Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Inc

Southern Cross II wing passes the test

John Martin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:55:04 +0000

Work to rebuild the wing of the flying replica of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s Fokker F7/3M Southern Cross will now proceed after the structure passed a vital deflection test. The wing was recently inverted and mounted in a heavy steel support, and then loaded with bricks supplied by local company M J Rowles. Seen in the photo is the aircraft design engineer Bill Whitney with the team of HARS engineers led by Geoff Timms (Project Manager) and Jim Thurstan (Project Engineering Manager). Also seen are some of the University of NSW Engineering Students and cadets from 338 Air Cadets squadron who ably assisted with the task.

The broken wing will now be placed in a temperature controlled room so that rebuilding of the wooden structure can commence. Work is also well underway on the undercarriage, engines and propellors.

Vampire 637 progress

John Martin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:24:13 +0000

De Havilland Vampire trainer A79-637 continues to make progress back to Flight status under a team of engineers led by Terry Wilson. Fuselage painting work is now complete and our recent work has concentrated on the wing fuel cells, cell bays, and associated fuel piping. When the wing tank work is complete, the wings will be fitted. Work has also started on the engine fuel hoses and also with our test and proof rig so that we will be able to check and calibrate the engine burners which are fitted to the Goblin jet engine.

Wings Over Illawarra 2012

Jim Hayes — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:19:52 +0000

Its on again! Sunday 6th May. Come to Illawarra Regional Airport and see a great airshow featuring the return of the Caribou. Click on WWW.woi.org.au for details.

Dick Simpson photo.

Caribou progress

John Martin — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 08:34:06 +0000

Since the arrival at HARS of our two ex Royal Australian Air Force De Havilland Caribou aircraft, 210 and 234, servicing has been progressing apace with tail number 210 looking as if it will be the first to fly. Our photo shows Caribou 210 after arrival at HARS in front of an appreciative crowd of HARS members.

Honour for HARS Secretary Ian Debenham

John Martin — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:59:17 +0000

Ian Debenham, Secretary of the HARS Management Committee, was honoured in the recent Australia Day Awards with the Order of Australia Medal in recognition of his service to the research, documentation and preservation of Australia’a aviation history and heritage.