
SABC Annual Fly-in 2015, Serpentine (YSEN) – 27 September 2015
Copyright 2015 – David Eyre
The Sport Aircraft Builders Club of WA Inc (SABC) hosted its Annual Fly-In at the SABC’s airfield at Serpentine Airfield, about an hour’s drive south of Perth, WA, on Sunday 27 September 2015.
Many of the aircraft on display were built or restored at Serpentine, and this free event is an opportunity for SABC members to show the public the results of their many hours of effort in building or restoring aircraft. A number of aircraft also flew in from other areas of Western Australia, including a contingent of Vans RV aircraft from Albany.
This year, the fly-in included World War Two training aircraft, such as the Tiger Moth, Harvard and Stearman, a Titan T-51 (a scale replica of the P-51 Mustang WW2 fighter), modern, sleek sportsplanes like the Fly Synthesis Synchro, and the Colomban Cri-Cri – the World’s smallest twin-engine jet.
To promote aviation to a wider range of visitors, SABC invites car and motorcycle clubs, and even a miniature steam traction engine club – these towed kids around the hangars.
This is a fly-in, not an airshow, but there were some formation flypasts by vintage biplanes, a few aerobatics demonstrations, and a line of aircraft also taxied out from the hangars, along the taxiway and back to the hangars.
Wandering around the hangars, you can chat with the SABC members as they proudly discuss their aircraft projects. As always, SABC member Bert Filippi drew a large crowd with his magnificent vintage aircraft collection, including a Sopwith Pup from World War One, a 1932 Pietenpol Aircamper, a 1933 De Havilland DH-83 Fox Moth that was formerly operated by the Flying Doctor Service, a French Air Force Nord 3202, a Tiger Moth, and a CASA 1-131E Jungmann. There are many other interesting aircraft based at Serpentine.
The SABC was established in 1973 by a small group of members of the Sport Aircraft Association of Australia (SAAA). They leased some land in Serpentine and formed the SABC to own and operate an airfield. Club members and their families cleared the scrub, and over the years built two runways (a 910 metre bitumen runway with lights and a 600 metre grass runway), taxiways, hangars, a Clubhouse, and other facilities. The club has 300 members, with over 130 aircraft based at Serpentine in more than 100 hangars.
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VH-YRB: Built in 2005, ex N105KS.
VH-YDF: Built in 1941, ex BuNo.4269, N3188, N59127, (VH-JDF not taken up).
VH-WQW: Built in 2001, ex N264SA.
Photo © David Eyre

Photo © Keith Anderson.

VH-YDF: Built in 1941, ex BuNo.4269, N3188, N59127, (VH-JDF not taken up).
VH-WQW: built in 2001, ex N264SA.
VH-WWA: Built in 1942. Ex 41-16716, 0106 (Paraguayan Air Force), N6069H.
Photo © David Eyre

VH-WWA: Built in 1942. Ex 41-16716, 0106 (Paraguayan Air Force), N6069H.
VH-YRB: Built in 2005, ex N105KS.
VH-WQW: built in 2001, ex N264SA.
VH-YDF: Built in 1941, ex BuNo.4269, N3188, N59127, (VH-JDF not taken up).
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1946, ex VH-RCM, N82257, NC82257.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2004, ex N323JD, VH-WLX.
Photo © Keith Anderson

Built in 1947, first registered in the UK as G-AJPX on 12 May 1947 as an Auster V J/1 Autocrat. Delivered to Air Schools Ltd, Derby (Burnaston), UK. Cancelled 1.8.51 as sold in Australia, where it was registered VH-AYJ on 22 Nov 1951. Converted in 1959 to Auster J/1L “Kingsmith” by Kingsford-Smith Aviation Services, re-engined with a 150 hp Lycoming O-320, added wheel spats (later removed) and modifications. Converted to J/1BL in 1965.
Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1941 as a PT-17 Kaydet. Ex 41-8275, N58403. Wears a WW2-style US Army Air Corps blue/yellow colour scheme.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1941 as a PT-17 Kaydet. Ex 41-8275, N58403. Wears a WW2-style US Army Air Corps blue/yellow colour scheme.
Photo © Keith Anderson

Built in 1941 as a PT-17 Kaydet. Ex 41-8275, N58403. Wears a WW2-style US Army Air Corps blue/yellow colour scheme.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1941, ex BuNo.4269, N3188, N59127, (VH-JDF not taken up).
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1941, ex BuNo.4269, N3188, N59127, (VH-JDF not taken up).
Photo © Keith Anderson

