And gather they did over the Queensland long weekend, 2nd & 3rd of May 2009. This was the weekend of the David Hack Classic Aircraft and Vehicle Meet. As part of the event a Fly-in is organized, and the theme selected for this years meet was "The Vietnam Memorial Fly-in" incorporating "The Gathering of the Trojans".
The weather was fantastic and we were privileged to have had a wonderful collection of Warbird, Vintage and Classic aircraft types come together.
There were Five (5) T-28 Trojans gathered with one 'B' model (ZSH), making it's public debut at this years event, and four 'D' models (TRO, DPT, ZUC, ZUK) which was a wonderful sight seeing them together. And I wish, at this point, like to pass on a note of thanks to Ian and Ellen Sylvester for flying their T-28D from Tyabb in Victoria and Kim Rolph-Smith, Warbird Aviation, flying from Brisbane especially for this event.
Also in attendance spectators were treated to seeing a Birddog, various Cessna 180s and a Bell 47 chopper, which we were fortunate enough to have these theme related aircraft in attendance.
We were also privileged to have in attendance a CAC CA-25 Winjeel (FTS), which was flown up to the event from RAAF Point Cook Museum. Another two of these CAC CA-25 products were also present, one from Caboolture (SOB) and one that is based here in Toowoomba (XXD) making three together on the field.
Another special treat, and an aircraft that made its First Australian Public debut, was a Beechcraft Staggerwing D17S (NC16S), owned and operated by Mr. Bill Charney. This aircraft was manufactured in 1944 and was immediately commissioned with the Royal Navy. At the end of service it subsequently was purchased and operated by civil interests, in turn it was purchased by Bill Charney, sent to New Zealand and spent a period of Five years going through a complete restoration process. After spending some time, and being flown in NZ, the aircraft has now embarked on a return trip to the United States. And it was a privilege to have had both aircraft and owner attend the event.
Along with the above mentioned aircraft and operators we were privileged to have had the support of various other aircraft operators over the course of the weekend. As regards the fly-in, with out that generous support the event would not have been the success it was.
And to compliment the aircraft in attendance hundreds of classic, exotic and quite rare vehicles also came together in the same location and we had approximately 17,000 spectators come along to enjoy what was on offer. It is quite a unique event and the Rotary Club of Toowoomba North Inc. and Aerotec QLD also require a special note of thanks for the effort put forward in organizing this event. Certainly an event that is growing in stature each year and as it is a fundraising event where local and national charities benefit from the funds raised it certainly makes it a very unique and special event.
So thank you to all who were involved in the event and to those who generously participated by bringing along your aerial treasures.
Special Author Notes
I wish to make mention, on the eve of the David Hack Event, a young member of the Aerotec team was fatally injured in a vehicle accident.
Will Hutchinson, at the age of 16 had established himself to be a valued and respected young person to not only the Aerotec QLD team but also among other associated pilots, crews and associates. He could be seen on pretty much any given weekend and during School holidays over the last year, giving of his time and lending a hand, off-siding Matt Handley with the Adventure flight operations or Wayne Milburn with Aviation maintenance, establishing and giving himself a stable grounding for a career in an industry that he derived much pleasure from. He loved the warbirds and he loved flying in them. And if any of the operators of these aircraft needed a hand, Will was there to help.
Deepest sympathies to the family, friends and associates of Will Hutchinson
