Last updated 26 February 2023


COMMONWEALTH AIRCRAFT CORPORATION

CA-6 WACKETT TRAINER
PART 2

RAAF A3-101 to A3-200


Compiled by Geoff Goodall


A3-101        c/n 335        

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
15.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
18.1.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
23.2.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1AD
16.6.42 2WAGS: forced landing after takeoff when struck obstacle on runway, port wing damaged.
31.1.44 Received CFS ex 2WAGS pending allotment to contractor for complete overhaul
10.3.44 Issued to Newcastle Aero Club ex CFS for overhaul
4.8.44 Mainplane repaired
8.9.44 Progressed stopped awaiting spare parts
13.9.44 Received 2CRD ex NAC
6.10.44 To be stored u/s without maintenance pending further advice re disposal in u/s condition
6.45 Converted to components



A3-102       c/n 336      

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
22.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
23.1.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
23.2.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1AD
31.1.44 Received CFS ex 2WAGS pending allotment to contractor for complete overhaul
10.3.44 Issued to Newcastle Aero Club ex CFS for overhaul
8.9.44 Progressed stopped awaiting spare parts
22.1.45 Received 2CRD ex NAC in u/s condition for survey report with view to conversion
14.6.45 2CRD Survey Report received
6.45 Converted to components



A3-103      c/n 337                                                                                                                   (VH-AKD)

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
23.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
25.1.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
3.2.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1AD
9.1.43 2WAGS: forced landing after striking a tree in flight. Minor damage
31.1.44 now with CFS
21.5.44 Issued 3WAGS ex CFS
1.10.44 Received 8OTU ex 3WAGS for storage
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS (Care & Maintenance Narrandera) ex 8OTU Storage
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage
31.8.45 Offered for sale through CDC at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2392. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £150 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKD to A3-103 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKD not taken up.
12.8.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera



A3-104        c/n 335        

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
22.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
23.1.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
2.3.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1AD
21.8.43 Struck trees and crashed near Parkes NSW. 2WAGS accident report: struck trees and crashed 22 miles East of Parkes due misunderstanding between the instructor and trainee as to who had control of aircraft.  Recommend writeoff.
30.8.43 Under conversion to components at 2WAGS
1.9.43 Issued 2AD ex 2WAGS for conversion
6.9.43 Converted to components



A3-105        c/n 339        

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
23.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
25.1.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
23.2.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1AD
3.2.43 2WAGS: struck fence during forced landing due fractured fuel line, spraying fuel in cockpit. Major damage
31.1.44 Received CFS ex 2WAGS pending allotment to contractor for complete overhaul
10.3.44 Issued to Newcastle Aero Club ex CFS for overhaul
28.7.44 not started
4.8.44 being stripped
11.9.44 Received 2CRD ex NAC for survey report. Airframe to be stored u/s without maintenance pending further advice re disposal in u/s condition.
6.45 Converted to components


A3-106        c/n 340        

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
22.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
23.1.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
23.2.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1AD
25.6.42 Crashed near Forbes NSW. 2WAGS accident report: crashed 23 miles from Forbes during crew training flight. 2 killed.
28.7.42 Converted to components



A3-107    c/n 341                                                                                                                    VH-AGN, VH-BIH

22.1.42 First flight at Fishermans Bend
23.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
25.1.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
3.2.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1AD
7.2.44 Received 3WAGS ex 2WAGS
4.5.44 Issued to Ansett Airways, Mascot ex 3WAGS for complete overhaul
31.5.44 Received Butler Air Transport, Mascot ex Ansetts Mascot
30.6.44 Awaiting jig for extensive mainplane repair. Repairs on other components progressing
15.1.45 Received 2AD ex Butlers
22.1.45 Received 8EFTS Store ex 2AD for storage
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Store
31.8.45 Offered for sale through CDC at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2327. Not to be moved.
16.10.45 Sold through CDC to Captain I. J. Hosie, 9 Narrwong Plain Street, Bondi, Sydney for £250, plus a spare engine for £50
26.10.45 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


12.45 Registration application: Ian J. Hosie, Sydney
21.12.45 CofA issued
21.12.45 Added to Register as VH-AGN
29.1.46 Change of ownership: Australasian Aeronautical Institute, 20 Ross Smith Avenue, Mascot NSW
20.12.46 CofA expired
4.7.47 CofA renewed at Bankstown
7.47 Change of ownership name: Skyway Services Pty Ltd, Sydney c/- Bruce W. Cowan
Letterhead "Skyway Services Pty Ltd (Late Australasian Aeronautical Institute Pty Ltd): charter, aerial photography, flying instruction, hire, agents."
3.7.48 CofA expired
11.48 Proforma letter from DCA stating that VH-AGN is no longer available as a registration due International Callsigns and Q Code.  DCA suggests changed to VH-CGN to minimise repainting.
21.4.49 Skyway Services write to DCA advising that they have disposed of Wackett AGN, Genairco UOD, and DH82s AFJ, APR all to Kingsford Smith Aviation Service
26.7.49 Registration application: Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot
8.49 KSAS advise DCA that due to delays in their hangar and accommodation at Bankstown during the company's move from Mascot, they are unable to advise a date when these aircraft will be made airworthy
6.8.51 Struck-off Register in 1951 Census
18.12.53 Restored to Register: Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown
5.2.54 Reregistered VH-BIH Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown
29.3.54 Change of ownership: G. T. Lewis, "Murrawombie" Bingara NSW
23.12.55 Change of ownership: P. G. Hodges, Sydney NSW
12.58 VH-BIH was included in a DCA approval for a KSAS submission for a 2.5 inch extension to the aft Centre of Gravity limit for Wacketts modified with reduced wing and tailplane incidence, covered wing slots and single pilot controls.
16.1.59 Change of ownership: Austerserve Pty Ltd, Bankstown
13.8.62 Struck-off Register as WFS

Reportedly used as fuselage frame for YA-1 production

        

          Bankstown 1954.                                                                                                                                             Photo by Eddie Coates



A3-108       c/n 342                                                                                                                    VH-AOJ    

22.1.42 First flight at Fishermans Bend
23.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
25.1.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
2.3.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1AD
15.12.43 Held u/s at 2WAGS awaiting allotment to contractor for complete overhaul. Space not available at contractors at present time.
31.1.44 Received CFS ex 2WAGS pending alotment to contractor
10.3.44 Issued to Newcastle Aero Club ex CFS for complete overhaul
21.7.44 Mainplane under repair, tail unit covered ready for painting, instruments being overhauled
1.9.44 Progress stopped awaiting spare parts
5.2.45 Received 2AD ex NAC
15.2.45 Received 8EFTS Storage ex 2AD for storage. Delivery by 2AD Ferry Flight.
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Store
31.8.45 Offered for sale through CDC at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2259. Not to be moved.
14.12.45 Sold to F/O Preston. 221 King Street, Newtown, Sydney for £250
14.12.45 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


16.1.46 Registration application: Arthur E. Preston, Sydney. To be based at De Havillands hangar at Mascot
21.1.46 Added to Register VH-AOJ
21.1.46 CofA issued
26.1.46 Logbook: first flight after civil conversion
9.6.46 Wing damaged
13.6.46 Repairs completed
24.1.47 CofA renewed at Mascot
11.2.48 CofA renewed at Mascot
4.4.49 CofA renewed at Bankstown.
26.7.49 DCA Memo: it is reported that Preston has died. VH-AOJ has not flown since CofA renewal 4.4.49.
1.3.51 Executor has disposed of the aircraft to Mr. R. Reynolds
19.3.51 Change of ownership: Reynolds Bros, Sydney. Business is Reynolds Bros Sewing Machine Specialists
5.4.51 CofA renewed
4.4.52 CofA expired
18.5.52 Letter to DCA from D. J. Reynolds: "we no longer own VH-AOJ"
27.8.54 Struck-off Register

       

        Brisbane-Eagle Farm in the early 1950s.                                                                                                             Photo by Henry W. Pryor



A3-109        c/n 343        

1.42 First flight at Fishermans Bend
24.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
25.1.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
16.2.42 Issued 2WAGS ex 1AD
16.2.42 2WAGS Parkes: while circling A3-109 which had made a forced landing 2 miles North of Euroa Vic, A3-109's engine failed.  While making forced landing, struck telegraph wire and crashed in a paddock. Extensive damage.
17.1.44 Received 3WAGS ex 2WAGS
4.5.44 Issued Ansett Airways Mascot ex 3WAGS for complete overhaul
31.5.44 Received Butler Air Transport, Mascot ex Ansetts Mascot for complete overhaul
1.9.44 Overhaul stopped pending advice re disposal
7.9.44 Allotted 2CRD ex Butlers. Airframe to be stored u/s without maintenance pending further advice re disposal in u/s condition
6.45 Converted to components


A3-110        c/n 344        

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
26.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
27.1.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
2.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1AD
16.2.42 2WAGS Parkes: forced landing 2 miles North of Euroa Vic due low fuel pressure. Nil damage.
23.7.42 Approved for free issue to Department of Aircraft Production with engine No.2385 for instructional purposes
7.42 Converted to Instructional Airframe


A3-111       c/n 345                                                                                                                     (VH-AKE), ML-KNIL

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
28.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
28.1.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
23.2.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1AD
17.4.42 2WAGS: forced landing at Parkes due throttle control failing in flight. Nil damage.
20.4.42 2WAGS: forced landing 5 miles North of Bogan Gate NSW due oil pressure problem. Nil damage.
15.9.43 2WAGS: forced landing due engine failure (no location quoted). Major damage.
25.10.43 Issued to Ansett Airways Mascot ex 2WAGS for repairs
26.5.44 Received 2AP ex Ansetts
28.5.44 Issued 3WAGS ex 2AP
1.10.44 Received 8OTU ex 3WAGS for storage
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS (Care & Maintenance Narrandera) ex Care & Maintenance Narromine
1.6.45 Received Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Store
31.8.45 Offered for sale through CDC at CMU Narrandera, with engine No.2333. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £250 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKE to A3-111 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKE not taken up.
22.3.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-111 had been sold to NEI and allocated reg VH-AKE not required
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as single control Wireless Trainer/Reserve aircraft for KNIL Central Flying School

No serial number known


A3-112      c/n 346                                                                                                                        (VH-AKF(1) ), ML-KNIL

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
28.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
25.1.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
6.4.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1AD
6.3.43 2WAGS: forced landing in paddock due engine failure. Nil damage.
17.1.44 Received 3WAGS ex 2WAGS
19.8.44 Allotted 2AP ex 3WAGS for storage pending complete overhaul. Allotment cancelled
1.10.44 Received 8OTU ex 3WAGS for storage
8.1.45 Issued to 8EFTS ex Narromine
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage
31.8.45 Offered for sale through CDC at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2373. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £190 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKF to A3-112 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKF not taken up.
22.3.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-112 had been sold to NEI and allocated registration VH-AKF not required
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL


A3-113       c/n 347                                                                                                                            VH-ALZ

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
30.1.42 First flight at Fishermans Bend
4.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
5.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
23.2.42 Received 3EFTS ex 1AD
22.4.42 Issued 11EFTS ex 3EFTS
1.3.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
29.11.43 Awaiting engine
30.8.45 Offered for sale through CDC at 7AD Tocumwal, with engine No.2200. Not to be moved.
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALZ to A3-113 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers.
20.12.45 Sold through CDC J. T. Brown, Kingsford Smith Aviation Service, Mascot Airport for £68.
(2 aircraft for £136)
9.1.46 Issued to purchaser ex 7AD Tocumwal


18.1.46 Registration application:  Hector M. Grainger, Albion Hotel, Sale Vic
18.1.46 Added to Register as VH-ALZ
11.2.46 CofA issued
27.10.46 Change of ownership: Schutt Aircraft Sales & Service, Essendon Vic
15.11.46 Change of ownership: E. Bruce & L. Candy, Melbourne
21.3.47 CofA renewed at Essendon
8.8.47 Change of ownership: Norman Clarkson, Melbourne t/a Clarkson Aviation Services
25.5.48 Change of ownership: Clarence W. Stewart/Stewart's Motor Cycles Pty Ltd, Elizabeth St Melbourne.
6.5.49 CofA expired
6.49 Letter to DCA from Stewart advising that CofA renewal will be carried out by N. Clarkson of Clarkson Aviation Services
25.3.51 Change of ownership: ANA Flying Club, Moorabbin Vic
8.6.51 DCA Memo: Stewart has sold VH-ALZ to ANA Flying Club and it is presently undergoing CofA renewal by Schutt Aircraft Sales & Service
6.8.51 Struck-off Register at 1951 Census
28.8.51 Change of ownership name: Aircraft Industry Flying Club, Moorabbin
"The change is in name only, retains the same committee, aircraft and personnel."
27.6.52 Restored to Register VH-ALZ
27.6.52 CofA renewed Moorabbin
24.11.52 Forced landing due engine trouble, nosed over. (no location quoted). Damage to engine, cowl, prop.
4.1.53 Minor damage when struck "T" Wind Indicator during landing run at Mildura Vic.
16.5.54
crashed near Streatham Vic
Port wing broke away in flight, 2 killed. Investigation found structural failure of wing spar due previous heavy landing. DCA ordered inspections of all Wacketts.
28.6.54 Struck off Register

  

  VH-ALZ at Essendon in the late 1940s when the Aero Club hangar was by the reservoir in the centre of the airfield.                                           Photo by Bob Fripp


  

  Essendon                                                                                                                                                Neil Follett collection



A3-114       c/n 348                                                                                                                    VH-AFF    

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
30.1.42 First flight Fishermans Bend
31.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
2.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
6.2.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
25.6.42 Forced landing, struck fence and tipped on nose.
25.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
29.11.43 Assembled after overhaul, awaiting engine
24.8.44 Received 5AD Store ex 7AD
6.7.45 Received CMU Narrandera ex 5AD Store
1.10.45 Sold by CDC to Mr. R.V. Miles & Mr. N. H. Sutton, Foster Avenue, St Kilda, Melbourne for £300
8.10.45 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera

Ferried Narrandera-Essendon
17.10.45 Registration application: Robert V. Miles & Norman H. Sutton, c/- Royal Vic Aero Club, Essendon
17.10.45 Added to Register as VH-AFF
15.11.45 CofA issued at Essendon
31.8.45 Offered for disposal. Not to be moved.

Photo in 2.46 issue of Aircraft magazine shows group of Royal Victorian Aero Club aircraft at Essendon:  three DH.60 Moths, Wackett VH-AFC with aero club vertical stripes on rudder and club wings emblem on fin, and Wackett VH-AFF with horizontal stripes on rudder
24.1.46 Sold to David George Johnstone, "Silverside", Tarwin, South Gippsland Vic
22.5.46 Inspected at Essendon by J. Hart, LAME for Victorian & Interstate Airways Ltd prior to being flown to Adelaide by owner. DCA memo records bad relations between DCA at Parafield and owner.
6.46 Inspected by DCA at Parafield and numerous defects identified. Hart reprimanded over poor work.
6.6.46 Flown Parafield-Quorn-Farina
7.6.46 Farina-Stewarts Creek
8.6.46 Stewarts Creek-Farina

Operated in Finnis Springs/Mulgara areas of northern SA by owner D. G. Johnstone for opal prospecting. He had arranged fuel to be delivered to sites by truck.
18.7.46 Flew to Oodnadatta
17.8.46 Damaged Hawkes Next Well, 90 miles west of Oodnadatta SA.  Tipped on to nose while taxying to refuelling truck over stony surface. Flown by owner D. G. Johnstone on opal prospecting.
8.46 Accident not reported to DCA. Investigation revealed numerous breaches of regulations including Johnstone does not have pilot licence. DCA institute legal action against Johnstone.
6-7.9.46 AFF flew Broken Hill-Farina-Mildura.
14.11.46 CofA expired
3.47 DCA unable to ascertain owner's intention or location of aircraft
19.12.47 Struck-off Register

              

                    VH-AFF poses with Aero Club aircraft at Essendon in late 1945 for Aircraft magazine’s photographer.


