Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is HARS Based?
HARS headquarters is at Illawarra Regional Airport, Princes Highway, Albion Park Rail, about an hour south of Sydney. HARS has a number of other facilities but these are not open to the public. The large aircraft of the HARS fleet are based at Illawarra, and the smaller aircraft fly there on open days or to airshows and other events - Calendar of Events.
How Can I Become A Member Of HARS?
HARS encourages membership of our Supporters Group. Support Members get an identity card entitling them to 'head of the queue' status for aircraft inspections wherever and whenever they are on display at airshows and public events. They are kept informed through the quarterly HARS magazine 'Phoenix'.
HARS now offers a new class of membership, VIP Membership, this was introduced to accommodate those who would like to become a Full Member plus enjoy benefits over and above those given to Full Members. There are two types of VIP Membership available, Gold and Silver, and a list of the additional benefits can be found on the Membership page.
Working (Full) Members must be nominated by at least two Full Members in writing on an official application form. Full membership is encouraged for those who genuinely wish to get involved and serve the Society and its aims. The best way of initiating this is to telephone Rees Hughes (02) 4257 4333 any Friday or Saturday to arrange a meeting and introduction to HARS at our Illawarra Regional Airport base. Inter or intrastate enthusiasts will be put in touch with the right member depending on the sort of involvement appropriate to their location. Membership is NOT a ticket to flights on HARS aircraft; participation in flying events comes from committed working effort with the Society.
Do I Have To Be A Pilot Or Engineer To Be A Member Of HARS?
Not at all! Aircraft engineers of all disciplines are particularly welcome of course, but our membership includes people from all walks of life. Many important tasks can be undertaken by all manner of tradesmen, business people, professionals, students and others. In many cases, your particular skills might lead to new opportunities for the Society. For those keen to roll up their sleeves and work on aircraft, the opportunity is there to learn new skills under the guidance of our licensed engineers.
How Do I Become A Sponsor?
Individual or corporate sponsorship is warmly encouraged and can be discussed with Gary Squire (Ph. 0402 034 096). HARS enjoys tax deductable status for donations and proposed sponsorship arrangements should be discussed with your own or your corporate accountants.
Are Donations Tax Deductable?
All donations over $2 are fully tax deductable and you will be issued a receipt to this effect. Large individual or corporate donations involve discussions about membership and involvement with the Society's projects. Please contact Gary Squire (Ph. 0402 034 096) to discuss.
How Is HARS Funded?
HARS receives no Federal or State government assistance and relies totally on individual and corporate sponsorship and donations received for on-board inspections. Any assistance is welcome.
Are HARS Aircraft Available For Hire Or Charter?
Unfortunately, HARS aircraft are not registered for charter operations and therefore cannot take fare-paying passengers. But we can offer our aircraft for operations other than passenger flight; for example, work in film and television, on-board corporate events such as product launches and so on. Simply contact Gary Squire (Ph. 0402 034 096) to discuss.
How Can I View The Aircraft?
HARS encourages visits to and aboard its aircraft at open days, airshows and other public events - Calendar of Events. This is when our aircraft are at their best and we have sufficient members available to conduct tours and answer questions. Sometimes there is also the opportunity to see one or more of the aircraft in the air. A donation is sought for all on-board inspections.
We have entered a further stage of construction at the HARS Museum at Albion Park and are only available for private booked tours until further notice. When we are open to the public we will make a formal announcement but until then to book a private escorted tour of HARS please phone John Martin, Tours Coordinator on 0422 278 502.
HARS Tour Costs:
- Family $20.00
- Adults $10.00
- Child $5.00
Photography is freely encouraged.
Does HARS Sell Merchandise?
Indeed we do! The HARS shop is open every Friday and Saturday (unless away on trips with aircraft) 9am to 4.30pm. A range of shirts, jackets, caps, badges, pins, fridge magnets, teaspoons and other items can be purchased at reasonable prices. We also sell a video of the restoration and flight to Australia of our Super Constellation. Cash, Bankcard, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted.
A book on the restoration of the Super Constellation is available separately from Gary Squire (Ph. 0402 034 096). All proceeds go to HARS.
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