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Warbirds Over Scone Air Show 2022

Curtiss P-40N

Warbirds Over Scone Air Show 2022

Having purchased tickets pre-covid, we were pleased to be finally going to the Warbirds Over Scone 2022. Unfortunately, the wet weather that has plagued the summer in Eastern Australia paid a visit. The Sunday we attended was particularly wet. Constant showers and low cloud cover resulted in no planes taking off, which was understandable. You do not put pilots at risk, just for an air show. Anyway, we did get to see the planes on the ground, even if not flying.

Some planes were able to fly the day before, so people who attended on Saturday saw the warbirds in the sky. The big drawcard this year were three Spitfires, four P-51 Mustangs and four P-40 Kittyhawk fighters. This was a record for an Australian air show, with crowds on Saturday seeing them in the sky all together.

Getting There

Driving the hour from Singleton to Scone was an easy drive, despite the wet weather. Parking at the airport was well organised, with a field opposite the entrance set up for cars.

Tickets

We purchased gold tickets online beforehand, but because of covid the air show was delayed almost two years. With no planes flying due to the weather, the advantage of gold class, which was grandstand seating to get a better view of the flying was not there. Because the planes were directly in front of us, we had a close-up view of them. Unfortunately, there was no undercover seating here, so we spent some time in the general admission area, where we could shelter from the rain.

The Air Show

Walking around the airfield we saw the planes that were on display, with several we had not seen before. This included several of the Spitfires and P-51s.

By midday, the organisers cancelled all flying for the day, but opened the flight line, so that spectators could get up close to the warbirds. We thought this was a great fall-back option and jumped at the opportunity. Being able to get up close to the warbirds and talk to the owners and pilots was a real bonus.

We also spoke to the owner of one of the kubelwagens (a German car from World War Two). It turned out to be a survivor from the Battle of Kursk on the Eastern Front. He was great to talk to and very knowledgeable about its history and historic armour vehicles in general.

So, despite the weather and no flying, we saw some great planes, armoured vehicles and spoke to some interesting people. Not the day we had planned, but still fun.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Microlight Flight Lake Macquarie

Airborne M4 Sport Microlight Aircraft

Microlight Flight Lake Macquarie

This was a fantastic Christmas present from my wife. A 30-minute microlight flight out of Lake Macquarie Airport, with amazing views of the coast.

Operated by Airborne Flight Training, who also build the Airborne M4 Sports microlight we flew in, the flight surpassed all of my expectations.

After a quick safety briefing and the fitting of safety helmet and seatbelt, we were off and flying in no time. We were soon over the coast and heading north towards Newcastle. Flying over places we have hiked has a totally different perspective from 500m. Everything seems more accessible and open, whereas when hiking you feel closed in by the trees. The pilot pointed out places of interest and asked if there was anything specific I was interested in seeing.

Flying over Redhead Beach, we saw the shark tower, while people walked on the beach. At Merewether, the Ocean Baths were busy with swimmers doing laps while surfers waited for waves. On reaching Newcastle the view over the city and harbour was amazing, letting us see further north to Nobbys.

The return flight south took us further inland, so the views changed. Flying in this direction, we could see over Lake Macquarie and Blacksmiths Beach.

Before I knew it, we were back on the ground at the airport and taxiing along the runway. This was an amazing experience that I really enjoyed. The expert and professional pilot made me feel safe at all times which is very important in such a small aircraft. This is a family run business, and the flights could be longer if you wish. See the web for more details.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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Catalina War Memorial Rathmines

The Bowling Club's Club Catalina

Catalina War Memorial Rathmines

Once an air base in World War Two, little remains of RAAF Rathmines apart from some re-purposed buildings and a war memorial dedicated to the crews of Catalina flying boats based here. The beaching ramp where the Catalinas were brought ashore is now a boat launching ramp. Behind the memorial, the bowling club was once the officers’ mess.

History

Formed in 1939, the RAAF Station at Rathmines became one of the major flying boat bases for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during World War II, and housed Nos 9, 11, 20, 40,41, 43 and 107 Squadrons at various stages during the war. Used as a training base after World War 2 it was closed and then sold in the early 1960s.

The Memorial

The area where the memorial stands was the site of the Commanding Officer`s residence and control tower. Built in 1972 and dedicated to all RAAF personnel who served on flying boats at Rathmines a Catalina propeller sits on top of the memorial. Walls on both sides commemorate those who died or served for their country and had passed through the base at Rathmines. Reading the names, we saw how young some of them were.

Club Catalina

Now a bowling club, Club Catalina was once the officer’s mess for the RAAF base. Unfortunately closed during our visit, the club contains a memorial wall commemorating and honouring RAAF personnel who operated and trained at the base during its service years.

What Did We Think?

Very easy to find with plenty of parking, we loved the history of the area as well as the views over the lake.