  
     VH-AFF at Hawkes Nest Well SA 31 August 1946, starboard wing supported by a 44 gallon drum.     Photo: Civil Aviation Historical Society South Australia



A3-115       c/n 349        

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
31.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
2.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
6.2.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
25.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
4.10.44 Airframe to be stored u/s without maintenance pending advice re disposal
7.3.45 Received 7CRD for storage u/s ex 7AD
6.6.45 Converted to components


A3-116      c/n 350                                                                                                                  (VH-AKG), B-323

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
30.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
1.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
6.2.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
23.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
29.11.43 Being worked on, awaiting engine
6.7.45 Received Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 7AD
31.8.45 Offered for sale through CDC at CMU Narrandera, with engine No.2187. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J.T.Brown, Kew Vic for £250 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKG to A3-116 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKG not taken up
8.3.46 Issued to purchaser ex Narrandera CMU


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-116 had been sold to NEI and allocated registration VH-AKG not required
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as dual control aircraft

Serial B-323



A3-117      c/n 351                                                                                                                            (VH-AMC), ML-KNIL

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
30.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
1.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
6.2.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
25.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
15.2.45 Received 8EFTS Store ex 7AD
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage
23.11.45 Offered for disposal
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AMC, not taken up
14.12.45 Sold through CDC to J. T. Brown, Kingsford Smith Aviation Service, Mascot Airport, Sydney for £68 (4 aircraft for £272)
17.12.45 J.T.Brown wrote to DCA requestion civil registrations be allocated for six additional Wackett Trainers "originally for despatch to India and now remaining here: A3-117,118,121,122,124,180."
18.12.45 DCA allocated VH-AMC to A3-117 for J.T.Brown. Registration not taken up.
15.3.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as single control Wireless Trainer/Reserve aircraft for KNIL Central Flying School

No serial number known


A3-118      c/n 352                                                                                                                    (VH-AMD), ML-KNIL

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
30.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
1.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
6.2.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
23.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
29.11.43 Overhaul complete, awaiting engine
15.2.45 Received 8EFTS Store ex 7AD
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage
23.11.45 Offered for disposal
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AMD, not taken up
14.12.45 Sold through CDC to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £68 (4 aircraft for £272)
17.12.45 J.T.Brown wrote to DCA requestion civil registrations be allocated for six additional Wackett Trainers "originally for despatch to India and now remaining here: A3-117,118,121,122,124,180."
18.12.45 DCA allocated VH-AMD to A3-118 for J.T.Brown. Registration not taken up.
1.2.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as single control Wireless Trainer/Reserve aircraft for KNIL Central Flying School

No serial number known


A3-119       c/n 353                                                                                                                        VH-AFB    

31.1.42 First flight at Fishermans Bend
31.1.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
2.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
6.2.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
23.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
18.6.45 Received Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 7AD
31.8.45 Offered for disposal. Not to be moved.
20.9.45 Sold through CDC to Messrs M. & G. Cohen, Collins Street, Melbourne Vic for £300
23.9.45 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera
19.10.45 Registration application: Geoffrey Cohen, Melbourne
22.10.45 Added to Register as VH-AFB
22.10.45 CofA issued

Photo in 2.46 issue of Aircraft magazine shows Geoffrey Cohen in the cockpit of his privately owned Wackett Trainer at Essendon. He is Vice President of the Royal Victorian Aero Club, Essendon
28.10.46 CofA renewed at Essendon
27.10.47 CofA renewed at Essendon by Schutt Aircraft Sales & Service
25.10.48 CofA renewed at Essendon
16.3.49 Change of ownership: Australian National Airways Ltd, Essendon Vic
To be used for club flying, not airline training
26.9.49 CofA renewed at Essendon
30.10.49 Damaged during practice forced landing near 3LO mast Keilor, engine failed, undercarriage struck a fence
6.50 Change of ownership name: ANA Flying Club, Essendon.
Official change paperwork dated 3.10.50
6.10.50 CofA renewed at Essendon

Change of name: Aircraft Industry Flying Club, Moorabbin Airport Vic
27.3.55 Struck-off Register as WFS
65/66 Fuselage frame dumped in grass at side of old hangar at Ararat.
14.8.66 Frame inspected at Ararat: "A3-119" found in several places

                                                                                                                                                                                Photo by Barry Mclean

 


VH-AFB behind Junkers Junior, Fishermans Bend airshow December 1947.                                                                         Ben Dannecker collection

 

Moorabbin 1954, with additional paintwork. Fuselage of another Wackett Trainer behind..                                                       Photo by Barrie Colledge


A3-120       c/n 354      

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
4.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
5.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
16.2.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
25.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
4.10.44 Airframe to be stored u/s without maintenance pending advice re disposal
7.3.45 Received 7CRD for storage u/s ex 7AD
6.45 Converted to components


A3-121      c/n 355                                                                                                                        (VH-AME), ML-KNIL

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
4.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
5.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
16.2.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
23.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
15.2.45 Received 8EFTS Store ex 7AD
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage
23.11.45 Offered for disposal
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AME, not taken up
14.12.45 Sold through CDC to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £68 (4 aircraft for £272)
17.12.45 J.T.Brown wrote to DCA requestion civil registrations be allocated for six additional Wackett Trainers "originally for despatch to India and now remaining here: A3-117,118,121,122,124,180."
18.12.45 DCA allocated VH-AME to A3-121 for J.T.Brown. Registration not taken up.
25.1.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as single control Wireless Trainer/Reserve aircraft for KNIL Central Flying School

No serial number known


A3-122      c/n 356                                                                                                                        (VH-AMF), ML-KNIL

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
4.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
5.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
16.2.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
12.3.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
15.2.45 Received 8EFTS Store ex 7AD
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Store Narrandera
23.11.45 Offered for disposal
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AMF, not taken up
14.12.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £68  (4 aircraft for £272)
17.12.45 J.T.Brown wrote to DCA requestion civil registrations be allocated for six additional Wackett Trainers "originally for despatch to India and now remaining here: A3-117,118,121,122,124,180."
18.12.45 DCA allocated VH-AMF to A3-122 for J.T.Brown. Registration not taken up.
25.1.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as single control Wireless Trainer/Reserve aircraft for KNIL Central Flying School

No serial number known


A3-123      c/n 357                                                                                                                          (VH-AKH), B-324

1.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
4.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
5.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
16.2.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
2.11.42 11EFTS: collided with A3-19, wings damaged
25.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
25.8.44 Received 5AD Store ex 7AD
22.6.45 Received CMU Narrandera ex 5AD Store
31.8.45 Offered for sale through CDC at CMU Narrandera, with engine No.2191. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic  for £250 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKH to A3-123 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers.  VH-AKH not taken up.
1.3.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-123 had been sold to NEI and allocated reg VH-AKH not required
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as dual control aircraft

Serial B-324


A3-124      c/n 358                                                                                                                          (VH-AMG), B-325

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
9.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
11.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
16.2.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
12.10.42 Taxying accident, struck Tiger Moth A17-97, starboard mainplane damage
19.10.42 Issued to Ansett Airways ex 11EFTS for repairs
9.11.42 Servicable with 11EFTS ex Ansetts
12.3.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
31.8.45 Offered for sale by CDC at 7AD Tocumwal, with engine No.2228. Not to be moved.
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AMG, not taken up
17.12.45 J.T.Brown wrote to DCA requestion civil registrations be allocated for six additional Wackett Trainers "originally for despatch to India and now remaining here: A3-117,118,121,122,124,180."
18.12.45 DCA allocated VH-AMG to A3-124 for J.T.Brown. Registration not taken up.
20.12.45 Sold to J.T.Brown, Kingsford Smith Aviation Service, Mascot Airport, Sydney for £245 (2 aircraft for £136)
7.3.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as dual control aircraft

Serial B-325


A3-125      c/n 359                                                                                                                      (VH-AKI), B-326

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
10.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
11.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
15.2.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
17.10.42 11EFTS Essendon: forced landing on Essendon aerodrome due engine fire. Minor damage.
25.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
25.8.44 Received 5AD Store ex 7AD
22.6.45 Received Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 5AD Store
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera, with engine No.2196. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £240 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKI to A3-125 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKI not taken up.
1.3.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-125 had been sold to NEI and allocated reg VH-AKI not required
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as dual control aircraft

Serial B-326


A3-126       c/n 360      

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
10.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
11.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
16.2.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
20.4.42 11EFTS: forced landing 10 miles North of Benalla, due engine fire. No airframe damage.
23.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
4.10.44 Airframe to be stored u/s without maintenance pending advice re disposal
7.3.45 Received 7CRD for storage u/s ex 7AD
6.45 Converted to components


A3-127      c/n 361                                                                                                                          (VH-AKJ), B-327

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
12.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
13.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
23.2.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
23.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
4.6.45 Received Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 7AD
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2281. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £250 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKJ to A3-127 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKJ not taken up.
8.3.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-127 had been sold to NEI and allocated reg VH-AKJ not required
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as dual control aircraft

Serial B-327


A3-128       c/n 362                                                                                                                        VH-AFC    

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
11.2.42 First flight at Fishermans Bend
10.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
16.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
23.2.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
25.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
18.6.45 Received Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 7AD
31.8.45 Offered for disposal. Not to be moved.
20.9.45 Sold by CDC for £450 with engine 2297 installed to Royal Victorian Aero Club, Essendon Vic Sale price also included A3-6 & A3-145 and 3 spare engines
23.9.45 4 Wackett Trainers ferried from Narrandera to Essendon.
Melbourne Argus newspaper 24.9.45: Four Wackett trainer planes were flown from Narrandera to Essendon yesterday afternoon. Three of them have been acquired for the Royal Victorian Aero Club and the other by three club members. The planes were surplus RAAF aircraft.
26.9.45 RAAF Status Card: Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


1.10.45 Registration application: Royal Victorian Aero Club, Essendon Vic
12.10.45 Added Register as VH-AFC
12.10.45 CofA issued at Essendon

Photo in 2.46 issue of Aircraft magazine shows group of Royal Victorian Aero Club aircraft at Essendon:  three DH.60 Moths, Wackett VH-AFC with aero club vertical stripes on rudder and club wings emblem on fin, and Wackett VH-AFF with horizontal stripes on rudder
11.10.46 CofA expired, not renewed
3.47 Undergoing maintenance at Essendon to renew CofA
6.11.47 Struck-off Register
24.2.51 Change of ownership: James H. McGrath, Melbourne
23.11.51 Restored to Register VH-AFC: J. W. McGrath/ McGrath Bros Engineering Co, Melbourne
23.11.51 CofA renewed at Moorabbin
19.12.52 CofA renewed at Moorabbin
3.2.53 DCA memo: VH-AFC is hangared by Major Aircraft Co. DCA concerned by non approved propeller fitted and J.W.McGrath does not have a pilot licence.
31.3.53 CofA renewed at Moorabbin
22.8.53 Change of ownership: Robert A. Callender & Noel A. Adam, Melbourne
10.12.54 CofA renewed at Moorabbin, testflown by J.W.McGrath who now has a PPL
9.12.55 CofA expired
11.4.56 Struck-off Register
3.6.56 DCA inspector saw VH-AFC flying at Albury NSW, pilot Callender. Investigations revealed that the Wackett had flown to Albury 12.55 and was reported to be in poor condition.
3.6.56 Flew Albury-Mansfield-Benalla, pilot Callender. On arrival Benalla he asked the groundsman for permission to park it in the DCA hangar
8.56 DCA search for the Wackett locates it still parked Benalla
12.56 Callender & Adam are bankrupt and VH-AFC is in the hands of their Receiver. It is still in the hangar at Benalla. DCA decide not to pursue action against owners for flying the aircraft without CofA, but demand the hangarage fees for Benalla since 3.6.56 from the Receiver.

      

            Essendon wearing Royal Victorian Aero Club colours.                                                                                                                     Photo by Barry Maclean


       

Moorabbin 1955, all over silver.                                                                                                                                       Photo by Barrie Colledge



A3-129     c/n 363                                                                                                                                      (VH-AKJ), VH-AMA, VH-DGR, VH-WKT


 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
12.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
13.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
23.2.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
1.3.43 Issued 7AD ex 11EFTS
14.5.45 Received 8EFTS Storage ex 7AD
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2216. Not to be moved.
28.10.45 Sold through CDC to A. R. Bennett, 341 Burnley Road, Richmond, Melbourne for £250
2.11.45 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKJ, not taken up
2.1.46 Registration application: Alfred R. Bennett, Melbourne.  To be based at Essendon.
2.1.46 Added to Register as VH-AMA
3.46 Overhaul for issue of CofA progressing slowly at Essendon
5.4.46 CofA issued at Essendon. Then CofA renewed annually to 1950
19.6.51 Change of ownership: W. McMullen, Melbourne
27.7.53 Change of ownership: L. Elliott, Melbourne
24.8.54 Change of ownership: M. J. Myers & D. K. Finn, Melbourne
7.11.56 Change of ownership: F. J. Mardling, Melbourne
17.7.57 Change of ownership: K. W. Magee, Melbourne
9.8.57 Change of ownership: C.W. Smith, Melbourne  

Purchased by Bill Smith of Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown to use for flight trials to evaluate a modified agricultural canopy layout with hopper in rear seat position
- Undated photo shows VH-AMA in civil scheme with modified cockpit canopy and rear fuselage upper decking, similar to the final design used for the KS.3 Cropmasters
17.1.58 VH-AMA suffered slight fire damage in a deliberately-lit fire in a hangar at Bankstown which destroyed KS.3 VH-FBD and the Kingsford Smith PL-7 Tanker, and damaged KS.3 VH-FBE.
58 Restored to standard cockpit area two seat configuration
27.8.58 Reregistered VH-DGR: R. W. Ross, "Wogamia", Inverell NSW
27.8.58 Testflown Bankstown after CofA renewal overhaul, during which repainted as VH-DGR
26.10.63 Change of ownership: G. W. Skelton, Warialda NSW. Aircraft log book confirms same date
3.10.65 noted West Maitland in Royal Newcastle Aero Club hangar, pale blue & white scheme, tail removed for maintenance
1.9.66 noted Inverell NSW
1.10.67 visited Temora NSW airshow
5.5.68 (Logbook) Last flight, retired at Mudgee NSW. Parked in open.
5.5.68 (Logbook) purchased by Max Honeysett t/a Lithgow Air Park Pty Ltd, Lithgow NSW
Honeysett purchased DGR for its Warner Scarab engine to use in his Fairchild Argus VH-ALF
9.68 noted Mudgee, parked outside. Pale blue & white, good condition
11.68 noted Mudgee, parked outside. Pale blue & white, good condition
68/73 WFS parked in open at Mudgee aerodrome NSW. Became derelict. Cockpit instruments stolen.
4.5.70 Struck-off Register
26.12.72 noted Mudgee, parked outside, poor condition
76 Derelict airframe acquired by John G. Gallagher, Sydney NSW
Vandals destroyed the left wing and cockpit interior at Mudgee aerodrome before he could collect it. Taken by road to his home at 11 Spur Crescent, Loftus where stored for a planned CA-6 rebuild using YA-1 metal wings and undercarriage.
21.4.79 Fuselage frame of VH-DGR mounted on metal mainplane and undercarriage of YA-1 Cropmaster VH-SWC borrowed from Peter Meek. Trial installation at Gallagher's house at Loftus. to check attachment points then wing returned to Meek.
24.6.87 noted Wedderburn airfield NSW in Gallagher's hangar, DGR fuselage mounted on YA-1 mainplane from Cropmaster VH-CXS
11.12.00 Restored to Register as VH-WKT: John G. Gallagher, Sydney NSW
12 Stored Sydney, long-term restoration project.

