VH-BFT  de Havilland Canada DHC1A-1 Chipmunk             (c/n    22)


                           

                                  VH-BFT was the first Chipmunk imported in Australia.     It was a Canadian-built model.
                                  Some 217 were built in Canada, 1000 in the U.K. and surprisingly 66 were built in Portugal
                                  under license by OGMA.  Although it was demonstrated to the RAAF they declined to order
                                  it.   However, the aero clubs did, and this first one went to the Newcatle Aero Club at Broad-
                                  meadow.  It is seen above on the line at Bankstown in 1949.  The aircraft to the left is Miles
                                  Gemini VH-BJZ.  VH-BFT was re-registered VH-RNG into the aero club's new sequence
                                  in 1955, following its being granted "Royal" designation.        .It later became VH-BBF and
                                  VH-MCC.       In the interesting photo below, from the Alan J. Sheppard collection it heads
                                  a line-up of aircraft at the 1950 Casino, NSW Air Pageant.  Alan's photo identifies other air-
                                  craft there and I will leave this neatly done titling in situ.