Bert Hinkler with his Avian, before flying it to Australia in only 15 days. Hinkler had been Avro's test pilot and his plane was the prototype Avian. Production aircraft were designated Type 594. G-EBOV is preserved in his hometown, Bundaberg in Queensland. Photo from: Life

Bert Hinkler made the first solo flight from the UK to Australia in 15 days in G-EBOV arriving at Darwin on February 22, 1928. A few weeks later he flew to the national capital, Canberra, to meet prime minister Stanley Bruce. Hinkler landed on the parade ground of the Duntroon military college where there were facilities suitable for such an auspicious occasion. Canberra's aerodrome was nothing more than a paddock.

This aircraft started as the prototype Avro 581 Avian and after some modifications was sold to pioneer aviator Bert Hinkler as a 581A. With further modifications to the wings and undercarriage it became a 581E and in this form was used by Hinkler on his long distance flights, notably the first solo flight from England to Australia departing Croydon on 7 February 1928 and landing in Darwin 22 February.