"Beaufort Restoration"
From the AOPA Journal, September 2002

Beaufort restoration Project Co-ordinator Ralph Cusack invites A0PA members to visit the project in Brisbane at 490B Nudgee Road Hendra. (Call 07 3268 7138 for an appointment).

He points out that the aircraft will be the only one of its type flying and representative of what Australia did during the period when our "Chips were down"."It took 39,000 persons of which was made up of 35% women.It was the berth of a proud industry, and I doubt to day whether it could be replicated.

The restoration group is made up of:

• 2 Retired LAMEs
• 2 Current LAMEs
• 2 Aircraft Sheet-metal workers
• Each week 5-10 part-time volunteers
• 2 of the original wartime pilots who flew the aircraft we are working on
• Actual man-hours worked per week average out at 160-170, plus a zillion hours on the computer

We are self funded, although it be poorly and to date we have not got one ounce of Government assistance apart from plenty of "Pats on the back". In terms of progress we are about half way through having it to stand on its own undercarriage.
The completion date is strictly ruled by the available dollar. However, current progress will see the aircraft finished between 5-10 years. With additional finance the Beaufort will be completed and flying at an earlier date. It is estimated that about $300,000 is still required to finish the project.

Once the aircraft is flying at air shows, it will earn its keep. Earnings from showing will at least pay for its maintenance and flying costs.And perhaps it will earn an Australian sponsor exscellent return on the sponsorship dollar. Also any film work that may come its way.

The RAAF Beaufort Squadrons Association is a National organisation comprised of veterans from Beaufort squadrons and units. The association is very supportive of the Beaufort project and the Queensland Branch members, in particular have been very active, some of them are volunteer workers despite their age.

The A9 141 Reconstruction Group was formed to raise funds to complete the Beaufort. The group believes that this Beaufort should be based in Queensland, if at all possible.

Friends of Beaufort volunteers have formed this small group, with the aim of fostering a community interest, which will help to get, A9 141 Beaufort back into the air and to keeping it flying.

The aircraft has combat & pilot training history. It served in the Coral Sea from Horn Island, Queensland and the Indian Ocean from Pearce, in Western Australia.

It was built in Australia by Australians.

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