Preparations for the first Flying Weekend for 2006 are underway with the event to occur this weekend, 28th and 29th January.
Most of the Museum’s aircraft are flying, with the line-up including the Spitfire, Dragonfly, Hudson, Tiger Moth, Wirraway, 0-2 and Tom Moon’s Extra.
The Museum is pleased to announce it will be hosting visiting aircraft this weekend including a Boomerang and the RAN Squirrel helicopter team, which is based at 723 Squadron HMAS Albatross in Nowra, NSW. The Navy uses AS 350BA Squirrel helicopters as a lead in helicopter trainer. Training roles, which the Squirrel helicopter pilots undertake, include the conversion to rotary wing flying, operational flying preparation and basic utility training for aircrewmen. If you have previously been unable to catch the Squirrel’s air displays make sure you don’t miss their fantastic synchronised flying routines at this weekend’s event.
In other news, the Museum engineers have been hard at work continuing on the Canberra Bomber’s extensive annual inspection. The Canberra is anticipated to be finished in time for the March 4 & 5 Flying Weekend.
The imposing Catalina Flying Boat, with a wingspan of almost 32 metres, is currently at the Museum on static display. The Catalina was built in 1945 and is famous for the incredible versatility it demonstrated during World War II, including the significant disruption it caused to the Japanese supply lines by the destruction of their shipping. Check it out before it returns to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society at Albion Park.
Bring the family along to enjoy the sights, sounds and aromas at the January Flying Weekend on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th. The Museum opens at 10.00 am with flying finishing around 3.00 pm both days. Food and drink are available for purchase from the Museum’s “Mess Hall”. Although some seating is provided, visitors are welcome to bring along their own fold-up chair.