Sydney Airport Message Board - 50th Anniversary QF 707

In case you may not have seen this on the 707 thread...

The Sydney Branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society presents a special FREE event:

Topic: ‘50th Anniversary, 1st Commercial Flight - Qantas Boeing 707 EBA – 29th July, 1959’

Date: Wednesday 29th July, 2009

Time: 18:15 for 18:30 hours

Speakers: Capt Warwick Tainton, Dr. Ron Yates AM, Norman King

Support Speakers: Captains: Bill Cape, Val St Leon, Ian Watkins,

Venue: Centre Lecture Block, Theatre 6, University of NSW, Kensington

Synopsis:

Quote:

Warwick will commence with a précis of the Qantas Foundation and Qantas Founders Museum and lead into the search for and difficulties of securing the EBA. Norm will present ‘An Amazing Moment’ in the resurrection and return flight of EBA. Ron will cover the original Qantas purchase, construction, testing, delivery, first flight and briefly outline the international competitive circumstances/pressures which led to the Qantas decision to order seven 707s in September 1956. These aircraft were unique, tailored for optimum performance on the Pacific Route. Bill will cover the route structures of the 707 at the time, some of the slipping ports and the 707 crew complement. Val will discuss the conversion from L1049 to B707/138, followed by Ian presenting some thoughts on "Operating and training on the 707 in the 60's and 70's" highlighting some of the differences to today’s methods and machinery.

This promises to be a fascinating evening, with a chance to enjoy dinner with the speakers after the presentation. I will be there (as a member of the Branch Committee), it would be good to see a few Board members around as well.

Flick me a PM with an email address if you want further information.

Posted with Moderator's permission