Museum History

MUSEUM HISTORY

Temora has a rich and noteworthy aviation history having been home to the No. 10 Elementary Flying Training School (10 EFTS) set up by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in May 1941.

No. 10 EFTS was the largest and longest-running flying school under the Empire Air Training Scheme during World War II.

During the war, over 10,000 personnel were involved at the school, training more than 2,400 pilots. At its peak, the unit had 97 de Havilland Tiger Moth aircraft. To meet the training demands, four satellite airfields were established around the Temora district.

No. 10 EFTS closed on February 28, 1946, making it the last WWII flying school to shut down. Temora has since maintained its aviation legacy, becoming a favourite spot for various sport aviation activities like gliding, parachuting, aerobatics, ultra-light aircraft operations, and model aircraft.

No. 10 EFTS was the largest and longest-running flying school under the Empire Air Training Scheme during World War II.

When Sydney businessman David Lowy AM decided to create an aviation museum honouring the aircraft and pilots who defended Australia, Temora Aerodrome stood out. It offered a rich aviation history, friendly community, supportive local council, favourable weather, flat terrain, and unrestricted airspace below 20,000 feet.

The Temora Aviation Museum was incorporated in late 1999, with construction beginning soon after. A Governing Committee of experienced and diverse individuals was formed. The first hangar was completed in February 2000, with David Lowy AM donating the initial aircraft for the collection. The Museum opened to the public in June 2000.

Construction began on stage two, which included the exhibition buildings. These new additions now feature display spaces, a small theatre, an admission entrance, a gift shop, a children’s playground, and a picnic area. We were thrilled to open this to the public in August 2001.

Stage three of the Museum Complex was finished in November 2002 with the launch of a spacious 1980 square meter display hangar. This new hangar became the home for all our aircraft, while the original hangar was transformed into a specialised restoration and maintenance facility.

On Monday, July 1, 2019, we embarked on an exciting new chapter. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Temora Aviation Museum formed a strategic alliance, with the RAAF taking ownership of 11 of our aircraft. As David Lowy, our President and Founder, shared, “The alliance with the RAAF deepens and broadens ownership of the Museum’s aircraft beyond one individual, which is important for the long-term future of these historically significant national assets.” Rest assured, these aircraft remain on display for our visitors to enjoy, and the Museum is open 361 days a year for everyone to explore.