The First Flight – Winnie Takes to the Skies in Bunbury

Last weekend will go down as one of the most meaningful days in Open Air Adventure Flights history - the day Winnie finally returned to the skies.

Although she’s been flying since 1941, this was her first flight in Australia, and her first after almost a year of restoration, engineering work, and mountains of paperwork. Watching her lift off was emotional, surreal, and absolutely spectacular.

Johan — our very own sky cowboy — took her up for her Meiden flight. As her wheels left the runway, the past and present seemed to meet. Her engine hummed beautifully, her wings held steady, and she climbed with the grace only a true warbird can offer.

Hayley watched from the ground, filming with shaking hands and a bursting heart. That first circuit around Bunbury was more than a test flight. It was proof that all the effort, patience, and late nights were worth it.

When Winnie touched back down, Johan’s smile said everything:
“She flies like a dream.”

This moment represents a turning point for us. Winnie is now airworthy, flying, and one step away from carrying her first passengers in the South West. We can’t wait to bring people into the cockpit to feel the wind, hear the engine, and experience what flying used to be.

We’re waiting on the final operational approvals, but we’re almost there - and the excitement across Bunbury has been unbelievable. Pre-launch tickets are already selling, and we know these flights will become a much-loved local experience.

Winnie has arrived. Bunbury’s skies will never be the same.

By Hayley Coulson

Photo credit @toncret_aviation