Built in 1941, ex BuNo.4269, N3188, N59127, (VH-JDF not taken up).
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1941, ex BuNo.4269, N3188, N59127, (VH-JDF not taken up).
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1941, ex BuNo.4269, N3188, N59127, (VH-JDF not taken up).
Photo © David Eyre

VH-ANH was built in 1975 and delivered from New Zealand as ZK-EAD, handed over to the RAAF on 31 July 1975, with RAAF serial A19-041. Sold by RAAF and registered VH-ANH on 31 May 1993 to David T Gard.
VH-CBO was built in 1998.
VH-BFC was previously owned by the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia and was built in 1978, ex N7375L.
Photo © David Eyre

Previously owned by the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia and was built in 1978, ex N7375L.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2003, ex N411FA.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1999, ex N126RS, N136RJ, N136RU, N136RJ.
Photo © David Eyre

The Colomban Cri-cri (English: the chirp-chirp sound made by a cricket) is the smallest twin-engined manned aircraft in the world, designed in the early 1970s by French aeronautical engineer Michel Colomban.
This example was built in 2011 by Sakkie Van Heerden and David Botes. First flight 18 Feb 2012. It has now been retro fitted with jet engines.
Photo © Keith Anderson.

The Colomban Cri-cri (English: the chirp-chirp sound made by a cricket) is the smallest twin-engined manned aircraft in the world, designed in the early 1970s by French aeronautical engineer Michel Colomban.
This example was built in 2011 by Sakkie Van Heerden and David Botes. First flight 18 Feb 2012. It has now been retro fitted with jet engines.
Photo © Keith Anderson.

The Colomban Cri-cri (English: the chirp-chirp sound made by a cricket) is the smallest twin-engined manned aircraft in the world, designed in the early 1970s by French aeronautical engineer Michel Colomban.
This example was built in 2011 by Sakkie Van Heerden and David Botes. First flight 18 Feb 2012. It has now been retro fitted with jet engines.
Photo © Keith Anderson.

The Cri-Cri is the smallest twin-engined manned jet in the world. This one was converted from its previous two piston engines to use two Czech-built PBS TJ20A turbojets. Each engine weighs only 2.1kg and produces 20kg of thrust. At idle, the engine turns at 35,000 RPM and at max power, 120,000 RPM. The two engines together consume 1.3 Litres of fuel per minute. The engines have to be overhauled every 50 hours of operating time.
Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

The Starlet was designed by Australian John Corby and first flown in 1967.
Photo © David Eyre

VH-ZUZ was built in 2003. Peter built it from plans – some bits he had to guess. Sourced all parts himself. Took 6000hrs over 3 years (or 40 hrs/wk, 52 weeks/yr). Hardest was hand-making the cowlings by “tin bashing”.
Photo © Keith Anderson.

Built in 2003. Peter built it from plans – some bits he had to guess, and he sourced all parts himself. It took 6000 hours of construction over 3 years (or 40 hrs/wk, 52 weeks/yr). Most difficult was hand-making the engine cowlings by “tin bashing”.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1961, as one of 11 Tiger Moths assembled by Lawrence Engineering and Sales Pty Ltd at Camden, NSW, in 1959-61 using a collection of British-built RAF Tiger Moth parts acquired from disposals sales. VH-CXL was registered on 8 March 1961, and was acquired by its current owner in 2000.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1940, by De Havilland Aircraft at Bankstown, NSW. Served RAAF as A17-201. Registered 29.4.1946 as VH-AMG. Withdrawn from use in 1965 due to Department of Civil Aviation policy.
Rebuilt and registered in 2000 as VH-DWD and registered to the current owner in 2001.
Photo © Keith Anderson

Built in 1940, by De Havilland Aircraft at Bankstown, NSW. Served RAAF as A17-201. Registered 29.4.1946 as VH-AMG. Withdrawn from use in 1965 due to Department of Civil Aviation policy.
Rebuilt and registered in 2000 as VH-DWD and registered to the current owner in 2001.
Photo © Keith Anderson

