Aircraft Showcase
After arriving home from the Australian International Airshow in Victoria, all of us here at the Museum have turned our focus to our Aircraft Showcase program coming up this weekend which will feature the Spitfire and the Museum’s trainers, Ryan and Tiger Moth.

The current high pressure system over this region has been producing some glorious weather and this Saturday will be no exception. It is sure to be a perfect day for flying in these open cockpit trainers and the Supermarine Spitfire.
Gates open at 10am.

 Avalon
The Temora Aviation Museum would like to thank everyone involved in ensuring a successful campaign for the Australian International Airshow 2013. The Museum’s Meteor, Hudson, Spitfire Mk VIII, Boomerang and the RAAF Sabre all took part in this extraordinary bi-annual airshow which was held on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of March attracting over 180,000 visitors.

Our Warbirds were a popular attraction both on the ground and in the air as they performed some of the most incredible formation flying ever seen in this country. Avalon 2013 provided a great opportunity for the Museum to showcase the historically significant collection of aircraft as well as promoting to aviation enthusiasts the benefits of a visit to the Museum.

If you were at the Airshow and visited our promotions trailer, you may have been lucky enough to enter your name in the draw for free tickets to the Warbirds Downunder 2013 which is to be held on the 2nd November here at Temora. The winners of these general admission tickets were Michael Basins, Jayden Boyde, Tony Brook, Andrew Bevan, Reg Hough, Frank Robinson, Kevin Schramm, Mike Schaffer, Mark Tyzzer and Jesse Oweng. Congratulations to you all. We will be in contact with you soon with all of the details and we look forward to seeing you on 2nd November.

Warbirds Downunder 2013
Now is the time to mark the 2nd November in your calendar and plan your trip for Warbirds Downunder 2013. Plans are well underway for an action packed flying program as well as displays on the ground. It is hoped the flying program will be even bigger than 2011 when over 50 sorties were flown during this single day airshow.

Squadron Tent City
Accommodation in Temora during Airshows can be difficult to get – so this year we are trialling another option for those who would like to stay at the airfield and avoid the traffic when arriving and leaving the Airshow on the day.

New in 2013, the Squadron Tent Barracks is a temporary on-site accommodation facility consisting of cabin style tents tall enough to stand up in. Each tent will be set up before you arrive and feature an awning, internal lighting, carpet on the floor, camp style beds and roll up screened windows – all you need to bring is your linen (sleeping bag and pillow), towels, camping chairs and personal items!

The beds are camp style stretcher beds that come complete with a mattress which will ensure both a good night’s rest, and adequate storage room under your bed for your camping essentials. For more details and bookings **Click Here**

Upcoming Dates

Spitfire Mk VIII
VH-HET our Spitfire Mk VIII is set to return to the skies this Saturday after a prolonged absence due to an engine overhaul. The Museum’s Engineering Team lead by Chief Engineer Andrew Bishop has invested an enormous amount of time and effort into returning the aircraft to flying status. Vintage V 12’s in the United States was chosen to perform the overhaul of the Merlin Engine and during the process, Andrew spent several weeks in the U.S. working closely with Vintage V 12’s throughout the strip down and rebuild process.

In speaking with Andrew he said “the many weeks I spent in the U.S.  with Vintage V 12’s was an invaluable experience with so much learnt about this complex engine, the Museum now has a greater understanding of the Merlin Engine which should see the Museum’s Spitfires serviceable for many years to come.  After some initial engine ground runs and the first of a series of check flights later in the week, it is hoped that we are able to display the Mk VIII to the public on Saturday during Aircraft Showcase.

HARS Catalina
It has been some time since the Big Black Cat visited the Temora Aviation Museum but visitors attending this Saturday’s Aircraft Showcase will be treated to the spectacular display which the Historic Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) Catalina VH PBZ in renowned for.

The crew from HARS always put on a great show and pilot Gordon Glynn said he is really looking forwad to bringing the Cat to Temora where he will allow our visitors to get up close and personnel with the Catalina during the morning prior to the flying program commencing.

Aircraft Showcase
The line-up for Saturdays flying is quite exciting. Al Arthur is bringing his P-40 to complement the Pearl Harbor theme while the Museum’s Tiger Moth and Ryan will also take part. What a line-up of aircraft to finish what has been an action packed year at the Museum. The weather prediction is for a very warm summer day, so make sure that you pack your sunscreen and hat and come and join us this Saturday for the last Aircraft Showcase of 2012.

The first Aircraft Showcase for 2013 will be January 19^th and with the theme of CAC Australian Made the Sabre, Boomerang, Wirraway, Winjeel & Ceres are all scheduled to participate.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING – SPECIAL OFFER
With Christmas fast approaching, you can purchase the perfect gift from the wide range of merchandise at our online giftshop. We have something for everyone, toys, books, DVD’s, Homewares, Clothing and Caps. Our range this Christmas includes Phil Makanna’s Ghost Calendars for 2013. http://www.aviationmuseum.com.au/shop/index.php?_a=category&cat_id=13

We are offering a special Christmas promotion for all purchases of the Ghost Calendar made between today and Christmas Day (while stocks last). If you buy either the WWI or WWII calendar, we will give you a FREE ANNUAL PASS to the Temora Aviation Museum (including Showcase Days, excluding Warbirds Downunder) valued at $50. Check out the shop now!

