The huge panel which the flight engineer monitored on the Lockheed Constellation “Connie” flight deck. Photo: Howard Mitchell.
If you’ve ever been on a plane and wanted to see the view from the captain’s cockpit, here’s your chance – and it’s as close as Shellharbour Airport.
The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) Aviation Museum is throwing open the cockpit doors to a number of its classic aircraft during its Tarmac Days from 12-14 July.
HARS president and chief pilot Bob De La Hunty said cockpits would be open on former cold war MIG fighter jets 15, 17 and 21, a former RAN Grumman Tracker, a Huey Cobra helicopter gunship, a former RAN Wessex helicopter and a Neptune submarine hunter.
The HARS Museum is open every day, however, the monthly Tarmac Days allow volunteer guides and engineers to showcase a selection of almost 60 historic aircraft on display.
“This will be a special opportunity for not only children of all ages but for all to come along and share the passion which our volunteers have in preserving Australia’s aviation heritage,” Mr De La Hunty said.
Visitors can walk through the world’s only flying Lockheed Super Constellation “Connie”, the double record-setting former Qantas Boeing 747-400, a former Queen’s Flight Dakota and a classic Fokker Friendship airliner.
As well, visitors will see heavy maintenance underway on HARS’ flying aircraft, including the Lockheed Neptune, Connie and Catalina.
Other aircraft on display include the beautifully restored and now flying Southern Cross Replica, plus former RAAF fighter Vampire, Sabre, Mirage and F-111 jets.
Cafe Connie is open at the museum from 9:30 am to 2 pm for hot and cold foods as well as coffee.
HARS Aviation Museum is open from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm daily for tours hosted by informative volunteer guides.
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