TAVAS brings to life aircraft from the first 25 years of aviation history, particularly trainers and fighters from WW1. We are building full size, flying reproductions and replicas of the aircraft from that time to create a flying museum to display these aircraft to the Australian public.
TAVAS is an established Not For Profit organisation whose aim is to educate all Australians of the major impact that the early flying machines and the people who flew them, had during World War One and how they helped create the world of Aviation we know today.
Vulcan XH558 is owned and operated by Vulcan to the Sky Trust, a British charity established to maintain and operate this remarkable aircraft.
The Avro Vulcan is an iconic example of British aerospace engineering at its world-beating best. Its impressive list of technical achievements includes being the first successful large delta wing aircraft, leading directly to Concorde and the Space Shuttle, and delivering performance and agility so close to a jet fighter’s that it was given a fighter-style control column in place of the traditional bomber pilot’s yoke. That agility allowed XH558 to deliver amazing air displays, which unfortunately finished in 2015, but there are great plans to use her as an inspirational centrepiece in a future ETNA Centre. Now the Trust is expanding its horizons with inspirational work to demonstrate engineering excellence in early generation jet-engine aircraft with the planned restoration of Canberra WK163. Keep in touch with our newsletters to find out more.
The Purpose of the Corporation shall be as follows:
A. To promote, encourage and enjoy the sport and hobby of owning and flying WACO airplanes without regard to the date of manufacture.
B. To promote and encourage quality restoration and safe operation of WACO airplanes.
C. To encourage and engage in the improvement and better understanding of WACO airplanes and the older science of aeronautics.
D. To foster closer fellowship among members through the exchange of knowledge of WACO airplanes and through the exchange of ideas of mutual interest.
E. To foster, promote, and engage in the study of WACO aviation history.
F. To provide a framework for and to encourage the establishment of regional chapters of the American Waco Club.
The American Aviation Historical Society was founded in 1956 as a non-profit ( 501.3.c. ) educational organization. The primary objective of the organization is the preservation and dissemination of the rich heritage of American aviation. The Society maintains an extensive collection of books, documents and photographs that are available to researchers and aviation enthusiasts on a wide variety of American aviation history. The AAHS publishes an outstanding quarterly Journal and informative AAHS FlightLine that provides information into interesting and often little known facts associated with American aviation. The Society serves as a catalyst by providing a forum for communication among members having a common interest in specific topics.
The Connecticut Air & Space Center is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation dedicated to honoring the pioneers of early aviation, restoring and preserving examples of the aircraft they flew, and educating current and future generations about Connecticut’s unique aviation heritage. The Center relies on volunteers who painstakingly piece together these aircraft and on the donations it receives from those in the public and private sectors.
“Our primary aim is to build WW1 aircraft, engines and propellers to the same exacting standards they were originally made over 90 years ago.“
The Army Air Forces Historical Association® consists of volunteers from all walks of life who share a common interest – a desire to help preserve this part of our aviation heritage. For some the interest comes from relatives who served. For veteran members who flew, manned or maintained the famous bomber, fighter and transport aircraft, it is a chance to share their memories with a younger generation.
Association members wearing original flight gear and uniforms of the time, are not re-enactors, but living historians who movingly explain and re-tell the tales of the harrowing experiences of the World War II veterans. The war years of the 1940’s take on a special meaning otherwise lost in history books or films.
The Tunison Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit corporation who owns and operates three World War II airplanes. They are the C-47 Dakota, C-45 Twin Beech and PBY-5 Catalina that you see in our logo. Our mission is to educate the public about World War II and our veterans via these historic airplanes.
The primary way that achieve this mission is with Placid Lassie, a World War II USAAF C-47. She flew combat missions in Europe on D-Day, Market-Garden, Bastone and crossing the Rhine. A real war hero. We fly at airshows and bring her to fly-ins. We also assist re-enactors by conducting parachute operations at air shows.
We also fly a former USAAF, and later US Navy, C-45. This plane was primarily a trainer during World War II, but served our country for over 30 years before being sold to the public.
Thirdly is our Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina flying boat. During World War II she served the US Navy in a patrol squadron based out of NAS New York (Floyd Bennett Field). After the war she flew survey missions in Canada for a succession of companies. Her flying carreer ended in 2001. Since then she has only flown three times and needs extensive restoration. We are seeking donations begin her restoration.
Please explore the site and learn about the history of our airplanes. If you would like to see them, check out our events page. If you would like to see us at your airshow or fly-in reach out to us via the “about us” button. If you would like to help us keep the planes flying or help us find a permanent home, use the donate button or purchase some of our merchandice. If you see us at an airshow, stop by and say “hi”.