air

Oldsmobile was a brand of American automobiles, produced for most of its existence by General Motors. Originally established as "Olds Motor Vehicle Company" by Ransom E. Olds in 1897, it produced over 35 million vehicles, including at least 14 million built at its Lansing, Michigan factory alone. During its time as a division of General Motors, Oldsmobile slotted into the middle of GM's five (passenger car) divisions (above Chevrolet and Pontiac, but below Buick and Cadillac), and was noted for several groundbreaking technologies and designs. Oldsmobile's sales peaked at over one million annually from 1983-1986, but by the 1990s the division faced growing competition from premium import brands and sales steadily declined. When shut down in 2004, Oldsmobile was the oldest surviving American automobile marque, and one of the oldest in the world, after Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Renault, Fiat, Opel and Tatra (initially Nesselsdorfer Wagenbau co.). Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldsmobile

Close contact, from the air and on the ground.

"Known as ‘Dr Tim’, O’Leary was a highly competent doctor, especially skilled in obstetrics. He empathised with his patients, who appreciated his sense of humour as well as his diligence in caring for them. Red-headed and voluble, he had a fiery temper that upset some people. He was keen on horses and riding and at one time held an amateur jockey’s licence. Survived by his wife and their daughter and three sons, he died of chronic lymphatic leukaemia on 20 July 1987 at Runaway Bay and was buried in Allambie Garden of Memories cemetery, Nerang. Two memoirs, North and Aloft and Western Wings of Care, edited by John Pearn and Graham Anderson, were published in 1988." Source: adb.anu.edu.au/biography/oleary-timothy-joseph-tim-15407

The horses seem to be watching in sympathy.

During Bert Hinkler's eventful life, he became associated with many aircraft, especially during his time as Chief Test Pilot for A.V. Roe & Co. His test flights in experimental aircraft, many of which were designed for military service are well documented. His role as a reserve pilot in the 1925 British Schneider Trophy team bears witness to the esteem in which he was held as a test pilot. Apart from the company or syndicated aircraft, Bert Hinkler had machines that he acquired in his own right; in some cases prototypes modified to his own design. In all, five aircraft are linked to his life of private aviation endeavor. THE GLIDER In 1911and 1912 a glider was constructed by Bert Hinkler, each rib and spar skilfully handcrafted in his backyard workshop. It was usually transported to Mon Repos beach (now a protected nesting site for Loggerhead turtles), by horse-drawn vehicles. In April 1912 he had rebuilt the flimsy glider and with an ironing board serving as his cockpit, it took to the air with him aboard and launched young Herbert John Louis Hinkler into the exciting and developing world of aviation. THE AVRO BABY In 1919 an experimental Avro baby was produced - K131 which later became G- EACQ. Hinkler acquired this machine and made two record-breaking solo flights in the aircraft. London (Croydon) - Turin, Italy in 1920 and Sydney - Bundaberg, Australia in April 1921. THE AVRO AVIAN Then came an experimental aircraft with which Hinkler had considerable experience. He had flown the aircraft in several air races from 1926-to 27; however, the aircraft was significantly modified over the period. On February 7, 1928, flying solo, he took off from Croydon, England, and reached Darwin, Australia on February 22, 1928. Record after the record had been shattered by G-EBOV, this amazing light aircraft. Both the original aircraft, G-EACQ, and G-EBOV are on display at the Queensland Museum in Brisbane, Australia. THE IBIS Following his record-breaking flight to Australia, Bert Hinkler’s horizons changed. He perceived the great distances of the sea over which he had traveled and his thoughts of commercial requirements for special aircraft filled his enquiring mind. The Ibis amphibian was built back at Hamble with a friend - the aeronautical engineer, Roland Bound. The wing was designed by Basil Henderson an aircraft designer and engineer of note, who was on the technical staff of A.V.Roe 1924-28. The Ibis had several changes before its first test flight at Hamble in May 1930. Regretfully Hinkler had to abandon the development due to a lack of interest and the onset of the great depression. A full-scale replica, the property of the Hinkler Hall of Aviation Memorabilia Trust, built-in 1987/88 is proudly displayed in the Hinkler Hall of Aviation in the Botanic Gardens adjacent to the Hinkler House Memorial Museum, Bundaberg. THE PUSS-MOTH CF-APK With his hopes high at the prospect of starting a new business venture, Bert Hinkler purchased an English-built DH80A Puss Moth in Canada, and it wasn’t long before he set out on a new adventure - the first solo crossing of the South Atlantic Ocean, which he achieved between October and December 1931. Regretfully in the same aircraft, the boy born at Woodbine Villa, Gavin Street Bundaberg, Australia, met an untimely end on Mt. Pratomagno Italy, on the 7th of January 1933 while attempting another solo record to Australia. The DH80A Puss Moth on display in the Hinkler Hall of Aviation has been faithfully restored to the exact specification as flown by Bert Hinkler. This is a very rare and valuable aircraft as very few exist in the world today. The acquisition and restoration of this aircraft were made possible by generous donations from businesses, private individuals, and the Italian Community of Bundaberg. This major project was carried out by our association. Source: www.hinklerresearch.org.au/aircraft.htm