Airport on February 3rd on delivery to New Guinea after conversion by Hawker de Eavilland at Bankstown. Ansett's second Twin Otter was delivered through Mascot carrying the ferry markings N on February 2nd, prior to going to Bansktown for checking by Hawker de Havilland. The first of three Twin Otter Series 300 aircraft on delivery to T.A.A. crashed on the beach of a small island, Tau, 80 miles from Pago Pago in American Samoa, after running short of fuel due to strong headwinds on the Honolulu-Pago Pago section. The aircraft which was using the ferry marking of N93985 was to -become VH-TGE (c/n 265) after delivery. Reports stated that the aircraft is virtually a "write-off", but the wreckage was’ moved to Pago Pago by barge towards the end of January where a decision was to be made abiut its future. Newspaper reports early in January stated the T.A.A. had applied to the Government for a licence to operate an air service with Fokker F-27 aircraft between Ac’HoSoA. Journal ^15==. January<«February 1970

Darwin and the mining centre of Gove in competition with the Ansett owned MaoRobertson Miller Airline serviceso The reports stated that T,A,Ac wanted to operate the services as extensions to their present Mto Isa - Gove and Cairns Gove services. Noted at Mascot on February 11th was the T.A.A. DC-4*VH»TAE on delivery to Air Siam. At Brisbane's Eagle Farm Airport on February 14th were two Twin Otters Series SOO for service with T.A.A. in New Guinea. They were VH-TGG ^c/n 277 , ex N8861, named ”Chimbu” and VH-TGF^ c/n'270 ex N93995 named "Sarnari”. A Fokker Friendship 7H-TFH, leased by'T.A.A. from Fokker, arrived at Essendon Airport on January 11th under the comrriand of Capto R, Hume. The aircraft^ c/n 10176^ ex PH'-FCP^ Lljf-SUG^ PH-FCP, is unusual in that it was ariginally built as a 100 series for Braathens S.A.F.E. in Norway and traded in on an F-28. The aircraft was modified to a 723 series by being fitted with Dart 514 engines^ BIk. 200 fuel tanks and a series 600 large freight door in the forward fuselage. Details of the period of service are not known. T.A.A* has ordered two more Friendships, YH-TQR and TQS for delivery in July and August. , ...... The number of passengers carried by East-*/7est Airlines for the'^twelve months ending December 31st, 1969, showed a 16.6%' increase to 267,916, or 38,161 more passengers carried than in 1968. This number was a record for the company. A further increase in the operations of Jetair Australia Ltd.,(trading as Jet Airlines of Australia) took place during January and Februaryo At the end of January Jetair took over the Melbourne to Horsham-Warracknabeal route of Executive Air Services who abandoned the route in favour of Jetair, who announced that they could operate . services to the centres at cheaper fares. On F''ebruary 6th., the Minister for Civil Aviation, Senator Cotton, announced that the company had been given approval to extend its Melbourne Sale - Bairnsdale - Mallscoota Merimbula service to Canberra on Saturdays and Sundayso Also, the company had been given approval to extend its Melbourne ~ Eohuoa - Swan Hill service to Mildura - Renmark and Adelaide on three days a week (Mon., Wedo,Fri.). Senator Cotton welcomed the new Jetair services, stating that Canberra residents and businessmen will find the new connection with eastern Victoria convenient, while services through the Murray Valley to Adelaide will help the development of the centres servedo The initial services of Jetair in Victoria used the Business Jets Ptyo Ltd., terminal at Essendon, however, an agreement was reached with T.A.A • ^ and as from January 26th., Jetair flights are being handled by T.A.A. at their section of the Essendon terminal, as well as handling Jetair bookings. Nationwide Air Services Pty. Ltd., announced on January 15th, that an order had been placed for four Swearingen Metro 20 passenger commuter aircraft for delivery late in 1970 and early 1971o Nationwide have been appointed Swearingen agents for Australia, New Zealand, Papua-New Guinea, Indonesia and Malaysiao It is anticipated that Nationwide will introduce a Metro onto their commuter services out of Brisbane while the other three will be sold to other operators. Further expansion by Masling Airlines occurred during February when daily services were introduced between Sydney and Moruya on February 1st., replacing the service operated by Airlines of N.S.Yl. On February 10th, a new t?