The Temora Aviation Museum is pleased to announce that HARS is bringing their Caribou to Temora for display during this Saturdays Aircraft Showcase Day. Twelve months ago the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) took delivery of two Caribous, including A4-210, part of the long but rewarding process of preparing one of the RAAF’s most important aircraft for a second life in the civilian world.

This will be an opportunity not to be missed as anyone who has seen a Caribou display would agree. One of its great virtues is its capability to operate from relatively rough dirt strips that cannot be accessed by other military transports. This light ‘footprint’ has been lacking in any of the Caribou’s successors. The aircraft was used by the RAAF for flare-dropping missions, medical evacuation, search and rescue and paratroop training exercises, but the main task was the airlift of troops, civilians, supplies, ammunition, mail and food.

The HARS organisation will generously allow visitors to walk through this unique aircraft and will have team of knowledgeable volunteer pilots and engineer’s on-hand to show folks through the aircraft and answer any questions.

Also flying on Saturday will be the T-28 Trojan, Harvard & Cessna A37-B Dragonfly. Unfortunately the Sabre, which was originally scheduled to fly this Saturday, will remain in the workshop due to current maintenance requirements. The remainder of the Museum’s aircraft collection will be on static display in the Display Hangar with those participating in the flying program available for a closer inspection as part of the popular Engineering Hangar Talk.

Perfect weather is forecast for Saturday and with the addition of the Caribou to complement the already impressive collection of aircraft a great day out is guaranteed. So pack your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen and make your way to the Temora Aviation Museum, bring a picnic or enjoy the fully catered Mess Hall facilities for a great day out.

Merlin Engine
The Spitfire Mk VIII is rapidly going back together after the rebuild of its engine mount, renewing of some plumbing and repair of its main fuel tanks. A fresh Merlin engine is currently being fitted to the airframe and the propeller is being overhauled in the UK. The Engineering team is working towards returning the Mk VIII to the air in October.

Temora 1000
This Saturday, September 8^th, will see the 2012 Coates Hire Temora 1000 event held here on the aerodrome. Access to the event will be via the Temora Aviation Museum and visitors can expect to see over 80 cars participate in the point to point single car sprint down runway 18/36 for a distance of 1000 meters. The event also includes a Show’n’Shine which will be staged on the Museum’s tarmac. The weather forecast for Saturday is favourable and with the aircraft collection in the Display Hangar and the fast paced action on the runway, it is sure to be a day which will not disappoint. Gates open at 7am.

Aircraft Showcase – Fighters
Our next Aircraft Showcase will be held on Saturday September 15^th and will explore the Fighter theme with special remembrance paid to the anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Making up the flying program for the day will be Harvard’s, Spitfire, Meteor, Boomerang and Cessna A-37B Dragonfly.

The Temora Aviation Museum will be hosting a special guest during this Aircraft Showcase. The Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, will be attending the event as part of a two day visit to Temora Shire. Ms Bryce will tour the Museum buildings prior to witnessing the aircraft flying displays.

Fundraising Dinner
Ms Bryce will attend a Fundraising dinner for the Temora & District Education Fund (TDEF) to be held in the Museum’s Display Hangar on the Saturday evening. The Temora & District Education Fund was established to provide much needed financial assistance and support to local youth to help them achieve their post high school education, training and vocation aspirations. Temora & District Education Fund fundraises throughout the year and accepts donations but receives no government funding. Temora Aviation Museum Founder and President, Mr David Lowy AM will be the guest speaker at the TDEF dinner and guests will be treated to the musical talents of local band Kiss My Brass.

Tickets are still available for this event with the details as follows:

Date: Saturday, September 15

Venue: Temora Aviation Museum Display Hangar

Tickets $70 per person, including a two course dinner.

Tickets available Temora Shire Council 02 6980 1100

Chief Engineer Change

As we announced earlier this year, Peter Pring-Shambler, Temora Aviation Museum’s Chief Engineer, has stepped down as Chief Engineer and moved into a 12 month consulting role for the Museum. Effective 1st July 2012, Andrew Bishop was promoted to the position of Chief Engineer.

Peter said “I’ve been Chief Engineer of the Museum since its inception and during that time part of my role has been to develop and grow our talent.  Andrew is ready for this and we have worked through a comprehensive transition period together. I’m also ready to look at doing some other things alongside my role at the Museum.”

Museum President and Founder David Lowy AM said “Pete has been integral to my aviation activities since well before the establishment of the Museum and I am pleased that he will have a continuing role with us.”

