Last updated 17.4.13
FROM WACKETT TO CROPMASTER
The genesis of the Yeoman YA-1 Cropmaster 250
Compiled
by Geoff Goodall
CA-6
Wackett Trainer, VH-ALV at Moorabbin November 1967. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Yeoman YA-1 Cropmaster 250R VH-TSD at Parafield March 1963. Photo by Geoff Goodall
The transition of the two-seater Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation CA-6 Wackett Trainer into the all-metal single seat agricultural Yeoman YA-1 Cropmaster 250 series is outlined in these topics in this series:
- CA-6 WACKETT TRAINER
- YEOMAN YA-1 CROPMASTER
This paper details the steps and lists the Wackett Trainers modified along the way.
By 1956 Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd at Bankstown Airport, Sydney still held a considerable number of RAAF disposals CA-6 Wackett Trainers in storage in hangars at Bankstown Airport, Sydney. Company founder John T. Brown OBE had purchased 91 Wacketts from RAAF disposals and established KSAS in 1946. His son, wartime pilot Peter Brown DFC, who was also a foundation director of KSAS, along with KSAS engineer C.W. (Bill) Smith were convinced the CA-6 could be modified for agricultural use, and saw this is as an effective way to utilise their stored Wacketts.
KSAS had considerable experience in modification and re-engining of various aircraft types. The company had carried out agricultural modifications to Austers and built the KSAS PL-7 Tanker designed by Luigi Pellarini.
In 1957 Bill Smith designed an arrangement for a stock CA-6 Wackett Trainer to have a hopper installed in the front cockpit area with the pilot sitting in a slightly raised position in the rear seat position. The original windscreen and overturn pylon were moved rearward. It retained the Warner Scarab radial engine and little modification of the basic airframe was involved, except some mods to reduce empty weight. It had a good performance for minimum cost and there was obvious potential for the growing Australian aerial agricultural market. KSAS development work, experimenting with position of pilot and hopper, resulted in the KS.1, KS.2 and KS.3 Wackett-Cropmaster. Five of these aircraft had been completed (VH-AJH, VH-FBD (1, FBD (2, FBE & FBF) when the Australian Department of Civil Aviation confirmed its earlier warnings to KSAS that it would not approve any more agricultural aircraft with wings of wooden glued structure.
Having proven the concept, the KSAS directors decided to form an associated company to specialise in developing the design into a modern agricultural aircraft. It would have a metal mainplane and tailplane and be powered by a current American flat-six engine: from this concept the YA-1 was designed.
The new company Yeoman Aviation Pty Ltd was established effective 8 August 1958, during a company restructure of Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd. The prime KSAS business had been the Australian Auster dealership, importing almost 300 new Austers from Britain. But that market had been lost to new Cessnas. New associate companies were:
- Austerserve Pty Ltd: Auster sales and service. Managing Director J.T.Brown
- Yeoman Aviation Pty Ltd: develop agricultural aircraft: Directors J.T.Brown, P.G.Brown, C.W. Smith
- Kingsford Smith Flying Service Pty Ltd, an associate company since 1951 operating a successful flying school at Bankstown
A new design single-unit metal wing duplicated the dimensions of the CA-6 Wackett's wooden mainplane but reduced the empty weight by 200 pounds. The Wackett's rounded wingtips and slots were deleted but the fabric-covered wooden ailerons were retained. The windscreen, canopy and turtledeck were of new design and extensive use was made of fibreglass, then new to aircraft construction, including engine cowlings, lower fuselage forward of the wing, front and rear turtledeck, dorsal fin and removable rounded wingtips. The new design 145 gallon hopper was also made from fibreglass.
Twenty Yeoman YA-1 Cropmasters were constructed in the Yeoman Aviation hangar at Bankstown between 1960-1966 with constructor's numbers 101 to 121 (c/n 109 was not completed). It was a new design, using a new metal making much use of fibreglass panels, using American horizontally opposed 250hp Lycoming or Continental engines. At first the basic structure was the CA-6 fuselage frame, but as Yoeman production continued the use of Wackett parts was reduced.
The initial engine chosen was the 250hp Lycoming 0-540A engine with a Hartzell constant speed propeller. The stainless steel exhaust augmenter tubes to provide engine cooling did away with the need for cowling flaps, and became a distinctive identification feature of the aircraft.
L-R Bill Baldwin, Bill Smith, Brian Wagner with the first YA-1 c/n 101. Allyn Eckford collection
Three CA-6 Wackett Trainer fuselage frames on the YA-1 production line. Allyn Eckford collection
The new metal tailplane being fitted. Allyn Eckford collection
The first YA-1 c/n 101 was test flown at Bankstown on 15 January 1960, flown by Peter Brown. Yeoman Aviation was under-capitalised which restricted their ability to develop a new metal tailplane at the same time as the metal wing was being designed and tested. DCA were persuaded to allow the early YA-1s to enter service fitted with CA-6 Wackett wooden tailplanes. A fibreglass dorsal fin disguised the shape.
When the new metal tailplane design featured a stabilator, attractive swept-back fin and large rudder. The first unit was testflown on a Wackett Trainer VH-CYB in December 1961 and January 1962, then the fuselage frame and new tailplane of that test Wackett was used to construct the next production YA-1 c/n 106 VH-CYW which first flew 13 April 1962 as the first Cropmaster 250 with the metal tailplane.
DCA had delayed full Type Approval waiting on further operational experience, and the metal tail unit. After flight tests of VH-CYW, the Type Approval Certificate was issued in June 1962. As YA-1 production continued, CA-6 components were replaced by new-build units. By 1966 the only original Wackett Trainer components remaining were the undercarriage structure, comprising only 3% of the total airframe.
* * * * * *
Airwork Pty Ltd KS.3 at work in WA circa 1959 with Chief pilot Bill Boulden. Ben Dannecker collection
This story is one of conflicting aims of producing a low priced agricultural aircraft, which gave better performance and payload to the DH.82 Tiger Moths then in widespread agricultural use versus DCA concern with the strength of the wooden wing and tailplane structure.
The KS.3 Cropmasters utilised the basic wooden CA-6 wing and tailplane of glued plywood and spruce box spar with glued plywood covering on its wings and empennage. In addition to DCA concern over the integrity of the glued wood 15 years after manufacture, tests had shown agricultural chemicals reacted with the glue resulting in deterioration of the joints.
KSAS founded the associate company Yeoman Aviation Pty Ltd to develop the concept to produce a more modern aircraft with metal wing and metal tailplane, powered by the latest American engines. The result was the YEOMAN CROPMASTER 250.
Twenty YA-1 Cropmaster 250s were built at Bankstown between 1960-1966. The CA-6 Wackett Trainer fuselage frame was used as the basic structure at first but gradually replaced by new-build structure. The first five YA-1s retained the Wackett wooden tailplane, mounted on a newly designed metal main plane. A schedule was implemented for delivered YA-1s to be returned to Yeoman Aviation at Bankstown to have the new metal swept-back tailplane fitted. A "metalisation program" was devised for the remaining KS.3 Cropmasters but accident losses reduced their numbers and none were fitted with the metal wings and tailplane.
