Hi Lisa,
I have only just come across your note when I googled VH-KJG just out of curosity, so I'm no doubt a bit late for your article, however I would like to add a bit for you records.
I met Jim at the Kingsford Smith Flying school on Bankstown when I started an aerobatic endorsement with him in KJG on the 6th May 1976. I trained with him again on the 18th, 20th and 27th May. He was an excellent instructor, competent, knowledgeable, compasionate and able to bring out the best in the student.
At this point there is a gap in my aerobatic flying until 17th July and if I remember correctly KJG was unserviceable. I think Jim damaged a wing during landing when a rudder cable failed, possibly at Moree, but thats all pretty vague.
I recommenced the aerobatic endorsement training on 17th July in KJG but when I booked for the session Jim told me that he was ceasing instructing there and passed me to Don Riley, with who I completed the endorsement on 28th July.
I'm sure Jim was preparing for the international aerobatic competitions at the time and this may have had a bearing on this decision. Also, I think Don had a share in KJG
I managed to fly KJG solo on only one ocasion, on 4th August, before it was damaged when someone tipped it on its nose.
During my time under Jims instruction he also talked me into joining the Australian Aerobatic club of which I am still a member. I met him numerous times at the Aerobatic club events and competed many times and fondly remember many great days at the Willacia strip and I certainly confirm that he loved flying and encouraging others not only to flying but to to achieve their best at it.
I have on my study wall a large photograph of KJG and PAS flying mirror formation which I bought at one of the Aerobatic Club stands around the time.
I was especially saddened to hear of crash of the 310 in which he died, made more so because I was a TAFE trade teacher and the young apprentice who died with him was one of our students.
I hope this is helpful to you, even if so late.
Kindest regards,
Barry
