TAVAS Great Vintage Fly-In 2016

­Warbirds Online recently attended The Australian Vintage Aviation Society (TAVAS) Great Vintage Fly-In titled “A tribute to the Knights of the Sky” the fighter pilots of WWI, WWII and Beyond. The event was held over the recent ANZAC weekend 23 and 24th of April 2016 at the Caboolture airfield, Queensland.

There was an excellent attendance of aircraft that flew in for the day, in addition to the resident collections of historic military and civil aircraft based at Caboolture.  This included TAVAS, AAHC Qld and Caboolture Warplane & Flight Heritage Museum, as well as the C47 restoration at Pacific Dakota Restorations being undertaken by Dave Kingshott.

The TAVAS WWI collection was the major drawcard on the day with the Fokker Dr.I, Fokker D.VIII (VH-EIV) and Bristol F.2B flying on both days and the airworthy Fokker E.III and SE.5a also on static show. The D.VIII in particular was very impressive with its brilliant sounding genuine 1918 160 hp rotary engine cackling away and tight handling in Andrew Carter’s hands. Also a great display was the flying display of the Bristol F.2B (flown by the legendary Jack McDonald) and Dr.I (again flown by Andrew Carter) flying together. TAVAS is rapidly acquiring a reputation for the quality of its aircraft and flying displays.

Other highlights on the day included the arrival of 3 North American T28s (2 X D models and a rare B Model) from Toowoomba based owners. Waco EGC-8 Special was a great classic civil participant and was both beautiful and rare.

Also on flying duties were the resident CAC Mustang A68-769 “Snifter”, SNJ-4 and CAC Wirraway as well as the CAC Wingeel.

Numerous DH 82 Tiger Moths were also on the field and flew as well as a gaggle of de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunks. Another rarity amongst the flight line was General Aircraft Co Ltd Genairco VH-UOD which was in magnificent condition. A flying FW 190 Replica powered by a 400 HP M14-P radial engine was also on view in the static area and is a very convincing 80% replica.

A pleasant surprise in the afternoon was MH-60R Romeo Seahawk from the Royal Australian Navy which was passing through the area and performed a mini display for the appreciative crowd.

The large crowds of several thousand were very well treated during the day with ample food and catering as well as easy parking and great weather. The Fly-In was very well run and attracted many positive comments from those attending.

It is hoped to make this a regular event which should grow and prosper, given its proximity to Brisbane and ease of access as well as great attractions.  Well done to TAVAS and all participants.

© John Parker 2016