The following sequence shows the steps in the development of the YA-1. It highlights the continual struggle with the Department of Civil Aviation over the airworthiness restrictions being imposed on certain wooden structure aircraft being used for agricultural flying. However frustrating it was for the regulator, DCA can be seen to be sympathetic to the struggling Yeoman Aviation, and allowed a series of dispensations to allow the KS.3 Cropmasters to continue in commercial operation while waiting to be replaced by the new metal wing YA-1 Cropmaster range. Similarly DCA gave owners dispensations against its Air Navigation Order cancelling the CofAs for the first five YA-1s with wooden empennage, because of Yeoman Aviation delays in manufacturing the new metal tailplanes.
| 56 | C. W. (Bill) Smith of Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd designed modifications to a standard CA-6 Wackett Trainer to install a hopper in the front cockpit area with the pilot sitting in a slightly raised position in the rear seat. |
| 2.57 | In preparation for the proposed agricultural use of Wacketts, KSAS made a series of test flights with their Wackett Trainer VH-AJB, flown by KSAS director Peter Brown. Wacketts were flown from the front seat with only basic controls in the rear. VH-AJB was evaluated for continuous flying from the rear seat, an oil cooler was fitted to the Warner Scarab engine to improve its durability for extended operations. A wooden propeller and alternative pitot locations were also evaluated. |
| 3.57 | Wackett Trainer VH-AJH owned by KSAS was modified at Bankstown with an agricultural hopper installed in the front pilot position. Pilot controls and instrumentation were moved to the rear seat, with the original windscreen and overturn pylon moved rearward. This was later designated as Kingsford Smith KS.1 |
| 26.3.57 | VH-AJH first test flight at Bankstown by Peter Brown. It had been
painted in a special colour scheme of yellow, black and white. (Peter Brown’s pilot log book states 26.3.57. VH-AJH airframe log book states 28.3.57) |
| 4.57 | VH-AJH modified to evaluate different hopper configurations. |
| 4.4.57 | VH-AJH commenced a series of performance test flights by Peter Brown who was required by DCA to wear a parachute. In one flight it carried a 650 pounds payload for 20 minutes. Last flight in this series of tests was on 26.7.57 |
| 7.57 | VH-AJH forward fuselage was extended by approximately 8 inches to maintain Centre of Gravity. Pilot seat and control lines were modified, flap motor removed and a new hopper with louvre box was fitted in the front cockpit area. This version was designated Kingsford Smith KS.2 |
| 7.57 | KS.2 VH-AJH was flown at Bankstown by W. G. (Bill) Boulden, Director and Chief Pilot of Airwork Pty Ltd, Perth WA. He was impressed by the potential but requested KSAS to move the hopper behind the pilot to improve forward visibility and reduce superphosphate and chemical spray on the windscreen. It was indicated that if Boulden was satisfied with the new design, an order for up to six aircraft could be expected. |
| 9.8.57 | Wackett Trainer VH-AMA was purchased by Bill Smith from a Melbourne owner. An airworthy Wackett was urgently needed to modify and flight test a new cockpit canopy design for the hopper in the rear seat position, as per Boulden's request. The rear cockpit canopy was deleted and the rear fairing moved forward to the hopper section. On completion of tests, VH-AMA was restored to a stock Wackett Trainer two-seater configuration and sold. |
| 8.57 | KSAS commenced submitting engineering drawings and design strength calculations to DCA for formal approval for the conversion of a number of CA-6 aircraft to agricultural operations. |
| 9.57 | DCA wrote to KSAS formally advising them of airworthiness concerns
for glued plywood structure aircraft on agricultural flying and expected
that in the future certain wooden aircraft could be restricted. The
CA-6 had a glued plywood and spruce wing box spar and glued plywood
covering on its wings and empennage (tailplane). DCA memo states "KSAS stated that their submissions were for an order from Western Australia for 6 aircraft and their client wanted all aircraft or none at all." |
| 10.57 | KSAS commenced modifications to Wackett Trainer A3-65 c/n 299 taken
out of storage. It was fitted with an 80-gallon aluminium hopper in
the rear position and revising the control systems to accommodate
the hopper outlet. A different cockpit canopy design was installed,
similar to that trialled on VH-AMA, but with a new rear fairing with
side windows and hinged for a rearward facing seat for a loader driver
or passenger. Registration VH-FBD was issued and this design was designated
Kingsford Smith KS.3 Cropmaster. Bill Smith chose the name Cropmaster from a popular David Brown tractor. He also decided on a standard KS.3 colour scheme of green and grey, based on contemporary Austin Freeway car range. |
| 29.11.57 | KS.3 Cropmaster VH-FBD first flown at Bankstown by Peter Brown |
| 29.11.57 | KSAS requested 10 registrations VH-FBD to VH-FBM be allocated to
the agricultural Wackett conversions. Internal memos within DCA show
a high level of concern regarding the strength of the CA-6 wooden
wings and tailplane if used for low-level agricultural work. The requested registrations were nevertheless allocated. |
| 11.57 | KSAS converted a second stored Wackett A3-131 c/n 365 to KS.3 Cropmaster VH-FBE |
| 17.12.57 | KS.3 Cropmaster VH-FBE first flown at Bankstown |
| 12.57 | Bill Boulden purchased two KS.3s for Airwork Pty Ltd, Perth WA |
| 1.58 | DCA Head Office Airworthiness Branch had not shared the agricultural Wackett developments with the DCA WA Regional office in Perth, where they were to be based. DCA Perth office cabled Head Office asking for information: "Airwork Pty Ltd, Perth advise that KSAS has two CA-6 converted for agricultural use, with CofA, which they previously had agreed to buy provided they met full DCA requirements." |
| 10.1.58 | DCA Head office replied: "First two will be granted CofA and CofR. They will be accepted for their Airwork Licence. Investigations proceeding re the other four aircraft but indications are that we are committed to accept them." |
| 10.1.58 | KS.3 Cropmaster VH-AJH test flown Bankstown after modification to KS.3 standard |
| 17.1.58 | KSAS suffered a major setback when a fire at night in a closed hangar at Bankstown destroyed KS.3 VH-FBD and the Kingsford Smith PL-7 Tanker. The other KS.3 VH-FBE, the next KS.3 under conversion VH-FBF and the test Wackett VH-AMA were also damaged. Investigation found the fire had been deliberately lit. |
| 17.1.58 | VH-AJH departed Bankstown for a week of extensive agricultural flying at Armidale, Tamworth and Walcha |
| 11.2.58 | Letter to DCA from J.T. Brown, Managing Director of KSAS referring to the hangar fire damage: "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." |
| 21.2.58 | KS.3 Cropmaster VH-FBF first flown at Bankstown |
| 14.3.58 | First sale of a KS.3 when VH-FBF was handed over at Bankstown to Bill Boulden of Airwork Pty Ltd. Boulden flew it to Perth. |
| 7.5.58 | Letter to DCA from J.T.Brown of KSAS: "We have orders for ten KS.3 Cropmasters and two more orders pending. KSAS plans to design a metal wing and we request that these K.S.3 aircraft be allowed to operate with the wooden empennage units for a period of not less than 12 months from the date of issue of the respective Certificates of Airworthiness, when we will fit metal components." His letter went on to outline plans for installation of Lycoming or Continental flat 6 engines with a target date of June 1959. |
| 6.58 | DCA internal memos debate the advisability of allowing any more
CA-6 agricultural conversions retaining the original wooden wing and
tailplane. "If we agree to the KSAS idea
of letting a number of wooden wing Wackett aircraft go into agricultural
operations, what guarantees do we have that satisfactory metal wings
will ever be produced, particularly when one considers the financial
standing of the firm. The final re-hash of the Wackett Trainer
proposed by KSAS is not a simple rebuild. It will constitute virtually
a new aeroplane and KSAS will have to conduct as much engineering
justification for it as CAC have done on the Wirraway to Ceres conversion.
|
| 6.58 | KSAS converted a fourth stored Wackett A3-176 c/n 410 to KS.3 Cropmaster, re-using the registration VH-FBD. |
| 27.6.58 | KS.3 Cropmaster VH-FBD(2) first flown at Bankstown |
| 9.7.58 | VH-FBD & FBE were demonstrated as top dresser and sprayer respectively at an aerial agricultural conference at the Hawkersbury Agricultural College NSW |
| 11.7.58 | DCA wrote to KSAS agreeing to their 7.5.58 proposal, but stating
that no wooden tailplane Cropmaster will be allowed on agricultural
operations after 30 June 1959. Annual CofA renewals would be endorsed
"Not eligible for renewal with wooden empennage". (Dispensations against this order
were later to be granted by DCA because of delays in producing the
new design metal tailplane and in fact the first five YA-1 Cropmasters
were delivered with original Wackett wooden tailplanes)
|
| 14.7.58 | KS.3 VH-FBF sold to Airwork Pty Ltd, Perth. Bill Boulden departed Bankstown two days later on ferry flight to WA. |
| .58 | DCA WA Region complained to Head Office that the Region’s officers were caused "acute embarrassment" when Boulden brought the two KS.3s to WA. These aircraft had been given dispensations to operate contrary to the Department's stated policy on glued wood structure aircraft. |
| 8.8.58 |
KSAS formed an associate company Yeoman
Aviation Pty Ltd, Bankstown Airport, Sydney.
