The engineering skill which is the foundation of its international reputation will be on show for visitors during June Tarmac Days at HARS Aviation Museum this weekend.
A former RAN Grumman Tracker will have engine runs and wing fold tests while the famous Southern Cross Replica and former RAAF transport stalwarts Dakota and Caribou are due to fly … subject to operational conditions.
Engineers will be continuing their work to keep the museum’s iconic Lockheed AP-C3 Orion and Super Constellation airworthy.
While open daily for visitors it is the monthly Tarmac Days which are a showcase of the flying, engineering and support services which underpin the reputation of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society’s HARS Aviation Museum located at Shellharbour Airport.
The first instalment of the long-awaited former Qantas / John Travolta Boeing 707 will appear in the huge hangars for the June Tarmac Days.
An engine and an engine pylon from the pioneering jet from the 1960s will be on show alongside a flight simulator for the Boeing 707.
HARS President and Chief Pilot Bob De La Hunty said the former Qantas 707 airliner is being carefully taken apart in the United States for shipment to HARS where the volunteer engineers are waiting to bring it back to its former glory.
The Boeing 707-138B was the last of 13 operated by Qantas and, after reassembly, will call HARS Aviation Museum home.
“Visitors will have our tour guides available to answer questions about our plans for the 707,” Mr De La Hunty said.
“It has cost $250,000 to acquit each Boeing 707 engine pylon to FAA Airworthiness Directives.
“The other engines and components have been shipped to Australia and are now being stored at BlueScope.
“The next engineering team from HARS will be going to the US soon to recover the remaining loose items – with the fuselage and wings to follow.”
Visit HARS
Closed only on Christmas Day, HARS Aviation Museum offers a largely undercover and hands-on experience for visitors at its Shellharbour Airport hangars.
HARS Aviation Museum is open from 9.30 to 3.30 daily for tours hosted by informative volunteer guides (last tour 2 pm). It is located at Shellharbour Airport, off the old Princes Highway at Albion Park Rail and just a short walk from the railway station.
Visitors can make a meal of it when they drop into Café Connie (9.30 am to 2 pm) where the menu offers a great value selection of delicious home-made hot and cold foods plus excellent coffee.
Details of check-in at HARS Aviation Museum at www.hars.org.au
