Barry Spence

[dauntless]

"Hi" I have just turned 85 and I would dearly like to cross something off my bucket list, that is to attend the Temora Aircraft Museum's November flying spectacular, most particularly to see a Spitfire at close range and of course flying majestically in the air before the final curtain comes down for me. I am a former pilot but due to age and not being as fit as I once was I am no longer able to hold a licence to fly.

 

I live at Bateau Bay on the NSW Central Coast and if somebody has a spare seat that this little old ex flyer could occupy I would really appreciate the ride, it certainly would be better than going by rail and bus.

 

Wishing all flyers a safe and happy adventure always.

 

God bless: Barry

 

 

 

[dazza 38]

Welcome Barry

 

 

[DGL Fox]

Hi Barry,

 

I wish I could help you Barry, I am sure there will be someone here that would love to give you a ride down to Temora...good luck Barry and I hope you have many years left to go to places like Temora..

 

David

 

 

[facthunter]

Silver dope and painted cowl. That's how a lot of them were done. When was that Barry? Nev

 

 

[dauntless]

Silver dope and painted cowl. That's how a lot of them were done. When was that Barry? Nev

2009 Nev, at Tiger Moth Airfield, Pimpama Gold Coast Qld.

 

 

[dauntless]

Hi Barry,I wish I could help you Barry, I am sure there will be someone here that would love to give you a ride down to Temora...good luck Barry and I hope you have many years left to go to places like Temora..

David

Thanks anyway David, Barry

 

 

[facthunter]

You are NOT old then. Plane and fella look serviceable to me. Nev

 

 

[dauntless]

 

Nev, I first flew in a Tiger Moth way back in 1946, a family friend and neighbour Wally James purchased two of these machines from disposals and began operating joy flights from Albion Park aerodrome, now known as Illawarra Regional Airport and at the weekends operating off the sand flats at Windang, the entrance to Lake Illawarra.

 

I at that time as a teenager used to earn pocket money by mowing the lawns and tending the gardens for Mr James widowed mother and so much of my pocket money was spent on joy flights in the Moths, I went on to take some basic flying lessons with one of the pilots a Mr Green, I think from memory his first name was Richard.

 

Whilst I never at that stage went on to gain my licence I did so somewhat later with Southbank Aviation flying mostly Cessna aircraft. After gaining my licence I went on to work for Southbank mainly in the role of promoting and selling the services and products of the company, We were a franchised Cessna dealership and in addition to selling and servicing aircraft we conducted an Aerial survey and aerial photography operation as well as a flying school, aircraft charter and aircraft hire business.

 

In 1966 together with a fellow member of the staff I delivered a new Cessna 172 to the Tumut Aero Club where I met up with the legendary Brian (Blackjack) Walker who was there with his Tiger Moth to take part in the organised field day to mark the arrival of the club's new aircraft, Brian invited me to accompany him in his Tiger Moth to go up and do some steamer cutting to entertain the gathering which I readily accepted. In 2009 I decided to create a bucket list and on top of the list was a promise to once again before I die fly in a Tiger Moth so hence the photo of me beside VH-ASB after just landing at Pimpama Airfield. Regards Barry

 

 

 

[facthunter]

Then we have a couple of things (at least) in common. My first flight in any plane was at Albion Park and I knew Brian Walker quite well. He purchased a lot of "fast bits" I had made for a Peugeot 203 when I left Newcastle to go to Melbourne in 1965. He owned and flew an Auster at Rutherford ( West Maitland) at the time. If you like DH-82's Get Isaacs to take you to Luskintyre sometime. Nev

 

 

[farri]

Hello Barry and .

 

If you get up to the Cairns area any time and come and see me, I`ll be happy to take you up in the Drifter, weather permiting of course! It won`t cost you anything and I reckon you`ll enjoy it.

 

Cheers and all the best,

 

Frank.

 

 

[dauntless]

Hello Barry and .If you get up to the Cairns area any time and come and see me, I`ll be happy to take you up in the Drifter, weather permiting of course! It won`t cost you anything and I reckon you`ll enjoy it.

 

Cheers and all the best,

 

Frank.

Thank you very much for the invite Frank, I'm sure I would really enjoy a flit around the tropical Cairns skies in your Drifter, sounds great.

 

Cheers to you.

 

Barry

 

 

[dauntless]

Welcome Barry

Thank you for your welcome greeting dazza.

 

All the best.

 

Barry