Richmond RAAF base

[steve]

Looking at google earth Richmond looks a similar size to whenuapai except for the obvious lack of hardware at the latter.I understand the base (richmond)is to close soon ...is my info correct?

[corsair67]

Steve, from what I understand Richmond airbase will be around for a few more years yet. There was a review done a couple of years ago into the future of the base, and if I recall rightly the Hercs will be staying there for awhile.

33SQN will move to Amberley when the new A330 tankers arrive to replace the B707s in 2008-09.

36SQN has moved to Amberley awaiting the arrival of the rest of the C-17 fleet. 36SQN handed their C-130H Hercs over to 37SQN in November.

Here's a RAAF photo of the base -

[steve]

Thanks for that info Bruce....what a neat line up of c130s. A sort of woodbourne look to the base. cheers

[steve]

Getting old...thanks CRAIG!!

[FlyNavy]

Google Overhead view of RAAF Richmond then an airfield chart:

[steve]

Certainly a reasonable size RAAF base with plenty of hangars...etc...how does it compare in size with other RAAF establishments ..for that matter what is the No 1 base when it comes to personel and aircraft?

[planeimages]

See the twin taking off?

Richmond was originally called Ham Common. William Ewart Hart, the holder of the first (and only) Aero League of Australia licence issued under the authority of the UK RAC) obtaned a lease from Richmond Council on the property in February 1912. He cleared the land and moved his flying school from Penrith, about 30 km to the south. He crashed there in September 1912, putting paid to any further significant aviation exploits.

Belmore Park at Penrith is recognised as Australia's first dedicated aerodrome and Hart learned to fly there in a Bristol "Boxkite". Belmore Park became a motor speedway and is now occupied by the Australian Army.

The establishement of Ham Common by Hart more than likely preceeded any other formal airfield and thus could be regarded as Australia's second dedicated airfield.

The Percival family owned a farm called "Clarendon Park" occupying an area of 800 acres to the north of Ham Common. Percival Street commemorates their name. The farm was off Cupitts lane which is opposite Richmond Base to the north west at the intersection of Dight and Percival Streets.

Edgar Wikner Percival was a close friend of W.E.Hart and went on to achive fame in England with his aeroplane manufacturing.

Percival is said to have made a pedal- powered contraption out of bicycle parts with wings which may have come from Hart's wrecked monoplane. Percival managed to lift himself from the ground momentarily!

The Government took over the land and Hart's buidings around 1916 and started a flying school. Graduates were offered enlistment in the Australian Flying Corps. N.B.Love was one of them and he went on to achieve aviation and industrial fame.

After his war service Captain Percival used two Avro 505Ks and one Airco DH6 to start an aviation business at Richmondin 1920.

In 1924 a large Aerial Derby was contested at Richmond. Itwas held over the period of a week and attracted all the Australian "names" in Aviation including one Sqn Ldr Lawrence Wackett.

On 1st July 1925, the Royal Australian Airforce took possession of Richmond with the arrival of its first aircraft.

[Kereru]

Is this the same Richmond they paint all the Qantas aircraft at and the two ex ANZ 767 were sent there for painting in Flyglobespan c/s?



Colin

[beagle]

Dave, the guy who I think is in charge there, or the painting supervisor is ex S&S Chris Phelan

[Dave Homewood]

I've heard the name but never met him.

[corsair67]

Is this the same Richmond they paint all the Qantas aircraft at and the two ex ANZ 767 were sent there for painting in Flyglobespan c/s?

Colin, that is correct.

Air New Zealand Engineering Services run the paintshop there, and as well as painting quite a number of the RAAF fleet, they also do commercial jobs too.