Hi Chaps,
first post here, but long time watcher.
I’m working on an Auster J-5B rebuild here in Melbourne, and I’m very keen to learn more about its past life.
The aircraft was first registered to British Malayan Petroleum in early 1953 as VR-SDO. Later she became VR-UDO with Brunei Shell Petroleum. In 1956 she changed ownership and was registered VR-WAA with the Borneo Evangelical Mission (God likes Austers too it seems).
The aircraft was aquired in 1962 at flown from Brunei to Benalla (north of Melbourne) with eighteen stops along the way, in a little over three weeks, by now known as VH-WBA.
In 1964, pilot and owner Kevin Bassett won his handicap section of the 1250 mile Ansett Brisbane- Adelaide Air Race. God clearly maintained his love of Austers…
The aircraft had several more owners until- after the odd prang- she was retired in 1974.
The plan (dream?) is to have her back in the air in the next 2-3 years. I’ll keep you posted on progess.
In the meantime, any information forumites can share would be most welcome.
Andy
By: QldSpitty - 13th June 2007 at 10:20
Austers.
There are three Austers here in the local area.Two out at the Oakey Army Aviation Museum and one down at Emu Gully where I work.
By: Dave Bale - 12th June 2007 at 16:46
Auster VR-WAA
Andy
<< In 1956 she changed ownership and was registered VR-WAA with the Borneo Evangelical Mission (God likes Austers too it seems).>>
I served on the RAF Detachment Labuan, (then British North Borneo) 1958-59 and somewhere, among my souvenirs have a photo of your Auster, once located I will send you a copy.
I never met any of that crew and have no idea where they were normally based but the aircraft regularly made overnight stops at Labuan.
Dave Bale
By: Ozter - 7th April 2006 at 09:17
Thank you all- will keep you up to date on what we find!
By: ALBERT ROSS - 6th April 2006 at 07:52
Thanks guys – the Aussies seem to be taking care of their Auster histories more than we are and have some good websites. Consul – pm coming up as I’m sure we are taking about the same person. I am an A-B member also.
By: 1946 - 6th April 2006 at 00:11
Albert, you could try Deb Neil at http.//.www.users.bigpond.com/debneil/ as she has a very good web site for Austers. Also check, if you have not already done so the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia at www.antique-aeroplane.com.au as there a great many Auster owners in the association, and they have an annual Auster flyin which this year is at Wangeratta in early October. There is somewhere another sight that is compiling a compleat history of Austers in Australia, which a google search will probably locate. When you check Deb Neil’s site, check out VH-AIK, she is my pride and joy!
By: Consul - 5th April 2006 at 23:31
Albert,
Air-Britain did publish a book many years ago that included a production list and individual histories – indeed I have a copy plus the relevant update. It’s been out of print for a long time and so now greatly out of date.
One present day A-B member is a renowned Auster guru and has a superb knowledge and records of individual aircraft so there is researched / collated data out there. It may be we are speaking of the same person.
Ozter,
As I am an A-B member I would be prepared to raise an enquiry for you about your aircraft on the A-B members only Information Exchange if you wish, to see if that expert could furnish you with relevant info. If so please PM me with your contact details.
By: ALBERT ROSS - 5th April 2006 at 20:47
Auster queries are a sore point! Often questions like this come up and all we can do is direct them to the Auster Pilot Club, simply because there is NO book with production lists and histories available! I have been nagging a well-known Auster historian about this who is ‘supposed’ to be doing a book, but it just never happens. Therefore I am hoping to do this myself, but gathering all the information will be a nightmare! 😮
One other thought – VH-WBA is currently a Fairchild Metro?
By: Auster Fan - 5th April 2006 at 09:18
Have you tried contacting the International Auster Club Heritage Group? IIRC they have access to the Auster archives. Link HERE
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April 5, 2006 at 4:07 am