The Royal Victorian Aero Club (RVAC) will launch its first official history book, Slipstream: The Official History of the Royal Victorian Aero Club, 1914–2020, at Moorabbin Airport on Saturday 1 February 2026.
Written by RVAC Patron Rex Hobson, the book traces the club’s story alongside more than a century of aviation development in Victoria. The publication draws on extensive research including more than 100 years of committee meeting minutes, decades of club newsletters, and historical newspaper archives dating back to the 1920s.
In a foreword, Air Commodore Tim Alsop (Retd) describes Hobson’s work as “nothing short of astounding”, saying the book documents “a cornerstone of Australia’s aviation journey.” He notes the club’s legacy spans early pilot accreditation, training professionalism, competitions designed to sharpen skills, and support for the Empire Air Training Scheme during WWII. Alsop also highlights what he sees as RVAC’s greatest legacy: inspiration. “Most importantly, the Royal Vic is a club. An anchor point that brings people together for the love of flying and the joy of talking about it with others who ‘get it’,” he said.
RVAC Club President Anthony Jones said the club was proud to sponsor and publish the book, describing it as “a story of those who established the club and all those who have since worked so hard to keep it the vibrant organisation it is today.” Jones said the book reflects the development of aviation in Australia and “the training of thousands of pilots,” as well as changing aircraft types, culture and technology over the decades. He also thanked Hobson for his “voluntary, decade-long work” compiling material for the publication, and acknowledged editor Andrew Carlile for shaping the final book.
RVAC Member Services representative Lorrelle Orrman said the publication will help educate and inspire future aviators. “In my role as Club Membership Coordinator, I have the privilege of supporting many students as they embark on their aviation journeys. This book will continue that mission,” she said. Orrman described the hard-cover A4 volume as richly illustrated and spanning key milestones from 1914 to 2020. Her personal favourite is Chapter 4, “The 1950s – The Club Exits Essendon and Enters Moorabbin,” which includes an aerial photograph of Moorabbin Airport from 1952–53 featuring a line-up of seven DH-82 Tiger Moths.
The launch event will be held at the Flight Deck Bar & Grill from 2.00pm, with Hobson available for book signings. Copies can be purchased on the day for $79.95 (EFTPOS only, no cash sales), or collected via RVAC Flight Ops for those who have pre-purchased.
The club has advised semi-formal dress and expects the event to run for no more than two hours. RSVPs are requested by Friday 23 January 2026 via the RVAC website. The book is also available for purchase through the club’s website.