/ice weekly service was introduced from Narrandera to Melbourne via Griffith and Corowue Also during the month, the airline discontinued their service to Ivanhoe, the last being flown on the Sth. The two Bristol 170 Freighters VH-ADL and VH-TBB, operated by Air Express of Brisbane*s Archerfield airport, had all reference to their biggest user, Mayne Nickless Lt'd., removed from their respective fuselages during January. The >markings were removed to comply with a Dept, of Civil Aviation ruling against advertising on the aircraft, (see AHSA-J Jan-Feb 1969 for a photo of VH-TBB in these markings.) A Twin Otter series 200 aircraft for the Bureau of Mineral Resources arrived at Mascot on February 2nd with the ferry markings of N5216. It will be modified by Hawker de Havilland at Bankstown before delivery as ¥H-BMGo, and it will AJioS.A* Journal January »=February 1970 replace the Bureau^s present airoraft, a DC-3 VE-MIN^ The second Ambulance Transport Service Beech Queenair^ was officially commissioned into service by the Governor of NSW,, Sir Roden Cutler, at a ceremony at Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport on February lltho An inscription on the side of the aircraft was unveiled at the ceremony, this thanking the N.SiW. Bowlers Association for their contributions towards the cost of the aircrafto YH-=AilG was put into service in mid«»Decembero The Hobart, Tasmania, based Aerial Services introduced another Aero Commander a model 6801, into service during Januaryo The aircraft, 'VH-EH, will be used on the company's services linking Hobart and Launceston with other^Tasmanian centres. The'much publicised inaugural flight of Air Nauru, departed from Brisbane on February 14th, with a full load of eight passengerso Due to cyclonic weather to the north and north-east of Australia, the aircraft was forced to land at Townsville, North Queensland, where it remained overnightc '%en the weather had not improved by mid-day on Sunday, the aircraft returned to Brisbane and the fligiht was abandoned, with the passengers befng given the option to fly on the airliners next fortnightly service on February 28tha The services of Air Nauru are being flown by chartering Business Jets Falcon ’ W-BIZ with suitable *'AIR NAURU - Airline of the Central Pacific** markings down the fuselage and with the temporary name **NAURUAN CHIEF** on the nosOo The fort­ nightly service, which will operate Brisbane - Honiara - Nauru, is on a trial period of six months* The Pan American Boeing 707, N892PA, which was damaged in an abortive take-off at Mascot on December lsto,( see Nov-Dec 1969 AHSA-J) departed from Sydney on a regular service to New York on January 29th, after being repaired by Pan Ameriacan and Boeing Aircraft engineers at Mascote A British light aircraft arrived at Parafield on January 25tha It was Auster j/SP G-AOHF, flown by Mro R<,Ee Rudd, an Adelaide aerial photographer, who left Australia in July 1969 intending to buy a plane for a solo UoKo to Australia flight commemorating the Smith brother's flighto The Auster cost $6,000 and is overall silver with red trim and has a white number *50* on the tail* An inscription on the cowling reads s- Commemorative Mail Flight 50th Anniversary England Australia 1919 , - 1969 The Russian freighter **0b** arriyed from Antarctica with two ski-equipped Antonov An-2 aircraft as deck cargo on February 11th* CCCP 44956 was complete but CCCP 04354 was minus the wings. During February DH-82A VH.-FAS arrived in Perth and is thought to be the first of several aircraft to be assembled into an aircraft museum. A Stinson and a Fox Moth are believed also to be arriving for the museum. Overall winner of the B.P. London to Sydney Air Race v/as the Britten Norman Islander aircraft G-AXUD (race No. 72) flown by Messers Br Brighton and Fo Buxton. Second place was taken by J® Masling and G® Williams in a Cessna 310, YH-AER (Race NodO) The race finished at Bankstown on January 4th after being delayed by weather at Griffith for two dayso A complete report is being prepared and will be presented in a later edition of the Journal* ' Two late arrivals for the race were j/lN Alpha G-ARGT and Beagle Pup G-AXMX, which arrived at Parafield on January 14th and 16th respectively, The Auster departed for Sydney a few days later but the Pup remained at Adelaide. It was co-’piloted by a migrant for New Zealand and is for sale after the completion of its 100-hourly check, colours are yellow and white. The Stitts Flut-R-Bug, YB-ULA, is now flying again after substantial rebuilding by Mr. Geoff Matthews of '^^erribee. The aircraft was originally assembled in 1958 by Mr. A/H.S.Aa Journal J anuary-February 1970