     

      Moorabbin 1950s.                                                                                                                                                                                The Collection


    

     Moorabbin circa 1954 in new paint scheme.                                                                                                                             Photo by Eddie Coates


  

     Bankstown c1958 with modified canopy for a hopper in the rear seat position.                                                                                          Allyn Eckford collection


     

    Now VH-DGR, retired at Mudgee NSW, September 1970.                                                                                                                 The Collection p1171-0127


     

         VH-DGR at Mudgee 1976, only days after it was wrecked by vandals.                                                                                                 Photo John Gallagher


     

      VH-DGR's fuselage mounted on the metal mainplane of YA-1 VH-SWC in April 1979.                                                                                 Photo by Peter Anderson  



A3-130       c/n 364     "2005"                                                                                                        VH-AKK  

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic. Materials Batch Number 06-J10
12.2.42 CAC Delivery Note A3340 for A3-130 delivery to RAAF
12.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
23.2.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
23.4.42 11EFTS: Extensive damage in ground collision with Wackett Trainer A3-74
4.5.42 Issued Ansett Airways ex 11EFTS for repair
28.9.42 Received 1AD ex Ansetts
21.11.42 Received 1AOS ex 1AD
1.3.43 Issued 3WAGS ex 1AOS
1.10.44 Received 8OTU ex 3WAGS for storage
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Storage ex 8OTU
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for sale by CDC at CMU Narrandera, with engine No.2188. Not to be moved
1.10.45 Offered for disposal by tender by CDC
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £250 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKK for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers.
24.5.46 RAAF Status Card: Issued to Mr. Brown ex CMU Narrandera


29.1.46 Registration application: E. A. Jackson, c/- E. Stewart, Newsagent, Maroubra, Sydney
1.8.46 Testflown Mascot after civil overhaul
1.8.46 Added Register as VH-AKK
1.8.46 CofA issued at Mascot
20.10.46 Struck fence during forced landing 3 miles NW of Gloucester NSW.  Struck fence posts and telegraph poles during a forced landing on a road on a flight from Cessnock to Mascot. Pilot E. A. Jackson and passenger, Jack Sutton (aged 15 years) were unhurt but aircraft badly damaged.
They had departed Mascot at 11.23am on a flight to Cessnock, where they departed at 1.45pm for the return to Mascot. Became lost and Jackson headed east to the coastline until fuel was low so he decided to land to ask directions. Circled a small town and attempted to land on a road near the town. While rolling after landing he was unable to negotiate a bend in the road. The port wingtip hit fence posts and then the starboard wing swung into telegraph poles, aircraft came to rest on its nose.
The town was Gloucester, 65 miles NW of departure point Cessnock.
Last Logbook entry was 7.10.46: 893 hrs 10 mins since new
31.7.47 CofA expired.  Owner does not respond to letters from DCA re his intentions
19.12.47 Struck-off Register
5.49 By now wreck owned by Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown NSW



A3-131      c/n 365        to KS.3 Cropmaster                                                                                        (VH-AKL), VH-FBE

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
13.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
13.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
2.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
25.10.42 1WAGS: forced landing Carisbrook Vic, due engine failure. Struck stone in grass, tyre blown and minor damage to mainplane.
27.12.42 Wingtip and aileron damaged while stationary when struck by port mainplane of A3-65 which was taxying.
20.10.44 Received 8OTU Storage ex 1WAGS
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS (Care & Maintenance Narrandera) ex 8OTU Storage
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage
19.7.45 Extensive damage while parked awaiting disposal without engine when struck by gale force wind storm. Fuselage 100% damage, mainplane 40% damage, undercarriage u/s, tail unit 75%.
This entry on RAAF Status Card quotes unit as 1WAGS: believed this damage was in fact to another Wackett at 1WAGS, Ballarat and not A3-131.
31.8.45 Offered for sale by CDC at CMU Narrandera, with engine No.2214
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £250 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKL for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKL not taken up.
10.4.47 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


47 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney NSW,
moved to Bankstown Airport, Sydney

Stored at Bankstown with other Wackett Trainers not given civil conversions by KSAS
57 Converted to KS.3 Cropmaster at Bankstown by Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown.  Log entry signed by KSAS Chief Engineer J. McConnell
17.12.57 Log: First flight at Bankstown
18.12.57 Registration application as CA-6 K.S.3: Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown NSW
Identity quoted as 365 previously A3-131. built 2.42
24.12.57 Added Register VH-FBE
24.12.57 CofA issued at Bankstown
17.1.58 Damaged in deliberately-lit fire in hangar at Bankstown.  KS.3 VH-FBD and the Kingsford Smith PL-7 Tanker were destroyed, and KS.3 VH-FBE and the test Wackett VH-AMA received slight fire damage.
11.2.58 Letter to DCA from KSAS signed by J.T.Brown: "VH-FBD has been written off by us, however we would like to retain the registration for future use. VH-FBE is being reconditioned and returned to service."
1.3.59 Change of ownership: Yeoman Aviation Pty Ltd, Bankstown
DCA memo states that Yeoman Aviation is an associate company of Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd
11.3.59 Change of ownership: Air Culture Pty Ltd, Perth WA
16.3.59 Log: Testflown at Bankstown by W. G. Boulden of Air Culture
17.3.59 CofA renewed at Bankstown
3.59 Delivered from Bankstown to Maylands Aerodrome, Perth by Bill Boulden
3.59 Log: flown almost every day until 30.10.59
5.59 VH-FBE was used for the first aerial sowing of wheat attempted in Australia, near Beacon WA flown by W. G. Boulden. Trials considered successful.
12.6.59 Change of ownership: Air Culture Pty Ltd, Perth WA in association with Yeoman Aviation Pty Ltd, Bankstown NSW
17.7.59 Minor damage when struck fence while taxying at Koolanooka WA, pilot J. McKeachie
30.10.59 Log: Last flight at end of 1959 ag season
14.1.60 Log: Next flight, then regular flying
3.60 CofA renewal by Keith Chappel of WA Aircraft Service Co, Maylands
13.4.60 Prop damaged in accident near Geraldton WA. Prop removed and later repaired by MMA at Perth. Stored and fitted to Air Culture's KS.3 VH-AJH in 4.62.
26.4.60 Crashed on landing Geraldton WA.  The aircraft was being flown from Geraldton Airport on a local familiarisation flight by F. Synnott, who was unhurt. Pilot total experience 1800 hours, on type 38 hours.
DCA accident report: "The pilot allowed the aircraft to stall during an approach to land and it struck the ground before recovery could be effected."
6.60 Letter to DCA from Yeoman Aviation Pty Ltd, Bankstown: VH-FBE's ownership had been transferred to "Air Culture Pty Ltd in association with Yeoman Aviation Pty Ltd" effective 12 June 1959. The aircraft is operated in WA under Yeoman Aviation's airwork licence .
2.61 Wreck of FBE stored at Geraldton. Bill Boulden advises DCA that he intends to move it to Maylands in the near future and proposes rebuilding it using the new type metal mainplanes.
5.61 Air Culture letter to DCA requesting FBE be cancelled from Register, although they still intend to rebuild it in the future
23.5.61 Struck-off Register
6.61 Tailplane of FBE fitted to Air Culture's KS.3 VH-AJH during its CofA renewal at Maylands.

  

  VH-FBE at Beacon WA in May 1959 with Air Culture Pty Ltd, Perth.                                                                                      Geoff Goodall collection



A3-132       c/n 366                                                                                                                                (VH-AKM), VH-BQL    

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
16.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
17.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
23.2.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
18.3.43 Ground-looped due brake failure, extensively damaged
7.5.44 1WAGS Ballarat: forced landing 2 miles SW Burrumbeet Vic due fuel mismanagement, crashed through 2 fences, major damage.
20.10.44 Received 8OTU Store ex 1WAGS
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Storage ex Narromine Storage
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera, with engine No.2217. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £150  (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKM to A3-132 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKM not taken up
10.4.47 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


5.7.55 Added to Register as VH-BQL J. K. Callinan & J.R. Rhodin, Sydney
5.1.56 Change of ownership: E. Barnes & K. Tolly, Sydney
4.7.56 Change of ownership: K. Tolley. Sydney
17.9.62 Struck-off Register as WFS
13.1.63 noted Camden in hangar

    

           Bankstown 1955, script Wackett CA6 Trainer on the tail.                                                                                                             Photo by Jim Dyson                        


     

     Bankstown circa 1961.                                                                                                                                                                          Bob Neate collection



A3-133       c/n 367    

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
18.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
19.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
23.2.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
1.6.42 Crashed during forced landing Mt Buninyong Vic. 1WAGS accident report: forced landing due engine failure. Extensive damage, recommend writeoff. 2 crew minor injuries
6.42 Converted to components


A3-134      c/n 368                                                                                                                      (VH-AKN)

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
16.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
17.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
2.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
26.5.42 1WAGS: forced landng 2 miles NW Hadden Vic due engine problems. Major damage to port wing, undercarriage and propeller
21.1.43 1WAGS: forced landing due engine failure. Major damage
30.5.44 1WAGS: forced landing 12 miles South of Skipton Vic due rough-running engine. Struck telegraph pole, major damage. Airframe repairable at unit.
20.10.44 Received 8OTU Store Narromine ex 1WAGS
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Store Narrandera ex Narromine
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Store Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for sale by CDC at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2391. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £150 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKN to A3-134 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKN not taken up.
10.4.47 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


47 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney

Stored
4.60 noted Bankstown parked outside KSAS hangar, assembled, still in RAAF camouflage. Starboard side  showed "A3-134" and "3_" nose number
29.5.60 noted Bankstown parked outside KSAS hangar, assembled, still in RAAF olive drab camouflage. Port side showed "A3-134" and "64" nose number. Due transferrable panels.

   

      A3-134 at Bankstown April 1960.                                                                                                                                             Photo by Dave Eyre


  

Bankstown June 1960, with a panel "6" from another aircraft.                                                               Photo by Richard E. Hourigan



A3-135      c/n 369                                                                                                                          (VH-AKO), ML-KNIL

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
18.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
19.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
2.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
19.1.44 Aircraft struck tree. Minor damage.
20.10.44 Received 8OTU Store Narromine ex 1WAGS
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Store Narrandera ex Narromine
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Store Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for sale by CDC at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2317
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £190  (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKO to A3-135 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKO not taken up.
22.3.46 Issued to purchaser


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-135 had been sold to NEI and allocated reg VH-AKO not required
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL


A3-136      c/n 370                                                                                                                      (VH-AKP), ML-KNIL

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
20.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
23.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
2.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
19.2.43 1WAGS Ballarat: forced landing Ballarat due engine failure. Extensive damage, undercarriage write-off. 2 crew minor injuries.
4.3.43 Issued to Victorian & Interstate Airways, Essendon ex 1WAGS for repairs
30.7.43 Repair progress stopped awaiting parts
26.9.43 Received 7AD ex VIA
24.8.44 Received 5AD Storage ex 7AD
22.6.45 Received CMU Narrandera ex 5AD Store
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2337. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £250 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKP to A3-136 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKP not taken up.
29.3.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-136 had been sold to NEI and allocated registration VH-AKP not required
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as single control Wireless Trainer/Reserve aircraft for KNIL Central Flying School

Serial number unknown


A3-137       c/n 371  

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
18.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
19.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
2.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
16.3.43 1WAGS Ballarat: forced landing due engine failure. Major damage.
30.7.45 Damaged by gale at 1WAGS probably occurred on 19.7.45
14.8.45 Issued to 7CRD Tocumwal ex 1WAGS for conversion
10.45 Converted to components
80s
 Fuselage frame section salvaged from Tocumwal airfield wartime dump. Held by an aviation maintenance operation on the airport as a source for
4130 steel tubing.
c85
 Fuselage frame section acquired by Leigh Giles & Mark Pilkington, Lara Vic. 
Identified as A3-137 by the frame's CAC maker's bracelet stamped "J18". Used for parts to assist their restoration of Wacketts VH-AGP & -BLV.


A3-138       c/n 372    J19                                                                                                            (VH-AKP), VH-AGE

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
20.2.42 First flight Fishermans Bend
20.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
24.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
25.3.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1AD
1.11.43 Issued to Ansett Airways for complete overhaul
26.5.44 Received 2AP ex Ansetts
1.10.44 Received 8OTU ex 2AP for storage
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS ex Narromine for storage
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2310. Not to be moved.
2.10.45 Sold by CDC to Mr. J. H. Alessio, South Yarra, Melbourne for £160
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKP, not taken up
15.2.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


22.11.49 Registration application: ANA Flying Club. Essendon c/- Donald S. Stewart, President
See VH-AHV registered to Stewart in 3.46
23.12.49 CofA issued
23.12.49 Added to Register as VH-AGE
50 Change of name: Aircraft Industry Flying Club, Moorabbin Airport c/- B.Waddingham, Manager
Official date 28.8.51: "change of name only, same committee and personnel"
11.6.50 Taxied behind a Noorduyn Norseman VH-BHF which was running up its engine at Broken Hill NSW, Wackett blown on to its nose. Damage to prop, engine and cowling. Pilot D. Stewart.
30.8.52 CofA renewed Moorabbin by Schutt Aircraft Sales and Service
11.4.56 Struck-off Register
c56 Reported that Charlie Lee of Parkdale, Melbourne purchased several retired Wackett aiframes from Aircraft Industry Flying Club and moved them from Moorabbin
1.66 Moorabbin Air Museum members visited Mr. Lee's Parkdale property hoping to find a better wing for their VH-AGP. However all that remained was the fuselage frame of VH-AGE, which had been cut in two. The cockpit still had a reasonable amount of equipment, which was donated by Mr. Lee, which will go into the restoration of VH-AGP, which was devoid of any cockpit fittings.
9.66
 Fuselage of VH-AGE, cut into two sections was in the Moorabbin Air Museum storage area at the rear of the museum compound.

