HARS Acquires Engine Overhaul Business

A major initiative has been launched by HARS President Bob De La Hunty and Treasurer Robert Greinert to guarantee the future supply of radial aircraft engines to the HARS fleet. Following months of negotiations with Peter Brook, CEO of Pacific Aircraft Engines (PAE),Brisbane, agreement has been reached to acquire the assets, licenses and personnel of PAE for transfer to Albion Park.

Peter Brook, CEO of PAE, is by coincidence a founding member of HARS who was present at the Societies inaugural meeting on August 29^th 1979.

PAE is the last radial engine overhaul shop in Australia of any consequence and as such was the beneficiary of substantial work orders from HARS in the last eighteen months.

HARS currently has with PAE orders for three engines for the Southern Cross, two engines for the Wirraway/Ceres restorations and a pending order for the Boomerang Fighter. A review of current and future engine requirements for the Catalina and DC3 operations indicated a current/future need for another five additional engines.

The acquisition of PAE guarantees the future of radial engine supply to HARS. The Society will be self sufficient in its own internal capacity to supply engines to the fleet at a comparatively reasonable cost.

More importantly it will allow us to prepare for the future by training and educate existing personnel, especially younger people including apprentices and further the knowledge of vintage radial engines throughout the historical aviation community through various education programs.

The acquisition and provision of space has been approved by the HARS Management Committee and it is anticipated that the move will occur in the first quarter of 2010.