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.