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

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.

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

A couple of exciting additions have been incorporated into this Saturdays Aircraft Showcase – Korea. 2010 marks the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War and the RAAF Sabre and Meteor are being showcased along with the CAC Mustang from the RAAF Museum at Point Cook. The Mustang is a welcome addition to our popular Aircraft Showcase. This is the first time the RAAF Museum Mustang has been able to make the journey to Temora, so this is definitely an opportunity not to be missed. http://www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum/exhibitions/interactive/mustang.htm

With his aircraft fresh of the ship after finishing the Red Bull Air Race season, pilot Matt Hall will display his skills during the Aircraft Showcase this Saturday. Seeing Matt perform his tight turns, loops and rolls is something which must be seen to be believed. Matt is an experienced pilot and his logbook includes time in the F/A-18 Hornet as well as many Warbird and civilian types. When he last flew at the Museum it was in a WWII Mustang but this time he will amaze our visitors with an aerobatic routine in his Red Bull race machine. http://matthallracing.com/

Aircraft Showcase allows the you to get up close to the aircraft, talk with the pilots and gain a insight into how we keep these aircraft flying and what it is like to fly these old warbirds – which only a handful of pilots have the privilege to do.

One of the most popular aspects of Aircraft Showcase is the informative talks and demonstrations given by the Museum’s Engineering team. This Saturday, Engine builder David Finch will be on hand to demonstrate the operation of the Rolls Royce Derwent engine which powers the Gloster Meteor while Ben Muller will be helping you to understand the complex hydraulic system which is a critical part of the RAAF Sabre. Andrew Bishop with be available to answer any questions regarding the powerful V12 Merlin Engine and we will also have an assortment of instruments and gauges demonstrating their internal workings. The engineering tour takes place after the flying display with all engineers and pilots on hand to answer your questions.

We are also planning an informative discussion on ejection seat use and operation which will be presented by Alan Clements. Alan is a Group Captain in the RAAF and currently flys the Museum’s Meteor F.8. Assisting Alan with the discussion will be Sabre pilot Squadron Leader Paul Simmons. This will take place in the Display Hangar immediately following the morning movie.

Temora Aviation Museum is flying its warbirds this weekend on the 19th or 20th of July – another good reason to escape the crowds in Sydney during the World Youth Day events!

The line-up consists of most of our warbirds. You will see the Spitfires, Dragonfly, Boomerang, Hudson, Wirraway, Cessna O-2A, and more!

Museum gates open at 10.00 am and flying continues through until around 3.00 pm. Food and refreshments are available on site. Remember to bring along a light fold-up chair if you have one, and some warm clothing – you’ll need it!

NEW METEOR PILOT

Yesterday Alan Clements became only the second pilot in Australia in approximately 45 years to become endorsed on the Meteor F.8. His conversion to the aircraft was approved by CASA, and conducted by Darren “Buster” Crabb the current Meteor display pilot and Director of Flying Operations for the Temora Historic Flying Club (THFC). Alan, an experienced RAAF F/A-18 pilot as well as one of the current THFC Vampire pilots, stated, “It is certainly a privilege to be given the opportunity to fly the Meteor. This aircraft has significant historical importance the RAAF due to its combat service with 77 Squadron in the Korea War. As a past Commanding Officer of 77 Squadron this aircraft holds particular sentimental value to me.”

Using the Temora Aviation Museum’s Meteor, Buster conducted the training over two days culminating in Alan’s endorsement on 17 July 2008. Asked how he felt during the training Alan said, “Excited and nervous. It’s not often one gets an opportunity to fly such an aircraft. Modern aviation is based around simulation and dual instruction, your first flight in this aircraft is solo, which adds a little pressure considering it is the only flying F.8 in the world. I certainly didn’t want to get anything wrong.”

When asked how he felt during his first flight, Alan stated, “Well my heart rate had certainly risen, particularly as I came in to land for the first time. However, the sortie went exactly as planned, which is a reflection on Buster’s experience. Darren is obviously very experienced at operating this aircraft so it was great to be the beneficiary of that experience. He made it very easy by explaining everything in detail and highlighting those little ‘gotcha’s that can make aviation embarrassing.” Additionally the aircraft didn’t miss a beat. It performed well which is due to the quality of the Engineering Team here at the Museum. Pete and his team do a great job not only in maintaining and preparing these aircraft, but helping us understand the aircraft systems in more detail. It certainly helped with the nerves knowing how well they do their job.”