Built in 1939. One of 100 Tiger Moths imported to Australia (in addition to production at Bankstown, NSW).
Served with RAAF, but retained RAF serial N9129. Served with 9EFTS at Cunderdin WA 10/04/1943 to 19/06/1943.
Registered VH-BJV 24/11/1947 to George W K Baston, Quobba Station, Carnarvon, WA.
Registered 1.11.1953 to Reginald J James, Cardabia Station, Carnarvon, WA.
Registered 3.9.1956 to Berrinvale Grazing Co, Glentramie, New Norcia, WA.
Registered 6.5.1957 to Doggett Aviation & Engineering Co, Maylands Aerodrome, WA.
Re-registered 15.6.1959 as VH-DAL to Doggett Aviation & Engineering Co, Maylands Aerodrome, WA.
Crashed and cancelled from register 28.6.1965.
Registered VH-NIG from 12.4.1994 to Nigel T Emmans.
Photo © Keith Anderson

Built in 1939. One of 100 Tiger Moths imported to Australia (in addition to production at Bankstown, NSW).
Served with RAAF, but retained RAF serial N9129. Served with 9EFTS at Cunderdin WA 10/04/1943 to 19/06/1943.
Registered VH-BJV 24/11/1947 to George W K Baston, Quobba Station, Carnarvon, WA.
Registered 1.11.1953 to Reginald J James, Cardabia Station, Carnarvon, WA.
Registered 3.9.1956 to Berrinvale Grazing Co, Glentramie, New Norcia, WA.
Registered 6.5.1957 to Doggett Aviation & Engineering Co, Maylands Aerodrome, WA.
Re-registered 15.6.1959 as VH-DAL to Doggett Aviation & Engineering Co, Maylands Aerodrome, WA.
Crashed and cancelled from register 28.6.1965.
Registered VH-NIG from 12.4.1994 to Nigel T Emmans.
Photo © Keith Anderson

Built in 1939. One of 100 Tiger Moths imported to Australia (in addition to production at Bankstown, NSW).
Served with RAAF, but retained RAF serial N9129. Served with 9EFTS at Cunderdin WA 10/04/1943 to 19/06/1943.
Registered VH-BJV 24/11/1947 to George W K Baston, Quobba Station, Carnarvon, WA.
Registered 1.11.1953 to Reginald J James, Cardabia Station, Carnarvon, WA.
Registered 3.9.1956 to Berrinvale Grazing Co, Glentramie, New Norcia, WA.
Registered 6.5.1957 to Doggett Aviation & Engineering Co, Maylands Aerodrome, WA.
Re-registered 15.6.1959 as VH-DAL to Doggett Aviation & Engineering Co, Maylands Aerodrome, WA.
Crashed and cancelled from register 28.6.1965.
Registered VH-NIG from 12.4.1994 to Nigel T Emmans.
Photo © Keith Anderson

Built in 1942 by De Havilland Aircraft at Bankstown, NSW. Originally built for South Africa as DX742, but delivered to the RAAF as A17-649. Sold by RAAF and became VH-RNO on 10 June 1955 with Royal Newcastle Aero Club. Re-registered VH-WFN on 15 Aug 1959 to Aero Service Pty Ltd, it was based at the former Maylands Aerodrome in Perth. It has had a number of owners, accidents and rebuilds in subsequent years.
Photo © David Eyre

Originally ordered for the Royal Air Force (RAF) as DE628. Later to South African Air Force (SAAF) and re-serialed as 4601. To South African civil register as ZS-BYM in March 1948, operated by Flying Springbok Aero Club at Rand Airport. Went through a few owners before being registered in 1973 to R.C. Helling, Sandton, South Africa. It was under rebuild at Rand in 1993. Its registration was cancelled on 26.7.2011 as sold in Australia, but it is still wearing the registration and still undergoing a slow rebuild.
Photo © David Eyre

VH-CXL was built in 1961, as one of 11 Tiger Moths assembled by Lawrence Engineering and Sales Pty Ltd at Camden, NSW, in 1959-61 using a collection of British-built RAF Tiger Moth parts acquired from disposals sales. VH-CXL was registered on 8 March 1961, and was acquired by its current owner in 2000.
VH-NIG/N9129 was built in 1939 as one of 100 Tiger Moths built in the UK but imported to Australia (in addition to Tiger Moths produced at Bankstown, NSW). It served with RAAF, but retained its RAF serial N9129. Served with 9 EFTS at Cunderdin WA in 1943. Registered VH-BJV in 1947 and was based at Carnarvon, New Norcia and Maylands. Re-registered in 1959 as VH-DAL but crashed and was deregistered in 1965. Restored and registered VH-NIG in 1994 to Nigel T Emmans.
VH-DWD/A17-201 was built in 1940, by De Havilland Aircraft at Bankstown, NSW. Served with the RAAF as A17-201. Registered in 1946 as VH-AMG. Withdrawn from use in 1965 due to a Department of Civil Aviation policy. Rebuilt and registered in 2000 as VH-DWD.
Photo © David Eyre

