victapilot

Found this, maybe one day I'll request a look!

 

State Library of NSW Search - Manuscripts, Oral History, and Pictures Catalogue

 

 

Thanks for the feedback, guys! No worries, I'll just say "early 60's".

 

I understand some of the RACNSW archives might be in the hands of the NSW Public Library. That would make interesting reading.

 

One of my regrets is that I never flew a Chipmunk. You had to buy your own headset, and I was already in too deep as a part time uni student.

 

 

I'm now confirming 1963. That agrees with other dates I have seen for the first Victas. I have a small video clip from 8mm film that I made back then.

 

 

 

VH-RSJ is now based at Kyneton in Victoria. Still going strong, I think with a 150HP conversion.

Thanks! I had seen that, and wondered if it was original, or if the rego had been transferred to a newer airframe. They must be a joy to fly with 150 hp. The club had one or two 100 hp versions also, climb rate was sluggish. The 115's were reserved first! I think VH-RSH was 100 hp??

 

I guessed that my solo was around 1963, but the plane was built in 1965. It was almost brand new when I flew it. I wish I had my docs.

 

 

I found this site a few days ago while searching for any info about the RAC NSW (Bankstown)

 

I learned to fly around 1963 in a Victa Airtourer 115. VH-RSJ was my solo airplane, but I flew others as well. However, I never got past my solo endorsement. I was very surprised that the Bankstown operation appears to have folded, and was trying to find details.

 

Unlike some other posters, I don't remember names etc. I lost my logbook and box of flight time receipts when I left Australia in 1967.

 

I did chat with another guy who went through the air cadet pilot scholarship program there, but that's a long time ago.

 

Now, I mostly fly model planes.