HIGH POINT

The pilot of an early Curtiss Jenny replica takes a break from pageant duties to refuel.

SECPOL Warrant Officer Greg Bowser, of No. 21 Squadron, keeps a watchful eye on traffic entering the base for the Air Pageant.

Flight Sergeant Barry Ramage, of RAAF Central Band, with son Jasper. The Air Pageant was his last engagement before winding up his Air Force career.

Enthusiastic crowds file past Matt Denning’s A46 CAC Boomerang and an A24 Catalina.

AN estimated 25,000 celebrated 90 years of flying at the historic RAAF base of Point Cook on February 29.
Families and aviation enthusiasts were treated to displays that included Australia’s only flying Catalina, together with the Trojan, Vampire and Mustang among many others.

One of only two Boomerang aircraft still flying in Australian delighted the audience with its handling demonstration.

Owner, restorer and pilot Matthew Denning undertook the 27-year restoration project after acquiring the aircraft when he was just 15. The Air Pageant marked the Boomerang’s first display in Melbourne, since its manufacture at CAC more than 60 years ago.

A replica SE5a was flown by its owner, Mark McCleary, emulating his grandfather, Australian Flying Corps ace Roby Manual, DFC. The SE5a flew with other “rag wings” such as the Tiger Moth, evoking memories of Point Cook’s distant past.

On the ground, there were historic military vehicles and heritage joyflights. RAAF Central Band’s Force 10 kept the crowds entertained with big band swing, soul and pop music.

The RAAF Museum display was packed to bursting and vehicle access to the event was curtailed at 3pm when the base parking reached capacity. This failed to dampen the enthusiasm of attendees who continued to enter on foot.

The Base Commander of RAAF Williams, Wing Commander Craig White, said he was pleased with the turnout.

“The Air Pageant was a highly successful event that showcased a large number of historical civil and military aircraft,” WGCDR White said.

“The level of support to this event is indicative of the high regard with which the RAAF Museum is held by the aviation community.

“Such an event would not be possible without the combined and extensive efforts of those behind the scenes, from the permanent and volunteer members of the Museum, Reserve units such No. 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron, members of RAAF Williams, local contractors and the many individuals who display their collections of aircraft and artefacts. The Air Pageant was the culmination of many hours of organisation, and is a credit to all those involved with its planning and execution.”

Flight Lieutenant Peter Clements, ‘A’ Flight Commander with Central Flying School and a former Roulette, inspects a PC-9 at the RAAF Museum’s Air Pageant. He was the team leader for the Southern Knights team that flew Harvards in an exhibition at the air show.

Photographer Sergeant David Grant, of No. 21 Squadron, and former Air Force photographer Dennis Hersey at the air show.

For young and old ... A family looks through the visiting A24 Catalina during their visit to Point Cook.

RAAF Museum OPSO Squadron Leader Dennis Tan discusses dispays with Technical Curator David Jones.

Vampire	CAC Boomerang
Yak 52 trainer	A24 Catalina
Cesna Dragonfly	Douglas DC-3
CAC Wirraway

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