HARS Tarmac Days to showcase Boeings big and small
The monthly Tarmac Days put the focus on selected aircraft and the engineering effort that keeps them able to taxi or fly
While acclaimed internationally for its interactive display of transport aircraft and fighter jets, the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) also features a fascinating array of trainer and smaller aircraft which will be featured over the November Tarmac Days of Friday 13 Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November.
HARS President Bob De La Hunty hailed the history of aircraft from the tiny Corby Starlet, the Bankstown designed and built Victa Airtourer to the former RAAF two-seat Vampire jet trainers under long-term restoration.
“Our collection also includes a DH-82 Tiger Moth, Boeing Stearman trainer, a Winjeel, a 1950s Auster, two former RAAF trainer Vampires, a Cessna 310 and a 1960s Czech Morava which flew in Queensland with Ansett-ANA. All are airworthy or potentially so,” Mr De La Hunty said.
While open daily (except Christmas Day), the monthly Tarmac Days put focus on selective aircraft and the engineering effort which keeps many aircraft able to taxi or fly.
HARS volunteer tour guides will be on duty to provide background and history on the smaller, and larger, aircraft on display with most under cover in two large hangars.
Work is actively underway putting the former Qantas Boeing 707, last owned by John Travolta, back together following its transport by ship from USA to Port Kembla then by road to HARS earlier this year.
Other engineering work in progress includes an engine change and rudder work on “Connie” the HARS Super Constellation plus Lockheed Neptunes 273 and 566, with an engine run on former French Navy 566 set for Sunday.
While open daily, the operational focus of monthly Tarmac Days is on flying or taxiing selective aircraft, with flights in line for the Stearman, L39 fast jet and possibly a DC-3 and De Havilland Caribou.
November speaker spotlight
The monthly Saturday guest speaker spotlight for November falls on retired Qantas senior check captain and HARS member John Dennis.
The list of various aircraft he operated includes the Boeing 707-138 which is now restoration by experienced HARS engineers and specialists from USA.
At this month’s presentation John will talk about operating the 707 and his interaction with its famous owner and one-time Qantas Ambassador John Travolta.
The talk will be held upstairs at HARS, beside the Aviation Hall of Fame area, on Saturday 14 November starting at 10am.
Attendance at the talk is complimentary with admission to tour HARS Aviation Museum.
Visitor information
While open for guided tours every day except Christmas Day, the monthly Tarmac Days allow the volunteers at HARS Aviation Museum to highlight some of their almost 70 aircraft of significance to Australia’s aviation heritage.
The largely undercover HARS Aviation Museum is open from 9.30 to 3.30 daily. All visitors will be accompanied by a HARS tour guide. The last tour starts at 2 pm. It is located at Shellharbour Airport, just off the old Princes Highway at Albion Park Rail and a short walk from the railway station.
The museum’s acclaimed Café Connie is open for barista coffee plus hot and cold food at very reasonable prices … augmented on Tarmac Days Saturday and Sunday by barbeque offerings to be enjoyed under the wings of the record-setting former Qantas Boeing 747-400.
So, when visiting HARS Aviation Museum you can make a meal of it.
Visitor details at www.hars.org.au