VH-NIG/N9129 was built in 1939 as one of 100 Tiger Moths built in the UK but imported to Australia (in addition to Tiger Moths produced at Bankstown, NSW). It served with RAAF, but retained its RAF serial N9129. Served with 9 EFTS at Cunderdin WA in 1943. Registered VH-BJV in 1947 and was based at Carnarvon, New Norcia and Maylands. Re-registered in 1959 as VH-DAL but crashed and was deregistered in 1965. Restored and registered VH-NIG in 1994 to Nigel T Emmans.
VH-DWD/A17-201 was built in 1940, by De Havilland Aircraft at Bankstown, NSW. Served with the RAAF as A17-201. Registered in 1946 as VH-AMG. Withdrawn from use in 1965 due to a Department of Civil Aviation policy. Rebuilt and registered in 2000 as VH-DWD.
Photo © David Eyre

Formally G-AECB, built in 1933 and exported to Australia in 1935 where it was operated by MacRobertson Miller Aviation as part of the Flying Doctor Service.
Photo © Keith Anderson.

Formally G-AECB, built in 1933 and exported to Australia in 1935 where it was operated by MacRobertson Miller Aviation as part of the Flying Doctor Service.
Photo © Keith Anderson.

Built in 1933 by De Havilland at Stag Lane Aerodrome, Edgeware, UK, and registered in 1933 as G-AECB to Scottish Motor Traction Co. Ltd., Edinburgh. In 1935, it was shipped to Fremantle, WA for MacRobertson Miller Airlines (MMA), and was registered VH-USJ. It was based in Port Hedland and operated by MMA for Australian Aerial Medical Service (AAMS), and in 1941 was sold to them. AAMS later became the Flying Doctor Service (WA Section) Inc. It was sold in 1961 and was damaged in an accident in 1964. After a series of owners and locations awaiting rebuild, in 1996, it was shipped to New Zealand and re-built. It flew again on 22 November 2002, registered as ZK-USJ, but still wearing VH-USJ. It returned to Australia in 2003 and was again registered VH-USJ.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1933 by De Havilland at Stag Lane Aerodrome, Edgeware, UK, and registered in 1933 as G-AECB to Scottish Motor Traction Co. Ltd., Edinburgh. In 1935, it was shipped to Fremantle, WA for MacRobertson Miller Airlines (MMA), and was registered VH-USJ. It was based in Port Hedland and operated by MMA for Australian Aerial Medical Service (AAMS), and in 1941 was sold to them. AAMS later became the Flying Doctor Service (WA Section) Inc. It was sold in 1961 and was damaged in an accident in 1964. After a series of owners and locations awaiting rebuild, in 1996, it was shipped to New Zealand and re-built. It flew again on 22 November 2002, registered as ZK-USJ, but still wearing VH-USJ. It returned to Australia in 2003 and was again registered VH-USJ.
Photo © David Eyre

This is the cockpit, which has a small oval window to see into the passenger cabin, which has seating for four passengers. Built in 1933 by De Havilland at Stag Lane Aerodrome, Edgeware, UK, and registered in 1933 as G-AECB to Scottish Motor Traction Co. Ltd., Edinburgh. In 1935, it was shipped to Fremantle, WA for MacRobertson Miller Airlines (MMA), and was registered VH-USJ. It was based in Port Hedland and operated by MMA for Australian Aerial Medical Service (AAMS), and in 1941 was sold to them. AAMS later became the Flying Doctor Service (WA Section) Inc. It was sold in 1961 and was damaged in an accident in 1964. After a series of owners and locations awaiting rebuild, in 1996, it was shipped to New Zealand and re-built. It flew again on 22 November 2002, registered as ZK-USJ, but still wearing VH-USJ. It returned to Australia in 2003 and was again registered VH-USJ.
Photo © David Eyre

