By Alesha Capone
Today, the Royal Australian Air Force marks 100 years of service to Australia – a date especially important to the Point Cook RAAF base, which is known as the birthplace of the national force.
Air Force curator David Gardner , a former air force technician now based at the RAAF Museum in Point Cook, has been working with flying machines including the Mirage, Sabre and Vampire, since 1976.
“Being a technician working on those aircraft was very interesting, rewarding and it took me around the world,” he said.
“I had worked on most of the aircraft in the museum when they were operational and I’ve worked on them since, looking after them in the museum and I’m quite proud of that fact.”
Wing Commander Philip Beanland is head of the Air Force Heritage Squadron, which flies across the nation to showcase historic aircraft.
He said piloting planes such as Kitty Hawks, Beauforts, Catalinas and Spitfires was a remarkable experience.
“When you walk up to an aircraft, start it up, jump in, it is amazing to reconnect with what they’ve done in the past,” he said.
“It is an absolute honour and privilege to be able to serve in this way and to be able to honour and serve our past.”
He said that although he is commanding officer of the squadron, he wanted to acknowledge the “tireless support” of its other members.
