Articles
Nanchang CJ-6: VH-XXK
This lovely CJ6 is a 1990 model imported from China and painstaking restored by her owner Daniel over a 12 month period. She has a new paint job and is fully refurbished with leather interior. Her instrumentation is all original and in Chinese (very cool!).
Specifications
· Engine: One 285hp 9 cyliner Radial engine
· Weight: Empty 1,095 kg, Max Takeoff 1,400 kg
· Wing Span: 33ft. 6in.
· Length: 27ft. 9in.
· Height: 10ft. 8in.
· Maximum Speed: 160 KIAS
· Propeller: 2 bladed constant speed
· Range: 372NM
· Armament: unfortunately not on our lady
Contact Details
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General History and Design Features
The Nanchang CJ-6 is an aircraft designed and built in China for use by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) as a basic trainer.
Its predecessor, the Nanchang CJ-5, was a licence-built version of the Yak-18 but advancements in pilot training brought a need for a new aircraft with improved performance and a tricycle landing gear. PLAAF engineers decided that the Yak-18A's performance and design would not suit China's needs and so began the task of designing the CJ6 in late 1957.
The design they delivered featured an aluminum semi-monocoque fuselage, flush-riveted throughout. They introduced a modified Clark airfoil wing design with a pronounced dihedral in the outer sections and used a locally manufactured version of the Soviet AI-14P 260 hp radial engine, along with a matching propeller.
The first flight of the CJ-6 was completed on August 27, 1958. In 1965 the HS-6 engine was upgraded to the 285 hp HS-6A and the aircraft was designated the CJ-6A.
Tiger Moth : VH-CXV
"Millie"
"Millie", a beautiful lady from a bygone era, helped train countless young Australian men during the tumultuous years of World War II. Often she would have been their first introduction to the joys of flying. They learnt all the basic manoeuvres in her; how to handle an aircraft, how to navigate and how to hopefully stay alive. "Millie" helped prepare them for the larger and more powerful Wirraway’s and Spitfire's they would later fly in combat. Some were better than others. All of them were young.
Her Flying History
Construction Number - 83250. RAF Serial - T5531Click on any of the pictures to enlarge it and make your way through Millie's unique flying history!
"Millie" was named after Millicent Bryant, the first woman to obtain a private pilot's license in Australia. She was built in 1938 in England and arrived in Australia Sept 1940 aboard the SS Port Melbourne. Taken on RAAF charge at No. 1 Aircraft Depot Laverton, like all imported training aircraft, "Millie" retained her RAF serial number T5531. During her time with the RAAF, she served with the No. 8 EFTS (Elementary Flying Training school) Narrandera, No. 4 EFTS Mascot, No. 10 EFTS Temora and No. 7 EFTS Western Junction, TAS.
She was declared surplus and sold for £180 to F. Redden, Camden NSW on 20th May 1946 and registered VH-ATD on 1st Jun 1946. Later she was sold to Royal Newcastle Aero Club (1953) where she flew under the registration VH-RNL. When she left their care, "Millie" was given her current registration of VH-CXV.
Rebuilt in 1976 and with a General Motors Gipsy Major engine installed, she participated in several Tiger Moth races including the 1978 "Pacific Film Great Tiger Moth Race", winning several. Since that time she has had a number of owners, moving around the country, and on 13th December she started on her latest adventure when she moved to her new home, here in Orange.
Her Specifications
· Engine: One 145hp Gypsy Major (Holden) 4 piston in-line inverted
· Weight: Empty 549 kg, Max Takeoff 827 kg
· Wing Span: 29ft. 4in.
· Length: 23ft. 11in.
· Height: 8ft. 9in.
· Maximum Speed: 139 KIAS
· Propeller: 2 bladed wooden fixed pitch
· Range: 2.0 hrs @ 1950RPM & 70 KIAS
· Tail Wheel with brakes fitted
To see what flights are available in "Millie", visit our Joy Flights page or Contact Us to see how we can customise a flight to meet your needs.
Citabria 7GCBC : VH-OVJ
"Maude"
Maude is our beautiful star-spangled American Champion arrived from the good old U. S of A. She is built for the thrill and excitement of aerobatic flying and does not disappoint..... everyone knows Citabria is airbatic spelt backwards!
Approved Aerobatic Maneuvers
Citabria's have an aerobatic limit of +5g's and -2g's which basically means a whole lot of fun for those lucky enough to fly in one. They are approved for the following aerobatic maneuvers:
- Chandell, Lazy Eights
- Barrel Roll
- Immelmann
- Loops
- Split S
- Snap Rolls
- Vertical Reverse
- Cuban Eight
- Spins
Some Home Pics of our Lovely Lady
Specifications
- Year of Manufacture: 1995
- Engine: Lycoming O-320. 160hp @2700rpm
- Weight: Empty 567 kg, Max Takeoff 816 kg
- Wing Span: 34.5ft.
- Length: 22.1ft.
- Height: 7.7ft.
- Maximum Speed Vne: 140 KIAS
- Propeller: Sensenich 73 in
- Range: 3.1 hrs @ 75% power and 111 KIAS
Not only is Maude fully aerobatic but she is also a dream trainer for that much sort after tail-dragger endorsement. Stable, forgiving and with high forward visibility she is just perfect for coming to grips with a conventional under-carriage. Citabria's are also good bush planes with better than average STOL capabilities. Dreams of flying over the Bungle Bungles are high on the wish list of her owner!
It is Maude's ability to twist and spin through the air however, that other people delight in. Why not give it a try!
To see what flights are available in "Maude", visit our Joy Flights page or Contact Us to see how we can customise a flight to meet your needs.