Possibly connected to the removal of several Wackett fuselage frames from Moorabbin circa 1958 by aircraft enthusiast Don Forbes, who was seen wheeling fuselage frames out of the aerodrome late at night using a wheelbarrow!  These were believed to have been "saved" from the fire crew training area

 
 A3-138 in wartime RAAF service.                                                                           Gordon Birkett collection via Mark Pilkington

  

  Broken Hill 11 June 1950, blown on to its nose behind the Zinc Corp's Norseman.                                                                             The Collection p1171-1100



A3-139      c/n 373                                                                                                                        VH-BEC

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
21.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
23.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
2.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
15.10.42 Collided with A3-136 during formation flying. Minor damage.
4.9.44 Request allotment of airframe for complete overhaul. Allotted 8OTU for storage but allotment cancelled
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at 1WAGS Ballarat without engine. Not to be moved.
16.10.45 Sold by CDC to C.Huppert & Co Pty Ltd, 193 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Melbourne for £20
6.3.46 Issued to purchaser ex Air Ground Radio School, Ballarat


10.4.53 Registration application: Aircraft Industry Flying Club, Moorabbin Vic
16.4.53 Added Register VH-BEC
16.4.53 CofA issued
.54
 Wing badly damaged in accident at Deniliqin NSW
A replacement complete mainplane was ordered from Wackett parts dealers Kingsford Smith Aviation Service at Bankstown. To avoid the costs of packing and road transport, KSAS offered to sell AIFC a complete ex RAAF Wackett Trainer which they would prepare to an airworthiness standard for a one-way ferry from Bansktown to Deniliquin. That aircraft A3-56 was ferried to Deniliquin in due course, where AIFC's ground engineer Keith Goedheer removed the mainplane and installed it on VH-BEC's fuselage.  VH-BEC was ferried back to Moorabbin.  See A3-56

Aircraft Industry Flying Club ceased operations and closed down. It is reported that a contributing factor was  having VH-BEC out of service for the lengthy period u/s at Deniquin, plus the cost of its repair.
16.1.55 Struck-off Register as WFS
20.8.59 Restored to Register: R. Waddingham, K. Copeland & L. Holder, Melbourne
8.9.59 noted at Moorabbin, in hangar
2.2.60 Change of ownership: K. I. Ball, Melbourne
26.3.61 noted at Moorabbin, in hangar, repainted in new blue and black colour scheme
8.7.61 noted Moorabbin, outside, new blue colour scheme
14.1.62 Forced landing in desert enroute Ceduna-Cook while being ferried from Melbourne to Perth by pilot James Knight, Perth WA who was reported as owner of the aircraft
1.62 2 week search by a total of 18 aircraft failed to locate the Wackett
1.62 Struck-off Register
28.3.65 aircraft on ground sighted by crew of Adastra Aerial Surveys Hudson VH-AGE while engaged on aerial survey work in area. Location fixed as 200 miles west of Oodnadatta SA.        
29.3.65 The Hudson returned to the area, confirmed the aircraft was VH-BEC. He appeared to have made a good landing between sand hills in desolate country, 200 miles North of Cook and 60 miles from Everard Hill Station homestead.
3.4.65 Land party set out from Emu airstrip in 4WD trucks, reached the Wackett 6.4.65 after a hard journey overland. No sign of pilot Jim Knight's body. Removed panels with his messages and will. Aircraft's compass found to have a 30 degree error.
1.73 First attempt to recover aircraft by Bill Kinsman (CAAM project) land party, trucked to Alice Springs for CAAM
4.73 Second attempt by Bill Kinsman: recovered aircraft and moved out by truck
9-10.73 Reached Alice Springs
73 Central Australian Aviation Museum, Alice Springs NT
20.1.79 noted Townsite Aerodrome, Alice Springs in old Connellan Airways hangar, assembled but unrestored. Sign on hangar "Proposed site for Central Australian Aviation Museum"

Restored. Displayed in the blue paint scheme it had at the time of the forced landing

Current

             

                Moorabbin 1961                                                                                                                                                             Photo by Neil Follett


                Moorabbin 1961.                                                                                                                                                             Photo by Barrie Colledge


                  VH-BEC at its forced landing site in the South Australian desert.                                                                                             Geoff Goodall collection



               

             The sad remains recovered to Alice Springs Airport 1975                                                             Photo by Peter Lemon

             

                   Central Australian Aviation Museum after restoration.                                                                                                                Photo by Barry Maclean            



A3-140      c/n 374              (VH-AKQ)

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
21.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
23.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
2.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
21.2.44 Request allotment for complete overhaul
19.4.44 Request overhaul at Butler Air Transport
24.11.44 Received 8OTU ex 1WAGS for storage
31.12.44 Received 8EFTS (Care & Maintenance Narrandera) ex Care & Maintenance Narromine
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2232. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £190 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKQ to A3-140 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKQ not taken up.
29.3.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


A3-141       c/n 375        to KS.3 Cropmaster                                                                            (VH-AKR), VH-FBF

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
23.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
23.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
2.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
25.10.42 Forced landing, undercarriage damaged
27.12.42 Wingtip struck by wing of taxying Wackett A3-65
7.1.43 1WAGS accident report: undershot on landing approach at Ballarat, struck aerodrome boundary fence, minor damage to wing.
13.9.44 Allotted 8OTU Store ex 1WAGS
20.10.44 Received Narromine Store ex 1WAGS
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Store Narrandera ex Narromine
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage
19.7.45 Extensive damage in parking area by gale at 3.15pm (was waiting disposal, no engine fitted)
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2235. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold by CDC to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic. Purchase price £150 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA issued registration VH-AKR to A3-141 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKR not taken up.
10.4.47 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


47 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney NSW,
moved to Bankstown Airport, Sydney

Stored Bankstown with other Wackett Trainers not given civil conversions by KSAS
57 Rebuilt at Bankstown by Kingsford Smith Aviation Service as KS.3 Cropmaster
12.2.58 Registration application, quoting type as CA-6 K.S.3 Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown NSW.  Identity quoted as 375, previously A3-141.
21.2.58 First test flight at Bankstown
2.58 Several more test flights at end of February at Bankstown
10.3.58 Added to Register VH-FBF
10.3.58 CofA issued as K.S.3
14.3.58 Change of ownership: Airwork Pty Ltd, Perth WA
3.58 Ferried from Sydney to Perth.
3.58 Refuelled at Cootamundra on the delivery flight. "Spraying Service" painted on sides
14.3.58 Arrived Maylands Aerodrome, Perth
3.58 Letter to DCA from Airwork Pty Ltd, Perth advising that they have purchased VH-FBF from Kingsford Smith Aviation Service:
"Delivery was taken on 14 March 1958. Our Mr. Boulden leaves for Sydney on 2nd April 1958 to finalise the transfer. Finance for the sale was through Hamac Pty Ltd, Sydney."
9.4.58 50 hourly inspection at Maylands
7.58 DCA report: ferried from Sydney to Perth as a duster but by July 1958 had been converted to sprayer
14.8.58 Forced landing while spraying at Walkaway near Geraldton WA, no damage. Pilot Gordon Lewis, operator Airwork Pty Ltd.
10.58 DCA memo: FBF is flying daily on crop spraying in Geraldton/Northampton area.
4.59 DCA memo: Airwork Pty Ltd is based at Geraldton Aerodrome, and all maintenance and inspections are carried out in the hangar there.
15.2.60 VH-FBD & FBF Change of ownership:
Air Culture Pty Ltd, Perth WA in association with Yeoman Aviation Pty Ltd, Sydney.  
Managing Director of Air Culture Pty is W. G. Boulden
9.4.60 DCA approved FBF to be ferried Maylands-Geraldton with expired CofA for renewal inspection to be carried out at Geraldton. In the event the renewal was done at Maylands by the Chief Engineer of Yeoman Aviation from Sydney.
6.5.60 Testflown Maylands after CofA renewal, pilot W. G. Boulden
16.4.61 Crashed Northampton WA.  Location was Ogilvie, near Northampton, pilot Bill Boulden.
DCA accident report: "Upon becoming airborne from a strip of inadequate length, the aircraft's port wing scraped the ground and then struck the upwind boundary fence. The undercarriage collapsed on striking the ground and the aircraft collided with a tree."
Pilot was Commercial, aged 51, total experience approx 5000 hours, on this type 650 hours.
5.5.61 Air Culture advise DCA that the damaged FBF is stored at Geraldton and will be transported to Maylands soon for rebuild.
23.5.61 Struck off Register
23.2.63 Fuselages of FBD & FBF noted in Air Culture hangar at Maylands, stacked against the wall
7.7.63 Fuselages of FBD & FBF noted in Air Culture hangar at Maylands, with wreck of Air Culture's Cessna 180 VH-KIH. Maylands Aerodrome had now closed to aircraft operations.

Both fuselage frames moved to Air Culture's office in the Perth suburb of at Claremont
12.69 Both fuselage frames included in the Air Culture closing-down auction held at their Jandakot hangar.
When no bidders they were donated to the Jandakot Airport Fire Service  
22.1.72 Fuselage frames of FBD & FBF on the fire drill ground at Jandakot Airport
4.8.75 FBF's burnt fuselage frame on Jandakot fire dump with FBD fuselage.

                              VH-FBF at Cootamundra NSW in March 1958 on delivery to WA.                                                                 Photo by Ben Dannecker


           

                      VH-FBF fuselage frame at Jandakot Airport fire drill ground, January 1973.                                                                     Photo by Geoff Goodall



A3-142        c/n 376          

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
24.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
26.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
2.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
4.9.44 Request allotment of airframe for complete overhaul.
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at 1WAGS Ballarat without engine. Not to be moved.
23.10.45 Sold through CDC to Mr. D. Stewart c/o Department of Civil Aviation, 522 Collins Street, Melbourne for £20, plus engine for £10.
27.5.46 Issued to purchaser ex AGRS Ballarat


A3-143       c/n 377  

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
25.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
26.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
2.3.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
25.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
4.10.44 Airframe to be stored u/s without maintenance pending advice re disposal
7.3.45 Received 7CRD for storage u/s ex 7AD
6.45 Converted to components


A3-144       c/n 378  

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
25.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
26.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
6.3.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
17.6.42 Forced landing due engine failure, nil damage
23.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS for overhaul
7.8.44 Held 7AD pending advice re conversion
4.10.44 Airframe to be stored u/s without maintenance pending advice re disposal
7.3.45 Received 7CRD ex 7AD
6.45 Converted to components


A3-145       c/n 379                                                                                                                        VH-AFD    

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
25.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
26.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
6.3.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
1.3.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS for overhaul
6.7.45 Received CMU Narrandera ex 7AD
31.8.45 Offered for disposal. Not to be moved.
20.9.45 Sold by CDC with engine 2336 installed to Royal Victorian Aero Club, Essendon Vic
Sale also included A3-6 & A3-128 both with engines installed and 3 spare engines. Total price £450
23.9.45 Issued to purchaser.  Status Card quotes 26.9.45
23.9.45 4 Wackett Trainers ferried from Narrandera to Essendon.
Melbourne Argus newspaper 24.9.45: Four Wackett trainer planes were flown from Narrandera to Essendon yesterday afternoon. Three of them have been acquired for the Royal Victorian Aero Club and the other by three club members. The planes were surplus RAAF aircraft.


1.10.45 Registration application: Royal Victorian Aero Club, Essendon
9.11.45 Added Register as VH-AFD
- CofA issued at Essendon
8.7.48 Change of ownership: Schutt Aircraft Sales and Service, Essendon
16.9.48 Change of ownership: ANA Flying Club, Essendon
Membership confined to current ANA employees, 40 total
28.12.48 Crashed on takeoff, Lockhart NSW.  Took off from a field near Lockhart, burnt out.

Canberra Times newspaper: Wagga, Tuesday (28.12.48): Frederick Burke, 23, an A.N.A. employee of Melbourne was critically injured when a Wackett Trainer aircraft crashed at Lockhart this afternoon.  He was saved from being burnt in the plane by a Lockhart youth, Colin Smith, l8, who had been his passenger.  The plane was owned by ANA and was used by the company to train its pilots. Burke, accompanied by three Wagga Aero Club planes, flew to Lockhart on a goodwill visit.
The crash occurred at about 3 p.m. when Burke was going up for the third time. The plane climbed to about 150 feet, when the left wing dipped, the engine stalled and the machine crashed sideways into a paddock.  Smith, only slightly hurt, scrambled from the wrecked plane and had managed to drag Burke out of it and to a spot 20 yards distant, when the plane burst into flames. Aero Club members tried to put out the fire but the blaze kept them at a distance. Burke had not recovered consciousness when he was transferred to Wagga Hospital."

           
            VH-AFD at a flying event on Sale Common,Victoria during 1946.                                                       Photo by Erle Jones


A3-146      c/n 380                                                                                                                        VH-BCP

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
25.2.42 First flight at Fishermans Bend
26.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
27.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
6.3.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
25.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS for overhaul
18.6.45 Received CMU Narrandera ex 7AD
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2184. Not to be moved.
6.10.45 Sold by CDC to Mr. R. S. H. Smith, Wellington Street, Montmorency, Melbourne for £250, also spare engine for £50, engine case for £5.
12.11.45 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera
3.3.47 Registration application: Schutt Aircraft Sales and Service, Essendon
20.6.47 Added to Civil Register as VH-BCP
20.6.47 CofA issued at Essendon
14.8.47 Change of ownership: John H. Sloan, Melbourne
23.7.48 CofA renewed at Essendon
12.9.49 CofA renewed at Essendon
5.51 Change of ownership:  Schutt Aircraft Sales and Service, Moorabbin Airport Vic
12.5.51 Change of ownership: D. Pahl & G. J. Oram, Lameroo SA
D. Pahl letterhead Country Motor Service, Lameroo


4.59 Civil Register: Schutt Aircraft Pty Ltd, Moorabbin Airport Vic (Probably agent for sale to Hicks)
22.4.59 Change of ownership: S. Hicks, Yarram Vic
5.5.59
Crashed destroyed by fire, Parkside Aerodrome, Yarram Vic
DCA Accident report: The engine misfired shortly after takeoff and aircraft entered a steep turn to the right, became inverted, struck the ground and was burnt out.
Pilot Cliff Wynn and local grazier Herb Nicoll were both killed. The Parkside aerodrome had been established on Herb Nicholl's property.
5.6.59 Struck-off Register

  

                                                                                                                                                                                Neil Follett collection



A3-147       c/n 381                                                                                                                       VH-BAW  

25.2.42 Built by CAC at Fishermans Bend
26.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
27.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
6.3.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
13.7.42 11EFTS: While searching for an aircraft which had made a forced landing, struck telephone wires in foggy conditions and crashed. Extensive damage.
2.3.43 Issued to Victorian & Interstate Airways, Essendon for complete overhaul
13.8.43 Progressed stopped awaiting parts
26.9.43 Received 7AD ex VIA for completion of overhaul
25.8.44 Received 5AD Store ex 7AD
22.6.45 Received 8EFTS Storage Reserve ex 5AD Store
31.8.45 Offered for disposal. Not to be moved
2.10.45 Sold through CDC to Mr. J. H. Alessio, Punt Road, South Yarra, Melbourne Vic for £250
5.1.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


12.47 Registration application: Second City Air Services, Melbourne. Signed by N. Clausen.
9.12.47 Added Register VH-BAW
12.12.47 CofA issued
23.12.47 Local flight Essendon, pilot Jack Gillies
10.4.48 Change of ownership: William N. Johns, Sydney
11.12.48 CofA expired.
26.1.49 Letter to DCA from P. G. Brown, Director of Kingsford Smith Aviation Service advising that KSAS are conducting a CofA renewal on VH-BAW
10.2.49 CofA renewed at Mascot
11.12.49 Crashed Donnybrook Vic. Write-off
12.7.50 Struck-off Register

     
        VH-BAW outside the Air Operations hangar at Essendon 1948.                                                                                                         Neil Follett collection


   

   VH-BAW joyriding in Gippsland, Victoria early 1948.                                                                                        Photo by Erle Jones

  

     VH-BAW is in this aircraft group at Holbrook NSW in 1948.                                                                             Photo Arthur Schutt via Ben Dannecker collection



A3-148       c/n 382                                                                                                                        VH-AHU  

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
25.2.42 First flight at Fishermans Bend
27.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
28.2.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
6.3.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
25.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS for overhaul
31.8.45 Offered for sale through CDC at 7AD Tocumwal with engine No.2203. Not to be moved.
2.9.45 Sold by CDC to C. P. Huppert & Co Pty Ltd, Carlton, Melbourne for £245
10.9.45 RAAF Status Card: Departed Tocumwal