Andrew Bishop said “I have been with the Museum since 2004 and have been fortunate to have the chance to learn from Pete’s many years of experience on ex-military aircraft. I am looking forward to the challenge of leading the engineering team and continuing to contribute my skills in a way that will see Australia’s military aviation heritage preserved and displayed for future generations.”

SPITFIRE VH-HET

Our Mk. VIII Spitfire has been out of the air for some time now with the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine in the USA for a complete overhaul. Newly appointed Chief Engineer Andrew Bishop will head to the States next week to be involved with the engine rebuild and test runs before it is shipped back to Australia and re-installed in the aircraft.

The Museum’s team of engineers decided while the engine was out of the aircraft, it was the perfect opportunity to conduct a firewall forward restoration and have all components tested, repaired and replaced as necessary. Over the past few months they have been very busy carrying out this restoration which has included the following:
- Engine Mount Non Destructive Testing (NDT) and corroded parts replaced.
- All components completely stripped and painted
- New hoses and pipes
- Propeller sent to the UK for overhaul
- Manufacture of new cowling frames
- Rebuild of the radiator flaps and shrouds
- Overhaul of the lower main fuel tank
- Annual inspection of the airframe

This has been a massive undertaking for our team of engineers but one which will ensure the longevity of the aircraft. The time and effort which has been invested into our Spitfire in recent months will see it return to the skies towards the end of 2012.

AIRCRAFT SHOWCASE – FIGHTERS

This Saturdays Aircraft Showcase features the Museum’s Fighters. The Spitfire Mk. XVI, Boomerang and Meteor will form the flying program and the addition of the Cessna A-37B Dragonfly is sure to make it a memorable day of flying. The weather forecast calls for fine weather on Saturday but it will be cool so make sure that you bring a jumper or two and enjoy this special Aircraft Showcase.

Now is a perfect opportunity for you to examine the Spitfire Mk VIII skeleton whilst its restoration work is being completed. Currently a spare Merlin engine has been temporarily installed to allow the Engineers to correctly fabricate replacement parts for the engine cowling. After the completion of the Aircraft Showcase flying program visitors are invited to explore the engineering facility and ask questions from the engineers and pilots in order to gain an insight what happens beneath the skin of the aircraft.

CEEP GRANT

The Temora Aviation Museum is proud to announce that we have been successful in obtaining $118,126 of Federal funding as part of the Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP). The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, and Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus made the announcement of over $42 million in grants to improve energy efficiency across community buildings and facilities. More information about the CEEP can be found here.

Improving energy efficiency is a central element of the Federal Government’s Clean Energy Future plan, and the Temora Aviation Museum are excited to be a partner in this program which will help boost productivity in our economy and move Australia towards a low-carbon future.

The Funding will be utilised to upgrade the existing inefficient lighting systems throughout the Museum Public Exhibition Area’s reducing the total energy consumption required for lighting by 84% which equates to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) of 106 tonnes per year.

Not only will energy efficient lighting save energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission, it will also create an enhanced experience for Museum visitors by providing a high quality theatrical atmosphere to showcase the Museum’s unique collection of ex-military aircraft. It is anticipated that the new energy efficient lighting will be commissioned by mid-September 2012 for all Museum visitors to enjoy.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of Aircraft Showcase dates and the aircraft which are scheduled to fly for each one.

Australian Frontline
This weekend will see plenty of activity at the Temora Aviation Museum with Aircraft Showcase – Australian Frontline being presented to visitors on Saturday May 5th. The fantastic line up of aircraft includes the Spitfire Mk XVI, Boomerang, Meteor and two visiting Harvard’s owned by Doug Hamilton and David and Carolyn Salter. We are now also able to confirm that Al Arthur will be participating with his P-40 Kittyhawk which will make for a full program of flying. To complement the day’s activities, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the Museum’s engineering hangar and investigate the current activities taking place.  Perfect autumn weather is forecast so make sure you bring a jumper and come to Temora to see these historic aircraft take to the skies with some very talented and experienced pilots at the controls. Don’t forget that all pilots will be available after the flying during engineering talk to answer your questions and share their knowledge and experience.

In the engineering hangar visitors will see the Mk VIII Spitfire with its engine, engine mount and fuselage fuel tanks removed as it is currently receiving a complete restoration forward of the firewall.  This is a massive task which will ensure the longevity of the aircraft. The engineers responsible for this project will be on-hand during the engineering hangar tour to answer any questions and give those interested a closer look at their progress.

Wings Over Illawarra 2012
The Museum is supporting the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) event, Wings over Illawarra 2012 on Sunday May 6th. The Hudson, Meteor and Wirraway will leave Temora at the completion of Aircraft Showcase on Saturday and make the journey to Albion Park for the open day. For more details you can go to http://woi.org.au

Upcoming Aircraft Showcase Dates
May 5th, 2012 Aircraft Showcase – Australian Frontline
May 19th, 2012 Aircraft Showcase – WWII to Korea
Jun 2nd, 2012 Aircraft Showcase – Pacific Theatre
Jun 16th, 2012 Aircraft Showcase – Korean Conflict

Warbirds Downunder Airshow
Thank you to everyone that has shown interest in a date for the next Warbirds Downunder Airshow. We can now confirm that our next Warbirds Downunder Airshow will be held towards the end of 2013. We will release the date via this newsletter soon.

