Canberra Aiport Open Day – behind the scenes of amazing aircraft

Aeroplanes are fascinating. They just are. Whether you’re a child watching one fly for the first time, or an adult on a long-haul flight, the phenomenon of flying never ceases to be intriguing.

The Canberra Airport Open Day, a day devoted to all-things with wings, is an aeroplane addict’s dream, providing access to and information on aircraft not usually available, and a full day of entertainment for people of all ages.

After a 45 minute drive that would usually take 15 minutes in bumper-to-bumper traffic, we miraculously pull into a free car park and join the thick crowds heading across to Brindabella business park.

We move through the food stalls and information desks such as the Canberra Aero Club, stopping briefly to look at two gliders on display. Eager to get to the main aircraft, we follow the crowds across to the tarmac.

As well as Qantas and Virgin passenger planes for people to climb into, other aircraft on display include, light planes such as the ‘American Champion’ (pictured), and one of the stars of the open day, the Lockheed Super Constellation or ‘Connie’, which has a fascinating history of use and restoration.

Flown by the US Airforce in the 1950’s, Connie was thought to be lost before it was found in Arizona by the Historical Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS), and has had hundreds of thousands of dollars poured into it. It is now based in Australia.

The highlight of the day is certainly the access inside the aircraft that is made available to the public. We choose to wait in the long line and pay $5 for entry into the Douglas DC3 Dakota, a commercial aircraft that was also used by the RAAF and has also been restored by HARS. At 71 years old, the Dakota is an interesting example of a style of aircraft that can be used for both commercial and military use.

Inside, we find a military-style set up, with stretcher-seating and what looks like some original equipment. The Dakota is based in Wollongong and still makes flights for events such as the Open Day.

After taking a look at a few more aircraft, including the ‘Catalina’, a ferocious looking black water bomber (acquired by HARS from Chilean ownership),  we finish off the day with an incredible air show by the RAAF Roulettes and the Red Baron. All around us, thousands of children and adults pause, to watch the displays of speed and skill as the planes soar, dip and tumble in perfect synchronisation, a truly marvellous sight to see.

Words by Helena Game

Photographs supplied by Kon Kudo and Megan Kennedy