“The History of Aerial Photography” History Group profiles available for download!

Mike Milln
History Group member Gary Petts is writing a fascinating history of Aerial photography in 4 parts – from the earliest days of balloon observation through the wars to the present day.
Parts 1 & 2 (pre-history & WWI) were published in our last three newsletters, but we decided Part 3 (WWII) is too big for the newsletter so we have made it available on our website here: http://www.saam.org.au/…/aerial-photography-part-3-wwii/
Parts 1 & 2 are also available – just go to the ‘Pre WWII’ drop-down tab of the History Group page – http://www.saam.org.au/history/pre-world-war-ii/ to download.
We’ll let you know when Part 4 is ready!
Gary is well-qualified for the task, having served in the Army (RASvy), being trained as a topographical surveyor at the School of Military Survey, attending the RAAF School of Photography and serving with SAPOL’s Photographic Section.

Props, Jets & Rotors Display and Competition at SAAM 7th-8th November 2020!

Mike Milln

The Props, Jets and Rotors 19th Annual Display and Competition will be on at SAAM on 7th-8th November.

You can download the program here.

Note – the event was originally scheduled in August and was postponed to the new dates due to COVID-19 concerns. The references in the program to August are in error and event is now definitely scheduled for 7th/8th November.

The event is held at SAAM every year and the number and quality of the models displayed has to be seen to be believed. Come and see for yourself!

There are no addition charges for coming to the Display – normal entry fees apply.

October newsletter ready to download!!

Mike Milln

This is a big pictorial issue – download it here or go to the newsletter tab to browse past issues.

This month President David Byrne reports on new displays; Sean Zhang sent a story and photos of his visit to the Alice Springs aircraft storage facility and museum; Ivan Leatherland updates us on Anson restoration progress; Chris Doudy contributed a 6-page photo-retrospective on the Aero 145 restoration, Nigel Daw reported on the Anson Crash Memorial unveiling at Loxton earlier this month; and Gary Petts continues his lavishly illustrated Aerial Photography history. You’re going to enjoy this one!!

September newsletter ready to download!

Mike Milln

Just click here to download our big September issue, or go to the Newsletters tab to browse past issues.

This is a big issue – 26 pages of interesting reading.

You can read in our President’s report how SAAM has provided “housing” for lemurs at Monarto Zoo; sadly, we have obituaries for two long-term and valued members, John Trussell and Ken Work; there are our usual restoration updates; an article on the Battle of Britain by GPCAPT Greg Weller to mark its 80th anniversary this year; and part 2 of Gary Petts’ history of Aerial Photography.

Enjoy!

August Newsletter ready for download!

Mike Milln

You can download our August newsletter here, or go to the Newsletters tab to browser past issues.

This month President David Byrne updates us on how we’re bouncing back from out COVID closure; Librarian Nigel Daw notes some new library acquisitions; and we have an obituary for member Peter “Shippy” Shipp who, sadly, left us on 15th July and a notice of another member, John Trussell, who died on 4th August and whose obituary will be in next month’s newsletter. History Group Chairman Peter Ingman puts out a call for rare model kits for an upcoming RAAF Centenary project to produce a SAAM display of models of SA based RAAF aircraft; there’s the usual restoration updates; some RAAF history and part 1 of Gary Potts’ History Group series on aerial photography.

Lots of good reading!!

Our July newsletter is now available for download!

Mike Milln

You can download our July newsletter here or just go to the Newsletters tab to browse past issues.

This month our President David Byrne updates you on how the Museum is virtually back to normal while coping well with the COVID-19 safety procedures. Other content includes a book review of Mark Lax’s Taking the Lead (a new library acquisition); Nicky van der Drift’s Operation Manna about the 1945 humanitarian food airlift to the Netherlands; restoration updates about the Mirage, Aero 145, Fairey Battle and SAATAS engine test rig; a couple of interesting RAAF History articles from WGCDR Ian Gibson; and Mike Milln’s profile of Jimmy Mollison and Amy Johnson in the context of the Aero Club.

Enjoy!

 

SAAM fully (almost!) up and running for school holidays!

Mike Milln

SAAM is now almost back to the new normal and the parking lot is filling up at last… but there’s loads of free parking!

There is effectively no limit on the number of visitors we can accommodate under the Stage 3 COVID requirements, so plan a day in the Port and be sure to visit us.

Here’s where we are at:

  • Reception space limits us to welcoming 12 visitors at a time,
  • We ask for cashless entry payment,
  • We have hand sanitiser stations at reception and throughout both display hangars,
  • We have fine-tuned our cleaning protocols to ensure all touch surfaces are regularly sanitised,
  • The vast spaces of the display hangars make social distancing easy,
  • The shop has been re-stocked with model kits for all ages, toys and books, and
  • The C-47, Caribou and Orion are open to visitors with more to open soon.

AND note – until we are completely back to normal with all exhibits accessible we will maintain our discounted pricing! (See the home page side-bar for entry times and prices)

June Newsletter ready for download!

Mike Milln

Our June newsletter can be downloaded here.

This month our president David Byrne reports on SAAM’s reopening under COVID-19 protocols and the projects that have restarted. He also contributed an article on his participation in the 1978 recovery of Keith Anderson’s Westland Widgeon from the Tanami Desert, where it had lain since its forced landing in 1929. There are restoration updates and project reports; another “Langdon remembers…” episode in which Langdon describes his Sunderland trip to Lord Howe in 1962; and History Group chairman Peter Ingman contributes another article in his series about SA WWII RAAF bases, this time about RAAF Gawler.

To browse past issues, just go to the Newsletters tab on the home page.