Directors were John T. Brown, Peter Brown and
Bill Smith, Chief Inspector was Jack McConnell and the first
licenced engineer was Noel Hall.Yeoman was to specialise in the production and marketing on agricultural aircraft, in particular to develop the KS.3 Cropmaster to a modern design. Yeoman was also to manage the "metallisation program" to retrofit the KS.3s with metal wings and tails. Included in the assets of the newly formed Yeoman Aviation transferred from KSAS were the KS.3 VH-AJH and the majority of stored Wackett Trainer airframes. |
| 10.58 | DCA approved a KSAS submission for a 2.5 inch extension to the
aft Centre of Gravity limit for CA-6 Wacketts provided they had the
following modifications: - KSAS reduced wing and tailplane incidence mod - wing slots covered - single pilot controls only |
| 12.58 |
Yeoman Aviation commenced design work
on the proposed YA-1 Cropmaster 250.
Designers engaged for the YA-1 project were Brian Wager and Mick Burns.The YA-1 was based on CA-6 metal fuselage frame and wooden tailplane, a new design metal wing, powered by a 250hp Lycoming 0-540-A engine with a Hartzell constant-speed propeller. |
| To reduce development costs, Bill Smith instructed Brian Wager
to design the metal wing to the same dimensions as the CA-6 wooden
wing but without the rounded wing tips and slots. Like the CA-6, the
new wing was one-piece, but slotted flaps replaced the split flap
to improve short-field performance. A new fuselage design made extensive use of fibreglass, still new to aircraft construction, including the 145-gallon hopper. Other fibreglass components were engine cowling, turtledeck and dorsal fin fairing, canopy top, lower forward fuselage. The early production YA-1s retained the CA-6 wooden tailplane and fabric covered rear fuselage. |
|
| 59 | Early 1959 C.W. Smith and W.G. Boulden bought
out J.T. Brown and P.G. Brown’s interest in Yeoman Aviation
Pty Ltd: Managing Director: Bill Smith Operations Manager: Bill Boulden Technical Director: Brian Wager |
| 3.59 | Bill Boulden had sold his shares in Airwork Pty Ltd and established his own company named Air Culture Pty Ltd, Perth. |
| 3.59 | Air Culture purchased KS.3 VH-FBE, which was ferried from Bankstown to Perth 3.59 |
| Bill Boulden wrote to DCA: "Air Culture is engaged on aerial spraying and topdressing in WA and will operate three CA-6 Cropmaster aircraft during the current season. Air Culture is also the major shareholder in Yeoman Aviation Pty Ltd of Bankstown and is the WA agent for this company which was formed recently to develop the CA-6 aircraft." | |
| 5.59 | KS.3 VH-AJH leased by Yeoman Aviation to Air Culture Pty Ltd, Perth WA |
| 15.5.59 | KS.3 VH-AJH test flown at Bankstown after its CofA was renewed. Spray equipment was installed before it departed Bankstown on ferry to WA on 24.5.59 |
| 20.6.59 | Work commenced on constructing the first YA-1 Cropmaster 250 at Bankstown, c/n 101 |
| 12.59 | Air Culture placed an order with deposit for a KS.3 metal wing
conversion to be ready in June 1960 under Yeoman's metallisation
program. However progress was slow because of pressure of work
on the new YA-1 Cropmaster 250s. DCA granted a dispensation for KS.3s
VH-FBD & FBF to continue to operate in WA until 31.12.60 by which
time they will be required to be fitted with metal wings. (Compiler’s note: It is assumed the metal empennage for the KS.3s was the identical unit being designed for the YA-1s. In the event, no KS.3 received a metal tailplane) |
| 59 | Two Albury NSW based operators placed orders for YA-1 Cropmaster 250s before the type had flown: Air Spraying & Spreading, and Marshalls Spreading Service |
| 15.1.60 | First flight of prototype YA-1 Cropmaster
250 c/n 101, pilot Peter Brown Commenced an extensive performance flight testing for DCA certification |
| 2.60 | W.G. Boulden is Managing Director of Air Culture Pty Ltd, and Operations
Manager of Yeoman Aviation Pty Ltd, Sydney. Air Culture now had all four surviving KS.3 Cropmasters, which were operating in WA under a DCA Airwork Licence in the name of Yeoman Aviation. |
| 8.60 | DCA WA Region advise Head Office that they are "agreeably surprised" at the good condition of the Wackett Cropmasters after two seasons of agricultural operations in WA |
| 10.60 | W. G. Boulden wrote to DCA: the contracted fitting of metal wings
to Air Culture KS.3s scheduled for June 1960 has been delayed. "It
now appears the metal wings will be ready for FBE in May 1961. The
remaining three aircraft will be converted as soon as production of
the metal components allows." DCA granted another dispensation for KS.3s to continue to operate on agricultural operations, extending the deadline to be converted under the approved Yeoman Aviation metallisation program until 31.12.61. |
| 11.60 |
First flight of second YA-1 Cropmaster
250 c/n 102.
This aircraft had a modified main wing spar, which was used on all
following YA-1s. The modification made no change to the AUW 3250 lbs.
Delivered that month as VH-MSS |
| 24.11.60 | The first two Cropmaster 250s VH-BJF & MSS flew demonstrations for two days at an agricultural aviation conference at Wagga NSW |
| 60 | DCA promulgated an Air Navigation Order prohibiting the use of aircraft of glued-wood construction on agricultural operations after 31 December 1961. This affected the KS.3s and the YA-1s with wooden empennage. |
| 60 | Jim Hazelton of Hazair Agricultural Service Pty Ltd, Orange NSW
and Hazair Sales & Service Pty Ltd became closely involved with
Yeoman Aviation as a salesman and pilot. Later Jim Hazelton and his brother Max
of Hazelton Air Service, Cudal NSW held a financial interest in
Yeoman Aviation.
In July 1966 Max was quoted as saying that two years earlier he held
a financial interest in the Cropmaster but terminated it because he
considered there were design deficencies which he outlined. |
| 17.2.61 |
First flight of third YA-1 Cropmaster
250 c/n 103.
Delivered to Jim Hazelton’s Hazair Agricultural Service, Orange NSW |
| 61 | Yeoman Aviation developed the all-metal tail unit to replace the wooden Wackett tailplane retained on the first five YA-1s. Brian Wager’s design was similar to the PA-24 Comanche, an all-flying tailplane with swept fin and rudder. |
| 5.6.61 |
First flight of fourth YA-1 Cropmaster
250 c/n 104.