No Hamilton from an imported Stitts kite A ground handling accident in 1960 resulted in damage to the fuselage necessitating the replacement of a longeron and several other tubes• The first repair job was unsatisfactory and was not accepted by DoC.Ao Mro Matthews purchased the aircraft in this condition in 1967 and rebuilt it. Recent foreign visitors to Mascot during February included a DC~7C freighter N75476 of Lee Argyle Airways on the 3rd| a KoLoM. Super DG-8«63^ PH«^DEA^ under charter to Martinair^ the first K.L*Me *’stretohed^’ DC<»8 noted on the 4th| a Caledonian Airways Boeing 707 G<-A1TK5 also on the 4th| and a DC-6^freighter D-ABAZ on the 7th (believed to have been chartered to take Merino stud rams to South Africa - Unions concerned . ' refused to lead the aircraft and it departed empty.) A 14-year old boy^ Keith Sapsford^ fell to his death from the main under­ carriage doors of a Japan Airlines DC-B^ JABOSl^ at Mascot Airport on February 22ndo The boy had stowed away in the port ?fheel well and when the doors opened prior to the undercarriage retracting after take-off fell to the runway about 200 feet below. A 25 year old German migrant, Edgar Kumlehn, was apprehended by Commonwealth Police at Mascot Airport on the same day when he tried to stowaway in the main passenger cabin on the same aircraft. Noted at Bankstown on January 10th was a Piper Tripacer, VH-RPN, fitted with floatso This aircraft is to replace the Tripacer VH-Clr!A which crashed on December 27th while landing on the Georges River adjacent to Bankstown Airport, VH-RPN is to be operated in the Gulf of Carpentaria. A Sydney businessman, Mr^ Po Dulhunty, has been refused permission by the NSW Maritime Services Board to operate his Piper Super Cub, "VH-AQA (see photo on back cover) from Sydney Harbour to Wyong, where he has business interestso The aircraft was to operate from the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers but it is understood that the Board considered the operation of the aircraft would jeopardise the safety of small craft in the area. In the latter half of February, and interesting executive aircraft visited Australia in the form of a Lockheed Lol88 Electra, N595KR, owned by King Resources of the UoScA Other executive aircraft visiting during February were two Grumman Gulfstream II*s, N1807Z and N119K which were noted a Mascot on February lOtho The recent mineral and mining boom in Australia has caused a sharp increase in the number of visiting American executive aircraft. A Piper Navajo was chartered by the Melbourne newspaper "Observer” to bring Australian journalist Wilfred Burchett from Noumea to Brisbane on Burchett, who has no Australian passport was refused permission to travel on QANTAS and UoT.A. aircraft as he did not have "adequate and proper" travel documents. Burchett was well known for reporting the Korean and Vietnam wars from the communist sidso Arriving in Australia during February was a Series 300 Twin Otter, CF-YFT, fitted with a membrane tank for fire bombing. The aircraft was demonstrated at Snowy Plains in Victoria to forestry and Government officials. In August 1970 King Ranch. Development hope, to import a Swearingen Merlin to become VH-KRGo Currently the aircraft is registered N4266X and is owned by Humble Oil and Refining Co. (Esso) of Houston, Texas, and has a c/n of T26-143. Noted recently at Cairns was the ex East-West Airlines DC-3, VH-FIM, in the markings of Queensland Pacific Trading Coc Ltdo No further information is available on the operations of this company at present. Japan Airlines DC-8 aircraft are now appearing at Mascot in their new colour scheme 0 JA8031 was first noted on February 18th in the new scheme, the main difference being a red motif replacing the old tail markings. VH-ARX an Auster V, last noted at Camden in November 1968, has been rebuilt with a Gypsy engine in place of the Lycoming and is now operating from Tamworth, NSW. The colours are still green and white. A.H«S.A, Journal =18- January-February 1970

