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On the weekend of 23-24 April 2016, The Australian Vintage Aviation Society (TAVAS) held a flying weekend at Caboolture Airport to commemorate ANZAC Day. In addition to the resident aircraft, nu-merous warbirds and historic aircraft types from around the re-

gion attended the event. The Society’s Great War fleet was the star attrac-tion with the Ranger-powered Bristol F.2B, Fokker Dr.I and Fokker D.VIII all performing to the delight of the crowd. Several other W.W.I types were also on display on the flightline. For many, seeing the 160hp (119kW) Gnome-powered D.VIII fly was their first opportunity to hear and see a rotary engine in action as the aircraft was put through its paces.

The Beaufort Restoration Group opened its hangar to display the pro-gress on the rare DAP Beaufort Mk. VII. The impressive sight of Jack McDonald’s active, and equally high quality, Hawker Demon project could be seen alongside the Beaufort. A Caboolture airshow is always something to be cherished and it is hoped TAVAS will be responsible for many more to come. John Freedman

TAVAS On Show

Airshows

LEFT: Watching the rotary Gnome powering the Fokker D.VIII is always a treat.

BELOW: Locally based CAC Mustang, VH-MFT, was busy over the weekend giving joyrides.

ABOVE: The resident Douglas C-47, a former resident of Mareeba and Drage’s Air World in Wangaratta, is under long-term restoration to fly.

The Bristol Fighter taxies past a nice variety of vintage types.

CAC Wirraway A20-695/VH-MFW is another historic aircraft that

Genairco VH-UOD is the only example flying in the world.

Stinson L-5B VH-CRO served with the USAAF’s 1st Air Commando Group in Burma.