The years immediately post World War Two saw the emergence of many new and improved jet fighters. The early Gloster Meteors needed a redesign to keep up-to-date and so was born the Meteor F.8. The F.8 Meteor was based on the F.4 with a few improvements. The fuselage was lengthened by 76cm to fix the Center of Gravity (CofG) issues, a new tail that helped with changing CofG caused by ammunition expenditure, updated Derwent engines that produced 1633kg / 3600lbs of thrust, a Martin Baker ejection seat, new blown canopy and the ability to carry two 450kg / 1000lb bombs or 16 rocket projectiles. While the F.8 was the mainstay fighter for the RAF between 1950 and 1955, and RAAF from 1951-1958, it was soon being outclassed by new swept wing fighters such as F-86 Sabre and MiG-15.

The aircraft entered RAAF service in April of 1951, during the Korean War, when it replaced the Mustangs of 77 Squadron. A total of 93 F.8s and six T.7s (two seat) were allocated to the Korean War. Only 41 F8s and three T.7s returned to Australia in 1953. The aircraft remained in active service until 1958 when it was replaced by the Avon F-86 Sabre. Coincidentally 41 is the number of 77 Squadron aircrew killed in action during the Korean War. The Meteor continued to be flown by the Citizen’s Air Force until 1963, and then for some years by the Ministry of Supply and Trials conducting research.

Over the years there were 10 confirmed ejections from Australian Meteors (two mid air collisions, seven in combat and one un-commanded ejection).

Come to the Museum this weekend to see Al’s debut Meteor display flight.

Visit our photo gallery page to view photos of Al with the Meteor.

The first Flying Weekend for 2007 began with clear, warm weather resulting in a large number of visitors who were interested to see the Museum’s aircraft fly, as well as observe visiting aircraft such as the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society’s (HARS) PBY Catalina and the Helicopter Transport Services (HTS) CH-54 Sky-crane helitanker named “Shania”.

Shania was a last minute, but welcome addition to the Museum’s line-up. The Sky-crane personnel notified the Museum of its presence in the district for Rural Fire Service (RFS) training just prior to the weekend, so we were privileged they could participate.

The Catalina Flying Boat provided lots of interest also. Since its last visit to Temora, HARS have repainted its weathered coat to a shinier black. The Catalina represents an important part of Australian Aviation history when flying boats were a normal part of military and civilian travel. The aircraft is maintained in airworthy condition as a tribute to the crews that flew and maintained them.

WINGS OVER THE ILLAWARRA

Temora Aviation Museum will be involving two of its aircraft in an Air Show Open Day this weekend, Saturday 24 February 2007 at the Illawarra Regional Airport at Albion Park, NSW. Anticipated to fly across will be the Museum’s Gloster Meteor F.8 and the Lockheed Hudson. The Museum’s aircraft will be on static display however HARS will be flying some aircraft from their collection including the Catalina, Connie and the RAAF Roulettes.

If you live in the Illawarra, it would be a great time to check out the Museum’s vintage aircraft. They will be on site from Friday 23 February until Saturday afternoon 24 February.

The Museum is excited to announce that two more visiting aircraft are joining its ranks over the weekend. On both Saturday and Sunday, visitors will be able to view flying displays by Col Pays P-40E Kittyhawk, as well as the Catalina Flying Boat from the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS). It will be a big weekend for the Museum with the inclusion of so many visiting aircraft, the entirety now consisting of Matt Dennings Boomerang, HARSs Constellation, Catalina and two DC-3s as well as Col Pays Kittyhawk.

All these visiting aircraft, along with displays by the Museum vintage collection, will make for an exciting event. Aircraft from the Museums fleet that are planned to fly over the weekend are the Tiger Moth, Wirraway, Vampire, Hudson, Spitfire, Dragonfly and O-2A. The Meteor and Canberra will fly Saturday only and Tom Moon plans to do a spectacular aerobatic display in his Extra 300s both Saturday and Sunday.

Weather

Visitors can expect a predicted top of 30°c over the weekend. Thunderstorms are predicted, however traditionally these tend to hit late in the afternoon, and therefore are not likely to affect our flying display. The weather at present (Friday 25th) is 30°c and is warm and sunny.
The most accurate way to discover the current weather conditions in Temora is to visit the Museums website and click on the Visit Us and Weather link and to choose the Live Radar Picture for Temora and Surrounding Districts icon. This will show you any rainfall that may be in the region, as well as the direction it is heading.

