SAAM’s History Group has added two new “Significant Aircraft” profiles – now available for download…

Mike Milln

Nigel Daw has written a brief history of the DC-3 in operation with Airlines of South Australia from 1960 to 1971, including some interesting personal anecdotes; and Jim Rogers researched the development of the Bell OH-58A 206B Kiowa and JetRanger as background to SAAM’s acquisition of Kiowa A17-010 at the end of August – with thanks to Defence Disposals!

You can download these interesting profiles under the History Group Tab above, or just click on these images…

Progress on SAAM’s Caribou A4-225 display!

Mike Milln

As at 29 July 2017, SAAM has installed the aircraft’s starboard wing for display on the rear wall of the new hangar, where the formation and navigation lights will be powered to enhance the display. The port wing is positioned adjacent to the aircraft for attachment in the near future.

 

SAAM to acquire Bell 206B-1 Kiowa A17-010…

Mike Milln

Well, it’s official – Defence Disposals has awarded SAAM Kiowa A17-010 after a disposal tender process. The aircraft is presently at Damascus Barracks, Brisbane, and SAAM volunteers will collect it and arrange transport back to SAAM at the end of August.

The aircraft is not complete, but A17-010 is more complete than many of the disposals and we are confident that with a bit of parts foraging we will be able to present a complete display before too long. We plan to include the aircraft with Caribou A4-225 and Canberra WD954 nose section in a new Vietnam War exhibition. We’ll keep you posted on timing.

SAAM member Nigel Daw took the photos – 1/Holdsworthy 8/1/1972, 2/Oakey 6/8/1980 and 3/ Avalon 12/3/2009

Props, Jets & Rotors 16th Annual Aviation Scale Model Display and Competition …

Mike Milln

SAAM is very pleased to be hosting the 16th Annual Props, Jets & Rotors Scale Model Display & Competition in the Museum on 12th-13th August 2017.

Come along and see a huge range of models produced by dedicated craftsmen – and women –  who really know what they are doing! You may pick up some hints for your own efforts …

Full details under the “Events” tab or just click on the poster

Last week of school holidays July 17th to 23rd…

Mike Milln

Why not use the opportunity to bring the kids to the Aviation Museum??

We are open 10:30am-4:30pm every day with lots of free parking. For location and pricing details, go to the “About” tab.

The kids can have lots of fun and learn about our aviation heritage since 1910 as well. We are an accredited Children’s University Learning Destination too so, if you kids are in that program, be sure to bring their passports.

They can:

  • See the iconic F-111 and Spitfire and many more exciting displays
  • Climb aboard 4 aircraft
  • “Fly” the Aero Commander
  • Try their skill on our RAAF hand-eye-foot coordination tester
  • View our new display hangar that we are gradually filling up
  • Browse our shop – with 10% discounts on all Airfix and Runway models

AND – if the sun shines by any chance – bring a snack and use our picnic tables!

SAAM takes delivery of donated Bell 206B Jet Ranger II…

Mike Milln

SAAM volunteers loaded a Bell 206B Jet Ranger II donated by Hartwig Aviation at Parafield for transport to SAAM today 5th July. The donation was a legacy of Paul Daw, who facilitated it with Hartwig. This video shows Mark of Adelaide Heavy Haulage loading the aircraft at Parafield.

The aircraft, while incomplete, includes many parts SAAM will need to complete its Kiowa display when that aircraft is received from Defence Disposals (the acquisition is pending completion of a Deed of Transfer and payment to Defence). Our thanks to Hartwig Aviation for the donation and Adelaide Heavy Haulage for the transport.

WP_20170705_10_31_17_Pro from South Australian Aviation Museum on Vimeo.