Have you ever dreamt of being in an aerial dog fight, piloting a P-40 and shooting down other aircraft or being shot at? This weekend you will have the opportunity to be get up close and personnel with three of TAM’s infamous fighter aircraft, as they take to the sky you can get a feel for what it might have been like. See our Spitfire MK XVI, CAC Boomerang and RAAF CAC Sabre in full flight this this Saturday (March 17th) from 10am. Making a special guest appearance will be Allan Arthurs P-40, a ferocious fighter!

The Boomerang was Australia’s answer to a desperate need for fighter aircraft during WWII and in a hurry, going from drawing board to full flight in just over 16 weeks. Despite it’s short gestation period it served us well. The Boomerang was flown by R.A.A.F. Squadron’s No’s  4, 5, 83 and 85 defending the mainland, undertaking escort duties for shipping convoys and air to air operations against the Japanese. The Boomerang still remains the only fully Australian designed and built fighter aircraft to see ever production. 

The infamous Spitfire was made famous through its involvement in the Battle of Britain and has become synonymous as the aircraft of WWII. See our Mk XVI in action and hear the story of it’s armed reconnaissance mission in the Utrecht/Hague/Leiden area during WWII. Painted in the markings that it wore when flown with RAAF 453 Squadron, this combat veteran is well known to enthusiasts around the world  having spent many years in New Zealand as part of Sir Tim Wallis’ Alpine Fighter Collection before coming to Temora Aviation Museum (TAM).

Jump ahead almost 20 years and allow yourself to soar as you hear the Sabre’s magnificent Rolls-Royce/CAC RA.7 Avon Mk.26 axial flow turbojet engine start up. TAM’s RAAF Sabre saw service with the RAAF on the Australian mainland and then later with the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

Allan Arthur is bringing his P-40 Kittyhawk to the Museum to complement the Aircraft Showcase – Fighter theme. Built in 1943 his P-40N1 Kittyhawk is powered by an Allison 1710 V-12 engine which is rated at 1400 horsepower. The aircraft was retrieved as a wreck from a fire dump in New Zealand before being completely restored and painted to represent GAQ from RAF 112 Shark Squadron which fought in the Middle East against Rommel before moving on to Sicily and Italy. Allan spent more then six years rebuilding the aircraft and since returning it to the skies he has flown it more then 140 hours enabling thousands of people to see this magnificent machine!

Beat the Mothers Day Rush!

With Mothers Day just around the corner why not pop into our Gift Shop whilst at our showcase this Saturday. We have a lovely range of gifts for our Aviation loving mums. Perhaps she would enjoy 14k gold Airplane post earings, always a conversation starter, or glam up shower time with a pink camouflage showercap!
For those who are unable to make it here befor Mothers Day you are still able to purchase from our wide range of merchandise. Just CLICK HERE to head to our online shop more inspiration!

Upcoming Showcase Dates

Aircraft Showcase Day – TRAINERS to Jets which was scheduled to be held this Saturday 3rd March has been cancelled.

Unfortunately the weather which we are experiencing, both here and around the state, has beaten us this time. We have already had way too much rain with even more on the forecast especially for Saturday. Many creeks and roads in this area are flooded making it increasingly difficult for staff, volunteers and visitors to make the trip to the Museum.

The Museum will be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday with the Engineering Hangar also open for viewing throughout the day, however the aircraft will not be flying.  

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and hope that you can experience Aircraft Showcase at another time.

Aircraft Showcase – Vietnam

Are you looking for something action packed? Why not join us for one of our Aircraft Showcase Days? These enjoyable days have been planned to provide you with an up close and personal experience and the program this Saturday, February 18th, will be no exception with five aircraft taking to the skies.

The flying program for this Saturday pays tribute to the operations of the RAAF, Australian pilots and support personnel during the Vietnam War. The Museum will fly two of the aircraft from the collection being the Cessna O-2A, which was flown by Australian pilots in the Forward Air Control operations, and the Cessna A-37B Dragonfly which carried out ground attack missions in support of Australian ground troops.

To add to the action we will be joined by Gordon Glynn’s Cessna O-1 Birddog, Steve Death’s T-28 Trojan and an awesome display from the Royal Australian Navy Historic Flight Huey helicopter. The Huey will demonstrate its manoeuvrability and capability in the air and for those of you who have never seen one in action it is a ‘must see’.

This flying line up of aircraft is sure to please all who come along and don’t forget you can stay after the flying ends to have a chat with our experienced team of Engineers and Pilots. Aircraft Showcase is a great day out for the family so pack up the kids and head out to Temora.

