This Area of Aviation Cultures presents a number of first-hand, expert insights into the detail of aircraft preservation. From recovery, to restoration, conservation and to operation. We are always interested in further such stories and insights, and further content will be added to the page as research progresses. – James Kightly.
Picking up several themes of the Aviation Cultures Conference, this five minute video looks at some unique aspects of the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Boomerang story, with authoritative, first hand insights. By Keith Webb and James Kightly for Aviation Cultures.
Darren Hammond, Collections Manager of the Air Force Museum of New Zealand takes us through the current plan for the restoration of Vickers Vildebeest Mk.III, with the RNZAF identity NZ102. It’s a complex, challenging story.
Nicole Thomas brings us the complicated story of the Douglas DC-2 at Albury, NSW, Australia, representing the historic example PH-AJU ‘Uiver’, and currently under restoration by a dedicated team.
Department of Aircraft Production Beaufort A9-557 was recovered from Papua New Guinea to Australia by Ian Whitney, and today it is in the collection of the Australian War Memorial, Canberra. Ian narrates how it was far from a simple journey, with many twists and turns and a few surprises.
Brett Redway of Restoration Reverse Engineering Technologies explains the skills, craft and context to get effective results from 3D scanning and printing specifically in the vintage and warbird restoration industry, including example Spitfire parts.
Former Defence Sciences and Technology Organisation (DSTO) vibration specialist engineer Brian Rebbechi explains some fascinating work he carried out at the Temora Aviation Museum at the invitation of chief engineer Andy Bishop.