DCA internal memo same date: latest YA-1 Cropmaster has been completed
at Bankstown with the original wooden tailplane and is ready for issue
of CofA. The Department agrees to issue of CofA for 12 months, after
which metal empennage must be installed. |
| 7.61 | Flight trials of the metal tailplane commenced at Bankstown using Wackett Trainer VH-AIV which was rebuilt by Yeoman Aviation, fitted with the prototype swept YA-1 metal tailplane. It retained the Warner Scarab radial engine, fabric covered rear fuselage and wooden wing with clipped wingtips. YA-1 Cropmaster canopy and raised turtle deck were installed to test the aerodynamic effect on the new tailplane. This hybrid Wackett Trainer was allocated registration VH-CYB for the test flying, and designated by Yeoman as type Yeoman 175. |
| 10.61 | First flight of fifth YA-1 Cropmaster 250 c/n 105. The last delivered with wooden tailplane. |
| 10.61 | Air Culture wrote to Yeoman Aviation confirming their order for
a second YA-1 (VH-CYW), and stated that their first KS.3 for metal
conversion will arrive at Bankstown on 26.10.61. However the metal wing was not ready and no KS.3 flew from WA. |
| 19.12.61 | Wackett VH-CYB first test flight with the new metal Cropmaster tailplane. Pilot Peter Brown. 30 hours of flight trials of the metal tailplane continued until 1.62, flown by Peter Brown and Jim Hazelton. |
| 29.12.61 | Bill Boulden wrote to DCA advising that metal wings for KS.3s VH-AJH
and the damaged VH-FBD are still not ready due to delays by Yeoman
Aviation. He urgently requested approval for AJH to continue in agricultural
operations until 31.3.62 for important spraying in the Jerramungup
district. The other three Air Culture KS.3s had been damaged in accidents. DCA granted yet another extension until 31.3.62. |
| 21.3.62 | Bill Boulden again requested an extension to CofA for KS.3 VH-AJH
because of the crash of Air Culture's Cessna 180 VH-KIH combined with
delayed delivery of their second YA-1 VH-CYW. DCA granted yet another extension until YA-1 VH-CYW had been delivered to Perth. |
| 22.5.62 | The last remaining KS.3 VH-AJH was retired from agricultural flying by Air Culture. |
| Aircraft magazine report July 1962: "Development flying to test and prove the new tail unit was carried out in a specially modified Wackett VH-CYB which flew approximately 30 hours in the hands of Peter Brown and Jim Hazelton. The new tailplane gave complete satisfaction and was eventually static tested to destruction to satisfy DCA requirements." | |
| 13.4.62 | First flight of YA-1 Cropmaster 250 with
metal tailplane, C/n 106. This was a newly built tailplane unit because the prototype tailplane air tested on the Wackett VH-CYB had later been tested to destruction. Test flown extensively by Peter Brown for DCA Type Certification during April and May. C/n 106 introduced improvements including: - fabric covering the rear fuselage replaced by removable Alclad panels - fibreglass tail cone - fibreglass rudder and tailplane tips - fibreglass protective panels for tailplane leading edge - fibreglass protective panels on underside of flaps - Dunlop wheels and disc brakes - electric auxiliary fuel pump - air scoops fitted to fuselage sides to supply frehs air to pilot and pressurise the cockpit to restrict ingress of superphosphate dust and chemicals |
| 6.62 |
DCA issued Type Certificate for the YA-1
Cropmaster 250 and 250R.
The Type Certificate included Hartzell or McCauley propellers. |
| 6.62 | Aircraft magazine report: Yeoman Aviation has received enquiries from NZ, Argentina, Rhodesia and West Germany. They are planning an extended production run, completing Cropmasters at a rate of one a month. When existing stocks of CA-6 Wackett Trainer fuselage frames have been used, Yeoman will construct this component themselves. |
| 62 |
During the year, the three remaining YA-1s
in service with wooden tailplanes were returned to Bankstown to
have the metal tailplane installed by Yeoman Aviation.
First was VH-CXS from Hazair, Albury, then VH-CXQ flown from Perth
in June 1962. Last was VH-TSD from Adelaide, which was first flown
at Bankstown 22 November 1962 with the new tail. |
| 62/64 | Yeoman Aviation purchased Wackett Trainer fuselage frames and parts from many sources when the original stocks obtained from KSAS were used in Cropmaster production. An example was the dismantled VH-AJU at Parafield which was moved to Sydney in 1962 |
| 9.62 | YA-1 Cropmaster 250 c/n 108 completed for export to New Zealand. This and subsequent production YA-1s had a modified main spar permitting an increase in AUW 3,250 lbs to 3530 lbs, allowing a significant increase to agricultural payload. |
| 1.63 | Executive Air Services, Essendon Airport, Melbourne have sub-contracted for the manufacture of the YA-1 metal tailplane. The ribbed rudder panels were supplied by Victa Consolidated Industries, and other parts manufactured by Toowoomba Foundry (Southern Cross Aviation) |
| 1.4.63 | Yeoman Aviation purchased CA-6 Wackett Trainer
VH-AKF from a Melbourne owner and it was flown to Bankstown
and struck-off the Register the same day. Appears to have been used
as a static test aircraft, fitted with a YA-1 cockpit and rear turtledeck. By January 1964 it was retired, engineless out on the grass at Bankstown. |
| .63 |
Bankstown engineer Don Cameron bought
out Jim and Max Hazelton’s interest and gained control of the company.
It was recapitalised under name Yeoman Aircraft Pty Ltd.
Don Cameron was an experienced aircraft engineer. To improve efficiency,
the new company diversified its operations, taking on maintenance
and modifications to other agricultural aircraft. Chairman and Managing Director: Don Cameron Director in charge of production: Bill Smith |
| 4.63 | Yeoman Aircraft modified two PA-25 Pawnees to provide faster load dumping in emergencies. |
| 63 | Don Cameron announced that customers of new YA-1 Cropmaster 250s would have a choice of Lycoming or Continental engines in future. All subsequent aircraft were completed with the fuel-injected Continental IO-470 engines. The cowling had different air intake and minor internal mods were required for the CofG change due to the 40lb increase in weight of the Continental. |
| 12.3.64 | Cropmaster 250 VH-TSD was test flown at Bankstown, the first to have Continental IO-470 installed, during an overhaul by Yeoman Aircraft at Bankstown and retrofit with a Continental IO-470-G. VH-TSD was redesignated Cropmaster 250R |
| 3.64 | First production YA-1 completed with Continental IO-470G c/n 113. All subsequent production was fitted with the Continental engine, model designated Cropmaster 250R |
| 3.64 | Yeoman Aircraft were building large fibreglass underwing fibreglass hoppers, and installing them in Cessna 180s, example VH-DEJ |
| 64 | Don Cameron wanted 260hp Continental IO-470-E engines but Continental
dealers for Australia, Rolls Royce would not supply them to Yeoman.
The IO-470-Gs suffered from overheating problems. Later
Rolls Royce did supply IO-470-Rs for late production aircraft. A number of Cropmaster 250R operators were to retrofit IO-470-Es themselves. |
| .65 | Don Cameron purchased Bill Smith’s shareholding. Yeoman Aviation Pty Ltd was reorganised with new name Cropmaster Aircraft Pty Ltd, Managing Director Don Cameron. |
| 14.7.65 | NZ agents Southern Aviation announced they had formed an associate company named Cropmaster (NZ) Ltd to distribute YA-1s in New Zealand |
| 8.65 | YA-1 Cropmaster 250R Series 2 was introduced, undercarriage mounts moved 2 inches further forward of the mainspar to correct the tendency to nose over on the brakes. Introduced from c/n 117 onwards. |
| 65 | Yeoman offered as a YA-1 optional modification 12 inch wing tip extensions to improve lift to prevent aircraft squashing down into crop during low-level spraying |
| 1.66 | Final YA-1 Cropmaster c/n 121 built at Bankstown, a total of 20 built. The previous aircraft c/n 120 remained unsold at Bankstown until Don Cameron finalised its sale to NZ in 12.66 |
| 3.66 | Don Cameron is rebuilding his DH.82 Tiger Moth VH-AJA at Bankstown for his personal use |
| 66 | By now the only original Wackett trainer components incorporated in the YA-1 is the undercarriage structure, comprising only 3% of the total airframe |
| 4.66 | Four Australian aircraft manufacturing businesses applied to the
Government Tariff Board for a bounty or tariff protection for their
products to compete with foreign imports: Cropmaster Aircraft Pty Ltd, Bankstown: YA-1 Cropmaster Victa Ltd, Sydney: Airtourer 100 & 115, Aircruiser Transavia Pty Ltd, Sydney: PL-12 Airtruk Aerostructures, Bankstown: SA-29 Chipmunk Spraymaster/Sundowner |
| 6.66 | Tariff Board interim decision refused restrictions on the importation of competing aircraft types, resulting in Cropmaster Aircraft and Victa Ltd announcing that they were forced to cease aircraft production. |
| 8.66 | Cropmaster Aircraft Pty Ltd accepted a formal proposal to sell their manufacturing plant and design rights for the YA-1 to Donald Gray, Plastidyne Manufacturing Co, Los Angeles. A partnership was announced, named Cameron Gray Aircraft Co, Gardena, Los Angeles California. The new company plans to continue building the Cropmaster line in USA. Don Cameron is a Director and will handle the Australian and NZ marketing of US built Cropmasters. |
| 29.12.66 | A crate containing a set of parts for a complete YA-1 airframe,
plus additional parts, was loaded on a truck at Bankstown Airport
for shipping to USA. Consignment on the side of the crate was
marked: "Cameron Gray Aircraft Co, Plastidyne Manufacturing Co, 1500 West 139 Street, Gardena, California, USA" |
| Fuselage frames of c/n 122 and 123 were shipped to California, along with jigs | |
| 1.67 | Australian Flying magazine report: John Cameron says two
complete YA-1s could be built "in a hurry" from the components
shipped to USA. The plan is to assemble two Cropmasters in California
to assess the US market before a decision is made on future production.