ffith the gradual decline of the Ceres due to spares and general fatigue, AirFarm Associates Pty. Ltd., has purchased four Airtruks with further orders likely. By early January three had been delivered - VH-TRE, TRF, and TRG = and one, VH-TRB, was yet to come. W=TRG had already been invplved in an accidento It has also been reported that the PA-18A Cub, 711-0118, was overturned by a windstorm at Bathurst during late December or early January and may be written off. It was being used to tow gliders for the local gliding club. On January 31st the Fairey Gannet A.S, 1, XA334 was moved from Bankstown to the Camden Museum of Aviation where it will be put on displayo The aircraft was damaged in a mishap on the carriero It was landed with the flaps retracted, breaking the arrestor hook on touchdown and running into the safety barrier. The damaged wings, prop and tail will be replaced. This will be the sixth naval aircraft owned by the Museum, the others being two Fairey Fireflies, a Hawker Sea Fury, a De Havilland Sea Venom and Vampire. Longtime resident at Parkes, NSW, owned by Mr. J. Hodder, the BoA. Eagle, VH-AGN, has been sold and is now based at Camden, NSW. It is finished in white and red. A skydiving display which was to be a feature at a "Surf and Sand Spectacular" being held at Sydney's Queenscliff Beach on January 18th., became a real emergency when the engine of the aircraft, a Noorduyn Norseman, VH-GSF, failed at 10,000 feet, about two miles out to sea. At 4.01 pm the pilot, Mr. Ken Andrews, asked for clearance to drop the parachutists and two minutes later he radioed in at 8,800 feet as having engine trouble = serious vibration, oil coming into the cockpit and oil temperature rising. The parachutists had been dropped and they were picked up by surf boats about a mile off the beach. Mr, Andrews abandoned the aircraft at 5,000 feet and it crashed into the sea about five miles south-east of Sydney Heads. He was rescued by a Japanese fishing trawler, the"Goei Maru V" and was later transferred to a Police launch. The wearing of a parachute by the pilot is compulsory when the aircraft is being used for parachuting operations. This leaves only one Norseman, VH-GSG, currently on the Civil Aircraft Register. AIRSHOW REPORTS. Deniliquin, N.S.W, D„ Prossor. On January 25th, the Murray Border Flying Club helped to organize an airshow at Deniliquin, Although the writer was only passing through and'there fore did not see the actual show it has been reported that it was well staged and continuous. The following aircraft were noted up to one o'clock. Fuji's VH-FJA, FJB and FJEj Musketeers VH-CTV, MJS, HAS, CFN| Cessna 172*s VH-RUD and PIMj Austers VH-MRD and KSD| Maule VH-EMA; AESL 115 VH-MOJj Aero Commander VH-PSG; Cessna 310 VH-CAZj Mooney VH-DUV| Bonanza VH-ILJ; Cherokee 180 VH-PDBj SAAB Safir VH-BHGj Tiger Moth 'VH-SSB| Cessna 150 VH-WCH and Cessna A150K "Aerobat" VH-RDG| Cessna 182 VH~EHW and Beech 17 VH-MJE. A Super Spread Beaver arrived later and gave an agricultural display. Bendigo, Vic, Mo Madden. To celebrate the opening of the new aerodrome near Bendigo, and airshow was held there on February 15th, The actual show consisted of the usual trade demonstrations. Para­ chuting and aerobatics, however it was noted that of all the visiting aircraft, there were a good number of unusual and ihteresting aircraft. The following is a list of some of the aircraft present at the display s- Tiger Moth VN-RVI, SSI, ATJ, AKE, ABL, and BG0| Beech 17 VH-AGU; Beagle Pup VH-EPC5 Transavia Airtruk VH-TRKj Turbulent VH-UEI| Stits VH-ULAj Avro Anson VH-BAF; Rearwin VH-UYSj Aeronca VH-ACK| Fuji's VH-FJA, FJB and FJEj Auster VH-Wftlj Cessna 207 VH-FIF5 Chipmunks VTi-BSR and RVWj Airtourers VH-CHP and MUJ| Piper PA-28-160 VH=RXAj Beech 36 VH-CAQ,| Beech 23 VH-UAS and AESL 150 Airtourer o/n A543 (not reg­ istered but formerly ZK-DAB). I'he atmosphere of the show was marred by the fatal crash of Mustang VH-DBB. A»H.S«Ao Journal -19- January-February 1970

The aircraft had completed two low level runs when it was seen to spin into a clump of treeSc ihe machine was destroyed by the impact and fire, and the pilot, Mrc Don Busch was killedc (see Accidents for February 1970) ...... A small airshow was held at ^^“^oruya, on January 10tho iThe first' demon- stration of the Cessna A150K Aerobat flown by Warren Wicks took place. Other displavs were given by the Fuji of Canberra Aero Club flown by Bill Brophy^ Fletcher, Agwagon and Beaver constituted the agricultural section, while Keith Fitton in a Chipmunk and Terry Bteen in a Tiger Moth completed a spinning competition of about 40 turns each A Pylon race was won by Miss Diane Watson in a Chipmunk. There were also the usual* trade demonstrations by a Musketeer and an Arrow.

