Honouring Australian Aviation Pioneers

The NSW South Coast is closely identified with two outstanding Australians who were early pioneers of powered flight.

Lawrence Hargrave demonstrated the principles of the aerofoil wing through his kite flying experiments at Stanwell Park Beach, and he also developed a working model of the rotary engine for aviation.

Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith used his famous Fokker trimotor “Southern Cross”, to fly the first successful Tasman Crossing, departing from Gerroa Beach.

This presentation will use AV illustrations to explain the significance of both pioneers. It will explain the work of Lawrence Hargrave, and the work of the Lawrence Hargrave Society in preserving his memory. It will show examples of his box kites and explain the current projects it is undertaking to preserve the memory of this famous early aviation pioneer.

The presentation will also provide a short film of the work of Anthony Fokker, and the achievements of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith in the “Southern Cross” trimotor.

Audience members will also be able to inspect the full-size flying replica of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s Fokker tri-motor aircraft “Southern Cross”.

The presentation will be held in the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame, located on the 1st Floor of the museum, above the Reception desk. It will commence at 11am on Saturday 11th July, and is planned to finish at midday.