Free open day at Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre

Taking pride of place in the static aircraft display at the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre this Sunday is an outstanding example of the aircraft which revolutionised the aviation transport industry in the 30s and 40, the Douglas Dakota C-47B – the military version of the venerable Douglas DC3 airliner.

CAPTION: The newly restored A65-86 C-47B Dakota at Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre. Photo by Corporal Jesse Kane.

Dakota C-47B A65-86 was the longest-serving operational aircraft in the Royal Australian Air Force, entering service 74 years ago with Number 35 Squadron at RAAF Amberley on 15 April 1945.

Her 53 year operational career included serving with the RAAF Transport Flight Japan, the Central Flying School and the Air Force’s Aircraft Research and Development Unit, ending in December 1999.

A65-86 is just one of the magnificently restored or original aircraft on display including a F-111, Canberra bomber, Macchi trainer, Mirage and Sabre fighters, Caribou battlefield airlifter, WWII Douglas Boston bomber, Iroquois and Sioux helicopters.

They’ll be joined this Sunday by a fly-in of up to 15 General Aviation aircraft from the Royal Queensland Aero Club.

Due to RAAF security requirements all visitors over the age of 16 must provide photographic identification, and have their identification details recorded as a condition of entry.

The RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre is open this Sunday (17 February), and then on the third Sunday of each month, between 9am and 3pm.

Access is via the back gate located on Behm’s Road off the Old Toowoomba Road up until 2pm.

Admission is free and photography is welcomed.

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