The Federal Government, through the Defence Department, announced' oh' January 15th, that. a $3,200,000 contract for two prototype "Project N" air- oralt had been given to the designers, the Government Aircraft Factory at Fisherman's Bend, Melbourne. The Project N is a twin'engined turbo-prop high wing monoplane of approximately 7,000 lbs, gross, capable of carrying , persons in a passenger configuration. However, the aircraft is designed with the needs of the Australian Armed Services in mind, but still allowing , it to be suitable for civilian use. The aircraft will have STOL capabilities, a 185 knots maximum speed, and about a 900 nautical mile range. The first flight will be aimed at md-1971. It was not announced at what stage in thedevelopment of the prototype that the Government would decide to give a "go ahead" for full production of the plane. The RAAF is considering buying Boeing tanker aircraft for air to air refuelling of its twenty-four F-lllC strike aircraft. Such a purchase could add another $50 million to^the total cost of equipping the RAAF with the F-111, but the tankers could give the aircraft a greatly increased operational range from their base. At present the F-lllC has a return range of 4,000 miles, The use of tankers could increase this to 6,000 miles. The RAAF estimates that four to six Boeings would be needed. On January 18th, the Minister for Air, Senator Drake-Brockman, announced in Canberra that air portable aircraft hangars are am-ongst the latest equipment planned for the RAAFe Tenders would be called for seven hangars at an estimated cost of $508,000. The Minister said that air portable hangars would overcome the disadvantages ' of servicing aircraft at isolated bases. The Air Force Association Trophy for 1969 has been won by No. 25 (City of Perth)^Auxiliary Squadron. ' It is the fourth time the Perth Squadron has won the trophy since it was presented in 1961 by the A.F.A. for competition between Citizen Air Force Squadrons. ■ A flaw in a steel plate joining the left wing to the fuselage caused the crash of the F-IU atNellis A.F.B. on December 22nd, 1969. All 232 F-111*s would remain grounded until the wing fittings were examined for similar defects. This included the twenty-four F-lllC's for the RAAF. A General Dynamics spokesman later said that this may be at least four months. An RAAF pilot on F.A.C. duties escaped injury when his OV-10 Bronco aircraft was shot down by ground fire in Bien Hoa Province on February 9th. The pilot, F/L C, Langton and his U.S. Army passenger bailed out at 3,000 feet and a rescue helicopter picked them up several minutes after they had landed. Th,e first Australian produced ammunition for the Mirage has been delivered to the RAAF. The 30 mm ammunition is being manufactured under licence by the Dept. of Supply and private industry. ^ According to a Swiss Government statement, the Australian authorities have informed Switzerland that they see no reason to withdraw the Swiss made Pilatus Turbo Porter from service in South Vietnam A Swiss Government ruling does not allow Swiss arms or military equipment to be sold for use in trouble areas. The Government will begin construction work next month at the airfield at A*H.S.Ao Journal -20- J anuary-February 1970

lOo 10 Squadron EMF has won the Finoastle Trophy for the third successive year and the fourth timco The trophy is awarded to a British Commonwealth maritime squadron achieving the best score against a target simulating a submarine® The Armied Forces' will be asked to sahre restricted military air space around Sydney with the Depto of Civil Aviationo Members of the House of Eepresentativas select committee on aircraft noise,^ belivee that reduction of military air space in certain suburbs will help abate aircraft noise over, densly populated suburbso The areas are near Newcastle^ Richmond^ Holsworthy and north of Nowra. On February 13th Iroquois H9-3104 was used in the opening of the new helicopter landing pad in the grounds, of Prince Henry Hospital^ Sydney., The landing ground was built folloviTing the large number of helicopter arrivals at the hospital bringing patients for emergency and specialist treatment. Air Commodore Kingwell^^ speaking at an RAAF display at a Brisbane city store said that Australian aircrews for the FolllC aircraft would be ready to leave for the UoSo within 24 hours of being advised that they were readyo A^r Cmdro Kingwell^ 0oC« of RAAF Base Amberley^ indicated that the base was'ready to accept the aircraft and that test equipment was being kept in first class order^ and the simulator in constant use.' Air Commodore LGo Douglas and Acting Air.Vice Marshal CoFo Read^ have been promoted to the substantive rank of Air Tice Marshal. Air Cmdr. Douglas will become head of the Australian Joint Services Staff in Washington while A.