Last updated 14 Dec 2001

  INTRODUCTION

Born in Croatia my family migrated to Australia in 1970. 

In 1980 started my working life with Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) as an Apprentice Fitter and Turner. CAC was established in 1936 for the production of the Wirraway. Under license CAC built the P-51D Mustang, F-86 Sabre (first prototype pictured above), Mirage III0 wings and  engines, Macchi MB326H trainer and various components for the F/A-18 Hornet.Sadly  CAC merged with Hawker DeHaviland in July 1986. As part of the restructure, voluntary retrenchments were offer, which I accepted and pursued a career in business computing.

My only regret was not to have started my cockpit project during those days where the resources and tooling were available.

In 1981 joined the Royal Australian Navy Reserves - Mine Warfare Branch. Attached to HMAS Waterhen in Sydney. Our Operational area was North Queensland.

On Sunday 22nd February 1981 was a day I will never forget. I just logged 12 hours. We landed and taxied to the holding point. The instructed stepped out and before he closed the cabin door said "Let's do another circuit, but this time I will watch you from down here". Within 5 minutes I had done my first solo.

Most of the flying hour's were logged in a Cessna 150 VH-PIG (affectionately known as miss piggy). The other aircraft were Cessna 152 Aerobat & 172 SkyHawk.

Twelve months later with over 80 hours logged I stopped flying to focus on my trade and the Navy Reserves which was becoming very challenging. Today I regret that decision, but financially I'm better off.

In 1989 we became operational with sidescan sonar  used for surveying shipping channels. Apart from the normal wrecks and exercise mines. We successfully located a Airforce Macchi jet trainer that crashed of the NSW coast and a Airforce VIP Boeing 707 (A20-103) that crashed of Sale during a double asymmetrical maneuver.

Picture above is the Boeing 707 slat given to vessel AM Brolga after the completion of the crash investigation. This picture was taken some years later and our condolences go to the families of the five aircrew killed that day.

In 1994 moved to a more operational role within the Navy (still as a Reservist) joining a small unit tasked with the StoneFish Exercise Mine (SEM).

From 1995 -1998 were my busiest periods in the Military due to joint exercise with the US/ASIAPAC forces. Pictured above is mine laying from a B-52G bomber taken by me from the pilot boat which was directing the lay by US Airforce personnel.

In 1998 joined the inactive list with the Navy Reserves due to my civilian job.Currently employed as a Communications Engineer with a American Company.

Pictured above is my visit to the DMZ in South Korea. The DMZ reminded me of the Falcon 4.0 campaigns. Also pictured is a RF-86F Sabre in Peace Park and one of four tunnels discovered by the South Koreans during the 1970's which is open to public.

Attending a Cisco seminar in March 2000 I met my hero retired USAF Brigadier General Charles E "Chuck" Yeager. He spoke for about an hour and presented a 26 minute video put together by Dr James O. Young of the AFFTC History Office at Edwards Air Force Base.