12.9.45 Registration application: C. Huppert & Co Pty Ltd, Melbourne
26.9.45 CofA issued
26.9.45 Added to Register VH-AHU
4.11.46 Change of ownership: Schutt Aircraft Sales & Service, Essendon
14.11.46 Change of ownership: McGrath Brothers Engineering Co, Melbourne
17.4.47 Forced landing in paddock near Dandenong Vic due rough running engine. On a flight from Essendon to Bairnsdale, no damage. Pilot J. McGrath, no passenger.
26.4.47 Flown out by McGrath
18.12.47 Struck off Register
19.12.47 Restored to Register: McGrath Brothers Engineering Co, Melbourne
18.12.48 CofA expired
8.49 A. Schutt requests DCA approval to ferry AHU from Essendon to Moorabbin for storage. Approved.
1.50 Ferried Essendon-Moorabbin
24.2.50 CofA renewed at Moorabbin
25.12.50 Extensive damage in forced landing in paddock near Geelong. Pilot J.W. McGrath unhurt.
6.8.51 Struck-off Register in 1951 Census
25.8.52 New registration application: McGrath Bros, Melbourne Vic
15.9.52 Testflown after CofA renewal Moorabbin
16.9.52 Restored to Register: McGrath Brothers Engineering Co, Melbourne Vic
22.9.52 Damaged on landing Moorabbin, pilot J. McGrath.  Prop, cowling, starboard wing damaged.
9.55 noted Moorabbin, retired parked in open
11.4.56 noted Moorabbin complete, all silver. Appears airworthy
11.4.56 Struck-off Register
27.10.56 noted Moorabbin parked on grass behind a hangar, tailplane removed, fabric torn.
56 broken-up at Moorabbin

     

         VH-AHU immediately after civil conversion in September 1945.                                                                                  Ed Coates Collection


      

             Moorabbin 1957, retired in high grass and soon to be broken-up.                                               Photo by Don Forbes vuia Neil Follett collection



A3-149      c/n 383                                                                                                              (VH-AKS), B-328

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
28.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
2.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
9.3.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
23.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS for overhaul
18.6.45 Received Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 7AD
31.8.45 Offered for sale by CDC at CMU Narrandera, with engine No.2398
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £250 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKS to A3-149 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKS not taken up.
1.3.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-149 had been sold to NEI and allocated reg VH-AKS not required
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as dual control aircraft

Serial B-328


A3-150       c/n 384

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
28.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
2.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
9.3.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
12.3.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS for overhaul
4.10.44 Airframe to be stored u/s without maintenance pending advice re disposal
7.3.45 Received 7CRD for storage u/s ex 7AD
6.6.45 Approval given: Converted to components



A3-151       c/n 385     "NO6-K11"                                                                                             VH-AKT, VH-WFM

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
28.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
2.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
9.3.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
1.11.42 Pupil overshot on landing, extensively damaged
9.11.42 Issued to Ansett Airways
3.4.43 Received 1AD ex Ansetts
23.8.43 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
22.2.44 Issued 1AD ex 1WAGS
10.4.44 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
8.5.44 1WAGS Ballarat: engine failure on takeoff Ballarat aerodrome, ran through two fences.
15.11.44 Issued to 8OTU Narromine ex 1WAGS for storage
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Storage Narrandera ex Narromine
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera, with engine No.2311. Not to be moved.
13.11.45 Sold through CDC to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic. Purchase price £210 (57 Wacketts for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKT to A3-151 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers.
18.1.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
3.4.46 Registration application: Ronald C. Jones, Ayr Qld.  He had purchased it from J.T. Brown
3.4.46 Testflown Mascot after civil conversion
4.4.46 Added Register VH-AKT
4.4.46 CofA issued at Mascot
3.4.47 CofA expired, not renewed.
19.12.47 Struck-off Register

Stored
30.6.53 DCA memo: Brisbane office has been advised that VH-AKT is now owned by W. J. Wilson, Townsville. Not expected to be airworthy for quite some months.
8.4.55 Added to Register as VH-WFM: Mitchell Aerial Services Pty Ltd, Cairns Qld.
Registered in Private Category
55 Photo: VH-WFM at Cairns all yellow with black trim line, engine uncowled
13.11.55 Change of ownership: North Queensland Aero Club, Cairns Qld
27.3.61 Struck-off Register, withdrawn from use.

 
  VH-AKT being moved, probably to new owner Mr. Wilson in Townsville or Mitchell Aerial Service at Cairns.                                                Photo via Geoff  Stevens

  

  Cairns 1957, yellow with black trim, North Queensland Aero Club wings on the tail.                                                                                 Neil Follett collection



A3-152      c/n 386                                                                                                                          (VH-AKU), B-329

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
28.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
2.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
9.3.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
23.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
14.6.45 Received Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 7AD
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera, with engine No.2399. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £250 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKU to A3-152 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKU not taken up.
15.2.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-152 had been sold to NEI and allocated reg VH-AKU not required
2.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as dual control aircraft

Serial B-329


A3-153       c/n 387

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
28.2.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
2.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
16.3.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
25.2.43 Received 7AD ex 11EFTS
4.10.44 Airframe to be stored u/s without maintenance pending advice re disposal
22.3.45 Received 7CRD for storage u/s ex 7AD
6.6.45 Approval given: Converted to components


A3-154      c/n 388                                                                                                                      (VH-AKV), ML-KNIL

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
6.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
6.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
10.4.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
4.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 11EFTS
25.1.43 2WAGS: forced landing. Major damage
9.1.44 Received 1WAGS rc 2WAGS
8.10.44 Issued 8OTU Narromine ex 1WAGS for storage
14.11.44 Delayed at Tocumwal while enroute to Narromine
17.11.44 Stored by 7AD Tocumwal. Request allotment.
22.11.44 Allotted 7AD for storage
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at 7AD Tocumwal, with engine No.2307. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold through CDC to J. T.Brown, Kew Vic for £125, together with A3-43, -51, -162, -165.
Total price £340
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKV to A3-154 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKV not taken up.
7.3.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Tocumwal


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
.46 Reported sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as single control Wireless Trainer/Reserve aircraft for KNIL Central Flying School

No serial number known


c54 A3-154 fuselage in original RAAF paintwork outside KSAS hangar at Bankstown

           

              A3-154 fuselage at Bankstown circa 1954.                                         Photo by Eddie Coates



A3-155      c/n 389                                                                                                                                      (VH-AKW)

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
3.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
4.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
4.5.42 Received 11EFTS ex 1AD
4.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 11EFTS
17.6.43 Forced landing, no airframe damage
10.1.43 2WAGS: forced landing due engine failure, minor damage
21.12.43 Request allotment for complete overhaul
31.1.44 Received CFS ex 2WAGS pending allotment to contractor for complete overhaul
22.5.44 Received 2AP ex CFS
8.1.45 Received 2RSU ex 2AP
19.2.45 Received 2CRD ex 2RSU
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at 2CRD Richmond without engine
13.11.45 Sold through CDC to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £7/10/-
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKW to A3-155 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers.  VH-AKW not taken up.
10.4.47 Issued to purchaser ex 2CRD


A3-156       c/n 390      

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
6.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
6.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
15.3.42 Issued to 1WAGS ex 1AD
4.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1WAGS
17.1.44 Received 3WAGS ex 2WAGS
7.4.44 Request allotment for complete overhaul
7.3.45 Allotted 3CRD ex 3WAGS for survey report
6.45 Approval given: Converted to components


A3-157      c/n 391                                                                                                                      (VH-AKX), ML-KNIL

2.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
6.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
6.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
15.3.42 Issued to 1WAGS ex 1AD
4.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1WAGS
2.10.43 Issued to Ansett Airways, Mascot ex 2WAGS for complete overhaul
29.4.44 Received 2AP ex Ansetts
8.5.44 Received 3WAGS ex 2AP
1.10.44 Received 8OTU Narromine ex 3WAGS for storage
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Storage Narrandera ex Narromine
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2155. Not to be moved.
13.11.45 Sold through CDC to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £230
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKX to A3-157 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKX not taken up.
11.1.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-157 had been sold to NEI and allocated registration VH-AKX not required
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as single control Wireless Trainer/Reserve aircraft for KNIL Central Flying School

No serial number known


A3-158       c/n 392      

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
10.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
10.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
15.3.42 Issued to 1WAGS ex 1AD
4.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1WAGS
18.1.43 Forced landing due engine failure.
28.2.43 2WAGS: forced landing 4 miles North of Parkes due engine failure, struck trees on landing roll. Major damage.
17.1.44 Received 3WAGS ex 2WAGS
16.2.44 3WAGS: forced landing at Bingham, 15 miles from Maryborough due engine failure. Wing struck fence, extensive damage, recommend writeoff.
18.2.44 Received 3CRD ex 3WAGS for conversion
14.3.44 Approval given: Converted to components

  

               A3-158 at Fishermans Bend, camouflage with yellow lower surfaces.                                                                                              The Collection



A3-159       c/n 393                                                                                                                           VH-AFI        

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
6.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
10.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
15.3.42 Issued to 1WAGS ex 1AD
4.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1WAGS
29.12.43 Request allotment for complete overhaul
31.1.44 Received CFS ex 2WAGS pending allotment to contractor for overhaul
10.3.44 Issued to Newcastle Aero Club ex CFS for overhaul
21.7.44 Mainplane being repaired awaiting plywood, instruments being overhauled, tail unit completed and covered ready for painting.
15.1.45 Received 2AD ex Newcastle Aero Club
22.1.45 Received 8EFTS Store Narrandera ex 2AD
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Store Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2393. Not to be moved.
29.10.45 Sold through CDC to Newcastle Aero Club for £250 discounted to £125
16.11.45 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera
16.1.46 Added to Register as VH-AFI: Newcastle Aero Club, Broadmeadow aerodrome, Newcastle NSW
16.1.46 CofA issued
15.1.47 CofA renewed Newcastle
3.8.47 Damaged in forced landing Broadmeadow NSW. Damage to mainplane, undercarriage, airscrew.
8.10.47 Struck-off Register


A3-160      c/n 394                                                                                                                              (VH-AKY)

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
6.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
10.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
15.3.42 Issued to 1WAGS ex 1AD
4.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1WAGS
22.11.43 Airframe to be held at 2WAGS pending space becoming available with contractors for overhaul
31.1.44 Received CFS ex 2WAGS pending allotment to contractor for complete overhaul
11.3.44 Received 2AP ex CFS for storage
8.1.45 Received 2RSU ex 2AP
19.2.45 Received 2CRD ex 2RSU
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at 2CRD Richmond without engine. Not to be moved.
13.11.45 Sold through CDC to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £7/10/-  
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKY to A3-160 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKY not taken up.
10.4.47 Issued to purchaser ex 2CRD


A3-161       c/n 395      

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
6.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
10.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
15.3.42 Issued to 1WAGS ex 1AD
11.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1WAGS
30.12.43 Allotted 3WAGS ex 2WAGS
3.1.44 Crashed Parkes. 2WAGS: during unauthorised low flying aircraft hit a building and crashed on the Parkes aerodrome. Took off from Parkes at 0815 in a formation ferry flight to 3WAGS Maryborough. When airborne, the pilot broke formation to commence low flying over air base buildings, struck power lines and crashed into building. 2 crew killed. Recommend writeoff.
4.1.44 Allotted 2AD for conversion
21.1.44 Approval given: Converted to components


A3-162      c/n 396                                                                                                                          (VH-AKZ), ML-KNIL

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
10.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
11.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
15.3.42 Issued to 1WAGS ex 1AD
11.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1WAGS
9.1.44 Received 1WAGS ex 2WAGS
15.6.45 Receiced 7AD Storage ex 1WAGS
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at 7AD Tocumwal with engine No.2282. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £140, together with A3-43, -51, -154, -165. Total price £340


30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-AKZ to A3-162 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AKZ not taken up.
46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
3.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as single control Wireless Trainer/Reserve aircraft for KNIL Central Flying School

No serial number known


A3-163      c/n 397                                                                                                                  (VH-ALA), B-330

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
10.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
11.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
15.3.42 Issued to 1WAGS ex 1AD
11.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1WAGS
29.9.42 Damaged while flying in the circuit rea at Parkes NSW when fired upon by persons unknown on the ground. Damage to cockpit and cowling and pilot sustained a bullet wound to his left leg.
21.1.44 Received 5SFTS Narromine ex 2WAGS
28.9.44 Received 8OTU Storage Narromine ex 5SFTS for storage
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Storage Narrandera ex Care & Maintenance Narromine
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for sale by CDC at CMU Narrandera, with engine No.2390. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £235 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALA to A3-163 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-ALA not taken up
8.3.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-163 had been sold to NEI and allocated registration VH-ALA not required
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as dual control aircraft

Serial B-330


A3-164      c/n 398                                                                                                              (VH-ALB)

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
10.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
11.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
15.3.42 Issued to 1WAGS ex 1AD
11.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1WAGS
29.12.43 Request allotment for complete overhaul
31.1.44 Received CFS ex 2WAGS pending allotment to contractor for overhaul
11.3.44 Received 2AP ex CFS for storage
8.1.45 Received 2RSU ex 2AP for storage
19.2.45 Received 2CRD ex 2RSU
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at 2CRD Richmond without engine. Not to be moved.
13.11.45 Sold through CDC to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £7/10/-
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALB to A3-164 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-ALB not taken up.
10.4.47 Issued to purchaser


A3-165      c/n 399                                                                                                                      (VH-ALC), ML-KNIL

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
18.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
19.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
26.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
11.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1WAGS
9.1.44 Received 1WAGS ex 2WAGS
18.10.44 Issued 8OTU ex 1WAGS
14.11.44 Delayed at Tocumwal while enroute to 8OTU Narromine for storage
17.11.44 Stored at 7AD Tocumwal - request allotment
22.11.44 Allotted 7AD for storage
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at 7AD Tocumwal with engine No.2210. Not to be moved.
.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £120, together with A3-43, -51, -154, -163: total price £340
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALC to A3-165 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-ALC not taken up.
7.3.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Tocumwal


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as single control Wireless Trainer/Reserve aircraft for KNIL Central Flying School

No serial number known


A3-166      c/n 400    

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
13.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
19.3.42 Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD ex CAC Fishermans Bend
21.3.42 Crashed destroyed near Laverton.  1AD ETS: crashed during unauthorised aerobatics near Woolamanatta Landing Ground, Lara Vic.  
The aircraft had been loaned by 1AD to two US Army Air Corps officers to enable them to visit a satellite landing ground at which USAAC aircraft were held. Both were killed.
20.4.42 Converted to components


A3-167      c/n 401                                                                                                                    VH-AGP    

11.3.42 First flight at Fishermans Bend
13.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
13.3.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
26.3.42 Received 1WAGS Ballarat ex 1AD
17.4.42 Issued to CAC to be fitted with wireless transmitter
20.4.42 Received 1WAGS ex CAC with W/T fitted
11.5.42 Received 2WAGS Parkes ex 1WAGS
31.1.44 Received Central Flying School, Point Cook ex 2WAGS pending allotment to contractor for complete overhaul
10.3.44 Allotted Newcastle Aero Club ex CFS  
14.7.44 Assembly proceeding, mainspar completed, tail unit covered ready for painting
1.9.44 Progress stopped awaiting spares
24.11.44 Ready for engine installation
1.1.45 Received 2AP Bankstown ex NAC
2.1.45 Issued 2AD Richmond ex 2AP for inspection
22.1.45 Received 8EFTS Storage (Care & Maintenance Narrandera) ex 2AD
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for disposal. Not to be moved .
5.10.45 Sold by Commonwealth Disposals Commission to Newcastle Aero Club (£250 for aircraft with engine No.2387 installed, plus £47/10/- for spare engine No.2396, less 50%; plus £5 for engine case: total £153/15/-
22.10.45 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera
21.3.45 DCA allocate registration VH-AGP to Newcastle Aero Club for Wackett Trainer A3-167
16.1.46 CofA issued
16.1.46 Added Register VH-AGP:  Newcastle Aero Club, Broadmeadow aerodrome, Newcastle NSW
15.1.47 CofA expired
2.4.47 CofA renewed at Newcastle
1.4.48 CofA expired
10.7.48 CofA renewed at Newcastle
16.4.50 Seriously damaged in accident. Will be rebuilt by Newcastle Aero Club
6.8.51 Struck-off Register in 1951 Census
5.12.52 Registration application: Australian Aviation Investments Pty Ltd, Sydney c/- A. Glass, Director
5.12.52 CofA renewed at Newcastle
5.12.52 Restored to Register: Australian Aviation Investments Pty Ltd