Manufacturing methods would be different to reduce the 3,500 man-hours
taken to build a YA-1 in Australia. Plans include a more powerful
300hp version which could carry a 1400 pounds payload. Cameron would be responsible for marketing the US built Cropmasters in Australia. He expects that he and some of his staff will soon visit California to help install the jigs sent to the Los Angeles plant, and that he expected the first of the US built aircraft would be available for sale back to Australia within 9 months. |
| 67 | Cropmaster Aircraft Pty Ltd continued operations in their hangar at Bankstown for a period, providing maintenance and modifications to other aircraft. |
| 67 | Cropmaster Aircraft Pty Ltd ceased operations and company wound up |
| Unsourced reports that one YA-1 was flown in USA, but registered as an experimental home built type. In 1976 there was a report that the first YA-1 in USA was still flying in Florida, fitted with a radial engine. |
INDEX ONE: THE FIVE KS.3 WACKETT CROPMASTERS:
VH-AJH, VH-FBD (1), VH-FBD (2), VH-FBE, VH-FBF rebuilt at Bankstown by KSAS 1957-58
KS.3 Cropmasters with Airwork Pty Ltd in WA during 1959. Geoff Goodall collection
A3-49 c/n 283 to KS.1, KS.2, KS.3 Cropmaster VH-AJH
| 9.41 | Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic |
| 19.9.41 | CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF |
| 20.9.41 | Brought on RAAF charge. Received at 1AD Laverton ex CAC Fishermans Bend |
| 7.10.41 | Received CFS ex 1AD |
| 18.6.43 | CFS Tamworth: forced landing in clearing in scrub 8 miles South of Me ndooran NSW, due engine failure on travel flight Tamworth-Narromine. Major damage to fuselage, wings and propeller. |
| 11.9.43 | Received 5EFTS ex CFS |
| 25.10.43 | Issued to Ansett Airways, Mascot for complete overhaul |
| 3.8.44 | Received 2AP Bankstown ex Ansetts |
| 9.8.44 | Received 3WAGS ex 2AP |
| 1.10.44 | Received 8OTU ex 3WAGS for storage |
| 8.1.45 | Received 8EFTS Narrandera ex Care & Maintenance Narromine |
| 1.6.45 | Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage |
| Photo in storage Narrandera: painted foilage green and earth brown upper surfaces, sky blue lower surfaces, yellow trainer bands on upper wing and fuselage, "49" in yellow on forward fuselage sides, serial in black on rear fuselage and under wings. | |
| 21.8.45 | Offered for disposal through CDC at CMU Narrandera. Not to be moved. Total airframe time 632 hours 20 mins. |
| 1.10.45 | CDC Disposals document No.2 offered 117 Wackett Trainers for public sale: included this aircraft located at CMU Narrandera, with engine No.2207: price £205 |
| 13.11.45 | Sold through CDC to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £205 |
| 30.11.45 | DCA allocated registration VH-AJH to A3-49 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. |
| 14.12.45 | Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera. |
| 12.45 | Ferried from Narrandera to Mascot |
| 17.1.46 | Testflown Mascot after civil conversion at Mascot by Marshall Airways. Allover silver. |
| 21.1.46 | CofA issued at Mascot as VH-AJH, owner Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot |
| 1.46 | Log: regular daily flying |
| 11.2.46 | Log: Flew Mascot-Archerfield |
| 22.2.46 | Log: Flew Archerfield-Mascot |
| 3.4.46 | Added Register as VH-AJH: Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot |
| 46 | Log: flown almost daily, probably training flights for Kingsford Smith Flying School, Mascot |
| 15.1.47 | Log: last flight, retired |
| 20.1.47 | CofA expired, not renewed |
| 19.12.47 | Struck-off Register. Stored |
| 17.7.53 | Repainted by KSAS at Bankstown |
| 22.7.53 | Testflown after CofA renewal at Bankstown |
| 22.7.53 | Registration application: Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown Airport, Sydney |
| 24.7.53 | Restored to Register VH-AJH |
| 24.7.53 | CofA renewed |
| 7.53/54 | Log: flown almost daily, training flights for Kingsford Smith Flying School, Bankstown |
| 13.6.54 | Log: last flight, retired |
| 23.7.54 | CofA expired, not renewed |
| 2.57 | Conversion to agricultural configuration completed by KSAS at Bankstown.
An agricultural hopper was installed in the front cockpit. Pilot
sat in the rear cockpit with the orioginal windscreen and overturn
pylon moved rearward. Aircraft was painted yellow, black and
white. Designated Kingsford Smith KS.1 Cropmaster. This was the prototype Wackett-Cropmaster. |
| 1.3.57 | Log: Engine replaced by Scarab No.2381 |
| 3.57 | Log: airframe repainted |
| 26.3.57 | Log: first test flight Bankstown as KS.1, pilot Peter Brown. (Peter Brown’s pilot log book quotes 26.3.57. VH-AJH airframe log book quotes 28.3.57) |
| 4.4.57 | Log: next trial flight |
| 4.57 | A series of flight tests conducted until 7.57, aircraft modified
into various configurations DCA required test pilot to wear a parachute during developmental flying. |
| 12.4.57 | Log: test flight Bankstown |
| 18.4.57 | Log: next test flight Bankstown |
| 21.6.57 | Log: next test flight Bankstown |
| 28.6.57 | Log: next test flight Bankstown |
| 4.7.57 | Log: next test flight Bankstown |
| 26.7.57 | Log: last flight of test series |
| 8.57 | Pilot seat and rudder controls were modified, and a new hopper installed with louvre-box. Flap motor removed. Forward fuselage extended by approx 8 inches to maintain the centre of gravity. Redesignated Kingsford Smith KS.2 |
| 8.8.57 | Log: inspected at Bankstown in connection with issue of CofA as agricultural aircraft |
| 9.57 | Photo of VH-AJH at Bankstown in British magazine Air Pictorial: KS.2 standard with cockpit at rear and long nose, yellow and black paint scheme |
| 10.1.58 | Log: next test flight |
| 10.1.58 | CofA renewed as KS.3 Wackett-Cropmaster |
| 17.1.58 | Commenced a demonstration tour to Armidale, Tamworth and Walcha, Returned to Bankstown a week later |
| 24.1.58 | Returned to Bankstown from Tamworth |
| 3.3.58 | Log: Warner Scarab No.2381 removed |
| 21.11.58 | Log: Warner Scarab No.2167 reinstalled |
| 11.12.58 | Log: test flight |
| 13.12.58 | Log: next test flight |
| 16.12.58 | Log: next test flight |
| 9.1.59 | CofA expired |
| 1.3.59 | Change of ownership: Yeoman Aviation Pty
Ltd, Bankstown Yeoman Aviation was an associate company of KSAS formed to develop agricultural aircraft. Major shareholder in 1959 became the newly formed WA company Air Culture Pty Ltd, whose Managing Director William G. Boulden was WA agent for Yeoman. |
| 5.59 | Further modifications, now designated Kingsford Smith KS.3 Cropmaster |
| 19.3.59 | Registration application: Yeoman Aviation Pty Ltd, Bankstown |
| 15.5.59 | Log: airframe repainted, fitted spraybars |
| 15.5.59 | Log: testflown Bankstown |
| 20.5.59 | Log: next test flight |
| 22.5.59 | CofA renewed at Bankstown. Spray equipment installed for Air Culture |
| 5.59 | Leased to Air Culture Pty Ltd, Maylands WA |
| 24.5.59 | Log: Departed Bankstown on delivery flight to Air Culture, Perth |
| 29.5.59 | Log: Arrived at Maylands aerodrome, Perth |
| 23.6.59 | Log: commenced regular agricultural flights |
| 6.8.59 | Forced landing Mingenew WA, due poor weather, no damage. Was flying Maylands to Yandanooka, pilot W. G. Boulden. |
| 1.9.59 | Log: last flight at end of 1959 agricultural season |
| 9.5.60 | Testflown Maylands after overhaul by Yeoman Aviation's Chief Inspector, Jack McConnell who had come from Sydney to do the work in Air Culture's hangar |
