TRIP REPORT - Mackay Tiger Moth Museum Scenic Flight from Mackay Airport - DH-82A VH-CYA

Recently, Rockhampton Plane Spotter and regular contributor to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog, Travis W, was lucky enough to receive a gift voucher for a 30 minute scenic flight over Mackay in one the Mackay Tiger Moth Museum's fantastic antique De Havilland DH-82A Tiger Moths.  Travis' Brother-in-law also had a voucher and joined him in enjoying not only a flight on board the Tiger Moth, but also a look over the Museum in their building at Mackay Airport.

On the day, the Museum's more recently acquired Tiger Moth - 1942-build DH-82A registered VH-CYA - had the duty of flying around Mackay.  Peter was the pilot and Jim the ground handler.

VH-CYA was acquired in 2010 and delivered in 2011, and was later christened “David and Irie Dalrymple” by David and Irie Dalrymple.  VH-CYA was built to order for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as A17-551.

The Museum's other Tiger Moth - 1943-built De Havilland DH-82A Tiger Moth, registered VH-IVN - is unfortunately in the maintenance hangar after a nasty landing incident earlier this month.

After climbing on board, the single Gypsy Major piston engine was fired up, and VH-CYA was cleared to line-up and wait for a QantasLink (Cobham Aviation) Boeing B717-200 on the smaller cross Runway 05 at Mackay Airport.

After a quick take-off, VH-CYA turned north abeam the beach and tracked up the coast to the Mackay Harbour, Slade Point, Blacks Beach, Eimeo, Shoal Point and Green Island.

Turning West, VH-CYA headed inland towards the town of Walkerston, which is West of Mackay in the middle of vast sugar cane fields.

From here, it was a direct track to make a straight-in approach back onto Runway 05 at Mackay Airport.

Taxi back to the Museum hangar and engine shut-down.

Travis (and his Brother-in-Law) both describe the day and especially flight as "absolutely fantastic".  

My sincere thanks to Travis for sending through his report and his great photos!

The Mackay Tiger Moth Museum operates their Tiger Moths out of Mackay Airport, in front of their new hangar beside the Mackay Aero Club, on Casey Avenue, Mackay.

20, 30, and 60 minute joyflights and gift vouchers are available  Bookings can be made through Whitsunday Office Machines on 4998 5677.

Full details are available on the museum's website - http://www.mackaytiger.com.au/