Airframe Logbook quotes owner A. E. Preston, Newton NSW prior to Muir and K.W. Magee, Melbourne after Muir!
24.9.53 Change of ownership: Douglas C. Muir, Darwin
Address changed to Port Melbourne Vic, then c/- Bush Pilots Airways, Cairns
28.9.54 Change of ownership: Brian G. Langdon t/a Latrobe Valley Aero Club, Morwell Vic
Langdon is the Club Hon. Secretary
22.2.55 Change of ownership: Brian G. Langdon, Yallourn Vic.  Named Miss Jennifer
9.3.56 struck a fence landing at Morwell, minor damage to prop & undercarriage. Pilot B.G.Langdon
Quickly repaired.
DCA Accident report: When performing an unauthorised landing in poor visibility and with no flare path the pilot misjudged the approach, over-ran the landing area and collided with the boundary fence.
17.4.57 CofA renewed at Morwell
29.6.57 noted at Moorabbin, all silver, name Miss Jennifer
10.3.59 Change of ownership: J. W. Brookes, Melbourne Vic
Brookes was founder of Brookes Aviation and Civil Flying Services at Moorabbin Airport
9.3.60 CofA expired
9.3.60 Struck-off Register
5.62 noted at Moorabbin, parked outside the Civil Flying Services office at the side of the CFS hangar, painted in CFS yellow white and black scheme, no registration

Acquired by the mother of the young Lucas brothers, Melbourne who were members of the newly-formed Australian Aircraft Restoration Group which had the aim of collecting aircraft for a planned museum at Moorabbin, which was later established as the Moorabbin Air Museum.
.62 Donated to Australian Aircraft Restoration Group, Moorabbin Airport Vic
25.8.62 Dismantled by members of Australian Aircraft Restoration Group, trucked from Moorabbin to Wandin Vic for storage on the property of AARG member Nelson Wilson. 
62 Stored in open reassembled on Nelson Wilson's property, Wandin

AARG aircraft were evicted from Nelson Wilson's property after a dispute between members
63 The Wackett was assembled and displayed at a motor service station on the Warburton Highway at Lillydale, alongside Avro Anson VH-FIA and AARG's DH.60 Moth VH-UKV with just the upper wings attached (which gave it the appearance of a Westland Widgeon).

VH-AGP suffered badly in the open weather during its display at the garage
.63 Moved from Wandin back to Moorabbin for storage dismantled with aircraft components in the AARG's compound, which was the first set of establishing the Moorabbin Air Museum. Aircraft's condition was poor and would require restoration before assembled for display
20.11.62 Log entry for Cessna C34 VH-UYG: Warner Scarab ex VH-AGP installed during rebuild at Camden by owner W. G. Knight. (Wally Knight had been CFI of Wimmera Aero Club and commenced rebuild of UYG at Nhill in 1960, completed 1962 when Knight was employed at Camden. VH-UYG was testflown Camden 22.11.62 by Knight.
c81 Fuselage of Wackett VH-AGP exchanged with Leigh Giles & Mark Pilkington, Lara Vic in return for Yeoman YA-1 Cropmaster components: fuselage of VH-AGL and damaged metal wing of VH-TPN.
83 Restoration project at Lara Vic: at that stage intended to build an airworthy Wackett Trainer using fuselage of VH-AGP mated to a new-built wooden wing based on CAC drawings.
04 Stripped to bare fuselage frame for restoration by owner/restorer Mark R. Pikington, Lara Vic
14 Airworthy restoration project at Lara Vic, using fuselage of VH-AGP mated to metal wing of YA-1 Cropmaster 250 VH-SWC.
8.3.22
 Registered VH-LNW Mark R. Pilkington, Lara Vic
Long-term restoration continues. Mark Pilkington writes: "A3-167 will be restored (at least externally) as a WAGS trainer, in a later factory RAAF finish of camouflage and yellow trainer bands."

      

      Moorabbin circa 1957,                                                                                                                                                    The Collection p1171-1100


      

       VH-AGP at Moorabbin May 1962 painted in CFS yellow, white and black scheme.                                                                             Photo by Geoff Goodall



A3-168      c/n 402                                                                                                                            VH-ALD    

3.42 First flight at Fishermans Bend (log book)
19.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
19.3.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
26.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
12.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1WAGS
31.3.43 While stationary was struck by landing Tiger Moth A17-26. Minor damage to Wackett
9.1.44 Received 1WAGS ex 2WAGS
20.10.44 Received 8OTU Storage Narromine ex 1WAGS
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Store Narrandera ex Narromine Storage
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2264. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £150 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALD to A3-168 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers.
12.8.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


11.11.46 Registration application: J. T. Brown, Kingsford Smith Aviation Service, Mascot
13.1.47 Added Register as VH-ALD
13.1.47 CofA issued Mascot
9.10.47 CofA renewed at Mascot
8.10.48 CofA expired
5.6.51 DCA memo: KSAS advise that VH-ALD will be overhauled and placed in service shortly
6.8.51 Struck-off Register in 1951 Census
2.3.53 Restored to Register Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown
3.56 DCA allocate VH-BSA for this Wackett, but NTU: retained original registration VH-ALD
2.3.56 Restored to Register Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown
26.2.62 Struck-off Register


A3-169      c/n 403                                                                                                                      (VH-ALE), ML-KNIL

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
19.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
20.3.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
26.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
12.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1WAGS
17.1.44 Received 3WAGS ex 2WAGS
2.6.44 Request allotment for overhaul and replacement.
5.6.44 Unable to allot at present
2.10.44 Received 8OTU Storage Narromine ex 3WAGS for storage
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Narrandera ex Care & Maintenance Narromine for storage
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2390. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £170 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALE to A3-169 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-ALE not taken up
29.3.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-169 had been sold to NEI and allocated registration VH-ALE not required
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL


A3-170     c/n 404    

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
19.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
23.3.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
26.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
12.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1WAGS
22.11.43 2WAGS: forced landing in wheat field 5 miles South Forbes due engine failure. Major damage.
24.1.44 Received 3WAGS ex 2WAGS
23.5.44 Requires complete overhaul
1.3.45 Allotted 3CRD ex 3WAGS for survey report
9.6.45 Held at 3CRD
6.45 Approval given: Converted to components


A3-171      c/n 405    

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
19.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
20.3.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
26.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
12.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1WAGS
2.10.42 Forced landing due fire at rear of engine. Electrical wiring and piping damaged.
11.42 Issued to Ansett Airways, Mascot for repair.
27.11.42 Work progressing, parts transferred from other aircraft
25.7.43 Received 2AP ex Ansett Airways Mascot
2.8.43 Received 3WAGS ex 2AP
4.4.44 3WAGS: forced landing in paddock 3 miles West Pialba Qld due engine failure. Struck fences and trees. Major damage. Not repairable, recommend conversion to components
3.5.44 Received 3CRD ex 3WAGS
9.5.44 Approval given: Converted to components


A3-172      c/n 406                                                                                                                          (VH-ALF), VH-AKF (2)    

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
21.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
23.3.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
26.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
12.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1WAGS
9.1.44 Issued 3WAGS ex 2WAGS
10.1.44 Ferry flight delayed at Coffs Harbour with u/s propeller
1.10.44 Received 8OTU Narromine ex 3WAGS for storage
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Narrandera ex Care & Maintenance Narromine for storage
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage Narandera
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2390. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £170 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALF to A3-172 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-ALF not taken up.
1.8.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney

Stored
28.3.57 Added Register VH-AKF C.W. Smith, Milperra, Sydney NSW
Bill Smith was designer of the KSAS Wackett agricultural conversions
9.8.57 Change of ownership: Kevin W. Magee, Melbourne Vic
8.9.59 noted at Moorabbin, in hangar
28.8.60 visited Wentworth NSW airshow
24.2.61 Flew in three day The Sun Air Trial: Moorabbin-Sale-Mildura-Warrnambool-Moorabbin.
17.3.62 visited airshow Cootamundra NSW
9.62 noted Moorabbin in hangar
1.4.63 Change of ownership: Yeoman Aircraft Pty Ltd, Bankstown NSW
1.4.63 Struck-off Register (same day)
5.63 noted Bankstown parked outside Yeoman Aviation hangar, standard Wackett cockpit area, no prop.
.63 modified at Bankstown by Yeoman Aviation with YA-1 cockpit and rear decking
10.1.64 noted Bankstown, parked on grass with retired aircraft: 3 Ansons and a Miles Gemini. Retained the YA-1 cockpit but engine removed.

   

   One of the last Wacketts to be given a civil conversion, A3-172 at Bankstown 1956.                                                                                     Photo by Jim Dyson


   

           Moorabbin 1960.                                                                                                                                                                 Photo by Barrie Colledge


  

Bankstown in May 1963, parked at the Yeoman Aviation hangar.                                                                                             Photo by Geoff Goodall


  

Bankstown January 1964, retired after YA-1 cockpit section was installed.                                                                             Photo by Geoff Goodall



A3-173      c/n 407                                                                                                                              (VH-ALG), ML-KNIL

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
243.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
26.3.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
4.5.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
2.10.42 1WAGS: struck ground near Talbot Vic while low flying, extensive damage
6.10.42 Issued to Ansett Airways ex 1WAGS for repair
11.42 Received 1AD ex Ansetts
22.11.42 Received 1AOS Storage ex 1AD
8.2.43 Received 3WAGS ex 1AOS Storage
1.10.44 Received 8OTU Narromine ex 3WAGS for storage
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Narrandera ex Care & Maintenance Narromine
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrande4ra ex 8EFTS Storage Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2286. Not to be moved.
13.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £225
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALG to A3-173 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers.  VH-ALG not taken up
14.12.45 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-173 had been sold to NEI and allocated registration VH-ALG not required
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as single control Wireless Trainer/Reserve aircraft for KNIL Central Flying School

No serial number known


A3-174       c/n 408                                                                                                                    VH-APC  

3.42 Built by CAC at Fishermans Bend
25.3.42 First flight Fishermans Bend
25.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
26.3.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
4.5.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
4.9.44 Request allot airframe for complete overhaul
25.6.45 Held at 1WAGS Reserve
31.8.45 Offered for sale by CDC at 1WAGS without engine. Not to be moved.
17.10.45 Sold through CDC to W/O N. Clarkson, 1WAGS for £75. Also two Warner Scarab engines for £20: total £95.
8.1.46 Issued to purchaser ex AGRS Ballarat
29.1.46 Registration Application: Norman Clarkson, Melbourne
13.5.46 CofA issued
13.5.46 Added Register VH-APC
5.46 CofA photo shows all silver scheme
18.6.47 CofA renewed at Essendon
26.6.47 Arrived Launceston on delivery flight from Essendon, flown by Royal Victorian Aero Club member F. Bell.  A Tasmanian Aero Club Tiger Moth has been traded in on the Wackett and Bell will fly it back to Melbourne
24.8.47 Change of ownership: Tasmanian Aero Club, Western Junction Aerodrome, Launceston
22.2.48 Accident, CofA suspended
16.6.48 CofA renewed at Launceston
20.6.49 CofA renewed at Launceston
13.8.50 CofA renewed at Launceston. Expired 12.8.51, stored
27.3.52 CofA renewed at Launceston
27.3.53 CofA renewed at Launceston
15.9.53
 Pilot logbook R.E.Osterman: flights in VH-APC with Tasmanian Aero Club: 15.9.53, 27.9.53,
3.8.54 Struck-off Register as Withdrawn from Service

      

        Launceston, Tasmania in 1952 with Tasmanian Aero Club rudder flash.                                                                 Photo by Eddie Coates



A3-175      c/n 409                                                                                                                     (VH-ALH)

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
26.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
26.3.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
4.5.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
16.3.43 1WAGS: starboard wing struck ground on landing, attempting to avoid another aircraft. Major damage.
20.10.44 Received 8OTU Store Narromine ex 1WAGS
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Store Narrandera ex Care & Maintenance Narromine
1.6.45 Allotted care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2280. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J.T.Brown, Kew Vic for £150 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALH to A3-175 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-ALH not taken up.
12.8.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


A3-176      c/n 410      to K.S.3 Cropmaster                                                                                (VH-ALI), VH-FBD (2)

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
27.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
28.3.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
31.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
9.2.43 1WAGS accident report: forced landing Waubra, 16 miles NW Ballarat, due engine failure. No damage and flown out
24.11.44 Received 8OTU Store Narromine ex 1WAGS
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Store Narrandera ex Care & Maintenance Narromine
1.6.45 Allotted Care &Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2355. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £150 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALI to A3-176 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-ALI not taken up.
1.8.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney NSW,
moved to Bankstown Airport, Sydney

Stored Bankstown with other Wackett Trainers not given civil conversions by KSAS
57 Converted at Bankstown by KSAS to KS.3 Cropmaster
26.6.58 Registration application: Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown NSW
27.6.58 Testflown Bankstown
27.6.58 Added Register VH-FBD (2)
8.7.58 Captain W.G. Boulden arrived Bankstown to collect "the second Wackett for agricultural work"
9.7.58 2 Wackett-Cropmasters were displayed at Hawkesbury Agricultural College NSW during the Aerial Agricultural Conference, one fitted as a sprayer, the other a duster. One was flown by Stan Burtis, CFI of Kingsford Smith Flying Services.
14.7.58 Change of ownership: Airwork Pty Ltd, Perth  (signed by W.G.Boulden, Director)
16.7.58 Departed Bankstown on delivery flight to Perth by Boulden. Delivered in sprayer configuration.
20.7.58 Arrived Maylands aerodrome, Perth
23.7.58 FBD inspected at Maylands aerodrome, now fitted for spraying. It had been delivered as a duster.
28.7.58 Log: first flight after arriving Maylands. Delivered to Geraldton where based. Flown regularly until end of ag season, pilots Bill Boulden and Gordon Lewis
30.11.58 Log: last flight of season
5.59 CofA renewal overhaul at Geraldton WA
23.6.59 Log: first flight for 1959 ag season. Flown regularly until end of season
22.9.59 Log: last flight of season
15.2.60 Change of ownership: Air Culture Pty Ltd in association with Yeoman Aviation Pty Ltd, 4 Stirling Road, Claremont, Perth WA
(signed W. G. Boulden, Managing Director Air Culture Pty Ltd)
2.60 CofA renewal overhaul at Geraldton
13.2.60 Log: test flight, and again the following day. Then no flying until 6.60.
8.6.60 Log: first flight of 1960 ag season. Flown regularly until end of season
5.9.60 Log: last flight of season
27.4.61 Log: first flight for 1961 ag season. Flown regularly until 6.61
18.5.61 Minor damage at Chillimaney Station WA
30.5.61 Repairs completed
14.6.61 Log: last flight for two months
12.8.61 Log: next flight, then regular flights until end of month
28.8.61 Log: last flight for three months
20.11.61 Log: next flight
27.11.61 Crashed on landing Borden WA. Pilot John Grummels ground-looped the aircraft on landing due to a binding brake lining which caused undercarriage to collapse
27.11.61 Struck off Register
1.62 Engine from FBD fitted to Air Culture's KS.3 VH-AJH
12.62 DCA file note: "FBD is on the scrap heap at Air Culture"
23.2.63 Fuselages of FBD & FBF noted in Air Culture hangar at Maylands, stacked up against the wall with wing sections
7.7.63 Fuselages of FBD & FBF noted in Air Culture hangar at Maylands, with wreck of Air Culture's Cessna 180 VH-KIH. Maylands Aerodrome had now closed to aircraft operations.
10.6.64 Fuselage of FBD noted in hangar Maylands. Maylands had been closed to air operations 30.6.63
c65 Remains of FBD & FBF were moved with other Air Culture spares from their old hangar at Maylands to storage in the Perth suburb of Claremont.
12.69 Auction of spares holdings for the winding up of Air Culture Pty Ltd was held in their Jandakot hangar. No offers for FBD & FBF, donated to DCA Fire Service, Jandakot Airport WA
22.1.72 Fuselage frames of FBD & FBF noted at Jandakot fire practice area. One fuselage frame had rear panelling indicating pale blue colour scheme, with remains of titles ".......Pty Ltd"
4.8.75 Fuselage frame of FBD recovered from Jandakot Airport fire practice area and moved by road from Jandakot to RAAF Pearce by Geoff Goodall, on behalf of John Gallagher.
18.8.75 Airfreighted by RAAF C-130 to RAAF Richmond for John G. Gallagher, Sydney to provide parts for his rebuild of Wackett VH-DGR



