WHEN Lieutenant Eric Harrison flew a military aircraft for the first time in Australia at Point Cook on March 1, 1914, it was the start of an incredible story.
The aeroplane was a Bristol Boxkite (CFS-3) and the Central Flying School at Point Cook had been established 12 months earlier by the Australian government as part of the army.
Seven years later, the Royal Australian Air Force was formed, the second-oldest air force in the world behind Britain’s RAF.
The RAAF’s near century-long, proud and impressive history, is preserved at the RAAF Museum, which opened on the site in 1952 and operates as an air force unit. Its mission is to preserve and promote RAAF heritage.
Many original and replica aircraft are on display, along with a host of memorabilia, including an exhibit dedicated to the man known as the RAAF founder, Sir Richard Williams.
Classic aircraft exhibited include a Maurice Farman Shorthorn, Avro 540K, de Havilland Tiger Moth, Vampire T Mk 35 and Vampire F30, CAC Winjeel and CT4A.
Museum aircraft operate as part of the interactive flying program on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1pm when visitors can view the aircraft up close and talk to the pilots before they take to the skies.
The museum could not function without its team of 70 volunteers, who undertake a variety of roles, including hosting guided tours.
Blaise Durney has been volunteering for 20 years.
“The majority of volunteers are older people, including a number in their 80s,” he said.
“We’re looking for more volunteers.
“I am ex-RAAF and was an active reservist for 21 years. But most don’t have a services background; you just need to be interested in and passionate about aviation.
“A wide variety of people come here, including a lot of international visitors. It’s a pleasure to be involved in showing them around.”
The Friends of the RAAF Museum group is vital to its operation and growth.
Each year the group raises money to support a special project, and last year saw the delivery and installation of a replica A58-492 Spitfire.
Proudly displayed atop a 2.7-metre high steel pole, the fibreglass and carbon fibre replica weighs 1500kg.
“We researched weather records over the past 70 years to make sure it would withstand extremes,” said Friends president Howard Franks, who was posted to Point Cook in 1971.
“There’s 27 tonnes of reinforced concrete holding it down.
“It’s an exact replica so the wings produce lift when wind blows over them – we had to make sure it wasn’t going to fly!”
- The RAAF Museum, Point Cook, is open Tuesday-Friday 10am-3pm, weekends and public holidays 10am-5pm. There is a coffee shop and picnic shelters.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can call the volunteer co-ordinator on (03) 8348-6341 or (03) 8348-6300 during business hours – www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum
