On the 17th November 2007 our Association embarked on our most ambitious project, the restoration of a vintage DH80A Puss Moth.  Let me tell you about this, our latest project!

Not long after the reconstruction of Hinkler's English home in Bundaberg, Hinkler's birthplace, our association was honoured with a visit by two English aviators, Henry Labourchere and Tim Williams, in a DH80A Puss Moth, G-AAZP.

It was our association's first glimpse of a machine similar in type to Hinkler's CF-APK.

One of our committee's objectives, set in 1984, was to build a centre in Hinkler's honour which would include the five aircraft associated with Hinkler's incredible aviation career.

Initially every effort was made to locate known owners of the famous English built aircraft, very few flying examples existed.

After an 8 year search our association located VH-ABU in Geelong near Melbourne.  It was originally owned by Qantas, the great Australian airline, who purchased the aircraft in 1930. The machine was registered VH-UPA and being restored by Mr John Pettit, a well-known identity in vintage aircraft circles.

Following discussions our association decided to purchase the aircraft and complete the restoration as Hinkler's CF-APK the machine in which he flew the South Atlantic Ocean and in which he lost his life in 1933 while attempting a solo flight to Australia.  The cost of purchase and restoration was $230,000 a considerable project for our association.  The Italian Community and private individuals helped with the fund raising.  On 23rd October 2008 the Puss Moth was put on display in the Hinkler Hall of Aviation complex which includes Hinkler House in the Botanic Gardens in Bundaberg.  To date we have not retired our debt, and there is still a considerable amount of work to be done.

Our aircraft has an extensive provenance in pioneer aviation in Australia, about which we would like to gain further knowledge.  Please let us know, if you have any photographs, technical information or would like to assist financially with our work on the "Puss Moth" project.  A tribute to Bert Hinkler!

Recognition of your support will be publicly displayed and each donation is tax deductible.

Our email address is:  administration@hinklerresearch.org.au and our Postal Address is PO Box 942, Bundaberg, Qld 4670.

Built Southampton, England 1925

Relocated to Bundaberg, Hinkler’s Birthplace 1983

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