This is the passenger cabin, with seating for four passengers. Built in 1933 by De Havilland at Stag Lane Aerodrome, Edgeware, UK, and registered in 1933 as G-AECB to Scottish Motor Traction Co. Ltd., Edinburgh. In 1935, it was shipped to Fremantle, WA for MacRobertson Miller Airlines (MMA), and was registered VH-USJ. It was based in Port Hedland and operated by MMA for Australian Aerial Medical Service (AAMS), and in 1941 was sold to them. AAMS later became the Flying Doctor Service (WA Section) Inc. It was sold in 1961 and was damaged in an accident in 1964. After a series of owners and locations awaiting rebuild, in 1996, it was shipped to New Zealand and re-built. It flew again on 22 November 2002, registered as ZK-USJ, but still wearing VH-USJ. It returned to Australia in 2003 and was again registered VH-USJ.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1951 and delivered to the Royal Air Force as WG429 on 19 October 1951, it was sold on 10 Aug 1956. Registered 25.3.1958 as VH-RVS with Royal Victorian Aero Club, at Moorabbin Airport, Victoria. Cancelled from register on 6.3.1972 as withdrawn from use. Restored 17.8.1992 as VH-ZAZ to Nicole E Bailey, Mundijong, WA. Registered operator Kevin H Bailey from 27.7.2005.
Photo © Keith Anderson.

Built in 1951 and delivered to the Royal Air Force as WG429 on 19 October 1951, it was sold on 10 Aug 1956. Registered 25.3.1958 as VH-RVS with Royal Victorian Aero Club, at Moorabbin Airport, Victoria. Cancelled from register on 6.3.1972 as withdrawn from use. Restored 17.8.1992 as VH-ZAZ to Nicole E Bailey, Mundijong, WA. Registered operator Kevin H Bailey from 27.7.2005.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1951 and delivered to the Royal Air Force as WG429 on 19 October 1951, it was sold on 10 Aug 1956. Registered 25.3.1958 as VH-RVS with Royal Victorian Aero Club, at Moorabbin Airport, Victoria. Cancelled from register on 6.3.1972 as withdrawn from use. Restored 17.8.1992 as VH-ZAZ to Nicole E Bailey, Mundijong, WA. Registered operator Kevin H Bailey from 27.7.2005.
Photo © David Eyre

VH-ZAZ De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk T.10 (MSN C1/0503 / DH/B/F/372) owned by Kevin Bailey flying in formation at SABC Annual Fly-In, Serpentine Airfield – Sun 27 September 2015.
Photo © Keith Anderson.


Built in 1950, and originally delivered to the RAF as WB677 on 16.8.1950. Sold 24.9.1956 at No.10 Maintenance Unit, Hullavington, UK. First registered in Australia on 21.11.1957 as VH-RHW by the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia, based at Maylands Aerodrome and then Perth Airport until sold in 1962. It went through a series of owners until purchased by Glen Caple in 1973.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1998 and first registered on 11 September 1998, this aircraft was one of two (the other was VH-RQI) which were originally operated by the Royal Queensland Aero Club.
The Eagle X-TS was originally conceived by Western Australian inventors Neil Graham and his father Deryck Graham. Graham Swannell and John Roncz were then engaged to design the aircraft. The single-seat prototype Eagle X-P1 was a taildragger based on the Rutan Quickie and first flown in 1984. The Eagle X-TS (Two Seat) had tricycle gear and first flew in 1988. This was later produced and marketed as the Eagle 150.
Eagle Aircraft entered liquidation in 1989, and development slowed, so the aircraft was not certified until 1993. Eagle Aircraft was then purchased by a Malaysian company and production was moved from Fremantle to Malaysia in 1999, where the type was produced by Composites Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM).
Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2007. Designed and built in the Czech Republic.
Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1949, ex N77706.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2001, ex N264SA. This biplane was originally designed by Great Lakes Aircraft Corporation of Cleveland, Ohio in 1929. It has a straight lower wing, but a swept upper wing, to assist with recovery from flat spins, and is designed to take +9/-6 G. Although the company had deposits for 650 aircraft, it only built 264 before the Great Depression caused the company to close in 1936. However, the aircraft were very popular as an aerobatic aircraft and from the 1960s to today, a number of individuals or companies have either produced or sold plans for the aircraft.
Photo © Keith Anderson.