Troublingly, a photograph taken of A3-176 in RAAF olive drab paintwork parked outside at Bankstown with engine removed, was reportedly taken in late 1959.  
- If that date is correct then -176 was not used as the basis for VH-FBD's rebuild as a KS.3 despite KSAS quoting c/n 410
- More likely the photo was taken in 1957 when taken out of storage prior to rebuild as VH-FBD

  

  KS.3 Cropmasters in WA during 1959, either VH-FBD, FBE or FBF.                                                                                         Geoff Goodall collection


    

  Unidentified KS.3 in WA during 1959 showing the belly crop dusting chute.                                                                              Geoff Goodall collection


  

VH-FBD fuselage frame being removed from fire drill ground, Jandakot in August 1975.                                                     Photo by Geoff Goodall


  

             VH-FBD frame leaving Jandakot for Sydney August 1975, compiler at rear.                                                                                 Photo by Roger McDonald




A3-177      c/n 411                                                                                                                      (VH-ALJ)

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
27.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
28.3.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
31.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
24.11.44 Received 8OTU Store Narromine ex 1WAGS
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Store Narrandera ex Care & Maintenance Narromine
1.6.45 Allotted Care &Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage
31.8.45 Offered for sale by CDC at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2200. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £150 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALJ to A3-177 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-ALJ not taken up
7.8.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


A3-178      c/n 412                                                                                                                      (VH-ALK), ML-KNIL

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
27.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
28.3.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
31.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
12.5.42 Received 2WAGS ex 1WAGS
19.1.44 Received 1WAGS ex 2WAGS
21.2.44 Issued 1APU ex 1WAGS
10.4.44 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
15.11.44 Issued 8OTU Store ex 1WAGS
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Store Narrandera ex Care & Maintenance Narromine
1.6.45 Allotted Care &Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2160. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £220 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALK to A3-178 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-ALK not taken up.
5.4.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-178 had been sold to NEI and allocated registration VH-ALK not required
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as single control Wireless Trainer/Reserve aircraft for KNIL Central Flying School

No serial number known


A3-179      c/n 413    

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
28.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
29.3.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
31.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
4.5.42 Received 3WAGS ex 1WAGS
27.3.43 Crashed near Maryborough Qld.  3WAGS accident report: struck tree and crashed at Yengarie, 9 miles SW Maryborough during unauthorised low flying.  Extensive damage to fuselage and mainplane.
5.5.43 Received 3AD ex 3WAGS for conversion
5.43 Converted to components


A3-180      c/n 414                                                                                                                        (VH-AMH), ML-KNIL

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
27.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
29.3.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
31.3.42 Received 1WAGS ex 1AD
8.6.44 1WAGS: starboard undercarriage leg collapsed on landing at Ballarat.  Investigation revealed that the pilot had struck the roof of a Country Roads Board truck parked on a country road near Trawalla Vic, 16 miles from Ballarat. Pilot made two low passes over the truck and struck it on the second pass, shattering truck windscreen. Unauthorised low flying. Major damage.
Pilot was demoted and given 30 days Field Punishment
22.10.44 Received CFS ex 1WAGS
26.10.44 Transferred from SHQ Point Cook to CFS
30.10.44 Received CFS ex SHQ Point Cook
2.5.45 Request allotment for complete overhaul
6.9.45 Transferred to Point Cook Reserve ex CFS
20.11.45 Sold through CDC to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £68 (4 aircraft for £272)
17.12.45 J.T.Brown wrote to DCA requestion civil registrations be allocated for six additional Wackett Trainers "originally for despatch to India and now remaining here: A3-117,118,121,122,124,180."
18.12.45 DCA allocated VH-AMH to A3-180 for J.T.Brown. Registration not taken up.
22.2.46 Collected by purchaser ex Point Cook Reserve


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Dual control aircraft - reduced to spares

No serial number known


A3-181      c/n 415    

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
28.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
29.3.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
18.5.42 Received 3WAGS ex 1AD
5.7.42 Crashed during forced landing Torquay, Hervey Bay Qld. Repaired
28.11.43 Request allotment for complete overhaul
30.12.43 To be held at unit pending allotment. Contractors still unable to accept more Wackett Trainers
27.6.44 Issued to Newcastle Aero Club ex 3WAGS for complete overhaul
4.8.44 Not yet started
13.9.44 Received 2CRD ex Newcastle Aero Club for inspection report
6.10.44 To be stored u/s without maintenance pending advice re disposal
6.6.45 Approval given: Converted to components


A3-182      c/n 416                                                                                                                  (VH-ALL), ML-KNIL

3.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
31.3.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
1.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
18.5.42 Received 3WAGS ex 1AD
12.7.42 Grond collision with Wackett Trainer A3-184 at Maryborough Qld.
20.8.42 Stood on nose due use of full brakes to avoid A3-184 (again!)
5.11.43 Issued to Ansett Airways, Mascot for complete overhaul
14.6.44 Received 2AP ex Ansetts Mascot
21.6.44 Received 3WAGS ex 2AP
1.10.44 Received 8OTU Narromine ex 3WAGS for storage
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Storage Narrandera ex Care & Maintenance Narromine
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2233. Not to be moved.
13.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £220
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALL to A3-182 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers.  VH-ALL not taken up.
25.1.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-182 had been sold to NEI and allocated registration VH-ALL not required
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as single control Wireless Trainer/Reserve aircraft for KNIL Central Flying School

No serial number known



A3-183      c/n 417                                                                                                              (VH-ALM)

4.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
7.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
7.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
4.5.42 Received 3WAGS ex 1AD
13.5.42 3WAGS Maryborough: forced landing due engine failure, no damage
19.8.42 Aircraft stood on nose, tailwheel shock absorber damaged at Maryborough Qld
16.2.44 3WAGS Maryborough: forced landing on Maryborough aerodrome due engine failure. No damage to airframe.
1.10.44 Received 8OTU Narromine ex 3WAGS for storage
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Storage Narrandera ex Care & Maintenance Narromine
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage
31.8.45 Offered for sale by CDC at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2365. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £250 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALM to A3-183 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-ALM not taken up.
7.8.46 Status Card: Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera
7.8.46 struck aerodrome fence landing Gouburn NSW, during ferry flight to Mascot from RAAF Narrandera to Mascot for KSAS, pilot E. B. Beeham.
8.46 Dismantled on site and trucked to Sydney



A3-184      c/n 418                                                                                                                  (VH-ALN), ML-KNIL

4.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
8.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
9.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
2.6.42 Issued 3WAGS ex 1AD
12.7.42 Brakes failed, collided with stationary Wackett Trainer A3-182 at Maryborough Qld. Nil damage to A3-184 airframe
28.9.43 3WAGS: forced landing in cane field 5 miles from Maryborough aerodrome due engine failure, came to rest on nose.
23.5.44 Aircraft requires complete overhaul
1.10.44 Received 8OTU Narromine ex 3WAGS for storage
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Storage Narrandera ex Care & Maintenance Narromine
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2365. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £250  (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALN to A3-184 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-ALN not taken up.
29.3.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-184 had been sold to NEI and allocated registration VH-ALN not required
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

No serial known



A3-185      c/n 419    

4.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
8.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
9.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
4.5.42 Issued 3WAGS ex 1AD
23.5.44 Requires complete overhaul, awaiting allotment
25.9.44
Crashed in forced landing near Western Creek Qld.
3WAGS accident report: posted missing on ferry flight from Maryborough to Narromine. Located crashed during forced due engine failure, 7 miles East Western Creek Qld. Write off
2.10.44 Received 3CRD ex 3WAGS
7.11.44 Approval given: Converted to components



A3-186      c/n 420    

4.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
9.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
11.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
4.5.42 Issued 3WAGS ex 1AD
13.6.42 Forced landing, extensive damage
28.7.42 Approval given: Converted to components



A3-187      c/n 421    

4.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
9.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
11.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
4.5.42 Issued 3WAGS ex 1AD
19.5.42 3WAGS Maryborough: forced landing due engine failure. Airframe damage nil.
23.5.44 Requires complete overhaul, awaiting allotment
1.3.45 Allotted 3CRD ex 3WAGS for survey report
9.6.45 Held at 3CRD
6.6.45 Approval given: Converted to components


A3-188        c/n 422            

4.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
9.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
11.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
4.5.42 Issued 3WAGS ex 1AD
8.3.44 Forced landing due engine failure. Extensive damage
9.3.44 Airframe to remain at unit pending allotmwent for repair
6.6.45 Issued to 3CRD ex 3WAGS
9.6.45 Held at 3CRD
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at 3CRD Amberley without engine. Not to be moved.
25.10.45 Sold by CDC to D. Wynark, Blight Street, Nundah Qld for £10.  Also A3-29 & -78, total £30
29.12.45 Issued to purchaser ex 3CRD Amberley
  A3-29, -78 & -188 were moved to Mr. Wynark’s farm at Nundah, then on the outskirts of Brisbane. They were broken up for parts to be used on the property. The wooden wings rotted in the weather, and sections of steel tubing from the fuselage frames were used to construct items on the farm, as well as a homemade speedway racing cars. By 1990s the farm had been cleared and the Wackett remains sold for scrap. Mark Pilkington of Melbourne acquired a surviving tail wheel and pitot tube, as parts for his restoration projects of VH-AGP & -BLV.



A3-189      c/n 423    

4.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
10.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
11.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
25.5.42 Issued 3WAGS ex 1AD
19.11.43 Request allotment for complete overhaul
4.5.44 Issued to Ansett Airways, Mascot ex 3WAGS
31.5.44 Received Butler Air Transport, Mascot ex Ansetts Mascot for complete overhaul
1.9.44 Overhaul stopped pending advice on disposal
10.9.44 Received 2CRD ex Butler Air Transport
6.10.44 To be stored u/s without maintenance pending advice re disposal
6.6.45 Approval given: Converted to components



A3-190      c/n 424    

4.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
11.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
13.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
1.5.42 Issued 1ATS ex 1AD
30.5.42 Received 1AD ex 1ATS
8.6.42 Issued 3WAGS ex 1AD
8.1.43
Damaged in forced landing on beach Scarness Qld.
3WAGS accident report: fractured petrol pipe caused forced landing on beach at high tide. Port wheel struck wave and aircraft capsized due insufficient beach width. Writeoff.
1.3.43 Awaiting conversion at 3AD
3.43 Converted to components



A3-191      c/n 425    

4.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
14.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
16.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
1.5.42 Issued 1ATS ex 1AD
30.5.42 Received 1AD ex 1ATS
1.6.42 Issued 3WAGS ex 1AD
31.10.42 While taking off at Maryborough, A3-191 collided with Wackett Trainer A3-28 which was landing. Extensive damage to fuselage, wings are a write-off
16.11.42 Issued to Ansett Airways, Mascot ex 3WAGS for repairs
3.10.43 Received 2AP ex Ansetts Mascot
11.10.43 Received 3WAGS ex 2AP
16.1.44 Received 1WAGS ex 3WAGS
20.2.44 Crashed destroyed Chepstone Vic.
1WAGS accident report: aircraft climbed steeply, appeared to stall then crashed into ground in a vertical dive. 2 crew killed.
13.3.44 Issued 1CRD ex 1WAGS for conversion
4.4.44 Approval given: Converted to components



A3-192      c/n 426                                                                                                                          (VH-ALO)

4.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
14.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
16.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
1.5.42 Issued 1ATS ex 1AD
30.5.42 Received 1AD ex Wooloomanatta
8.6.42 Issued 3WAGS ex 1AD
8.4.44 3WAGS: forced landing due engine failure in paddock near the coast, Urangan Qld. No damage.
26.5.44 Requires allotment for complete overhaul
1.10.44 Received 8OTU Narromine ex 3WAGS for storage
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Store Narrandera ex Care & Maintenance Narromine
1.6.45 Issued Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2261. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £150 (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALO to A3-192 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-ALO not taken up.
10.4.47 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera



A3-193      c/n 427                                                                                                                         (VH-ALP)

4.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
14.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
16.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
18.5.42 Received 3WAGS ex 1AD
23.5.44 Requires allotment for complete overhaul
1.10.44 Received 8OTU Narromine ex 3WAGS for storage
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Store Narrandera ex Care & Maintenance Narromine
1.6.45 Issued Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2273. Not to be moved.
20.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £150  (57 aircraft for £3840)
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALP to A3-193 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-ALP not taken up
10.4.47 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


5.59
 A3-193 noted at Bankstown being worked on in Kingsford Smith Aviation Service hangar,  jungle green camouflage. Probably preparing the fuselage frame for the YA-1 Cropmaster production line.



