PROMOTING AVIATION HISTORY
As local residents would know, the skies over our island have become the playground for a variety of light aircraft which appear above us regularly and, more often than not, those aircraft are some of the many that are based at the Caboolture Airfield.
Having commenced operations in the mid-1980’s, this very busy airfield is not only home to several commercial operators including flying schools, it is also a place where those with an interest in the history of aviation can learn about the aircraft and aviators of days gone by through a visit to one of the museums located there.
One of these organisations is the volunteer operated Caboolture Warplane and Flight Heritage Museum which can be found on the perimeter of the airfield at Hangar 101 on McNaught Road. Now in its twenty-fifth year, the museum concentrates on promoting the history of both military and civil aviation to the wider community and as such, features displays of wartime memorabilia, information about the role of aviation in the various conflicts and a range of restored aircraft engines.
Visitors can also read about the tragic Lincoln crash at Mt Superbus in April 1955. Visitors to the museum can inspect a UH-1 (Huey) helicopter, an F111 crew escape module and a variety of other aircraft parts as well as having the opportunity to see one or more of the warbirds that are hangered on the premises.
These include a North American SNJ trainer, an Australian manufactured Winjeel and a P51-D Mustang which is partly owned by none other than Australia’s Red Bull Air Race Champion, Matt Hall.
These aircraft are all available for Adventure Flights along with Museum Vice President Ross Parker’s Wirraway 695. One other aircraft which can be found in Hangar 101 is the beautifully restored Gypsy Moth which was not only the first aircraft to land at Archerfield Airfield on its opening day in April 1931, it was the aircraft which was flown by Captain Charles Scott from London to Darwin in a record time which eclipsed Charles Kingsford- Smith’s time by nineteen hours.
The Caboolture Warplane and Flight Heritage Museum are open from 9 until 3 pm every day except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day so with an entry cost of only $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children, it is definitely a low-cost way to spend a few hours. Discounts are available for group bookings and catering can be arranged.
Anyone requiring more information about this exceptionally interesting venue or perhaps would like to become a member and even a volunteer can call 5499 1144 during opening hours.
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