So come along and discover what a Temora Aviation Museum Flying Day entails. The Museum will be open from 10.00 am. Hot and cold food and beverages are available for purchase throughout the day at the Museums ‘Mess Hall’ kiosk. The Museum advises to bring along a fold-up chair if you have one, otherwise stools are available for purchase at the Museum. Flying finishes around 3.00 pm followed by a Ramp Talk with the pilots.

The last Flying Days for 2005 are coming up this weekend! Guaranteed to be a big event, the majority of the Museums aircraft collection will be flying both days, along with visiting aircraft from the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS). The Super Constellation will be at the Museum both Saturday and Sunday, as well as Matt Dennings Boomerang from Toowoomba, Qld. HARS will have their two Ex-RAAF C-47s at the Museum for the Saturday only. For those that are interested in seeing the Canberra or Meteor fly, these aircraft will only be flown on Saturday. In general, the flying that happens on the Saturday of a Flying Weekend will be repeated with the same aircraft on the Sunday. Although, there are always a few exceptions to this rule, due to pilot availability and aircraft maintenance.

The Museum will open at 10.00 am, with flying beginning at 11.00 am both days. Hot and cold food and beverages are available for purchase throughout the day at the Museums ‘Mess Hall’ kiosk. Flying finishes around 3.00 pm followed by a Ramp Talk. This allows visitors to get up close to the aircraft and talk to the pilots. Bring the whole family along for some great weekend entertainment!

Photoshoot of Hudson and Ryan

Film Producer Keith Webb came to Temora in late October for a photoshoot of the Hudson and Ryan above the fields of Temora. With the consistent rain Temora has been receiving lately, the paddocks were a lovely green, which created the perfect backdrop for the video and photographs, taken from the Museums Wirraway and Cessna 0-2A. The Hudson was chosen for this photoshoot to capture its new paint scheme in flight. Museum Crew Members Doug Hamilton and Gordon Glynn flew the Hudson. Gordon and Doug dressed for the occasion in a mix of vintage and replica WWII pilot outfits and headgear. Fellow Museum Crew Member Lars Larson, joined the team by flying the Ryan for the photoshoot.

New Storyboard Display

A new storyboard display has been hung in the exhibition area at the Museum. It features aircraft that have been used by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) since they began flying from ships at sea in 1917. The display has been chronicled from the earliest flown aircraft to the most recent aircraft, currently flown by the RAN. The extensive use of aircraft photographs featured in the display are sure to impress Museum visitors.

Temora Aviation Museum will be hosting a spectacular flying event this weekend. Visitors can expect to see the majority of the Museums collection flying, including aircraft such as the Spitfire, Tiger Moth, Dragonfly, Hudson, Canberra and the Meteor.

The Temora Aviation Museum Engineering team have been working hard to prepare the Museums aircraft in time for the Flying Weekend. In particular, the Vampire and the Dragonfly have required the rectification of minor fuel leaks, which has involved obtaining a replacement fuel tank for the Vampire and the purchase of special seals from the USA for one of the J-85 engines fitted to the Dragonfly. Museum friend and fellow Vampire owner Judy Pay, generously assisted by providing a surplus fuel tank for the Vampire.

Another aircraft from the Museums collection, which has also undergone recent maintenance, is the Ryan. An annual inspection was performed on the aircraft, which involved the disassembly of the engine to carry out a valve grind, as well as the installation of new rings in each cylinder of the Supercharged Menasco Pirate engine.

Sunday of the Flying Weekend will see the addition of Matt Dennings CA-13 Boomerang from Toowoomba, Queensland. The restoration of this rare, historic fighter has been a personal life-long commitment for Matt, and the Museum is always thrilled to have Matt and his Boomerang partake in Flying Weekends. The Museum is also fortunate to have the Boomerang on loan for several weeks following the Flying Weekend.

The Museum holds flying over both Saturday and Sunday with gates opening at 10.00 am. Flying begins at 11.00 am and finishes around 3.00 pm, with the closure of the Museum at 4.00 pm.
Food and beverages are available all day from the Museums Canteen, the Mess Hall. All proceeds made from the sale of items at the Mess Hall go towards local charities.

