Classic Jet Fighter Museum

The last time South Australia saw Mirage Jet Fighters they were at the Whyalla Wharf being packed off to their new home in Pakistan. In 1990 the RAAF sold 50 of the French-designed jets which had been a workhorse of the force since the early 1960's. But there's ONE left in this State and it lives at the Classic Jet Fighter Museum at Parafield Airport. It's being restored by the Museum's volunteers before taking pride of place in this hanger. Already in place are several restored jets including the Meteor that served in the Korean Conflict and the Jet that followed it - The Sabre. Only this week a previous pilot of this Aircraft wandered into the Museum. Bob Jarrett became interested in restoring Aircraft 25 years ago and his passion resulted in the Museum being opened last year. He has about 2 dozen volunteers who give their time to restore and repair the planes.

A new display of the Museum relates to an Air Base established at Finschhafen in Northern Papua-New Guinea during World War Two. After lengthy negotiations the Parafield Museum has been given permission to excavate several fighters buried at the site after 1945. In return staff from the Papua-New Guinea National Museum will come to Adelaide to be trained in Aircraft restoration and preservation. The Classic Jet Fighter Museum is in hanger 52, Anderson Drive at Parafield Airport. It's open Weekends and Public Holidays, and will be open every day of the School Holidays. However it is also open when members are working on an Aircraft so it's worth a call if you want to visit during weekdays. They are on 8258 2277. For more information email: info@postcards.sa.com.au

Postcards revisited The Classic Jet Fighter Museum just recently...