A Flying Spitfire and Kittyhawk will be featured during an open day as part of a triple celebration for the Royal Australian Air Force and the Fighter World Museum at Williamtown.
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The aircraft are expected to be major drawcards when the museum opens its doors free of charge to the public on Monday, February 15, from 11am to 4pm as part of the celebrations.
Fighter World manager Bernie Nebenfuhr said that volunteers were working overtime to ensure visitors would be treated to an exciting and fun day, while practicing COVID-safe protocols.
He said the museum would be celebrating its 30th birthday on February 15, in conjunction with the 80th anniversary of the Williamtown base, opened in February, 1941, and the centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force, established March 31, 1921.
"Due to some changes inside the hangar to cater for the celebrations, the museum will look a little different, but people can be assured that all the major aircraft will be on display," Mr Nebenfuhr said.
"Our volunteers will be out in full force on the day, assisting visitors with information and ensuring COVID-safe practices are maintained. We encourage people to bring along their cameras and we are expecting some flying to take place during the afternoon."
Mr Nebenfuhr said for that reason the observation deck would be open for the entire five hours.
"The cafe will also be open and we have plenty of off-street parking available."
He said that the public's fascination with flying harked back to that first moment when the Williamtown air base was opened and that very first aircraft left the ground and took to the air.
"People have a fascination with any aircraft, and particularly heritage aircraft," he said.
The stories that sit alongside the aircraft on display make a stop at Fighter World a must-do for many visitors to the region.
Some of the aircraft served in conflict, while others showcased the astonishing changes in technology that have come to the airforce over time.
Fighter World was born out of a need for a designated place to preserve Williamtown's fighter aircraft that were no longer in operation.
In 1983 a Fighter Squadrons Museum was established at Williamtown near the entrance to the RAAF base but the building was too old and too small for its long term intended use.
After several years of planning, the Fighter World display centre, with its distinctive arched hangar as the centrepiece, was opened in February 1991.
Since its opening, the centre has become a drawcard for aviation and history enthusiasts from around Australia.
In 2015 was officially recognised as the RAAF Williamtown Aviation Heritage Centre with its role expanded to include not just the fighter story, but showcasing the military aviation history of the Hunter.
For more information go to fighterworld.com.au or visit the museum's Facebook page.