School Excursions
Following our very successful official launch which was attended by the Hon. Adrian Piccoli MP in December 2011 we were featured on the front cover of the N.S.W. History Teachers Association’s quarterly journal Teaching History. With the advent of the new school year Temora Aviation Museum is excited and ready for the students to visit us on school excursions during 2012.

Our new education programs have been created to challenge students to learn from history so that they can make informed decisions in the present and for the future. The program content makes the most of our incredible collection of historical ex-military Australian aircraft and engages students to make history relevant.

Each program includes a comprehensive Teachers Resource Kit with:
·  suggested pre visit and post visit activities
·  explicit Outcomes and links to Key Learning Areas
·  outline of the experience components
·  bibliography and a list of suggested resources
·  worksheets for students

Vacancies are filling fast so to avoid disappointment we encourage you to call and reserve your class’ excursion soon. For more information visit our website or call 02 6977 1088 and ask to speak to our Education Co-ordinator.

Announcing 2012 Showcase Dates and Themes
Mark the diary for your regular trip to Temora Aviation Museum’s Aircraft Showcase Days.

Feb 18th, 2012  Aircraft Showcase – Korea to Vietnam
       Cessna O-1, Cessna O-2A, A-37B Dragonfly, T-28, Huey

Mar 3rd, 2012  Aircraft Showcase – Trainer to Jets
Wirraway, Ryan, Meteor

Mar 17th, 2012  Aircraft Showcase – Fighters
Spitfire, Boomerang, Sabre, P-40

Apr 7th, 2012  No Aircraft Showcase
NATFLY here at Temora Aerodrome

Apr 21st, 2012  Aircraft Showcase – Three Conflicts
Spitfire, Hudson, A-37, Sabre

May 5th, 2012  Aircraft Showcase – Australian Frontline
Spitfire, Boomerang, Meteor, Harvard

May 19th, 2012  Aircraft Showcase – WWII to Korea
Tiger Moth, Wirraway, Ryan, Sabre

Jun 2nd, 2012  Aircraft Showcase – Pacific Theatre
Spitfire, Hudson, Ryan, P-40

Jun 16th, 2012  Aircraft Showcase – Korean Conflict
Cessna O-1, Harvard, Meteor, Sabre

Showcase Day Dates for 2012

Aircraft Showcase Days have finished for 2011 but will return to the skies above TemoraAviationMuseumon January 21st 2012 with Aircraft Showcase – British Built featuring the Tiger Moth, Spitfire and Meteor. Aircraft Showcase dates up to October 2012 have now been published on our website so start planning your next trip to Temora to see these magnificent machines in the air.

Warbirds Downunder 2011

The inaugural Warbirds Downunder 2011 Airshow was a huge success. Despite the unseasonable heat and dust the day was enjoyed by a huge crowd of visitors, pilots and aircraft owners.

Firstly we must say thank you to all those who brought their aircraft to Temora to participate in the historic lineup of flying displays. All up we had 53 aircraft take part in the flying which ran on time and flawlessly. Without the genorosity of other aircraft owners, an event of this scale would not be possible.

Secondly we want to thank you, our visitors, for attending the Warbirds Downunder Airshow. We know you put alot of time and effort into travelling to Temora but it is seeing the enjoyment that you get from watching history come alive that encourages us to keep going and make the events better each time.

Lastly, we want to acknowledge the staff, crew and volunteers who spent countless hours preparing for and cleaning up after Warbirds Downunder 2011. This airshow was undoubtably our biggest challenge to date and your dedication and effort are greatly appreciated.

We haven’t set the date for the next Warbirds Downunder Airshow yet, but when we do it will be announced to our email newsletter subscribers first – so stay tuned.

Online Shop

Christmas is getting very close and for those of you who are still struggling to find that special something, we suggest you check out our online merchandise. We have a huge range of aviation gift items to suit men, women and children of all ages. We ship within one day and all payments are secure.

Aircraft Showcase including Scale Models

TheTemoraAviationMuseumis proud to be hosting the Temora Invitational Scale Classic 2010 on Saturday 5th November here at the Museum. The Scale Model competition will be incorporated into the Aircraft Showcase – Scale Model event we are scheduled to hold. This combined event will take place on Saturday the 5th November with the Scale Models also flying on Friday 4th and Sunday 6th.

There will be a few very interesting model aircraft on display from WWI and WWII including multi-engine aircraft and modern day military jets. Each flying routine will consist of 10 manoeuvres of the pilot’s choice and two compulsory ones. All aircraft will compete in four rounds over the three days of competition as well as static judging to see how close the aircraft detail is to a full sized version. With at least two aircraft in the air all the times it will be very exciting for those watching, visitors will also have the chance to get up close to the aircraft throughout the day.”

This Saturday, you must come to Temora Aviation Museum to witness a full sized Tiger Moth, Hudson, Boomerang and Sabre along with dozens of meticulously built scale model aircraft in the air. So grab a chair and your sunscreen and come on out to theTemoraAviationMuseum this weekend. Food and beverages will be available on all three days, with normal admission applying both Friday and Sunday and on Saturday Aircraft Showcase Day admission applies.

