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

The Temora Aviation Museum is home to a collection of significant aircraft and Warbirds Downunder will feature most of the Museum’s collection from the Tiger Moth, Spitfires and Boomerang though to historic jets such as the Meteor and RAAF Sabre. In addition many visiting aircraft will take part. The airshow is being held as a single day event on Saturday November 2nd and follows the highly successful inaugural Warbirds Downunder Airshow which was held in 2011.

Temora Shire Council Mayor Rick Firman said “How thrilling it is to see Temora’s internationally acclaimed Warbirds Downunder airshow will take place in 2013. The Temora Aviation Museum has, quite literally, placed Temora Shire on the worldwide map for which we remain eternally grateful. The Warbirds Downunder Airshow is world class and I invite aviation enthusiasts (from all corners of the Globe) to Temora Shire to witness something you shall never forget.  All visitors to Temora Shire will be impressed by, what will be an experience of a lifetime!”

Temora Aviation Museum Chief Executive Mr Kenny Love said “Warbirds Downunder 2013 will be an exciting event as it includes aircraft ranging from Antique and Classics to Warbirds and Military aircraft. The Museum is about celebrating our history and recognising and remembering our Veterans and the sacrifice they made in defence of our freedom and we are really looking forward to sharing Warbirds Downunder 2013 with everyone.”
Member for Murrumbidgee Adrian Piccoli is pleased to lend his support to the Temora Aviation Museum’s biennial Warbirds Downunder Airshow, to be held on November 2nd 2013.

“I believe that the Temora Aviation Museum’s Warbirds Downunder Airshow is an event that contributes to the unique identity of the area and also remains a flagship event in the regional calendar,” Mr Piccoli said. “The event in November 2011 attracted more than 10,000 people to Temora which means a significant economic benefit to not only Temora but also neighbouring Shires such as Junee, Wagga, Coolamon and Cootamundra.”

In addition, Temora Aviation Museum has established the Warbirds Downunder Airshow as an important event in Temora’s cultural and social calendar.”

“The Temora Aviation Museum is a multiple winner of State and National Tourism Awards over the years and Temora’s rich and noteworthy aviation history continues to attract visitor attention to the encouraging and hospitable community of Temora,” Mr Piccoli concluded.

Gold Pass and General Admission tickets for Warbirds Downunder will be available from July 15th 2013 online via the Temora Aviation Museum website.

More information about Warbirds Downunder 2013 can be found on the Museum’s website at www.aviationmuseum.com.au

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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