After an detailed five month restoration, the iconic RFDS ‘Drover’ aircraft has been put back on display, this time at the front of the organisation’s new base at Mount Isa airport.
The 1950’s de Havilland ‘Drover’ aircraft previously kept watch over George McCoy park in Mount Isa for more than 45-years.
Originally restored back in the 1980’s when two separate aircraft were joined together, the elements took a toll on the plane’s structure, leading to the need for a significant overhaul.
With construction of a new Mount Isa Royal Flying Doctor (RFDS) (Queensland Section) base, Mount Isa City Council generously gifted the plane to the RFDS so it could again take pride of place as a beacon of hope for all to see.
Now the ‘Drover’ can be viewed clearly from the Barkly Highway as you approach the airport.
RFDS Head of Tourism John Larkin said the renewal project certainly tossed up some challenges for the team.
“We had to manufacture many parts and panels including a complete rear left stabiliser," John said.
“The trying weather conditions, which included many 40 degree plus days, made processes such as painting the plane, a difficult task.
“The community spirit has been overwhelming throughout the project with local companies like Jotun Industries providing the paint while Linmar Cranes, Jason Heavy Haulage and Woodsbey Transport did all the lifting to move the plane to where it was needed."
RFDS (Queensland Section) CEO Meredith Staib said the restoration of the ‘Drover’ has been something the organisation has been looking forward to as it heads towards 100 years of lifesaving service.
“This type of aircraft played an important historical role in the RFDS’s growth across the north west of the state in years gone by," Meredith said."
“We feel it’s important to remain connected to our history and this restoration has become a highly visible way to do that.
“I’d like to thank John Larkin and engineers Jim Shannon and Brian Adamson along with the wider project team, who’ve done an incredible job restoring the ‘Drover’ to its former glory."
Mount Isa City Mayor Peta MacRae said the RFDS refurbishing the ‘Drover’ is an excellent result for the city, the RFDS and the whole North West community.
“Many people have been very interested in the future of the ‘Drover’ as it was falling into disrepair over decades in its previous location,” Mayor MacRae said.
“Its restoration, and new home, preserve part of our history, in a more prominent and relevant location."
The painstaking restoration project took hundreds of hours and comprised a team of both volunteers and committed aviation enthusiasts.
The Drover aircraft is unique as it was only produced in small numbers and was considered a very capable all purpose plane in its day.
It’s believed there’s only a handful of ‘Drover’ aircraft left across the country.