| 9.5.60 | CofA renewed at Maylands |
| 22.6.60 | Log: recommenced regular flying |
| 24.8.60 | Log: last flight at end of 1960 agricultural season |
| 23.6.61 | Log: testflown Maylands after CofA overhaul by Air Culture Pty Ltd. During the inspection, the wooden tailplane was replaced by that of KS.3 VH-FBE |
| 23.6.61 | CofA renewed at Maylands |
| 6.61 | Log: commenced regular agricultural flights |
| 16.7.61 | Log: Total airframe hours 1477 hrs 45 mins |
| 11.8.61 | Log: last flight at end of 1961 agricultural season |
| 8.11.61 | noted Maylands "Air Culture" on sides |
| 29.12.61 | W. G. Boulden of Air Culture requested DCA extend the CofA for VH-AJH beyond the type grounding order effective 31.12.61 due delays in the metalisation programme for AJH & FBD. They have purchased a second-hand Cessna 180 to replace one wooden CA-6 but need another after 31.12.61. Requested VH-AJH be allowed to fly agricultural operations for the first 3 months of 1962 for urgent work in the Jerramungup district. DCA approved the extension. |
| 5.2.62 | log: testflight Maylands |
| 6.3.62 | Flew Geraldton-Maylands (DCA incident report) |
| 21.3.62 | W. G. Boulden of Air Culture requested DCA extend the CofA for VH-AJH, which is presently spraying in the Borden area. Due to the late delivery of Air Culture's second YA-1 Cropmaster VH-CYW and the crash of their Cessna 180 VH-KIH. DCA agreed to extend VH-AJH's CofA until the delivery of VH-CYW to Perth. |
| 22.5.62 | Log: last flight, retired from service pending installation of metal tailplane |
| 22.6.62 | DCA changed the registration category for VH-AJH from Airwork to Private Category. |
| 9.62 | AJH is being converted to two seater configuration at Maylands for use as two-seat pilot ferry aircraft for Air Culture |
| 23.2.63 | noted Maylands in hangar under overhaul, silver with blue trim |
| 4.3.63 | noted Maylands |
| 14.5.63 | Log: agricultural hopper removed, rear seat installed, floor replaced in area of rear seat, sliding canopy fitted, engine given top overhaul |
| 15.5.63 | testflown Maylands by Bill Boulden after lengthy overhaul |
| 16.5.63 | CofA renewed Maylands in Private Category |
| 5.63 | Log: flown regularly until 11.63, probably in support of Air Culture operations in the field |
| 30.6.63 | Maylands Aerodrome closed by DCA. Pending completion of Air Culture's hangar facility at the new Jandakot Airport, VH-AJH was based at Perth Airport. Flew several flights from Perth Airport. |
| 6.7.63 | noted Perth Airport |
| 8.63 | noted Perth Airport, parked with Air Culture YA-1 VH-CYW |
| 20.11.63 | Log: last flight of year, returning to Perth Airport |
| 1.64 | DCA memo: AJH has been parked in the open at Perth Airport since 6.63 and is now showing signs of deterioration |
| 8.4.64 | Log: flown Perth Airport to Jandakot Airport |
| 15.4.64 | Log: local flight at Jandakot |
| 16.4.64 | Log: last flight at Jandakot. Airframe Total time: 1668 hours 30 mins |
| 14.5.64 | CofA expired at Jandakot Airport. Parked inside Air Culture's newly built hangar. |
| 8.64 | Air Culture commenced an inspection to renew the CofA but job had low priority |
| 17.12.64 | Overhaul completed but not testflown and renewal of CofA not proceeded with |
| 6.66 | Air Culture advised DCA that AJH was again under inspection to renew CofA as a low priority |
| 11.66 | Air Cuture advised DCA that overhaul completed but test flying was delayed due radio problems, adding that there was no urgency in the matter. |
| 6.67 | W.G.Boulden advised DCA that VH-AJH's ownership was now The Liquidator of Yeoman Aviation Pty Ltd, Bankstown. Yeoman had ceased operations early that year with the cessation of the YA-1 Cropmaster 250 production line at Bankstown due refusal of Government to introduce tarrifs for imported agricultural aircraft |
| 5.9.67 | Official Change of Ownership: The Liquidator of Yeoman Aviation Pty Ltd, Bankstown NSW |
| 12.10.67 | Registration application: Air Culture Pty Ltd, Jandakot Airport, Perth WA |
| 3.68 | Ready for CofA renewal but waiting for a suitable buyer |
| 19.11.68 | Struck-off Register. Air Culture are in liquidation, AJH still owned by Yeoman Aviation, Sydney |
| 7.4.69 | noted Jandakot in Air Culture hangar |
| 12.69 | Sold at auction at Jandakot of Air Culture assets |
| 12.69 | Purchased at auction by Carol
"Boodge" Guthrie, Cowaramup WA Guthrie also purchased some Wackett spares, which he moved to his farm at Cowaramup. Spare Wackett canopy frames purchased by John Bell, Albany WA for planned use on his Tiger Moth rebuild project. |
| VH-AJH left in the empty Air Culture hangar at Jandakot | |
| 4.70 | Perth aircraft engineer Peter Hutch submitted drawings to DCA for proposed modifications to VH-AJH's wooden wings, on behalf of owner Guthrie. Work not commenced. |
| 9.70 | Guthrie used VH-AJH and his Auster J4 VH-PJN as trade-in on his purchase of Auster J5G VH-KCG from Civil Flying Services (WA) Pty Ltd, Jandakot |
| VH-AJH left in the cleared Air Culture hangar at Jandakot | |
| 6.3.71 | noted in Air Culture hangar, flat tyres |
| 16.3.71 | Purchased from CFS by Airforce Association Museum, Bullcreek, Perth |
| 71-73 | VH-AJH left in the cleared Air Culture hangar at Jandakot by courtesy of the new hangar owner, Sir Thomas Wardle, Perth who housed his Beech Baron VH-WBR there. |
| 2.1.72 | Remaining Wackett spares held by Guthrie at his farm were donated to AFA Museum group when members were at his farm to collect his derelict DH.94 VH-THT |
| 15.12.73 | Rolled out of hangar when storage inside no longer possible. Parked on grass nearby. |
| 1.74 | Wing upper surface fabric which had been stripped for inspection some time earlier was covered with doped fabric by AFA museum group members working in the open on the grass at Jandakot |
| 7.74 | Stored inside Hawker De Havilland Australia hangar at Jandakot |
| 1.75 | Rolled from hangar and parked on grass nearby |
| 4.8.75 | Rolled from active parking area at Jandakot to remote parking area |
| 9.75 | Rudder was torn off by wind gusts during a storm |
| 29.1.76 | Dismantled and moved by road from Jandakot Airport to the Airforce Association Estate at Bateman, Perth. Initially stored in open covered by tarpaulins, then moved inside museum shed on the estate. |
| 78 | Restoration of fuselage commenced. Comple, displayed as KS.3 "Air Culture" titles |
| .79 | Completed in blue scheme with "Air Culture" titles in red and displayed in AFA Aviation museum built on the AFA Estate at Bateman. Named The Aviation Heritage Museum |
| 1.90 | noted at The Aviation Heritage Museum, displayed inside main hall, blue and red "Air Culture" |
| 08 | Aviation Heritage Museum wished to dispose of Wackett-Cropmaster VH-AJH, which was considered to be a duplication of WA aviation pioneer Horrie Miller's Wackett Trainer VH-AIY which they now had on display. |
| 20.5.08 | AHM agreed to sell VH-AJH to Greg Akman, Sydney who had negotiated to donate the aircraft to Queensland Air Museum. |
| 9.7.08 | VH-AJH loaded into a container at AHM, Bull Creek, Perth |
| 17.7.08 | Arrived by road at Queensland Air Museum, Caloundra Qld |
| Assembled and displayed at QAM in same blue scheme with "Air Culture" titles | |
| Current |
VH-AJH at Bankstown in KS.2 Cropmaster configuration 1957. Ben Dannecker collection
