As many will know, the Temora Aviation Museum (TAM), in Temora, Australia had to postpone their famous Warbirds Downunder air show due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally scheduled for October 17/18, 2020, it will now take place sometime next autumn; museum management expects to confirm the exact dates sometime soon.
But despite these trying times, which required TAM to temporarily close to the public for a while (it is now open again, but with restrictions), museum personnel took the opportunity to devote their energies into several in-house restoration projects currently underway. TAM has just published a brief update on recent progress, which we thought readers would be interested to read:
English Electric Canberra TT.18 WJ680:
The Canberra restoration is tracking along well.
The engines have successfully completed their initial parameter and functional checks. Technicians have also completed the aircraft’s weight and balance checks, and are presently fine-tuning the electric start conversion (in place of the original cartridge-starter system). The next part in the process will involve the engine fire extinguisher bottles, which are awaiting overhaul.
These are exciting times as this important aircraft inches closer to flying again!
deHavilland DH-115 Vampire T.35 A79-617:
The Vampire restoration is also moving in the right direction. Airframe inspections are now complete. The engines are undergoing inspections for their return to service, although the restoration team is awaiting the arrival of some parts to complete this initiative.
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI TB863:
A contractor has completed the Spitfire’s fuel cell, which is now on its way back to Temora for installation.
While TAM’s Warbirds Downunder air show event has had to be pushed until next year, since it involved aircraft and people visiting from further afield, there are still a couple of warbird flying displays involving the museum’s own aircraft taking place at Temora this year. These include the two Aircraft Showcase events; one scheduled for August 29th, and the other for the weekend of October 17/18. Each of these events is expected to include all of the museum’s serviceable aircraft: the Supermarine Spitfires, CA-13 Boomerang, Cessna O-2A, Gloster Meteor, Lockheed Hudson, Wirraway, Tiger Moth and Ryan STM-S2. Also, each event will be strictly limited to 450 visitors, and tickets are ONLY available via pre-event purchase, as no walk-up tickets will be available. Please make sure to check for availability well ahead of time by contacting the museum.
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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