From model planes to award-winning pilot: Andrew Clement’s sky-high dreams
Shepparton Airport’s open day on September 21 and 22 was a success, attracting aviation enthusiasts and families alike.
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The event showcased an impressive variety of aircraft, from the sleek Jabiru J200 to the agile Gazelle CA25. Visitors had the rare chance to get close to the planes, with joy flights on offer for those seeking a little extra adventure. Andrew Clement’s restored 1966 Victa Airtourer was one of the open day’s standout planes.
Although he always had a passion for planes — making plastic model planes and flying radio-controlled craft from as early as he can remember — life took him down a different path. As a school bus owner and operator, farmer and welding engineer, it wasn’t until 2001 that Andrew became a pilot.
During the 1960s, Victa Ltd, known for its lawnmowers and small engines, entered the aviation industry. From 1961 to 1966, the Sydney-based company produced 168 Airtourer aircraft before suspending its Australian production.
When Andrew spotted one of these rare planes being sold for parts in 2004, he couldn’t resist the opportunity. He purchased it and began the challenging restoration process.
Curious to know more about the project, I asked Andrew about his plane.
Can you tell us more about your plane?
“I bought it in 2004 as two trailer loads of parts — it was all dismantled in pieces,” Andrew said.
“It’s been fitted with a bigger engine and a variable-pitch propeller, so the propeller blades change angles for cruising.
“It took me about four years to put it all back together and repaint it.
“We did it at home in the shed on the farm.”
Andrew explained that because it was a certified plane, he had to bring it to Shepparton and complete the restoration under an aircraft mechanic’s “watchful” supervision before flying it for the first time out of Shepparton.
Andrew has since logged over 1000 flight hours, taking the plane, which has two seats and a luggage capacity of 50kg, on holiday trips around Australia with his wife.
Did you have your eyes set on this model in particular?
“Yes, as well as being a really good aircraft and a touring aircraft, it’s also aerobatics, and I wanted to do aerobatics,” Andrew said.
“That’s why I picked that aeroplane and bought one in pieces — as a project.
“I used to hire someone else’s aircraft, and I wanted to own my own so that I didn’t have to rely on being able to pre-book an aeroplane.
“And there’s always problems with weather and availability.”
What is your favourite thing about flying?
“I don’t know how I could describe that best,” Andrew said.
“I like the exhilaration of aerobatics and the satisfaction of doing acrobatic manoeuvres as well as fly formation endorsed so I fly close formation with a group of other formation pilots.
“It’s very demanding, and it’s challenging to fly tightly and accurately.
“However, it’s also very rewarding because you all have to be on the same page.
“You can’t afford to have a lapse of concentration, and if you hit another aircraft, you’re going to cause a fatality. That’s really rewarding.
“I enjoy being able to travel around Australia and see Australia from the air.
“It’s a great thing and I’ve met some of my best friends in life through flying.
“So that is also something special to me: meeting other like-minded people and sharing our love of aviation.”
Andrew owns two aircraft and takes to the skies two or three times a week when he can. His second plane can perform manoeuvres such as loops, rolls and other basic stunts.
While it’s not equipped with inverted fuel and oil systems, it’s stable enough to fly upside down — allowing Andrew to soar inverted for as long as he’s willing to hang in the harnesses with the blood rushing to his head.
How did you learn to do aerial acrobatics?
“I had to find an aerobatic instructor,” said Andrew.
“There isn’t one in the area, so I’d fly to Moruya near Batemans Bay or down to Bairnsdale.
“So, I always had to get in my plane, fly somewhere, get in someone else’s plane and do an hour of instruction.
“This one’s only got one seat, so I like to go and learn in someone else’s aerobatic plane before I could come back and fly mine.”
He added with a smile: “I’d like to own more, but don’t tell my wife.”
Andrew took part in his first aerobatic competition at the Victorian Aerobatic Championships in Tocumwal, NSW. He executed a series of carefully choreographed manoeuvres. Despite the tough conditions, he came away with three gold medals, a remarkable achievement for his debut.
It just goes to show it’s never too late to chase your dreams — even the ones that once felt impossible!