Illawarra's Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) has done it again! Qantas has selected them for the last home of their historic B747-400 VH-OJA. OJA was the first -400 in service for Qantas when it made that epic flight from London to Sydney non-stop in 1989. It's a great coup for HARS, and they probably wouldn't be getting it if not for the enthusiasm and skill of a lot of ex-QF people now with HARS.
Congrats to two apps that have been shortlisted for Aerospace Australia innovation awards: AvPlan and Jacobson Flare. They are in elite company, with big names such as Quickstep, Defence Materials Technology Centre and BAE Systems also in the running. Aerospace Australia needs to be applauded for running this awards scheme; we don't do enough to recognise innovation and hard work in the aviation community. Well done AvPlan and Jacobson Flare ... and good luck!
Great news out of Avalon that Oris has swung its support behind aerobatic supergroup the Immortals. When the Chinese Fire Stars withdrew, Oris could have simply shrugged their shoulders and kept the money in the bank. But they didn't. Instead they are backing what could be the greatest aerobatic collective in the world: Jurgis Kairys, Skip Stewart and Melissa Pemberton. As solo acts these three are drawcards on their own. Together they will be something very special indeed.
And in news just to hand, pre-registration for the trade days at Avalon has opened. Everyone who is planning to go to Avalon on the trade days has to register and show proof of aviation involvement such as a business card, flight crew licence or something like that. In short, the gates might be a bit busy on the day, so pre-registering is not such a bad idea. Go to the Australian International Airshow website.
The final touches to the March-April print edition of Australian Flying were completed only yesterday. This is the issue that will go to Avalon. We've taken a good look at the show line-up, examine the ins and outs of the Jacobson Flare, done a comparison between Oz and NZ flight reviews and I've subjected myself to formation flying training. Gotta say ... it's brilliant fun! Plus there's a swag more as well. The mag will be out around 13 February. If you can't get your hands on it any other way, come and grab one from our air show stand in Hall 2.
May your gauges always be in the green,
Hitch