This is a very unusual event. All that AHSA is doing is inviting a whole lot of aircraft owners to take their aircraft for a private flight, sometimes carrying a mail package; there is no contract, no formal arrangement, but the enthusiasm of the aviators, the philatelists and the historians is such that we have a remarkable event in prospect.

Here are some details of the aircraft participating, as of Sunday 22 June. Of course, last minute serviceability, weather issues and other factors may cause alterations, but also there are many people who have indicated that they will fly a section or two for the fun of it, and many others are planning to visit an en-route airfield or to bring their aircraft out on the day if housed on an en-route airfield. But the aircraft whose registration is listed below are can be regarded as definite.

The flagship plane will be a Jabiru 230, flown by Owen Zupp, provided by Jabiru, and though this is definite we do not know its VH- registration. The picture is a publicity shot. Jabiru are providing special decals for this plane.

The escort / all weather aircraft will be Aminta Hennessy in her Cessna 182 VH-TZX.

The Winjeeel and the CT-4 will continue the flight to Wangaratta and possibly to Albury. Ken Broomhead’s Tiger Moth VH-SSK in training yellow will join in from Benalla to Wangaratta, so we will have three generations of RAAF trainers, covering sixty years. Mark Carr’s Moth Minor will also be at Benalla.

Mittagong to Bankstown: Several aircraft have indicated their intention to participate, and the Australia Post mail will be carried by an Aero 145 VH-DUH described in an earlier bulletin:

The stamp collectors would like to have what they call ‘intermediates’ – letters delivered to, and collected from, airfields en route. Australia Post has considered offering this service, but there were insurmountable problems. We have found some post offices that are willing to co-operate at an informal level, and have worked out a procedure that may be practicable. We will put the proposal to the post offices this week and are hopeful that we will be able to do this at some stops. Harden is particularly keen to participate, and we are very optimistic that this will work out.

Next week to coincide with the stamp launch on 2 July we are going to issue a major press release with full information about the re-enactment flight and the Sydney fly-over. If you know of a person or group that might be interested in receiving this, please send their email or postal address. If you intend to take part eg by flying a stage, running a part of a stopover, or anything similar, send the details so that it can be included. Thanks!