For visitors that will be travelling to Temora and are wondering what to pack or wear, an up-to-date weather forecast is available through our website.

Sabres Galore

Exciting new additions to the Museum involve the acquisition of 3 more Sabre aircraft. For the enthusiasts, the serial numbers for these aircraft are: A94-942, A94-956 and A94-953. These extra aircraft will greatly benefit the Museum in providing easy access to parts for restoration and the long-term operation of a CAC Sabre.

Its not long now until the Museums August Flying Weekend on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28. According to the weather forecast from Weatherzone – Australias leading weather resource – Temora can expect cool mornings, clearing to fine both days, with tops of 21°c and 22°c. To visit the Weatherzone website or to find out more about the weather at Temora visit our weather page.

Both days are expected to be crammed with flying entertainment from both the Museums collection and visiting aircraft. Aircraft on the flying program include the only flying Spitfire in Australia, the speedy A37B Dragonfly, the graceful Tiger Moth, the only flying Gloster Meteor F.8, the only Australian built Vampire flying in Australia, the impressive Canberra, and the newly painted Lockheed Hudson. If you missed out on seeing the Hudson in its new paint scheme when it visited the VP Day Air Pageant in Canberra recently, come and see it up close this weekend.

Visiting the Museum for the weekend will be Col Pays magnificent Packard Merlin powered CAC Mustang as well as his P-40E Kittyhawk, painted in Bobby Gibbes Desert Scheme.

The RAAF Roulettes will also be attending this weekend, although they will appear on the Sunday only. The Roulettes are a popular attraction due to their skilled formation aerobatic routines. The Roulettes are based at East Sale Victoria and currently fly the Pilatus PC-9/A training aircraft. It is a single-engined, low-wing, tandem, two-seat aircraft with the most advanced cockpit of any trainer flying in Australia. The Roulette pilots will be available for a short period of time to sign autographs and answer your questions.

The Museum opens at 10.00 am with flying beginning at 11.00 am. Flying finishes around 3.00 pm with the Museum closing at 4.00 pm on both days.
Hot and cold food and beverages are available all weekend from the Museum’s Mess Hall.

Flying Days involve a mix of music, commentary, engines, aerobatics and the aroma of jet fuel. The day is ended with a ramp talk in which visitors have the opportunity to get close to the aircraft to take photos or to ask the pilots questions.
Bring the whole family along to the August 27 & 28 Flying Weekend to watch these historic aircraft take to the skies.

The Temora Aviation Museums Lockheed Hudson has returned to the Museum resplendent in its new paint scheme.

The paint scheme is representing an A16-211 Hudson III bomber that served with No.6 Squadron RAAF during the decisive Battle for Milne Bay and later with No.2 Squadron in the North Western Area (Timor/Dutch East Indies -Indonesia).

The battle at Milne Bay occurred during August 1942 and was the first time that a Japanese invasion force was defeated anywhere in the Pacific/China/South East Asia area. A handful of Australian troops supported by two RAAF P-40 Kittyhawk squadrons and six Hudsons from 6 and 32 Squadrons RAAF fought off the Japanese in what proved to be the turning point of the war in the Pacific.

A16-211 survived Milne Bay and was flown to No.5 Air Depot at Wagga where it received a complete overhaul then transferred to No.2 Squadron flying out of Millingimbi in the Northern Territory. Together with four other Hudsons, A16-211 carried out an armed reconnaissance to Maikor and Taberfane (both Japanese floatplane bases) in the Aru Islands on 7th May 1943. One of the Hudsons was shot down by a floatplane fighter, while the other Hudsons received various degrees of damage. On returning to Millingimbi A16-211s undercarriage gave way and the aircraft ground looped. It was severely damaged and was converted to components. The remains of this aircraft are still at Millingimbi to this day. The Museums Hudson is painted to represent this aircraft that performed vital missions in the defence of Australia in the early days of the Pacific War.

The aircrafts representation of a Hudson that fought at the epic battle of Milne Bay honours both the pilots and ground crews that flew and maintained these aircraft in close quarters combat with Japanese troops who were quite literally fighting at the end of the runways from which the Hudsons were flying.

