With a wet weekend predicted, it might be just the time to discover the vast undercover hangars at the HARS (Historic Aircraft Restoration Society) Aviation Museum, as their Tarmac Days are being held inside this month.

Unique for an aviation setting, the tour guides at HARS Aviation Museum invite visitors to climb on board many of the aircraft to get a real feel of the history of some of the almost 50 aircraft on show.

The hands-on experience extends to the supersonic F-111C, a former RAAF marine surveillance Neptune, Wessex and Cobra helicopters, the only Boeing 747-400 jumbo remaining in Australia and, for a feel of what Qantas passengers experienced in the 1950’s, an amazing walk through the world’s only still-flying Lockheed Super Constellation.

HARS President and Chief Pilot Bob De La Hunty says the Tarmac Days on 8-10 July will feature scheduled flights and engine runs as the museum’s volunteers bring history to life.

“On Friday afternoon a flight is scheduled for the former RAAF Caribou with its special short-field take off and landing capability, as HARS Aviation Museum houses two of the world’s only flying de Havilland Caribou in original condition.

The HARS Neptune during start up (photo: Howard Mitchell)

“Saturday will feature a flight of former RAN Fleet Air Arm Grumman Tracker 844 with its aircraft carrier heritage demonstrated in folding wings.”

On Sunday Mr De La Hunty is due to conduct an engine run and taxi of Neptune 273 which served with the RAAF 10 Squadron in Townsville and was acquired by HARS in 1988.

Subject to engineering work, there might also be engine runs with the always popular Black Cat Catalina and one of two F-27 the Fokker Friendship airliners at the museum.

8-10 July, Albion Park Airport, 9.30-3.30pm. Tickets from the HARS website.

The Museum is also open daily throughout the year.