Canberra Airport played host to a range of unique and interesting aircraft exhibits at this years open day, Sunday 28th March 2010.  Clear skies and beautiful autumn weather played host to a large crowd of interested spectators and aviation enthusiasts.  On display were the HARS Super Constellation, Dakota C47, Neptune and PBY Catalina.  The event was a great success with Canberra Airport management presenting a well organised open day to thousands of eager spectators.

A special thank you to the Canberra Airport team for inviting the HARS fleet along and we look forward to seeing you all next year.

Thank you to the RAAF for entrusting us with this magnificent flying machine, we look forward to seeing the RAAF and the FA/18 back at HARS soon.

The team arrived at sunrise (08:30, due to  a combination of longitude and daylight saving) and was provided direct access to the recovery site.  The team wasted no time in getting into the task of undertaking the removal of the four engines and propellors.  From the attached photos you can see the two tired DC-7C’s on which the team spent a solid 8 hour day converting it to engine and prop spares!

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.

Well known Australian aviation adventurer and businessman, Dick Smith, is expected to visit the Historic Aircraft Restoration Society on Saturday the 1st August 2009. Dick will arrive in his helicopter and be here between 11.30am and 1.30pm  to inspect and review the ongoing Catalina flying boat works.  Dick Smith is a long-serving sponsor and supporter of HARS, who’s keen interest in the Catalina restoration project continues to spur internal work and progress.  We will all be looking forward to seeing Dick Smith on his visit.

The Illawarra’s largest event aimed at young children aged 0-5 years is now on! KidsFest Shellharbour is a week long festival running from 10 to16 May 2009.

KidsFest is an activity of Communities for Children Shellharbour which is funded by the Australian Government under the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy.

KidsFest Shellharbour is all about celebrating the area’s children and promoting Shellharbour as a child-friendly City.

You can register your child at events and collect a special KidsFest passport. Collects stickers for your passport by attending KidsFest events and Play Spots during the week. Hand your completed passport in at passport registration points and collect a lucky dip prize.

KidsFest Shellharbour 2009 features some of the highlights of last year’s program, such as the Pram Parade along the Shellharbour Foreshore and The World’s Biggest Playgroup at Blackbutt Reserve.

Also this year, the very popular Baby Rave and Early Childhood Expo at Albion Park, the Mother’s Day Picnic at the Illawarra Light Rail Museum and Ride a Train and Touch a Plane at HARS are all happening.

There are also new events like the Warilla North Celebration, coordinated by the Warilla North Community Centre and Parents As Teachers, which will further the appeal of KidsFest Shellharbour.

KidsFest Shellharbour is the ideal opportunity for organisations involved with children 0-5 to host an event.

Businesses with child friendly practices will also be recognised through the KidsFest PlaySpot program.

KidsFest Shellharbour was a huge success last year, with over 2000 people attending more than 120 locations, but the 2009 event is expected to be even better.

Acknowledgments:
Rent-a-fence

Wasting no time, HARS members invited the flight crew to take a tour of the Museum facilities and to also make use of our crew tea-rooms.  Captain Peter Phllips and his second officer and in-flight staff enjoyed a detailed tour of our facilities, experiencing the many different types of aircraft and exhibits.

Following their tour, Captain Phillips kindly invited members on board the Global 5,000 to join him on the flight deck to experience a truly 21st century digital aircraft.

Thank you to Captain Phillips and his crew, and we look forward to seeing them again in the Illawarra.