“……………For bush boys like myself, we had a certain level of knowledge of things mechanical, but it was enlightening to find out about how engines actually work. At least I had seen engines stripped down to their components before, so discussions about crankshafts, pistons, bearings, conrods, and so on, were easy to visualize.”
This chapter is where I leave the rural world for the aviation world.
Following , are a number of images which are reflective of the times and events in the early 70’s associated with my story.
To the right is the Cessna 172 VH-EFR of Pioneer Flight Center, Mackay, on Marble Island in the Duke Island group about 150 kilometers SE of Mackay. The short field landing technique taught in Flight School was definitely necessary as the airstrip was less than 500 meters long. At the time my employer was reticent about letting me fly into such a short airstrip with low experience.
I proved him wrong and I still had a job the next day! Keswick Island near Mackay has a similar short strip which looks very similar to the above image.
The aircraft to the left is a Cherokee 180 which I did over 150 flights in the actual aircraft, both as a Flight Instructor and charter pilot whilst being employed by the Townsville Aero Club. It was painted in different colors to those depicted.
After my 1st Twin endorsement on an Apache, the second twin I flew was this Beechcraft Baron. It was a brand-new aircraft based in Townsville, being flown most of the time by a friend now, of many years (Mike Castell- Spence). I did the endorsement for the Baron on it with Pat Harrington in Feb 1974.
The first photo I ever saw of a Baron, was many years before in a National Geographic magazine. As a kid at that time I thought what a cool looking machine it was. To actually get in one and fly it yourself was a sensation beyond words. I have loved the Barons ever since .
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