Built in 2001, ex N264SA. This biplane was originally designed by Great Lakes Aircraft Corporation of Cleveland, Ohio in 1929. It has a straight lower wing, but a swept upper wing, to assist with recovery from flat spins, and is designed to take +9/-6 G. Although the company had deposits for 650 aircraft, it only built 264 before the Great Depression caused the company to close in 1936. However, the aircraft were very popular as an aerobatic aircraft and from the 1960s to today, a number of individuals or companies have either produced or sold plans for the aircraft.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2001, ex N264SA. This biplane was originally designed by Great Lakes Aircraft Corporation of Cleveland, Ohio in 1929. It has a straight lower wing, but a swept upper wing, to assist with recovery from flat spins, and is designed to take +9/-6 G. Although the company had deposits for 650 aircraft, it only built 264 before the Great Depression caused the company to close in 1936. However, the aircraft were very popular as an aerobatic aircraft and from the 1960s to today, a number of individuals or companies have either produced or sold plans for the aircraft.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2001, ex N264SA. This biplane was originally designed by Great Lakes Aircraft Corporation of Cleveland, Ohio in 1929. It has a straight lower wing, but a swept upper wing, to assist with recovery from flat spins, and is designed to take +9/-6 G. Although the company had deposits for 650 aircraft, it only built 264 before the Great Depression caused the company to close in 1936. However, the aircraft were very popular as an aerobatic aircraft and from the 1960s to today, a number of individuals or companies have either produced or sold plans for the aircraft.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2001, ex N264SA. This biplane was originally designed by Great Lakes Aircraft Corporation of Cleveland, Ohio in 1929. It has a straight lower wing, but a swept upper wing, to assist with recovery from flat spins, and is designed to take +9/-6 G. Although the company had deposits for 650 aircraft, it only built 264 before the Great Depression caused the company to close in 1936. However, the aircraft were very popular as an aerobatic aircraft and from the 1960s to today, a number of individuals or companies have either produced or sold plans for the aircraft.
Photo © David Eyre

Based on the Parker Teenie Two, which was designed by Calvin Parker. The Teenie Two plans were offered for sale in 1969 and are still available today. It was later developed by Gary Watson into the Watson GW-1 Windwagon, and this was then redesigned by Morry Hummel to create the Hummel Bird.
Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Formerly registered VH-DRJ, this was the first Jodel to be registered in Australia.
Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

The Flying Flea (French: Pou-du-Ciel – English: Louse of the Sky/Flying Flea) was designed by Frenchman Henri Mignet in 1933. The unusual name was derived from the French nickname for the Model T Ford car – “Pou de la Route” or “Louse of the Road” because it was so common. Mignet planned to create a flying equivalent, affordable to everyone. In 1934, he published the plans and building instructions, leading hundreds of people worldwide built their own Flying Fleas. However, early versions had design flaws could cause an unrecoverable dive under certain conditions, and some builders made modifications which made the aircraft even more dangerous to fly. This tainted the reputation of Mignet and his aircraft, even though it could be safely designed and built. Hundreds are still flying today and more are under construction.
Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

This Yakovlev Yak-18 trainer was built in 1954 at Kharkov, Ukraine (then part of the Soviet Union) and was gifted to the Chinese Air Force (PLAAF) by the Soviets. It was partly disassembled for transport and then reassembled at Nanchang in China, however it was not manufactured by Nanchang. After negotiations, Nanchang later assembled 324 of them under licence between 1954 and 1958 as the “Nanchang CJ-5” for use by the PLAAF, PLANAF and civilian flying clubs. This one is painted in Soviet Union DOSAAF markings.
Photo © David Eyre

This Yakovlev Yak-18 trainer was built in 1954 at Kharkov, Ukraine (then part of the Soviet Union) and was gifted to the Chinese Air Force (PLAAF) by the Soviets. It was partly disassembled for transport and then reassembled at Nanchang in China, however it was not manufactured by Nanchang. After negotiations, Nanchang later assembled 324 of them under licence between 1954 and 1958 as the “Nanchang CJ-5” for use by the PLAAF, PLANAF and civilian flying clubs. This one is painted in Soviet Union DOSAAF markings.
Photo © David Eyre



Built in 1942, ex 41-16716 US Army Air Force, FAP0106 Paraguayan Air Force, N6069H.
Photo © Keith Anderson.

Built in 1942. Ex 41-16716, 0106 (Paraguayan Air Force), N6069H.
Photo © David Eyre

VH-ANH was built in 1975 and delivered from New Zealand as ZK-EAD, handed over to the RAAF on 31 July 1975, with RAAF serial A19-041. Sold by RAAF and registered VH-ANH on 31 May 1993 to David T Gard.
VH-CBO was built in 1998.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1975 and delivered from New Zealand as ZK-EAD, handed over to the RAAF on 31 July 1975, with RAAF serial A19-041. Sold by RAAF and registered VH-ANH on 31 May 1993 to David T Gard.
Photo © David Eyre

VH-ANH was built in 1975. Ferried from New Zealand as ZK-EAD, and delivered to the RAAF on 31 July 1975, allocated RAAF serial A19-041.
Sold by RAAF 31 May 1993. Registered VH-ANH 31 May 1993 to David T Gard.
Photo © Keith Anderson.