The Inaugural Warbirds Downunder Countdown Has Begun

The Temora Aviation Museum is now able to confirm that Australia’s frontline fighter, the F/A-18 Hornet, will fly as part of the Warbirds Downunder Airshow at Temora Aviation Museum on November 19^th, 2011.

 The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will fly an F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft toTemoraAviationMuseumto take part in the Warbirds Downunder Airshow. The F/A-18 Hornet is a multi-role fighter designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. It is capable of air interception, air combat, close air support of ground troops, and interdiction of enemy supply lines including shipping. The Hornet was developed for the US Navy and Marine Corps and has been a very successful aircraft for the RAAF and many other Air Forces includingCanada,Finland,Kuwait,Malaysia,SpainandSwitzerland.

The Hornet is powered by two turbofan engines which provide 7,258kgs of thrust each. The aircraft has a top speed of Mach 1.8 (2,200km/h), a maximum all up weight of 20,412kg and boasts a combat radius of 740kms.

The Warbirds Downunder Airshow will take place on November 19^th, 2011 and will feature theTemoraAviationMuseum’s aircraft collection including the Spitfires,Hudson, Meteor and RAAF Sabre plus a number of visiting antique and warbird aircraft including a Mustang, Harvards, and the Connie. The RAAF Roulettes are also attending and will fly their six ship formation aerobatic routine. TheTemoraAviationMuseum aims to provide the complete airshow experience for all spectators with plenty of activities on the ground to entertain all ages from jumping castles for the children through to classic, vintage car and ex-military vehicle displays for those bigger kids. The RAAF Hot Air Balloon will be providing free tethered rides (weather permitting) for those who arrive early enough and Defence Force Recruiting will be on site to provide information for anyone interested in joining the Australian Defence Force. In addition to all of this the popular Kapooka Army Band will be providing entertainment throughout the morning.

Warbirds Dowunder will be a fantastic event with hot and cold food and beverages available and many activities to keep everyone entertained.  To avoid the queues on the day, now is the time to purchase your tickets at http://www.aviationmuseum.com.au/  Gates will open at 8.30am and the flying displays will commence at 11am.

 Unique Travel Options for Warbirds Downunder 2011

If you are looking for a unique way to get to the Warbirds Downunder Airshow, how about taking the train. The Lachlan Valley Railway are bringing one of their historic trains from Wagga Wagga to Temora. This historic train trip is able to pick up passengers in Junee, Cootamundra and Stockinbingal. For more information visit http://www.lvr.com.au/.

TheTemora Aviation Museum has added some additional aircraft to the flying program for this Saturdays Aircraft Showcase. Visitors will be treated to the scheduled Tiger Moth and Spitfire as well as the Meteor and three visiting Harvard’s.Alan Clementswill make his way to Temora for the day to fly the Gloster Meteor while Doug Hamilton, Steve Death and David Salter will all be flying their Harvard’s to Temora to join the show.

Temora has been producing some spectacular early spring weather and Saturday will be no exception with a beautiful and sunny 21°C day on the forecast so flying conditions are sure to please those visitors who make their way to Temora.

Warbirds Downunder 2011 Airshow

The Warbirds Downunder 2011 Airshow is coming up and ticket sales are in full swing. For those of you who wish to purchase GoldPasstickets now is the time! Gold Pass tickets are limited and there are not many left so get online and purchase yours today. General Admission tickets are also available online, so to save lining up on the day purchase your tickets now. For more information about Warbirds Downunder or to purchase tickets visit our website. 

The Warbirds Downunder 2011 Airshow will be a spectacular event both on the ground and in the air. Ground display vendors will focus on various activities to entertain visitors including exhibits from Defence Recruiting, RAAF Hot Air Balloon, vintage and military vehicles, heritage fighter gear and equipment, Air Force Connect, jumping castles and face painting.

Whether we want to admit it or not, Christmas is just around the corner. The Museum Gift Shop is well stocked with everything the aviation enthusiast in your life could wish for. Visit the Gift Shop while you are here this weekend or click on the link below to take you to easy online shopping.

Visit our online shop to check out our great variety of DVDs, books, caps, clothing, toys, jewellery and giftware. 