¥.M« Read will continue in his present appointment of Deputy Chief of Air Staff. During mid-January RAAF Hercules A97-207 and 215, together with an RAN Iroquois N9- ^ coded 895, were amongst the aircraft called in to help in the flooded areas of northern Queensland. Three other helicopters were also used. The RAAF wants to order a new American fighter still on the design board to replace its 100 Mirages after 1975. It is the MoDonnell-Douglas F=15, a single seat, twin engined air superiority fighter with an upper..speed range of Mach lo2 to 2o5 plusc Powered by two 30,000 lb thrust engines and armed with 25 mm cannon, the aircraft will cost at least $10 million each. The RAAF is studying the design of the F-15 of which the USAF is expected to order about 800. The Mirage is due to be replaced as the RAAF^s front line fighter from 1975, when it will be relegated to ground attack duties like its predecessor, the Sabre. All Mirages now operational with the RAAF are already modified for attack and interception and would be useful in this role into the 1980^8, giving them a service life of twenty years® The only other alternative at present is the Grumman F~14 which is being developed for the U«So Navy *as a carrier borne interceptor, and which is to be cheaper than the F-15. Australian Air, Navy, and Army units will take part in a five nation combined exercise in West Malaysia between April and June. The exercise is to give Australia, New Zealand and the U«Ko experience in moving troops and supplies to the Malaysia- Singapora area. It will also give the experts an opportunity to practice setting up the joint command‘organisation that would be necessary in any future emergency, PAPUA - NEW GUINEA NOTES, Aerial Tours’ London-Sydney race winning Islander (G-AXUD) was delivered on January 9th, and soon after, as YH«ATZ, was put into service. All of the race insignia is still on the fuselage, including the advice that it was the outright winner. In mid-January the writer visited Rabaul and flew there via Buka. Owing to problems with land, the extensions to Kieta Airstrip to permit Fokker Friendship operations, have not been started and as a result the Friendship operates via Buka and all passengers for Kieta tranship to a DG-3 - the side saddle kind. To find a side ■ saddle DG-3 in these days on regular services cheers one greatly for this is one of . the most uncomfortable rides-that can ever be obtained in an aircrafto l/^ith cargo and passenger’s baggage loaded down the centre of the cabin and held in place by a cargo net, it is almost impossible to walk alor^ the sides of the cabin to reach the forward seats. A^HoSoAo Journal »2l- January-February 1970

Visitors noted in Port Moresby included s - ES-lU ISli'Z, Douglas DC-3 VH-PM and the Bristol Freighter A/H-ADL,all on January 16th. | Grumman Gulfstteam II N119K on Februaiy 1st (for Bougainville copper discussions with the Administration)| on February 4th. the first Ansett Airlines 300 Series Twin Otter arrived and after crew training at Madang will be used on New Guinea mainland services| the first of TAA's 300 series arrived on February ISth, VH-TGF "Samari” in ”TAA Airlines of New Guinea” markings on the fuselagei the Jetair Douglas DG-3 YH-SBN flew damaged helicopter components to Australia on February EOth. A Jet Ranger has been purchased by Crowley Airways Pty„ Ltdo, Lae, for use as an ambulance and for general purpose work. The helicopter, registered VE-CSV, was assembled in Brisbane in late February by Helicopter Distributors Pty Ltdo, agents for Bello Conversion from passenger to ambulance configuration takes about five minutes.