Rebuilt as a KS.3, at Maylands WA with Air Culture Pty Ltd. Photo by Ern Flanders
Jandakot December 1973, waiting collection by AFA museum. Photo by Roger McDonald
Queensland Air Museum, Caloundra December 2009. Photo by Ron Cuskelly
A3-65 c/n 299 to KS.3 Cropmaster VH-FBD (1)
| 10.41 | Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic |
| 22.10.41 | CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF |
| 23.10.41 | Brought on RAAF charge. Received 1AD Laverton ex CAC Fishermans Bend |
| 3.11.41 | Received 1WAGS ex 1AD |
| 26.8.42 | Taxying A3-62 ran into rear of A3-65. Fin and rudder of A3-65 writeoff. |
| 27.12.42 | While taxying port mainplane of A3-65 struck wing of A3-131 |
| 15.11.44 | Issued 8OTU Narromine ex 1WAGS |
| 8.1.45 | Received 8EFTS Narrandera ex Narromine |
| 1.6.45 | Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage |
| 21.8.45 | Offered for disposal through CDC at CMU Narrandera. Not to be moved. |
| 1.10.45 | CDC Disposals document No.2 offered 117 Wackett Trainers for public sale: included this aircraft located at CMU Narrandera, with engine No.2179: price £190 |
| 20.11.45 | Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £190 (total 57 aircraft for £3840) |
| 30.11.45 | DCA allocated registration VH-AJR to A3-65 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. VH-AJR not taken up. |
| 7.8.46 | 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 at Bankstown with other Wackett Trainers not given civil conversions by KSAS | |
| 57 | Rebuilt at Bankstown by KSAS as an agricultural Wackett to a new
design different from the KS.1 and KS.2 models already trialled. A
new design 80 gallon aluminium hopper was installed in the rear seat
position, with pilot flying from the front seat. A modified canopy
similar to the design trialled on VH-AMA was installed. A rear fairing
with hinged access and windows for the rearward facing passengers
seat, provided for the loader-driver. The control systems were modified
to accommodate the hopper. Completed as the first KS.3 Cropmaster |
| 27.11.57 | Registration application as CA-6
K.S.3: Kingsford Smith Aviation
Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown NSW Identity quoted as 299 built 10.41 Application signed by J.W.McConnell for KSAS |
| 27.11.57 | Weighed at Bankstown "for initial test flight trials only", type quoted as KS.3. Super Scarab 165D. |
| 29.11.57 | First flight Bankstown |
| 12.57 | Further test flights at Bankstown |
| 14.12.57 | Log: test flight, pilot P.G. Brown |
| 24.12.57 | Added Register VH-FBD (1) |
| 24.12.57 | CofA issued at Bankstown |
| 17.1.58 | Destroyed in fire in KSAS hangar at Bankstown. The
fire was found to have been deliberately lit, and J.T. Brown said
the cost was over £20,000. KS.3 VH-FBD and the prototype Kingsford Smith PL-7 Tanker were both destroyed. KS.3 VH-FBE, 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." |
| 25.2.58 | Struck-off Register |
| Registration VH-FBD re-allocated to the next K.S.3 completed, c/n 410 |
A3-176 c/n 410 to K.S.3 Cropmaster 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 fire dump 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 |
Airwork Pty Ltd KS.3 in WA during 1959, showing the belly crop dusting chute. Geoff Goodall collection
VH-FBD fuselage frame removed from fire drill ground, Jandakot in August 1975. Photo by Geoff Goodall
VH-FBD frame leaves Jandakot for Sydney August 1975, compiler at rear. Photo by Roger McDonald
A3-131 c/n 365 to KS.3 Cropmaster 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. 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." Pilot total experience 1800 hours, on type 38 hours. |
| 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
A3-141 c/n 375 to KS.3 Cropmaster 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 March 1958, during ferry to WA. Photo by Ben Dannecker
VH-FBF frame at Jandakot airport fire drill ground, January 1973. Photo by Geoff Goodall
INDEX TWO: OTHER WACKETT TRAINERS MODIFIED BY YEOMAN AVIATION
A3-40 c/n 274 VH-AJB
| 8.9.41 | First flight at Fishermans Bend |
| 9.9.41 | CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF |
| 9.9.41 | Brought on RAAF charge. Received at 3EFTS Essendon ex CAC Fishermans Bend |
| 30.1.42 | Issued to Ansett Airways ex 3EFTS |
| 3.3.42 | Eeceived 1AD ex Ansetts |
| 15.3.42 | Received 11EFTS ex 1AD |
| 30.7.42 | Allotted CAC for W/T mods |
| 14.9.42 | Received 11EFTS ex CAC |
| 21.9.42 | Received 3WAGS ex 11EFTS |
| 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 | Received 8EFTS ex Care & Maintenance Narromine |
| 1.6.45 | Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Storage |
| 21.8.45 | Offered for disposal through CDC at CMU Narrandera. Not to be moved. |
| 1.10.45 | CDC Disposals document No.2 offered 117 Wackett Trainers for public sale: included this aircraft located at CMU Narrandera, with engine No.2221: price £150 |
| 13.11.45 | Sold to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £150 |
| 28.11.45 | Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera |
| 30.11.45 | DCA allocated registration VH-AJB to A3-40 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. |
| 17.1.46 | Registration application: Kingsford Smith
Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Mascot. Signed by J.T. Brown. Application states "ex RAAF 43" |
| 3.4.46 | Added to Register as VH-AJB |
| 22.1.46 | CofA issued at Mascot |
| 21.1.47 | CofA expired |
| 2.47 | KSAS advise DCA that it as not intended to renew CofA of VH-AJB at this time |
| 19.12.47 | Struck-off Register |
| 26.7.54 | Restored to Register Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown Airport, Sydney |
| 8.54 | Support aircraft for 1954 Redex Air Trial Bankstown-Darwin-Adelaide-Bankstown.
Painted with "Kingsford Smith Aviation Service" titles and
"Wackett" on tail with CAC logo. Air Trial departed Bankstown 5.8.54 route Brisbane, Darwin, Alice Springs, Adelaide, Wagga back to Bankstown. |
| 54 | KSAS carried out a series of modifications to VH-AJB to explore
performance improvements. The wing incidence was reduced to 3.25 degrees
by inverting the front wing attachment brackets, setting the tailplane
incidence at 3 degrees, covering the wing slots and removing the rounded
wingtips. A spinner was fitted to the propeller and exhausts relocated
to the underside of the engine. It retained the standard Wackett wheel
fairings. KSAS reported that these modifications improved the climb and cruise performance. Roll response and spin recovery were good. |
| 2.57 | VH-AJB was used for a series of tests by KSAS in preparation for the proposed KSAS agricultural modification of Wacketts. The type was usually flown from the front seat with only basic controls in the rear. VH-AJB was evaluated for continuous flying from the rear seat, an oil cooler was fitted to the Warner Scarab engine to improve its durability for extended operations. A wooden propeller and alternative pitot locations were also evaluated in a series of test flights by Peter Brown. |
| 4.8.58 | noted Bankstown, outside KSAS igloo hangar, appears in service |
| 12.58 | VH-AJB 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. |
| 4.5.62 | Struck-off Register as Withdrawn from Service |
Bankstown
August 1958, parked outside the KSAS hangar. Photo by Dave Eyre.
