AOPA Australia is in the process of having a Cessna 152 Aerobat completely refurbished as part of a program that the association hopes will inspire young people to take up flying.
The aircraft is planned to be the first of a fleet planned for refurbishment, to become part of the AOPA Australia Junior Pilots program, a national initiative aimed at encouraging the next generation of pilots and aircraft owners.
Currently, the Cessna is at Orange Aero Engineering in Orange, NSW, being worked on under the supervision of proprietor Daniel Thomas. The company is donating the work, estimated to be valued at $50,000.
So far, the aircraft has been fully disassembled, all the major aircraft components restored, Cessna SIDS completed and all control cables replaced. Future work will include new windows, interior, avionics and paintwork.
“I am really pleased with the progress that Daniel and his team are making, they’re going above and beyond to ensure that the airplane presents as new," said AOPA Executive Director Ben Morgan. "Both our membership and our future junior pilots will appreciate their passion and dedication to detail.
"Almost all aviators remember taking their first flight, the experience so thrilling that the memories last a lifetime … the Junior Pilots Cessna 152s will have a very special responsibility, helping forge powerful impressions on the next generation whilst imprinting the importance and value of the AOPA Australia brand.
“We have a great opportunity to showcase our association’s ability to develop a program that will inject excitement and opportunity into the general aviation industry, encouraging youth across Australia to reach for the skies in pursuit of their aviation futures."
More information on the aircraft is available from the AOPA website.