DOUG Hamilton and Lou Harper of Precision Airmotive based at Wangaratta Airport, have been a driving force in the development of the biennial Wangaratta Historic Motor Show & Fly In since 2017, when the event was relocated to the airport to incorporate vintage aircraft in the already impressive ground line-up.

They have both held key positions on the organising committee in an effort to share their passion of flight and historic aircraft preservation.

Doug and Lou have organised and coordinated the fly-in section of the Wangaratta Motor Show, inviting aircraft enthusiasts from near and afar to be a part of the display.

Lou has carried out the roles of committee secretary and treasurer for numerous events and Doug has been deputy chairman for all three past events held at the airport.

Born in Wangaratta and raised on a tobacco farm in Markwood, Doug became intrigued with planes and flight at an early age.

He had an uncle who owned a Tiger Moth that fascinated him and probably sowed the seed to fly.

As a youngster he made and flew model aircraft as a hobby.

At the age of 20, Doug obtained his pilot’s licence at the old Wangaratta Airport.

He had started a business as an earthmoving contractor, which meant at times he had to travel long distances between work and home.

It became much quicker to fly than drive and was also much more enjoyable.

Doug’s initial interest in aircraft restoration was inspired by the purchase of an airplane that was in storage at Airworld, a 1941 Harvard, which was reasonably complete.

He bought that plane from Wangaratta council and restored it in his hangar on his farm at Whorouly.

He still owns it and it remains one of his favourites.

While continuing to operate his earthmoving business, Doug began to collect and restore various aircraft which added to his collection.

He was encouraged by Joe Drage, who he came to know well with the Airworld connection.

Doug and Lou took over the aircraft restoration hanger at the airport about 10 years ago and since then have run the business which employs a team of people who deal with all aspects of aircraft restoration.

“We sometimes restore aircraft for museums, which are usually for static display, but more often fully airworthy planes for private collectors in Australia and overseas,” Doug said.

He has lost count of the number of different planes that he has flown.

“I have been incredibly lucky to have flown some amazing aeroplanes, from relatively modern Cessnas to exotic and rare warbirds such as Spitfires, Kitty Hawks, Boomerangs and Mustangs, that I would never have believed as a youngster I would ever get to sit in let alone fly.

“Each of these different aircraft presented its own unique challenges as a pilot.

"The first V12 that I flew was a Spitfire, it was quite a daunting experience as the aircraft was very valuable both in dollar and historical terms.

"Flying any of these planes is a challenge, which is what keeps me interested.”

Some of the planes that will be on display at this year's fly-In include aircraft already housed in the Precision hangar such as a P51 Mustang, two Pilatus PC9s (ex RAAF Roulettes), a Beech 18, Harvard, Focke Wulf 190, Grumman Goose, plus a variety of visiting warbird, antique and historic aircraft showcasing an era from the late 1920s through to modern planes.

The Wangaratta Historic Motor Show & Fly In will be held on Sunday, April 27 at Wangaratta Airport from 9am to 3pm.

Also on display will be a vast array of historic trucks, tractors, fire engines and ambulances, veteran, vintage and classic vehicles, motorcycles, stationary engines and more. The Wangaratta Lions Club will provide catering and a jumping castle will keep the children entertained.

If you have an historic vehicle of any description and would like to participate in the display contact Martin Ziermann on 0456 039 902 or Steve Doig on 0432 298 127.