When an 86-year-old passenger landed after her first flight in a Tiger Moth, she had only one complaint. She didn’t want to get out!
Mackay Tiger Moth Museum Chief Pilot Michael O’Brien is one of a small group of volunteers keeping two vintage aircraft flying over Mackay, and said it’s moments like that which make the time and effort worthwhile.
“The reactions of the passengers who absolutely love the experience are worth the time and effort we all put in,” said Michael.
It all started 50 years ago, when Mackay Aero Club volunteers raised the money to buy a VH-AYW. From that effort came the Tiger Moth Trust, which later became the Mackay Tiger Moth Museum.
The original aircraft was replaced in 1994 by the bright yellow VH-IVN, built in 1943. The museum added its second aircraft, VH-CYA, in 2010, which was originally built for the RAAF.
“Keeping an 82-year-old wood and fabric aircraft airworthy takes a great deal of time, maintenance and money. It’s not a simple matter of going to the local parts supplier for help. An engine rebuild can cost upwards of $60,000.”
The museum uses Luskintyre Aircraft Restoration, which specialises in vintage aircraft and the donation will go towards the museum’s ongoing list of repairs and upgrades, along with hangar maintenance.
“We are so grateful for the donation and rest assured it will be put to good use. Every dollar we can raise or receive in donations is welcome.”
Along with financial support, one of the museum’s biggest needs is more volunteers, particularly people with specialist skills such as pilots.
Michael is joined by former long-time Chief Pilot Ross Robotham, volunteer ground crew and young Air Force Cadets. Maintenance guru Stewart Garnham’s experience is particularly valuable.
“There’s not much Stewart doesn’t know about these planes!” Michael said with a grin.
Even starting a Tiger Moth requires specialised skill. The aircraft have no electric starter motor, so every flight begins with the propeller being swung by hand to start the engine.
Michael has taken many passengers in their 80s and 90s on their first ride in a vintage aircraft.
“Some passengers start out a bundle of nervous energy, unsure about sitting in an open cockpit with nothing around you, but they soon realise what an incredible experience it is.”
One passenger, who had been given a flight by his wife for his birthday, returned to the ground unusually quiet. When the ground crew asked what he thought, he replied, “That was the most peaceful thing I have ever done”.
Michael encourages people to visit the museum, look through the displays and learn more about what the volunteers do.
“Having vintage, airworthy and flying aircraft is living history. It is a look back in time and serves to illustrate how far we have come in a relatively short time.
“With regular servicing and repairs, there is no reason they cannot be flying for another 50 years.
“It will come down to volunteers who can continue the fight to keep them in the air.
“And if that happens, then future generations can still enjoy a ride in an open cockpit biplane.”