WARANA AIR RACE - October 3rd, 1969. This race is, an annual event held in Queensland during the Warana Festival Week in early October. This listing has only just come to hand and we reproduce it here for information only. Information via K. Murphy. Race No. Regn. Aircraft Race No. Regn. Aircraft. 1 VH-TYM Beech D55 Scratched 40 YH-RFF Cessna 180A 3 VH-RPC Beech S35 Scratched 41 YH-RBA Cessna 180 4 VH-DDD Beech Y35 42 YH-GEO Cessna 180B CR Archerfield 5 VH-SDD Beech V35 43 YH-WAM Cessna 18SA 6 VH-AWC Beech P35 44 YH-DSL Cessna 182L 7 VH-TIJ Beech A33 45 YH-SRH Cessna 182E 8 VH-EIG Cessna 2101 46 YH-FWY Beech E33 9 VH-BJC Piper PA30-160 47 YH-DYSC?) 10 VE-CUE Piper PA30 48 YH-UZU Cessna C-S7 11 VB-RDT Cessna 210F 49 YH-SCC Proctor III 12 VH-RJO Cessna 210A 50 YH-TPL Piper PA28-180C 14 VH-CYZ Cessna 182B 51 YH-PfF Piper PA28-180C 15 VH-FWO Beech E33 52 YH-PAX Piper PA24-250 . 16 TIi-BLF Beech B33 53 YH-PUT Piper PA28-180C 17 VH-CIM Piper PA24-260B 54 YH-RJK DHC-lA/1 Chipmunk 18 VH-MDD Piper PA24-260B 55, YH-MJG Beech A23-19 19 VH-MOT Piper PA24-260B 56 YH-RSW Piper PA24-250 20 VH-WGP Piper PA24-250 57 YH-DZJ Cessna 177 21 TO-RJY Piper PA32-300 58 YH-ROB Piper PA22-16Q 22 YH-ARO Piper PA28R-180 59 YH-WAR Cessna 175 23 YH-PXH Piper PA28R-180 61 YH-RHD Cessna 175 24 YH-RRT Piper PA28R-180 62 YH-CCM Percival Gull Six 25 YH-SSA Piper PA28R-180 63 YIi..PYA Piper-PA28-140 26 YH-FAJ Piper PA32-260 64 YE-PSQ Cessna 172B 27 YH-TPQ Piper PA28-180C 65 YH-RQA Piper PA28-140 Scratched 28 YH-RIE Beech 23 66 YH-DUT Meta Sokol Crashed 29 YH-MRI Victa 115 67 YH-PRO Piper PA28-140 30 YH-FUN Mooney M20E .68 VH-RQL Yicta 115 31 YH-FBM Beech E33A 69 YH-DLC Cessna 206 32 YH-MDK Cessna 180D 70 YH-MGG Piper PA28-140 33 YH-TIM Beech 35-B33 71 VE-MGR Piper PA28-140 34 YH-BBB Beech E33 72 YH-CXU Emeraude Scratched 35 YH-TPX Beech 35-B33 73 vh-dqk: Cessna 172H 36 YH-BZQ Beech E33 74 YH-GJB Cessna 172G 37 YH-WOW Cessna 180 75 YH-BEA Cessna 172E Scratched 38 YH-RJN Cessna 180A 76 YH-DIX Cessna 172G 39 YH-KOJ Cessna 182K 77 YH-ICD Cessna 172G A.HoS.Ao Journal -22- January-February 1970

78 7H-RLN Cessna 172H 91 Mooney M20G 79 Am=EBV Cessna 172G 92 VH-MO Beech N35 80 YB=RIB Cessna 172C 93 VH-SKP Mooney M20E 81 YH-SAT Cessna 172A 94 VH»EVG Bolkow Junior 82 TO..-RKL Victa 100 95 YH-PKB Piper PA28=180B 83 ¥H=KPP Cessna 150G 96 VH=RJX Piper PA28-140 84 VH-DMO Cessna 150E Ran out of/ 97 ¥H=RK0 Cessna 172B 85 VH-PKP Piper PA22-108 98 \TI^-=WGB Cessna 170B 86 VE=AFG DEC-1 Chipmunk 99 VH~PWB Piper PA28-140 87 VH-ACS DH-94 Moth Minor Disqual/ 100 VH-CHQ Cessna 172C 88 VH-DRJ Jodsl Dell ified 101 VH-SOP Cessna 172A 89 ■VH=AMJ DH-87B Hornet Moth (1st) 102 VH-CRE Piper PA24-260 90 VH-DDN Cessna 172G REMIWALS t- A good response was made to the reminder in the last issu©^ howsTer for those that have I: not forwarded their