Upcoming Flying Dates

Sep 17th, 2011 Aircraft Showcase – Battle of Britain Tiger Moth, Spitfire, Meteor, Harvard’s x 3

Oct 1st, 2011 Aircraft Showcase – Trainers Tiger Moth, Wirraway, Ryan, Meteor

Oct 15th, 2011 Aircraft Showcase – Pacific Theatre Spitfire, Boomerang, Hudson

Nov 5th, 2011 Aircraft Showcase – Scale Modellers Tiger Moth, Wirraway, Boomerang

Nov 19th, 2011 Warbirds Downunder 2011 Airshow

Dec 3rd, 2011 Aircraft Showcase – Pearl Harbour / USA Ryan, Hudson

Dec 17th, 2011 No Showcase Day Merry Christmas

Jan 7th, 2012 No Showcase Day Happy New Year

Jan 21st, 2012 Aircraft Showcase – Australian Made Tiger Moth, Wirraway, Boomerang, Sabre

Feb 4th, 2012 Aircraft Showcase – British Built Tiger Moth, Spitfire, Meteor

Feb 18th, 2012 Aircraft Showcase – Korea to Vietnam Sabre, Cessna O-2A, A-37B Dragonfly

Aircraft Showcase – CAC

Win a ride in the Ryan

Saturday September 3rd will be a great day to be here at the TemoraAviationMuseum. With Father’s Day the following day, Temora Aviation Museum is offering all fathers that visit the Museum for Aircraft Showcase, a chance to receive an early Father’s Day present.

One lucky dad, who attends the Museum on September 3rd, will win a ride in the beautiful Ryan STM s2 after the flying program finishes. When they arrive at the Museum all dad’s will receive a ticket and the winner will be drawn at the end of the flying program. The special dad will then be able to suit up for what will be a spectacular 15 minute spring time flight over Temora and surrounding areas. The father taking the ride must be over 18yrs of age and sign a waiver.

Aircraft Showcase – Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation

Aircraft Showcase – Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation will take to the skies above Temora on Saturday September 3rd. The Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation was an Australian aircraft manufacturer during Word War II and the post war era. The company began as a private corporation founded by Lawrence Wackett who had been a Captain with the Australian Flying Corps and known for his engineering ingenuity. After World War I, Wackett had begun manufacturing and designing Civil Aircraft.

In the 1930′s CAC took up the license for the North American NA-16 which ultimately became the CAC Wirraway. CAC designed the Wackett and then the Boomerang fighter which was the only indigenous designed and built aircraft to see combat in WWII. The factory had a good working relationship with North American and also produced the Mustang in later years.

During WWII CAC produced two interesting prototypes which unfortunately never made it into production. The Woomera which was a three seater medium bomber that had remotely operated turrets in the rear engine nacelles and an interceptor, the CA-15 or Kangaroo, a 721 km/h fighter with a range of 4000 km’s. After the war CAC produced the CA-25 Winjeel and the CA-27 Sabre.

To celebrate and remember the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation’s contribution toAustralia’s Military Aviation we will be flying the CA-16 Wirraway,  CA-13 Boomerang and the RAAF CA-27 Sabre. Some visiting aircraft will also be joining us for the day including some CA-25 Winjeel’s. 

Fathers Day Special

The 4th of September 2011 marks Fathers Day this year and for those of you who want to find that perfect gift for your special Dad – look no further than our online merchandise. 

The Temora Aviation Museum’s online shop has a range of aviation related merchandise including books, clothing, caps, gift items, DVDs, and Museum merchandise that you can purchase as a gift for your dad.

All orders are shipped within 24 hours of receiving them and online payments are secure.

Name Our Newsletter Competition

Thank you to the hundreds of you who have sent in an entry for the Name our Newsletter competition. Entries are now closed and our judges are busy sifting through the many creative suggestions you have given us. Stay tuned to future newsletters for the announcement of the new name and also the name of the lucky person who will be going for a ride in our Tiger Moth.

Warbirds Downunder 2011

Don’t forget the upcoming Warbirds Downunder Airshow which will be held at the Museum on Saturday November 19th, 2011. 

There will be plenty of aerial action for you to enjoy with most of the Museum’s aircraft collection taking to the skies as well as plenty of visiting aircraft including the RAAF Roulettes, RAAF Hot Air Balloon, Allan Arthurs P-40 Kittyhawk, RAAF Museum CAC Mustang, Southern Knights Aerobatic Team. Aircraft from Judy Pay’s collection and may more of our friends. The visiting aircraft which have confirmed have been listed on our website – but we are still working on others. As they confirm we will add them to the website also.

Apart from the flying program there will be other exhibits for you to see and enjoy. The children will be occupied with Kids Korner, Jumping Castles and other activities. A wide variety of food vendors will be here on the day to ensure you are provided with a vast food selection and if you are a classic / vintage car and military vehicle fan, you can enjoy perusing the many vehicles on display for the event.

For the first time we are selling two types of tickets. General admission tickets as well as Gold pass tickets. For details on the inclusions associated with both, take a look at our website. We want to encourage everyone to purchase their tickets online well before the event so you can avoid the queues on the day. Remember, Gold Passes are limited and will not be available at the gate!

UPDATE: Gold Passes are selling fast and are limited. Get yours today to avoid the disappointment of missing out.

