At HARS, we have people from all walks of life. What sets us apart are the many retired and active Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Professional Pilots and Cabin Crew who either have or still work for Qantas. We are dedicated to Australian aviation history, and our collection of flying, under restoration and static display aircraft is testament to that. "Not bad for a bunch of old people".

Describe what people can expect.

The best description is "TARDIS". I have lost count of the people I have shown around who are literally amazed at what they see. I guess our advertising needs to be more spectacular.

Is HARS a standard museum?

Absolutely NOT!!! When you visit, a tour guide will escort you and show you all that is here. At HARS, you will be walking through operational hangars, able to get up close and personal with our aeroplanes and even explore some of them.

‘FLYING THE PAST INTO THE FUTURE’

THE HARS MASTERPLAN PRECINCT

The HARS Vision and Masterplan Concept

Background

The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) has embarked on a $100+ million masterplan for its aviation heritage precinct at Shellharbour Airport NSW.

Our heritage fleet comprises 75+ civilian and military aircraft, 20+ of which are ‘flyable’.

We currently have three hangars (Hangars 1, 2 and 3). Our masterplan updates Hangars 2 and 3 and proposes a new Hangar 4 plus two architecturally designed pavilions.

(See ‘Masterplan Precinct’ map above.)

The Vision

To create a ‘destination central’ state-of-the-art world class tourism, employment, training and renewable energy precinct at Shellharbour Airport. The vision will operate a unique and ‘interactive’ multipurpose tourism precinct for current and future generations.

BlueScope Steel Limited (BlueScope) is our main vision partner, supported by Shellharbour City Council, as having regional economic and tourism significance.

The Masterplan

Key masterplan elements

(i) generate regional and State tourism, training and employment economies

(ii) build two fit-for-purpose pavilions including open public space to complement our existing three display-maintenance hangars.

Pavilions 1 and 2 will house two ex-Qantas aircraft – a 747 and 707 – other HARS aircraft, and incorporating a conference centre, aviation training, education, research, event, and function facilities plus two levels of commercially leased office space,

(iii) refurbish and repurpose existing maintenance hangars housing the 75+ military and commercial aircraft, enabling HARS to sustain our commitment to acquiring, restoring, maintaining, displaying and flying our expanding aircraft fleet

(iv) ensure an operational footprint ‘powered’ by renewable energy

(v) create an inclusive and collaborative community engagement precinct across all masterplan elements.

New and Unique Interactive Aviation Tourism Experiences

In summary, the vision’s aim is to: (a) provide precinct-wide personal, interactive high-tech and ‘hands-on’ experiences, (b) recruit new members to ensure our aviation heritage legacy, and (c) attract a wider community interest in, knowledge of, and participation in, preserving our unique iconic aircraft fleet.

We have also begun an ‘engagement drive’ to promote Australia’s aviation heritage to schools, tertiary institutions, industry, commerce and the wider community.

MESSAGES FROM OUR MASTERPLAN SUPPORTERS

HARS CONTACT DETAILS FOR MORE INFORMATION

Bob De La Hunty OAM – President and Chief Pilot

+61(0)0433941306 delahunty@bigpond.com

Don Robertson – Masterplan Coordinator

+61(0)419682066 donrobertson1@gmail.com