Retired pilot's tourism dream grounded over council plight
Clive's beautifully restored 1943 Boeing Stearman, originally built in America to train pilots during the war, is a labour of love.
But his dream of sharing it with the people of Taree, on the NSW Mid North Coast, is being kept firmly on the ground.
Only about 30 of the open-cockpit planes are believed to still be flying in Australia.
Clive's beautifully restored 1943 Boeing Stearman, originally built in America to train pilots during the war, is a labour of love. Nine
Only about 30 of the open-cockpit planes are believed to still be flying in Australia. Nine
"So I just take family and friends at the moment but when I get the business going then I'll do official joy flights, scenic flights, that sort of thing," he said.
Clive purchased a hangar lot from his local council in 2024 with the aim of starting up his tourism business.
But years later, it still doesn't have a completed taxiway.
"The taxiway to my hangar is probably about 40 metres, maybe even shorter," he said.
Without a proper taxiway, the plane can't leave the shed, leaving the retired pilot frustrated.
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