About Hunter Fighter Collection
Hunter Fighter Collection Incorporated (HFC) was established in September 2019 and is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preserving the story and history of military aircraft and people for this and future generations.
HFC is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and has ATO deductible gift recipient (DGR) status. Our collection is displayed at the Hunter Warbirds Aviation Attraction at Scone Memorial Airport, Walter Pye Avenue, Scone, NSW in a joint co-operative arrangement with the Upper Hunter Shire Council.
Our Mission
To preserve the story and history of military aircraft and people for this and future generations. To restore Australian military aircraft to airworthy condition and fly them for the education and cultural benefit of the Australian community.
Collection Policy
Hunter Fighter Collection Incorporated is focused on the collection, acquisition, restoration, and display of historical and significant Australian-built and operated aircraft to airworthy or static museum standard status. The aircraft collection and related artefacts are acquired and restored on site by HFC volunteers and contractors. They are housed in an aviation museum hangar located at Scone Airport, NSW.
The Collection also displays aircraft and artefacts at various displays and commemorations across Australia to educate the Australian community about the role played by military aviation in the defence of Australia.
The Hunter Valley Aviation Story
The Hunter Valley of NSW has an aviation history stretching back to World War I, when local citizens donated in excess of 12 aircraft to the Australian Battleplane Fund, one of the largest contributions by any community globally. Many Hunter Valley airmen fought in WWI as pilots in the AFC and RFC.
During WWII, many local citizens served again in the RAAF and RAF and made a huge contribution. RAAF Base Williamtown in the Hunter Valley was constructed in WWII and has grown to be Australia’s home of fighter aircraft operations and training to the present day.
With such a historical legacy, the Hunter Valley and Scone in particular have a compelling story to tell about Australian military aviation and the region’s commitment to it.
Our Board
Alexander Pay is an experienced pilot of historic aircraft, involved in restoration work as part of Vintage Fighter Restorations and CEO of the Pays Aviation group at Scone, NSW. Alexander is a graduate of the University of New England, Australia.
Sam Pay is an experienced pilot and member of the engineering team at Vintage Fighter Restorations, part of the Pays Aviation group based at Scone. Sam is qualified in aero mechanical engineering and is well regarded in the historic aviation industry.
Peter Kearney is a highly experienced RAAF engineer who started his career in 1968. While located at RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW, he worked on Dassault Mirage IIIs, including five years on the type in Malaysia. Peter’s RAAF engineering work includes the C-130 Hercules, DHC Caribou, and McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets. He retired in 1992 and spent 14 years as a reservist. Peter is a resident of Scone and team leader of the HFC technical volunteer team.
Rod Porter joined the RAAF in 1965, serving with 481 Squadron and 3 Squadron at Williamtown, and later at Butterworth, Malaysia. He returned to 76 Squadron at Williamtown before being discharged in 1973. After his service, Rod became a business owner and has volunteered with Rotary for 20 years. He is also involved with the RSL and continues to volunteer as team leader with HFC.
James Bailey is a serving RAAF pilot with considerable experience in aviation from both professional piloting and engineering aspects. James is well known in the civil historic aviation community and within the RAAF and is strongly committed to the preservation of historic aircraft.