An unusual aircraft type for the Pima museum, with no roots in the USA whatsoever.

Being an ex-Southender, the Drover has a special place in my aviation memories, with G-APXX displayed around 1972 in the short-lived museum there. HARS's Mk.2 is the last of the 20 built, the only potential flyer of those surviving, built at Bankstown in 1953 and used as VH-AHZ to test modifications after the grounding of Mk.1 Drovers due to propeller failures. Sold to New Hebrides Airways as VQ-TAH in 1965 then VP-PAE next year. Returned to Australia becoming VH-PAB in 1968 and underwent long-term restoration to flight by Hawker de Havilland Australia at Bankstown from 1981, to VH-DHM in 1986

Recently restored as flown by the Flying Doctor Service, Broken Hill, NSW, Australia, 1952, when Drovers were first introduced. Ex VQ-FAP and VH-EBT. Obtained by Pima from Australia in 2020

VQ-FAR seen here after it was withdrawn from use. It became a training aid until washed away in a flood. Eric Allen photo

Awaiting delivery to New Hebrides Airways. At the time New Hebrides (now Vanuatu) aircraft were on the Fijian colonial register. When New Hebrides became VP-P, VQ-FAH became VP-PAE. This aircraft found it way back to Australia and remained registered at the time of upload as VH-DHM. Peter Ricketts photo

These aircraft were the backbone of Australia's "Royal Flying Doctor Service" in the 1950s and 1960s.

In open store, dismantled. Subsequently moved to St. Athan.

Now on display at the Moorabbin Aviation Museum, is the former Airworld Drover VH-AZS. It is being restored with both TAA and Flying Doctor paint schemes on either side.

Delivered to Qantas as VH-EAZ in 1952. Reregistered as VH-EAS in 1958. Sold as G-APXX in 1961. Preserved at Southend as VH-FDT from 1967. Moved to Lasham in 1983 then to Wycombe for storage in 2010 and the South Wales Air Museum, St. Athan in 2018.

Reregistered VH-DRF in 1961. Location not know, but not Darwin. Photo from: Library and Archives NT

VH-EAS/G-APXX, having been painted in fictitious markings in early 1973. With the South Wales Aviation Museum in 2022.

Repainted and ready for application of Flying Doctor Service of Australia markings and fictitious registration "VH-FDT".

Only partially restored and on display for the Grand Opening of the Historic Aircraft Museum. Subsequently painted as "VH-FDT". With the South Wales Aviation Museum in 2022.

Ex VH-EAS, VH-EAZ (ntu?) and painted to represent VH-FDT. Moved to St Athan in 2013, awaiting eventual restoration for display at South Wales Aviation Museum.

Ex VH-EAS, VH-EAZ (ntu?) and painted to represent VH-FDT. Moved to St Athan in 2013, awaiting eventual restoration for display at South Wales Aviation Museum.