HARS Membership

The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society now offers two classes of membership designed to accommodate all those who desire to become actively involved with the Society.

HARS Support Member

This class of HARS membership was introduced to accommodate those who would like to be part of the Society, but whether through time commitments or geographical location, are unable to participate in the hands-on activities associated with being a Full Member.

HARS Support members receive an identity card entitling them to 'head of the queue' status for aircraft inspections wherever and whenever they are on display at air shows and public events. They also receive the quarterly HARS magazine 'Phoenix', which serves to keep them informed about the news and events regarding the Society and its members.

Cost AU$55.00 per annum (GST included)

Full Membership

Full (Working) Members must be nominated by at least two Full Members in writing on an official application form. Full membership is encouraged for those who genuinely wish to get involved and serve the Society and its aims. However, it should be noted that membership is NOT a ticket to flights on HARS aircraft; participation in flying events comes from a committed working effort with the Society.

All members are expected to work for the organisation on a regular basis. Work contributions are normally related to (but not exclusively) work on the aircraft in the HARS fleet. The type of work will vary dependent on the requirements of the day, and the check or serviceability of a particular aircraft.

The tasks allocated will depend on the known skills of the member. New members will generally be allocated various tasks to determine their level of skills, and some of these tasks may not be aircraft associated.

Within HARS there is no specific group or groups which concentrate on only one aircraft. All members are expected to be available to work on any aircraft, project or task (it is not uncommon to see the president cleaning oil off the Constellation, mowing the grass, or helping the supervising engineer in charge of the C47 changing a propeller or greasing a main wheel bearing). Everybody helps.

The HARS fleet is large and to maintain its serviceability, workers must be prepared to be deployed to any aircraft which requires maintenance. Without this flexibility from all our members, the most popular aircraft would get all the attention and others would languish on the side. Air Show organisers do not always request the Connie or the Neptunes, they may have a request for two Winjeels or the Cessna 180. HARS must be able to deliver to requests. Without flexibility within our workforce we would be unable to meet the demands from Air Shows and HARS sponsors.

The work is allocated through the Chief Engineer who is guided by the HARS Committee with regard to the most urgent aircraft.

If you are genuinely interested in joining the workforce, the best way of initiating Full Membership is to telephone Rees Hughes on (02) 4257 4333 any Friday or Saturday to arrange a meeting and introduction to HARS at our Illawarra Regional Airport base. Inter or intrastate enthusiasts will be put in touch with the right member depending on the sort of involvement appropriate to their location.