Aircraft Showcase With spring just around the corner we have plenty of aviation friendly weather in the forecast for this Saturday and we know that this will attract many of you to visit the Temora Aviation Museum Aircraft Showcase. The theme for this event will focus on the Vietnam conflict as we acknowledge the Battle of Long Tan. Taking to the skies will be the Cessna A-37B Dragonfly, Cessna 0-2A and Cessna O-1 Birddog. As an added bonus, so as to allow our pilots some extra flight time, we will also be flying the Spitfire in addition to the theme. After the flying is complete, everyone will have the opportunity to meet our experienced pilots and engineers during the engineering hangar tour. So come prepared with all the military aircraft related questions you have always wanted to know the answers to.

Be sure to arrive when the gates open at 10am so that you have time to get a premium coffee from Sean, who we like to call “The Coffee Man”, before making your way to the Display Hangar for the feature film on the big screen. Prior to and after the flying you will have plenty of opportunity to explore the Museum displays and aircraft.

The Temora Aviation Museum is excited to announce that Warbirds Downunder will be held at the Museum on Saturday November 19th, 2011. There will be plenty of aerial action for you to enjoy with most of the Museum’s aircraft collection taking to the skies as well as plenty of visiting aircraft including the RAAF Roulettes, RAAF Hot Air Balloon, Allan Arthurs P-40 Kittyhawk, RAAF Museum CAC Mustang, Southern Knights Aerobatic Team. aircraft from Judy Pay’s collection and many more of our friends. The visiting aircraft which have confirmed, have been listed on our website – but we are still working on others so stay tuned. Apart from the flying program there will be other exhibits for you to see and enjoy. The children will be occupied with Kids Korner, jumping castles and other activities. A wide variety of food vendors will be here on the day to ensure you are provided with tasty delights and if you are a classic / vintage car and military vehicle fan, you can enjoy perusing the many vehicles on display for the event.

For quite a while we have been working on a new format for our website, online shop and email newsletter. This week we were able to launch all three and we are pretty excited with the results. However something is still missing…and we need the help of all our creative subscribers to give our email newsletter a fresh, exciting and unique name which reflects our Museum. You can email as many suggestions as you like to us and our secret panel of judges will choose the name they like the most. In the case that two of you come up with the same name we will go with the email we receive first. The winner will receive a ride in the Museum’s Tiger Moth and must be 18 years or older. So put your thinking caps on and very soon you could be soaring over the Temora countryside just like the trainees in World War II.

This Saturday Temora Aviation Museum will present Aircraft Showcase – Biplanes to Jets. For the Biplane part of the program the Museum’s Tiger Moth will take to the skies along with the Ryan STM. The Tiger Moth was the main aircraft that trained Commonwealth pilots during WWII and our Tiger was based right here at Temora’s RAAF Elementary Flying Training School during the war. The Ryan is possibly the most beautiful aircraft in the Temora Aviation Museum’s collection however the beauty hides its utility as it was designed to be a trainer for the military during the war.

The RAAF Sabre is on the program for Saturday and Squadron Leader Paul Simmons is looking forward to taking it flying. All aircraft perform much better in cool weather and the jets are no exception. Paul’s love of flying led him to become a fighter pilot with the RAAF, flying F/A-18 Hornets and F-15 Eagles on exchange with the USAF. He is a Fighter Combat Instructor (Top Gun) and his skills are put to good use when he is the pilot of the Sabre.

To complete the jet program we have an exciting inclusion of the Museum’s Cessna A-37B Dragonfly. The Dragonfly was used extensively in support of Australian ground forces during the Vietnam conflict and its twin General Electric turbo jet engines give it the best performance of all the jets at the Museum.

Our special guest this Saturday is Red Bull Air Race pilot Matt Hall flying his highly modified race aircraft. Matt is a third generation pilot, a former RAAF Fighter Combat (Top Gun) Instructor, international unlimited aerobatic competitor and in 2009 became not only the first Australian to ever compete in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship but also the first Rookie to finish a Red Bull Race and indeed the entire season on the podium. Matt has over 4500 hours in various aircraft types, more than 1100 in light aircraft and in excess of 500 doing aerobatics. He is an accomplished warbird pilot and has flown at the Museum in the past in a P-51 Mustang. Matt said “I am looking forward to getting back out to Temora. Not only is it where I have been involved in some of the best displays of my time (warbird formations), it is also the ‘birthplace’ of my MXS race plane; where it was rebuilt after its arrival in Australia. Great people, great weather, great planes. What more could you want?”

After the flying is finished the Engineering Team invites all of our visitors into the workshop. This is a highlight of Aircraft Showcase as it gives you an opportunity to see what technical activities are taking place.

The forecast for Saturday is mostly sunny with a top of 15 degrees and light northerly breeze. The Museum’s Mess Hall will be open so you don’t need to pack the picnic basket. Greg Matthews and his team from the NSW Fire Brigade are manning the BBQs and as they are arguably Temora’s most experienced BBQ chefs our visitors will certainly be well fed.

UPCOMING DATES
Note that we will be having a small break from flying over the Christmas period so be sure to check the dates during December and January. (more…)