A3-194      c/n 428    

4.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
16.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
19.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
8.6.42 Received 3WAGS ex 1AD
7.4.44 Requires allotment for complete overhaul
7.3.45 Allotted 3CRD ex 3WAGS for survey report
9.6.45 Held at 3CRD
6.6.45 Approval given: Converted to components



A3-195      c/n 429    

4.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
18.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
19.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
18.5.42 Received 3WAGS ex 1AD
8.2.43 3WAGS Maryborough: forced landing near Maryborough in muddy paddock due engine failure, tipped on nose. Undercarriage damaged.
16.5.43 Accident: airframe damage repairable at unit
21.10.43 3WAGS: groundlooped during landing, ran into a drain causing undercarriage to collapse. Major damage.
31.7.44 Request allotment for complete overhaul
7.3.45 Allotted 3CRD ex 3WAGS for survey report
9.6.45 Held at 3CRD
6.6.45 Approval given: Converted to components



A3-196      c/n 430                                                                                                                          (VH-ALQ), ML-KNIL

4.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
18.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC.  
First card of Status Cards missing
5.42 Received 3WAGS ex 1AD
20.9.43 Issued to Ansett Airways, Mascot ex 3WAGS for complete overhaul
20.4.44 Received 2AP ex Ansetts
21.4.44 Issued to 3WAGS ex 2AP
1.10.44 Received 8OTU Narromine ex 3WAGS for storage
8.1.45 Received 8EFTS Storage Narrandera ex Care & Maintenance Narromine
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2231. Not to be moved.
13.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £215
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALQ to A3-196 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-ALQ not taken up.
18.1.46 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


46 J. T. Brown t/a Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot Airport, Sydney
1.11.46 KSAS advised DCA that A3-196 had been sold to NEI and allocated reg VH-ALQ not required
.46 Sold to Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force ML-KNIL

Operated as single control Wireless Trainer/Reserve aircraft for KNIL Central Flying School

No serial number known



A3-197      c/n 431                                                                                                                          (VH-ALR)

4.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
18.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
19.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
25.5.42 Received 3WAGS ex 1AD
20.10.43 3WAGS: forced landing due oil leaking. Minor damage.
23.5.44 Requires complete overhaul
15.8.44 Issued to Butler Air Transport, Mascot ex 3WAGS for complete overhaul
1.9.44 Not started pending advice re disposal
8.9.44 Received 2AP ex Butlers for storage pending advice re disposal
8.1.45 Received 2RSU ex 2AP for storage
21.2.45 Received 3CRD ex 2RSU
31.8.45 Offered for disposal at 2CRD Richmond without engine. Not to be moved.
13.11.45 Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £7/10/-
30.11.45 DCA allocated registration VH-ALR to A3-197 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-ALR not taken up.
10.4.47 Issued to purchaser



A3-198       c/n 432                                                                                                                        VH-AHX

4.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
20.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
21.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
25.5.42 Received 3WAGS ex 1AD
7.9.42 Crashed Gympie Qld: hit tent while low flying. Extensive damage to port mainplane
14.11.43 Request allotment for complete overhaul
4.5.44 Issued to Ansett Airways, Mascot for complete overhaul
31.5.44 Received Butler Air Transport, Mascot ex Ansett Airways, Mascot for complete overhaul
24.1.45 Received 2AP ex Butler Air Transport
15.2.45 Received 8EFTS Storage Reserve Narrandera ex 2AP
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for sale by CDC at CMU Narrandera with engine No.2309. Not to be moved
25.10.45 Sold to Alexander Oliver, Gunnedah NSW for £250. Sale cancelled
14.11.45 Resold to Mr. C. E. Eather, 8 Kia Ora Road, Double Bay, Sydney for £250
28.11.45 Issued to Mr.Eather ex CMU Narrandera

Purchased ex CDC by partnership of Charles Eather & Leo Bennett, Sydney, who planned to establish a charter business at Mascot. Eather had been a First Officer on Ansett Airways Lockheed 10 Electra US courier services from Mascot.
11.45 Ferried from RAAF Narrandera to Mascot by Charles Eather. He recollects the flight in his book Syd's Pirates:
"We had also paid the Receiver of Public Monies £250 to become the proud owner of a Wackett trainer. To take possession we rushed off to the RAAF Care & Maintenance Station at Narrandera. This was the first time I had ever approached a Wackett but we successfully survived a hairy takeoff which, unassisted by a binding right wheel brake, gave us a flight path above directly above a thoroughly terrified - even grovelling - Station Commander. On our return he seemed to suffer an apoplectic fit and, dancing with rage, banished us from his field. Leo and I quickly set out for Mascot, and in the air I found that our compass had failed. It would have been prudent to return to Narrandera, which was still in sight, but the wrath of the Station Commander discouraged us."
12.45 Registration application: Charles E. Eather &  L. H. Bennett, Sydney t/a The Australasian Aeronautical Institute, Mascot.
Identity quoted as "438"
11.12.45 CofA issued Mascot
31.12.45 Added to Register as VH-AHX
31.1.46 DCA memo: Messrs Eather & Bennett have formed a commercial concern to operate joyrides and charter under the name of Australasian Aeronautical Institute, 20 Ross Smith Avenue, Mascot
4.46 AAI forced into liquidation by lack of charter work and unsuitable aircraft. Its other aircraft was Genairco VH-UOD.
16.5.46 Change of ownership name: Australasian Aeronautical Institute, Mascot c/- N. Walters
24.12.46 Change of ownership: A. J. Bush & Sons, Sydney
Purchased for their butcher and meat export business to travel to country centres to arrange bulk purchases of meat.
6.1.47 Crashed on takeoff Bankstown.  Pilot Norman V. Bush, passenger Alfred J,. Bush and his 9 year old daughter Helena. Had been flying a series of local flights frombankstown that day, both Bushes had pilot licences. Pilot and child killed, A. J. Bush serious injuries.
Stalled after takeoff and dived into ground from low altitude. RAAF fire truck and ambulance turned out immediately.

Crash photographs show all silver scheme

Canberra Times newspaper 7.1.47:
UNCLE AND GIRL KILLED IN CRASH OF MONOPLANE
SYDNEY, Monday (6.1.47) A man was terribly injured and his brother and elder daughter were
killed when their Wackett Monoplane crashed shortly after taking off from Bankstown aerodrome this afternoon. The killed were: Norman Verne Bush, 40, of Strathfield, and Helena Bush, 9, daughter of Geoffrey Bush, 34, who was seriously injured. Norman Bush was piloting the plane, while Geoffrey and the girl were sitting in the cockpit. The aircraft had travelled about 600 yards when it began to circle the field as if about to return to land.  Suddenly it nose-dived and crashed heavily into a ploughed field. The pilot's body was thrown clear, but Geoffrey Bush and his daughter were still strapped in the cockpit and both were terribly injured. The girl was.dead before she could be taken to hospital.  Her father sustained head injuries, fractured right arm, compound fracture and dislocation of the right knee, and severe lacerations to the right knee. Mr. James Taylor, on whose dairy
farm the plane crashed, ran with his employees to the wreck and removed the injured man and his daughter.  They were placed in an R.A.A.F ambulance and rushed to Canterbury Hospital, but the girl was dead on arrival. The brothers had made several flights today because their shop was shut as the result of the master butchers' strike.
The plane was formerly a R.A.A.F. trainer, sold through the Disposals Commission, and bought by the Bush brothers a week before Christmas. Both brothers held pilots licences.
14.2.47 Wreck disposed of to Mr. Spalding of New England Airways Ltd, Mascot
2.47 New England Airways supply DCA with a list of salvagable components from VH-AHX
25.2.47 Struck-off Register



A3-199       c/n 433                                                                                                                        VH-ARH  

18.4.42 First flight at Fishermans Bend
20.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
21.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
25.5.42 Received 3WAGS ex 1AD
29.8.42 Forced landing Maryborough Qld: substantial damage to mainplanes, fuselage and undercarriage
14.10.42 Issued to Aircrafts Pty Ltd, Archerfield for repair
29.1.43 Repairs to mainplane proceeding, work on fuselage stopped awaiting material
25.6.43 Progress stopped awaiting parts
6.11.44 Received 3AD ex APL
11.11.44 Issued Narromine Storage ex 3AD
12.11.44 3AD: forced landing Beenleigh Qld due high oil temperature, minor damage
20.11.44 Received 3AD for repair and completion of ferrying to Narromine
28.3.45 Received 2AD ex 3AD
2.4.45 Received 8EFTS Storage Reserve ex 2AD
1.6.45 Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage Narrandera
31.8.45 Offered for disposal ex CMU Narrandera. Not to be moved.
4.10.45 Sold by CDC to Mr. W. J. McKeown, 31 Austral Avenue, Brunswick, Melbourne for £300
22.10.45 Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera


12.4.46 Registration application:  Wallace J. McKeown, Melbourne Vic
11.10.46 Added Register as VH-ARH
11.10.46 CofA issued
10.46 CofA photo: all silver
6.47 W. J. McKeown purchased the wreck of Wackett VH-AOO which crashed at Ayr Qld 11.2.47 and had been held by Ayr police. The wreck was included in his purchase of a new spare Wackett engine and spare propeller from deceased estate of owner E.T.Smith, Gosford NSW; McKeown advised DCA he had no intention of rebuilding the wreck.  
17.8.47 Testflown at Essendon by W. J. McKeown, fitted with modified cowlings to increase cooling. His report states "for the first time the engine ran within the specified cylinder head temperature ranges."
6.11.47 CofA renewed at Essendon
c49 Loaned to Royal Victorian Aero Club, Essendon.  Club stripes were painted on rudder, and name Spirit of Melbourne on nose. Operated from the club’s postwar hangar near reservoir at Essendon
13.5.49 CofA renewed at Essendon
12.5.50 CofA expired
6.8.51 Struck-off Register in 1951 Census
10.12.51 Change of ownership:  Schutt Aircraft Sales & Service, Moorabbin Vic
14.12.51 Restored to Register VH-ARH
14.12.51 CofA renewed at Moorabbin
18.12.51 Change of ownership: Roderick Long, Mount Gambier SA
21.12.53 Change of ownership: R. C. Dyer & D. O'Loughlin, Buangor Vic
13.6.55 Change of ownership: Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown
18.7.55 Change of ownership: T. Neal, Neal Motors, Sydney
1.2.56 Change of ownership: Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown
21.9.56 Crashed on takeoff Bankstown.   Stalled after engine failure, pilot Selwyn Mathias died and passenger sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was operated by the Kingsford Smith Flying School at Bankstown.
DCA Accident report: Aircraft crashed on aerodrome from a height of approximately 150 feet. Probable cause was that the pilot lost control following engine failure on takeoff. Cause of failure undetermined.
2.10.56 Struck-off Register

      

                 Essendon circa 1949 operated by Royal Victorian Aero Club Spirit of Melbourne.                                                                                  The Collection


      

         Bankstown circa 1954.                                                                                                                                                      Photo by Jim Dyson


       

             Bankstown in 1956, with CAC emblem on tail.                                                                                                                 Photo by Eddie Coates


         

           VH-ARH's wreckage at Bankstown Airport 21 September 1956.                                        DCA Air Safety Branch, via Greg Thom



A3-200       c/n 434    

4.42 Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic
22.4.42 CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF
23.4.42 Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC
25.5.42 Received 3WAGS ex 1AD
24.2.43 Forced landing on beach Hervey Bay Qld.  3WAGS accident report: forced landing on beach at high tide due engine failure. On landing roll pilot was unable to stop a turn into the sea and aircraft stopped with waves against the trailing edge of the wing. Major damage.
8.3.43 Issued to Aircrafts Pty Ltd, Archerfield for repair
30.6.44 No progress on repair since 15 April due lack of staff and waiting for spare parts
13.7.44 Issued to Newcastle Aero Club ex APL Archerfield for completion of repairs
13.9.44 Received 2CRD ex Newcastle Aero Club for survey report
6.10.44 Airframe to be stored u/s without maintenance pending further advice on disposal
6.6.45 Approval given: Converted to components

      

     The final CA-6 Wackett Trainer A3-200 on a testflight at Fishermans Bend April 1942.                                                                             Photo CAC




RAAF UNITS WHICH USED WACKETT TRAINERS:

1AD Aircraft Depot Laverton
2AD
Richmond
3AD
Amberley
5AD
Wagga: 5AD Storage Cootamundra
7AD
Cowra, to Tocumwal 12.42
AGRS Air Ground Radio School Ballarat
1AOS Air Observers School Cootamundra, to Evans Head 12.43
1AP Aircraft Park Geelong, Laverton 1.42, to Geelong 12.42
2AP
Bankstown
CFS Central Flying School Point Cook, to Camden 18.5.40, to Tamworth 19.4.42,
to Parkes 19.1.44, to Point Cook 6.9.44
CF Communications Flight Laverton  
2CRD Central Recovery Depot Richmond
3CRD
Amberley
7CRD
Tocumwal
1EFTS Elementary Flying Training School Parafield, to Tamworth 29.5.44
2EFTS
Archerfield
3EFTS
Essendon
5EFTS
Narromine
6EFTS
Tamworth
8EFTS
Narrandera
10EFTS
Temora
11EFTS
Benalla
6OTU Operational Training Unit Nowra
8OTU
Narromine, to Parkes 9.44.
8OTU Storage remained at Narromine
PTS Performance Testing Section Laverton
2RSU Repair & Salvage Unit Mount Druitt, Sydney later Richmond
1SFTS Service Flying Training School Point Cook
2SFTS
Wagga
3SFTS
Amberley
5SFTS
Uranquinty
7SFTS
Deniliquin
1WAGS Wireless Air Gunners School Ballarat
2WAGS
Parkes
3WAGS
Maryborough



UNIDENTIFIED CA-6 ACCIDENTS:


2.2.44 “A3-418” attached to 3WAGS Maryborough: brakes applied heavily by the instructor, tail rose and prop struck the sealed runway
10.1.44 “A3-138” attached to 1WAGS Ballarat: forced landing 3 miles West of Lake Burrumbeet after striking a tree during a low level R/T exercise. Ran through fence and came to rest on nose.
30.9.53 Operated by Kingsford Smith Flying Service, Bankstown: crashed into a clump of trees alongside houses on landing Bankstown. Pilot Mrs. Bosens Vervata, 38 who was formerly a Czechoslovakian aerobatic champion, was taken to hospital.
15.8.54 Operated by Kingsford Smith Flying Service, Bankstown: damaged in forced landing on a ploughed field at Milperra, near Bankstown Aerodrome after engine failed. Pilot V. Podpera and passenger unhurt.
19.9.62 Damaged in ground-loop landing Camden NSW: starboard undercarriage collapsed. Pilot was inexperienced on type, age 32 TT 980 On type 10.  (Possibilities VH-AJB, -BIH, -BQL)

 

 

Wackett Trainer Display Fuselage:

A CA-6 fuselage frame was located and collected from the former RAAF wartime airfield at Tocumwal NSW in 1978 by Brian Head.

It has been identified as a material spare frame serial MS-5, from wartime CAC production, and never used on an operational aircraft. The fuselage was acquired by military aircraft enthusiast Malcolm Long, who moved his aircraft collection from Melbourne to Coolangatta in 1979. His smaller aircraft were displayed on loan to the Chewing Gum Field Air Museum at Tallebudgera Qld, where the CA-6 fuselage frame underwent restoration for display. The rear end was restored using stringers and formers from the rear fuselage of YA-1 Cropmaster VH-ENM. In 1986 Malcolm Long moved his base to Air World, Wangaratta Victoria, where the completed Wackett fuselage was displayed.

Following the closure of Air World in 2002, this Wackett fuselage was acquired from Malcolm Long by Mark Pilkington, Melbourne to add to his collection of CA-6 parts for his proposed restoration of VH-AGP & -BLV.

 

 


GO TO PART 1


References:

- Australian Civil Aircraft Register, Department of Civil Aviation, Melbourne and its successors

- DCA aircraft files, National Archives of Australia, Melbourne

- DCA Annual Aircraft Accident Summaries 1956-1970

- RAAF Status Cards, A3- series, RAAF Historical, Dept of Defence, Canberra

- RAAF Accident reports, RAAF Historical, Dept of Defence, Canberra

- National Library of Australia - Trove newspaper archive website

- Man and Aerial Machines No.29 May-June 1992: VH-AKK

- Man and Aerial Machines No.30 July-Aug 1992:  CA-2 Wacketts

- Flypast A Record of Aviation in Australia, Neville Parnell & Trevor Boughton, CAA 1988

- Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal, monthly, various issues 1960-1970

- CAC Aircraft Delivery Dates, Denis Baker, AHSA Newsletter Vol 5 No.1, 1989

- Man and Aerial Machines, quarterly, compiled by T.W.Boughton: 1990 issues: Wackett & YA-1 articles

- Australian Air Log, monthly journal, various issues 1965-1968

- Aircraft magazine, monthly, Melbourne, various references 1946-1970

- The Bankstown Scene, Stanley Brogden, Aircraft magazine, July 1950: coverage of KSAS

- Tiger Moth, CT-4, Wackett & Winjeel, Stewart Wilson, Aerospace Publications, Canberra 1994

- Classic Wings Downunder magazine, renamed Classic Wings: various references to Wackett Trainers

- The Aeroplane in Australia series, CA-6, incomplete draft 2002, compiled by John Hopton

- Aerial Agriculture in Australia, Derrick Rolland, Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia 1996

- Cropmaster, Allyn Eckford, AHSA Aviation Heritage, June 2004

- Melvyn Davis, interview with Sid Beck, Townsville 1983

- Airframe Log Book VH-AJU, courtesy Melvyn Davis

- Airframe Log Book VH-AJH, transcribed by compiler

- Jos Heyman, Netherlands: research into Netherlands East Indies Air Force Wacketts
- Mark Pilkington, Melbourne: detailed summary of progress on his CA-6 restoration projects

 

 

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