The Royal Flying Doctor Service is calling for volunteers to help restore the historic Nomad aircraft usually displayed at the entrance to the Flying Doctor’s Broken Hill Base.
The Nomad was removed from display for the first time in 20 years on Tuesday 26 February and transported into the heritage hangar at the Broken Hill Base where it is awaiting restoration by willing volunteers before it can be returned to its usual home.
Nomad aircraft were used by the Flying Doctor in NSW from 1978 to 1995 and featured in the famous Flying Doctor TV series. This particular aircraft, however, is a hybrid constructed from the airframe of the old aircraft VH-RCC, not used by the Flying Doctor but painted up to represent the aircraft they did use, VH-MSF.
At least a dozen volunteers are needed to help clean, paint and repair the Nomad to restore it to its former state. No experience in aircraft restoration is necessary, however, any knowledge of mechanics or engineering would be valuable.
The project is being coordinated by the Flying Doctor’s Aviation Heritage Curator Noel Passlow who is also overseeing the restoration of two other aircraft at the base – an ex-army Nomad and an original Flying Doctor Drover on loan from the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. Noel said volunteers who take part in the restoration will find it a wonderfully rewarding experience.
“To see an aircraft of the type previously operated by the Flying Doctor being brought back into the public eye is a good feeling,” Noel said. “We will visibly bring our aviation history to the viewing public.”
Volunteers would ideally be available to start work on the Nomad within the next two weeks. Restoration of the aircraft will take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 5pm and volunteers can choose the hours they work on these days.
Visitors to the Broken Hill Base will be able to see the old aircraft being restored on a tour with the Bruce Langford Visitors Centre.
To volunteer please contact Noel Passlow on 0417 429 832 or email Noel.Passlow@rfdsse.org.au
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