This aircraft was built in 2002 and is painted in World War Two style US Navy dark blue livery. It was cancelled from the VH register on 21 March 2014, and was reported to be joining the RAAus register. The Parker Teenie Two was designed in 1969 in the USA by Calvin Parker as a single-seat, single-engine homebuilt aircraft specifically designed to use a converted Volkswagen automobile engine for power. The outer wing panels can be detached for transport or storage, as seen here. It was also later used as the basis for the Hummel Bird.
Photo © David Eyre

The Piel Emeraude was designed by Frenchman Claude Piel in the mid-1950s and built both by homebuilders and production factories. A variant later went on to become the basis of the CAP-10 aerobatic aircraft.
Photo © David Eyre

Bernard H. Pietenpol designed the Pietenpol Air Camper, which first flew in 1928. He also designed and published plans for a single-seat version, the Pietenpol Sky Scout, which was smaller and powered by a Ford Model T car engine. The aircraft is made of spruce and plywood, and building requires basic woodworking skills and tools, plus the ability to make a few metal fittings to attach the wooden parts together. Bert’s Sky Scout was built in 1932, previously registered NX12941, then N12941. Its US registration was cancelled 14 Oct 2005 and it was registered here on 20 October 2005 as VH-UCP.
Photo © David Eyre

Bernard H. Pietenpol designed the Pietenpol Air Camper, which first flew in 1928. He also designed and published plans for a single-seat version, the Pietenpol Sky Scout, which was smaller and powered by a Ford Model T car engine. The aircraft is made of spruce and plywood, and building requires basic woodworking skills and tools, plus the ability to make a few metal fittings to attach the wooden parts together. Bert’s Sky Scout was built in 1932, previously registered NX12941, then N12941. Its US registration was cancelled 14 Oct 2005 and it was registered here on 20 October 2005 as VH-UCP.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1955, ex PH-DKD, (PH-DKH), R-173 Royal Netherlands Air Force, 54-2463 USAF. This aircraft wears its former Royal Netherlands Air Force markings and serial R-173 on the left side, and US Air Fiorce markings and serial 54-2463 on the right side.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1955, ex PH-DKD, (PH-DKH), R-173 Royal Netherlands Air Force, 54-2463 USAF. This aircraft wears its former Royal Netherlands Air Force markings and serial R-173 on the left side, and US Air Fiorce markings and serial 54-2463 on the right side.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1976, ex VH-UDL, N6890J.
Photo © David Eyre

Flown by University Flying Club President and AAWA member Scott Palmer. Built in 2011, first registered 29.4.2011.
Photo © David Eyre

Painted in a livery similar to that worn by Macchi racing aircraft of Italy, in the Schneider Trophy races of the 1920s.
Built in 1987, first flown 14 May 1987.
Photo © Keith Anderson

Painted in a livery similar to that worn by Macchi racing aircraft of Italy, in the Schneider Trophy races of the 1920s.
Built in 1987, first flown 14 May 1987.
Photo © Keith Anderson

Painted in a livery similar to that worn by Macchi racing aircraft of Italy, in the Schneider Trophy races of the 1920s. Built in 1987, first flown 14 May 1987.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2007.
Photo © David Eyre

This is the final iteration of the famous Pitts Special aerobatic biplane, the prototype of which first flew in 1944. Several aircraft that Curtis Pitts built had a picture of a skunk on them and were called “Stinkers”. The prototype Model 11 (later called S1-11B) was called the “Super Stinker”. Pitts biplanes dominated world aerobatic competitions in the 1960s and 1970s, and are still competitive today.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2013, ex N497AK. This two-seat amphibious kit aircraft was designed in the USA and the prototype first flew in 1992.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2013 and first registered 17 Jan 2014.
Photo © Keith Anderson.

