[QUOTE=Mark12]Audley End, 15 August 1992, a private bash for 60 Squadron laid on by Rudy Frasca, owner of TP280.

The gentleman in the wheelchair just happens to be one of my all time heroes.

I reckon Mark’s hero is Jeffrey Quill.

Chris

Crikey!!

I feel an overwhelming need to make the following observation;
LaurieB shows some sense in lying down on the job but “Mike” our photographer would appear to be standing up to take this shot. Now, even allowing for telephoto lenses and the “compression effect,” I reckon “Mike” has been extra brave! A great photo.

Will LaurieB show this photo to his nearest and dearest to show how committed to the Spitfire/Seafire he is, or does she already know!

Chris

Ansett won’t fly

Not even a wisp of possibility would have Ansett flying again.
As stated all A320/737 and 767s are gone. Most to continued flying careers around the world and the 767s mostly to the breakers yards. All Ansett terminals are in use by either QF or subsidiaries or by Virgin Blue. Engineering sites around the country are largely in use by Virgin Blue or Qantas. The exception is in Melbourne where the main Engineering Base is still in operation as Ansett Australia Engineering Services (AAES). This company is providing engineering services to the Ansett Bankruptcy Administrators in maintaining the remaining fleet of BAe146s in flyable storage as well as preparing the remaining 767s for ferry to the USA.

As a side note: Mr Stoddart’s 737-200 is also maintained in flyable storage at the base. Paul Stoddart is a likely customer for some of the 146s.

As to the story that a Townsville company was going to operate F27s (and I do mean F27s) in Queensland in the name of Ansett Airways I would simply say that the story first emerged on the 1st of April!

Chris

More on the 20th Anniversary F18 Scheme

Via “Oscar Duck” here is the Australian Defence Dept Webpage with photos of the F18. You can select low or High Res. The High Res photos are HUGE!

http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2005/Mar/20050315a.cfm

Chris

Prototype 757

The 757 is being used in the development of the radar and other fused sensor systems for the F22 Raptor. The wing shape is similar to the F22 wing.

Chris

The Excellent Adventure Continues….

This brief report is somewhat behind events however it shows day one of a two day visit to Wangaratta to witness amazing things. Setter has reported in detail on projects at this northern Victorian airfield previously. This update merely populates the place with some recognisable members of this forum! A grand time was had by all! Steve got his hands on the P40, a Wirraway and a Winjeel (photos to follow from other participants). On prior days visits to Pt Cook and Tyabb were made as well as two fine dining experiences with various members of this esteemed group.

Subsequently southern Queensland has borne the brunt of investigations of things aviation, historic/warbird. A Beaufort inspected, Oscar Ducks collection audited and a visit to Toowoomba to see Lynette Zuccoli’s collection. I suspect, but have not spoken with any in the party, that Caboolture may have also been checked out. I’m sure that various members of the group will make reports as they recover from Mr Patterson’s whirwind visit.

Mr Patterson hisself will have recovery time on Singapore Airlines between Brisbane/Singapore/Hong Kong and may even “recover” some more on a yacht on Hong Kong Harbour in the near future.

More as it comes to hand….

Chris

Quote from post by JonothanF ;

“Museum aircraft are there for the mind, and the flyers are there for the spirit.”

I think the above quote is a most succinct statement on preservation of aircraft and expresses why I am so interested in historic aviation in its broadest sense. I just wish I had the wit to put it in words as well as Jonothan has!

Chris