Flight of the Hurricane

THE skies of Scone will be filled with war birds tomorrow as the Flight of the Hurricane attracts other birds of a feather and draws aviation enthusiasts from far and wide.

It will be the first public flight of a Hawker Hurricane in Australia since 1944 and part owner of the war plane, John Brooks said the interest in the flight had gained a life of its own.

The Hawker Hurricane which will make it’s public flight in Scone tomorrow. Photographer: Mark Jessop.

“We thought a few people might be interested to see it fly and it would be a low key event and then we’d head off for a drink afterwards, but I can’t believe how much interest there is, it is much bigger than we expected,” said Mr Brooks.

“I’ve always had an interest in aircraft and we found the Hurricane about three years ago at Niagra Falls,” he said.

“It was too wide to get in a shipping container home and it was broken down and then placed on a stillage to get back,” he said.

“The team at Pay’s did an absolutely amazing job of restoring it and there was some help from Luskintyre too,” he said.

“The skill of the people here is just unbelievable and they are so passionate and if you are passionate about something you will do it well and they have the knowledge to go with it,” he said.

As a lasting tribute, the aircraft now features the markings of Newcastle-born Pilot Officer John Dallas Crossman, killed in action when he was shot down in a Hurricane during the Battle of Britain on 30 September, 1940.

“I’d like to see it stay here in Scone, but we’ll see what happens,” John Brooks said.

Another notable aircraft which has called Scone home was Col Pay’s Supermatine Spitfire which now hangs in Temora, but is making a return for the show tomorrow.

Other aircraft will include a Grumman Avenger, T28, Wolf Pitts, CAC Wirraway, Yak 52, P51 Mustang, L39 Albatros and a Harvard.

Joy flights will be available in some of the war birds and a helicopter, Paul Bennet will give an aerobatic display in his custom built biplane, there will be markets and a kids corner.

All proceeds of the day will go to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

• When: Flying is scheduled between 11am and 3pm. Gates open at 10am, Saturday, November 12.
• Where: Scone Airport, Walter Pye Drive, Scone (off Bunnan Road).
• Cost: $15 per adult, $40 for a family. Children under 12 free.