A replica of the Piper PA-15 Vagabond, the Rag-a-Bond was designed by Roger Mann and is sold as plans by RagWing Aircraft Designs.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1988, ex ZS-WFH.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1988, ex ZS-WFH.
Photo © David Eyre

VH-ANH was built in 1975 and delivered from New Zealand as ZK-EAD, handed over to the RAAF on 31 July 1975, with RAAF serial A19-041. Sold by RAAF and registered VH-ANH on 31 May 1993 to David T Gard.
Landing in the background is VH-SRP, built over 8 years by Rob Phillis – it was first registered 4.7.2006 as VH-FFB to Robert R Phillis and reregistered 5.9.2008 as VH-SRP, and made its first flight on 25.9.2010 at Jandakot.
Photo © David Eyre

This was built over 8 years by Rob Phillis – it was first registered 4.7.2006 as VH-FFB and reregistered 5.9.2008 as VH-SRP, making its first flight on 25.9.2010 at Jandakot.
The Falco was designed in 1955 by renowned Italian designer Stelio Frati, who also designed the SIA-Marchettti SF260 trainer. The Falco was originally produced in Italy by Aviamilano, Aeromere and later Laverda. It is now sold by the Sequoia Aircraft Company (USA) as a kit or as plans for amateur construction. The Falco is considered one of the best handling, strongest, and most beautiful designs and it is made of wood, with laminated spruce bulkheads and birch plywood for the skin. The aircraft is rated for aerobatics (6G positive and 3G negative) and has a maximum speed of 325 km/h (176 knots).
Photo © David Eyre

Photo © Keith Anderson.

Photo © Keith Anderson.

Built in 1991, ex N5543G. The letters ‘TB’ in the model number stand for Tarbes, in the south of France, where SOCATA aircraft are built.
Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2002, ex N7544T.
Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

The JT.1 Monoplane was the first post-war homebuilt design to come from England, designed by John Taylor in 1956 to be constructed in small spaces with minimal tools and cost, using average building skills. The prototype made its first flight in 1959 and around 110 are believed to have been built. This one was constructed in the UK by James M. Springham and Robert J. Whybrow of Bury St Edmonds, England, and registered as G-BKEU on 18 June 1982. On 18 January 2005, it was registered to Andrew J Moore, of Brackley, UK, but he later moved to Western Australia and it was registered as VH-AZE on 23 Feb 2010. It was re-registered on the RAAus register as 19-8116 on 26 April 2012.
Photo © David Eyre

The Himax kitplane first flew in 1987 and is a high wing development of the earlier Minimax. This one is under construction and is not yet registered.
Photo © David Eyre

The Himax kitplane first flew in 1987 and is a high wing development of the earlier Minimax. This one is under construction and is not yet registered.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2006 at Serpentine. The Team F1 Evo Rocket is a two-seat sportplane, designed in Czech Republic by International High Performance Aircraft, and marketed as a kit by Team Rocket of Texas, USA. This is said to be the fastest aircraft based at Serpentine, with a top speed of 386 kilometres per hour.
Photo © David Eyre

This type was designed by John Williams as a three-quarter scale replica kit-built version of the North American P-51 Mustang. This example has been under construction by Luis Ricardo since 2008, and is not yet registered.
Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Shirley is the President of the Sport Aircraft Builders Club (SABC). She built VH-ASF over a number of years, with the aircraft making its first flight at Serpentine on 2 April 2006. She has also started building an RV-12, VH-YOR.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1993, ex VH-MMK.
Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Built and first registered in 2011
Photo © Keith Anderson.

Photo © Keith Anderson

Built in 2011, first registered 8 March 2011.
Photo © Keith Anderson.

Photo © David Eyre

Built in 1998.
Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2003 by aviation students at Kent Street Senior High School (hence the SHS registration).
Photo © Keith Anderson.

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2010, first registered 16.12.2010.
Photo © Keith Anderson.

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2006 and first registered on 14 November 2006.
Photo © Keith Anderson.

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2011.
Photo © Keith Anderson.

Built in 2008 in the USA, registered N593B. Registered in Australia 25.8.2011.
Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © Keith Anderson.

Built in 2005, ex N105KS. The WACO YMF is a modified version of the 1930s vintage WACO YMF, built to meet current FAA standards.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2005, ex N105KS. The WACO YMF is a modified version of the 1930s vintage WACO YMF, built to meet current FAA standards.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2005, ex N105KS. The WACO YMF is a modified version of the 1930s vintage WACO YMF, built to meet current FAA standards.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2005, ex N105KS. The WACO YMF is a modified version of the 1930s vintage WACO YMF, built to meet current FAA standards.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2005, ex N105KS. The WACO YMF is a modified version of the 1930s vintage WACO YMF, built to meet current FAA standards.
Photo © David Eyre

Built in 2005, ex N105KS. The WACO YMF is a modified version of the 1930s vintage WACO YMF, built to meet current FAA standards.
Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre

The aircraft wears the crest of 314 Squadron Royal Netherlands Air Force on the cockpit canopy.
Photo © David Eyre

Photo © David Eyre