Remarks: This aircraft was initially registered G-AJIM. It went to Denmark in 1948 as OY-AAK then returned to the UK in 1961, but was exported to Australia in 1971 and registered VH-AUO. Trailered to Melbourne from Perth over a week, its recent restoration in the hands of father and son team Frank and Scott Snibson took two years. The aircraft retains its 100 hp Cirrus Minor. Seen here airborne from Kyabram at the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia's Auster Rally.
Remarks: This Aeronca-built aircraft is a very early 1945-production version of the aircraft that went on to spawn the very successful Champion-Chief-Citabria-Decathlon line. VH-LDT was registered in Australia on 15 July 1998 and is currently based at Tamworth, NSW. Seen here arriving at the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia's Auster Rally.
Remarks: This early-production Airtourer was built as an Airtourer 100, but has since been converted to Super 150 (hp) standard. Based nearby at Echuca, Vic., it was registered on 16 October 1962. Seen here arriving at the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia's Auster Rally.
Remarks: Short-wing Pipers at their best! Both these aircraft started life as Tri-Pacers: VH-DNW has since been converted to Pacer standard. The aircraft behind is VH-SDO. The photo was taken at the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia's Auster Rally.
Remarks: The view from behind emphasises the somewhat odd inward-sloping cockpit design of the Bird Dog, obviously intended to give better downward visibility. This beautifully restored Bird Dog was originally USAF 51-12471. Although registered in Australia on 17 December 1996, this Bird Dog was imported in 1989 from Vietnam. Its restoration started in 1992 and took 9 years - it's very original and in magnificent condition in colourful South Vietnamese Air Force markings. Seen here at the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia's Auster Rally.
Remarks: This Cessna 180 was built for the Australian Army. Allocated the 'trade-plate' N5040E for testing, it was delivered on 20 April 1959 and allocated the serial A98-340. It initially served with 16 AOP Flight and later with 161 Recce Squadron. Sold on 20 August 1975 to the Victorian Forestry Department and registered VH-TVA(2), but quickly on-sold. The current owner flew it extensively in New Guinea in the '60s and has plans to restore the former Army markings.
Remarks: This aircraft was originally registered to Auster as G-AIGN on 4 October 1946. After a couple of months it was sold to a private owner, who re-sold it in Australia in November 1949. It became VH-BNP with the Royal Queensland Aero Club who later re-registered it in 'their' block as VH-RQK in 1958. In 1963 it was sold and re-registered again as VH-PUK. Modified with a Lycoming 0-235-C1 in 1973. Recently transferred to the RAAus Register and seen here at the AAAA Auster Rally.
Remarks: Built to a 1942 USAAF order as a PT-13D, serial 42-17630. Post-war, civilianised as an ag-Stearman, registered N58982 to Reeder Flying Service, Twin Falls, Idaho. Re-registered in Australia as VH-JQY on 11 December 1990. Seen here at the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia's Auster Rally.
Remarks: Pretty as a picture! This 1951 Cessna 170A is brand new on the Australian Register, having only recently been imported. It was originally N1702D. Photographed at the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia's Auster Rally.
Remarks: This Aiglet Trainer, an aerobatic Auster variant, was initially registered G-AMTE on 24 May 52 to Airways Aero Associations of Brentford, Middx. First production test flight on 26 Sept 52. Suffered numerous accidents in the hands of various owners until exported to Australia in 1978. Registered as VH-WKY on 24 Feb 81 but never held a CofA. After passing through several hands and a loooooong restoration it first flew on 23 April 09. Seen here at the AAAA Auster Rally.
Remarks: This attractive 1968 Citabria was originally registered N1853G in the USA. It came to Australia and was re-registered VH-CIW on 2 March 1990. Seen here visiting the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia's Auster Rally.