Peter Anderson, Museum Crew member, undertook considerable detailed research for the Hudsons paint scheme before the colours were matched and the final drawings for the camouflage and nose art were prepared. Irvine Signs in Temora produced the spray masks for the nose art and the many maintenance stencils that complete the aircraft’s authentic paint scheme. Worland Aviation Services in Albury NSW undertook the painting job and turned out a fantastic result.

The Hudsons first public appearance in its new scheme shall be at the “Salute to Veterans” (VP Day) air pageant to be held at Canberra on 14th August. The Museum is providing a strong presence at the pageant which commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the end of WWII. As well as the Hudson, Temora’s contribution to the display includes the Spitfire, Canberra, Meteor, Vampire, Cessna O-2A and Tiger Moth.

Due to this group of aircraft participating in the large event at Canberra on Sunday 14 August, Temora Aviation Museum will only have a few aircraft on display at home base.

To see the Hudson up close for yourself – come to our next flying days here at the Temora Aviation Museum on August 27 and 28.

The July Flying Weekend saw the Museum host a two-day event displaying its collection of aircraft. Saturday produced some cold weather with some very light intermittent rainfall. Luckily, it wasn’t enough to deter our pilots from flying. The line up involved the Tiger Moth, Ryan, Wirraway and Spitfire, Meteor, Cessnas 0-1 and 0-2, Dragonfly and a particularly spectacular performance by Tom Moon in his eagle-adorned Extra 300S.

Sunday was a much sunnier day although deceivingly cold with winds that felt like they were straight off the snowfields. Doug Hamilton brought his Ceres to join us for the day. The Ceres was built post World War II by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation at Fishermans Bend in Victoria. Built mostly out of Wirraway components it bears a striking resemblence to our CAC Wirraway. The Tiger Moth and Ryan flew together followed by the Wirraway and Ceres, Spitfire and Vampire. After lunch the Cessnas 0-1 and 0-2 flew followed by the Canberra, Dragonfly and Tom Moon’s Extra. Both days ended with a Ramp Talk, which offered visitors the opportunity to get closer to the aircraft and to ask the pilots a range of questions.

We thank all those ardent supporters out there for braving the cold weather to support the Museum’s July Flying Weekend! Our next Flying Weekend is five weeks away and falls on August 27 and 28. A great drawcard for the August Flying Weekend is an expected visit from the Royal Australian Air Force Roulette Aerobatic Team on the Sunday… sure to be entertaining.

Williamtown

The Museum’s Gloster Meteor F.8 was unable to attend the Royal Australian Air Force 77 Squadron Association Reunion held at Williamtown on Friday 15 July, due to the overcast weather here at Temora. We hope that everyone, especially the Korean War Veterans enjoyed their day.

This weekend, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 July is a Flying Weekend here at Temora Aviation Museum. Flying Weekends are a chance for visitors to witness the Museum’s vintage aircraft collection take to the skies. The Flying is set to involve the majority of the Museums collection including the graceful moves of the Tiger Moth and Ryan, the Cessna 0-1 and 0-2, the only flying Spitfire in Australia, Meteor, Cessna A37B, the Trojan and a spectacular aerobatic display by Tom Moon in his Extra. The only difference at this stage is that the Canberra and Vampire are flying Sunday only.

For those of you that have not yet visited a Temora Aviation Museum Flying Day, Museum doors open at 10.00 am with flying beginning at 11.00 am. Hot and cold food and beverages are available for purchase throughout the day at the Museum’s ‘Mess Hall’ kiosk. Flying finishes around 3.00 pm followed by a Ramp Talk. This allows visitors to get up close to the aircraft and talk to the pilots, who will be stationed in front of their aircraft. The Museum closes at 4.00 pm.

Weather Forecast

According to the website ‘Weatherzone – Australia’s leading weather resource’ a forecast of a cool, mostly cloudy Saturday with a top of 13°C is expected. So remember to rug-up for the cool weather.
In the event of rain, the Museum will be open as usual. Depending on the rate of the rainfall, the Temora Historic Flight Club Director of Flying Operations, Darren Crabb will determine if the flying activity will take place.

Williamtown

The Museums Gloster Meteor F.8 will be flying to Williamtown on Friday to take part in a Royal Australian Air Force 77 Squadron Association reunion. Many Korean War Veterans will attend including several from the Republic of South Korea’s 102 Squadron.
The Meteor will return to Temora Friday afternoon to take part in the Museum’s Flying Weekend.