A3-129 c/n 363 VH-AMA
| .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 |
| 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 Narranmdera 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. |
Bankstown c1958 with modified canopy for hopper in the back seat position. Allyn Eckford collection
A3-23 c/n 257 to Yeoman 175 VH-AIV, (VH-CYB)
| 7.41 | Manufactured by CAC at Fishermans Bend Vic |
| 8.8.41 | CAC Delivery Note for hand-over to RAAF |
| 10.8.41 | Taken on RAAF charge: received 1AD Laverton ex CAC Fishermans Bend |
| 14.8.41 | Received 3EFTS ex 1EFTS |
| 19.9.41 | Issued to CAC |
| 8.10.41 | Received 1AD ex 3EFTS |
| 24.10.41 | Received 1AP ex 1AD |
| 6.11.41 | Received CFS ex 1AP |
| 25.12.41 | Forced landing, wing struck telephone post. |
| 21.4.42 | Issued Clyde Engineering for repairs |
| 24.4.42 | not started |
| 8.5.42 | transferred to Ansett Airways |
| 3.7.42 | not yet started, insufficient space |
| 24.7.42 | work commenced on mainplane, progressing satisfactorily |
| 16.11.42 | Received 1AOS Storage ex Ansetts |
| 4.4.43 | Received 8EFTS Store ex 1AOS Store |
| 17.5.43 | Allotted 3WAGS ex 8EFTS Store |
| 22.6.44 | 3WAGS: forced landing due engine failure in scrub 10 miles East of Maryborough Qld . Struck trees. |
| 1.10.44 | Received 8OTU ex 3WAGS for storage |
| 8.1.45 | Received 8EFTS ex Care & Maintenance Narromine |
| 1.6.45 | Allotted Care & Maintenance Narrandera ex 8EFTS Store |
| 21.8.45 | Offered for disposal through CDC at CMU Narrandera. Not to be moved. |
| 1.10.45 | CDC Disposals document No.2 offered 117 Wackett Trainers for public sale: included this aircraft located at CMU Narrandera, with engine No.2227: price £245 |
| 13.11.45 | Sold through CDC to J. T. Brown, Kew Vic for £240 |
| 30.11.45 | DCA allocated registration VH-AIV to A3-23 for J.T.Brown, included in a block registration allocation to Brown for a total of 91 Wackett Trainers. |
| 21.12.45 | Issued to purchaser ex CMU Narrandera |
| 46 | Purchased from KSAS prior to CofA by James H. Wright, Brisbane Qld |
| 8.2.46 | Added to Register as VH-AIV James H. Wright, Brisbane |
| 8.2.46 | CofA issued at Mascot |
| 27.2.47 | CofA renewed at Archerfield |
| 14.7.48 | CofA renewed at Archerfield |
| 1.9.50 | Change of ownership: Robert H. Healy, Pimpama Qld |
| 1.9.50 | CofA renewed at Archerfield |
| 18.2.51 | Struck while parked at Archerfield by taxying DH.82 VH-APA of Queensland Flying Services, pilot Bruce James. Minor damage to Wackett's starboard wing. |
| 21.9.51 | CofA renewed at Archerfield |
| 13.2.53 | CofA renewed at Archerfield |
| 24.4.53 | Change of ownership: Kingsford Smith Aviation Service Pty Ltd, Bankstown |
| 5.8.54 | Departed Bankstown in 1954 Redex Air Reliability Trial to Brisbane, Darwin, Adelaide, Bankstown, entered by I. A. Chubb |
| 61 | Yeoman Aviation Pty Ltd have designed a new all-metal tail unit to replace the wooden component inherited from the Wackett Trainer in the early production YA-1 Cropmasters. DCA had withheld full type approval for the YA-1 mainly because of concerns about the strength of the wooden tailplane structure. The configuration decided on incorporated an all-flying tailplane and a swept fin and rudder of modern appearance. |
| 2.61 | Yeoman Aviation requested DCA approval to test the new swept tail for the YA-1 on a wooden wing Wackett Trainer "as the flight test vehicle for the metal empennage. The aircraft has a Warner motor but YA-1 windscreen, decking and hopper fittings." |
| 7.61 | Rebuilt by Yeoman Aviation at Bankstown, fitted with the prototype
new design swept YA-1 metal tailplane. It retained the Warner Scarab
radial engine, fabric covered rear fuselage and wooden wing with clipped
wingtips. YA-1 Cropmaster canopy and raised turtle deck were installed
to test the aerodynamic effect on the new tailplane. This hybrid Wackett Trainer was designated
by Yeoman as type Yeoman 175.
|
| Reported at the time that this aircraft will also be used to test a nosewheel design for the YA-1, but not in fact carried out. | |
| 61 | Allocated registration VH-CYB: Used byYeoman Aviation at Bankstown for test flying to evaluate metal YA-1 tailplane. |
| 19.12.61 | First testflight Bankstown, with VH-CYB painted on both wings but not on sides. Pilot Peter Brown |
| 1.62 | Test flying program completed. VH-CYB was Not Taken Up. |
| Aircraft magazine report July 1962: "Development flying to test and
prove the new tail unit was carried out in a specially modified
Wackett VH-CYB which flew approximately 30 hours in the hands of
Peter Brown and Jim Hazelton. The new tailplane gave complete satisfaction
and was eventually static tested to destruction to satisfy DCA requirements."
|
|
| 1.62 | AHSA Journal January 1962: Reported that the Wackett test aircraft for the metal tailplane now has its wooden wing removed at Bankstown and is due to be fitted with a YA-1 metal mainplane. The Scrab radial has been replaced by a Lycoming engine. This Wackett was then rebuilt as YA-1 Cropmaster 250 c/n 106 which became VH-CYW and first flew at Bankstown 4.62 as the first YA-1 fitted with new metal tailplane. |
| 26.2.62 | VH-AIV Struck-off Register |
| 31.8.65 | VH-CYB still held for Yeoman Aviation on DCA listing of Reserved Registrations |
| see YEOMAN YA-1 CROPMASTER listing for subsequent history of Cropmaster c/n 106 VH-CYW |
Yeoman 175 VH-CYB at Bankstown in December 1961. Photo by Eric Allen
VH-CYB registration was painted on the wings only. Photo by Greg Banfield
A3-172 c/n 406 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. |
Bankstown in May 1963, parked outside the Yeoman Aviation hangar. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Bankstown January 1964, retired after YA-1 cockpit section was installed. Photo by Geoff Goodall
References:
- Australian Civil Aircraft Register - Department of Civil Aviation and its successors
- Flypast A Record of Aviation in Australia, Neville Parnell & Trevor Boughton, CAA 1988
- Annual Survey of Accidents, DCA publications 1960-1968 editions
- National Library of Australia, Trove website, newspaper archive search
- DCA aircraft registration files, WA Region, National Archives of Australia, Perth WA
- DCA Airwork Licence files: Airwork and Air Culture, National Archives of Australia, Perth WA
- Cropmaster, Allyn Eckford, AHSA Aviation Heritage, June 2004
- Allyn Eckford, Brisbane: interviews and correspondence with Yeoman founders and YA-1 operators
- KSAS workshop records for KS.3 conversions, via Allyn Eckford
- Peter Brown’s pilot log book, courtesy Allyn Eckford
- Airframe log book VH-AJH, transcribed by compiler
- Aerial Agriculture in Australia, Derrick Rolland, Aerial Agricultural Assoc of Australia, 1996
- Wackett CA-6 Aircraft - Use for Agricultural Operations, DCA Central office file 1957-58,
National Archives of Australia, accession MP726 reference 16/11/141
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