The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) is an Australian nonprofit organisation dedicated to the preservation and restoration of historically significant aircraft related to Australian aviation heritage. Established in 1979 by a collective of aviation enthusiasts and professionals, HARS aims to recover and restore aircraft types that played important roles in Australia's civil and military aviation history[2][4].

History and Mission

HARS was formed with the goal of preserving Australian aviation history through the acquisition, restoration, and display of vintage aircraft. Early efforts included extensive expeditions across Australia, from Tasmania to the northern regions, to recover aviation artefacts and airframes, such as the notable recovery of two Bristol Beaufighter aircraft in the early 1980s. These efforts not only supported HARS restorations but also contributed to other aviation preservation projects nationally and internationally[4].

Facilities

HARS operates two primary museum locations in New South Wales: the main aviation museum at Shellharbour Airport near Albion Park Rail, approximately one hour south of Sydney, and a secondary branch at Parkes. The Shellharbour facility hosts a large collection of aircraft, many preserved in airworthy or taxiable condition, supported entirely by volunteers including retired and active aircraft engineers, pilots, and aviation enthusiasts[1][2][3].

Collection

The HARS collection includes over 50 aircraft representing significant milestones in Australian civil and military aviation history. Key exhibits include:

• Boeing 747-400 "City of Canberra," notable for its record-setting non-stop London to Sydney flight
• Boeing 707, previously owned by actor John Travolta and donated to HARS, pending relocation to Australia
• Lockheed Super Constellation, the last flying example worldwide
• Lockheed AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft
• Douglas DC-3 and DC-4
• Consolidated PBY-6A Catalina flying boat
• F-111C supersonic fighter bomber
• Historic military aircraft such as the Bristol Beaufighter and CA-27 Sabre fighter jet
• Vintage trainer aircraft like the Tiger Moth

In 2024, HARS commenced restoration of a rare 1935 Douglas DC-2 airliner, an important predecessor to the well-known DC-3, furthering their mission to preserve early aviation history[2][3][5].

Operations and Activities

Many HARS aircraft are maintained in flying condition, allowing for dynamic demonstrations and participation in airshows, notably the biennial Airshows Downunder event held at Shellharbour Airport. The society also operates the Navy Heritage Flight, showcasing former Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm aircraft.

The museum offers guided tours, educational programs, and premium experiences such as cockpit tours and wing walks on the Boeing 747. Visitors can engage directly with restoration projects, gaining insight into historic aircraft preservation. The facility also includes a gift shop and Cafe Connie, which supports the visitor experience[1][3].

Governance and Volunteerism

HARS is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organisation sustained by dedicated enthusiasts with diverse skills in aviation engineering, piloting, and heritage conservation. Its continuing success relies on community support, fundraising, and the expertise of its members committed to maintaining Australia's aviation legacy[1][4].

The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society stands as a cornerstone for aviation heritage in Australia, preserving rare and iconic aircraft while educating the public about the nation's rich aeronautical history through active restoration, exhibition, and engagement.

[1] https://hars.org.au [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_Aircraft_Restoration_Society [3] https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/shellharbour-area/albion-park/attractions/hars-aviation-museum-historical-aircraft-restoration-society-and-cafe-connie [4] https://hars.org.au/museum-history/ [5] https://vintageaviationnews.com/vintage-aviation/australias-historical-aircraft-restoration-society-to-restore-rare-1935-douglas-dc-2.html