Australian aviation history digital archive

DerekB30/11/202223/11/2024

In its mission to preserve and promote Australia’s aviation heritage, the AHSA hosts the following digital archives. Click on the image to go to the selected archive.

CAC Factory Reports 1937 – 1943

1946 A highly modified Lockheed Neptune P2V-1, the "Truculent Turtle", set a world record in September 1946 when it flew 18,081km (11,325mi) non-stop and unrefuelled from Perth, Western Australia to Columbus, Ohio, in 55 hours and 17 minutes, a record that remained until 1962 when it was broken by a Boeing B-52H Stratofortress. The US Navy aircraft departed Perth on 29 September 1946. The intended destination of the flight was Washington, DC, however the aircraft encountered winds and heavy weather over the Pacific Ocean and rain, sleet, and snow over the Rocky Mountains, consuming more fuel than anticipated, and the aircraft made an early landing at Naval Air Station (NAS) Columbus, Ohio. An unusual passenger carried by the "Turtle" was a 9 month old Grey Kangaroo, destined for an American zoo. After the flight, the aircraft was used for JATO trials. Source: National Naval Aviation Museum (Pensacola USA) website; https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/the-truculent-turtle

1993 It was announced by the Civil Aviation Authority on 29 September 1993 that a major Class G airspace management initiative was cancelled at the last minute due to industry objections and protests from the former chairman Mr Dick Smith and air traffic controllers. Source: Australian Aviation, August 1998; Australian Financial Review, 21 July 1994; Australian, 1 October 1993; Canberra Times, 30 September 1993; CAA 74/93. via aph.gov.au website

2010 The Aviation Crimes and Policing Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 was re-introduced to Parliament on 29 September 2010 (originally on 23 June 2010) to create new aviation-related criminal offences, increased penalties and police powers. Source: A Martyn, Bills Digest no. 41 2010–11, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 2010. via aph.gov.au website