Named 'Wally', this pretty Aeronca Chief was built in 1946 and registered N86399. It was brought to Australia in 1989 and based in the Sydney area, registered VH-NTE. It had 1400 hours in the log book at the time. Subsequently it passed through several owners, one of whom transferred it to the RAAus Register on 15 June 1999. It ended up in Parkes, from where the present owner obtained it. It's currently based Riddells Creek and now has 2000 hours in the log book.

VH-HRH was transferred to the Recreational Aircraft register as 24-8804 in September 2016.

This aircraft was imported new into South Africa in 1947 and registered ZS-ULS, later ZS-BRE. Sold in Namibia (South West Africa then) in 1949. Last flight in about 1969. Exported to Australia and registered VH-IDH(2) on 14 September 2001. Its first post-restoration flight took place in April 2009. It was flown 600 miles in 8 3/4 hours from its base at Wedderburn, near Sydney, to the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia's Auster Rally at Broken Hill. Seen here landing at Langwell on the way home.

Is this the future? Formerly N85837, this old Aeronca was imported several years ago and put straight on the Australian ultralight Register. And why wouldn't you?

Previously N9397E and EI-BKB.

This aircraft carries US Navy markings. The photo is scanned from a Kodacolor 120 negative, Mamiya 645 and 80mm lens

Built in 1948

OO-LEM registered Jul-1951

NC86105 registered Aug-1946, to N86105 registered 1948, to CF-IHY registered Aug-1955, later changed to C-FIHY. This is a rare type on floats