renewal by the tim,e this issue is dispatched^ this will be the LAST issu©e Notes for this issue have been contributed by Po Ricketts, Mo Davis, To Ellis, Ko Kerle, Lo Anderson, No Parnell, Go Banfield, Ko Murphy, Do Prossor, Go Goodall, Eo Favelle, Bo Fay, T. Boughton, Do Prossor, DoPo Woodhall, Essendon Newsletter. The civil section was compiled by Re McDonald and Po^ Rickettso r The military section was compiled by Bo White and Po Rickettso I: Contributions to the Journal should be addressed to the Editor s- I NoM« Parnell 22-24 Elizabeth Drive, Liverpool, 2170, NSW, Australia^

I, Enquires for information and subscriptions should be addressed to the s- Hono Secretary, Aviation Historical Society of Australia, Box , C262 PoOo, Clarence Street, Sydney, 2000, NSW, Australia. Photographs in this issue. Front Covers Cobham^s DH«50 arriving at Albert Park, Melbourne. See page 4 for description of his arrival at Darwino(via NoParnell). Inside B'ront Covers Bert Hinkler and his Avian G^EBOY location unknown (via NoParnell), CAC Mustang YH-DBB at Moorabbin on February lst(see Bendigo Airshow report Po18)(DoProssor.) Lock; heed Lightning after I being pulled from a swamp in New Guinea (see page 134/l969)(To Boughton). Inside Rear Coverg Yiokers Seagull Y in flight near Albion Park NoVo30,1969 shortly after its refurbishing(see Po132/1969) and below,after its unfortunate accident at Tare© on January 27th,1970 (NoParnell); Piper Pawnee YP-PAI at Port Moresby prior to being airfreighted to Sydney (see Po132/69)(ToBoughton); TAA Twin Otter N93985 which was being delivered to TAA, seen at Wichita,Kansas, in January 1970 during its delivery flight (see Accidents and Incidents next month) (RoWl Simpson) Rear Cover; A new feature for this year is the addition of photos on the back cover^ Floatplanes are relatively rare in Australia, however over the last few years there have been a few converted to this configuration for use along coastal waterways. YH=-AQA Piper Cub, moored near the owner^s home. Lane Cove River,Sydneyo The RIvI84N on the floats is the registration allotted to waterborne craft by the Maritime Services Board.(NiParnell) YH-ADS Auster J5, Had previously been operated by the RNZAF as a floatplane, NZ1705, i Has now reverted to land-plane configuration. At Lake McQuarie late 1967.(PoJcRicketts) YH-RPN Piper PA22-160, Converted to a floatplane to replace YH-CMA, and it will be used on prawn and fish spotting duties in the Gulf of Carpentaria/NoParnell®)______Photos are required for the back pages They must be three aircraft on a similar theme, ©ego airliners. cropdusting, military, vintage etc.^ and be 7" x 5" single weight glossy paper. Information on the prints as to where and when the photo was taken should be included.

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