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The iconic Southern Cross replica has returned to Sydney skies after 38 years, celebrating a remarkable restoration and the centenary of Australia’s legendary trans-Pacific flight.

Australian aviation royalty, The Southern Cross, is back in Sydney for the first time in 38 years.

The John Pope-Sir Charles Kingsford Smith replica touched down on 19 March.

Built in the 1980s, the three-engine flying tribute to the original Fokker FVIIB trimotor monoplane was severely damaged in an emergency landing on 22 May 2002.

Although skilfully handled by the late Paul Daw after a wheel strut collapsed, the Southern Cross lost three metres off its wooden constructed main wing.

Not quite a write-off, the plane, dubbed a faithful replica, was dismantled and placed in storage for eight years.

From Wreckage to Restoration

In 2010, the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) brokered a deal to buy the plane and, with it, restore a major piece of Australia’s living history.

After 13 years and an extensive rebuild, which included a component redesign by HARS’ team of volunteer enthusiasts and engineers, the plane flew again in December 2023.

The aircraft currently has, according to the Avid Australian aviation restorers, over 555 hours of successful flying time.

Although woefully underreported, the Southern Cross entered the New South Wales capital just before Easter in what Sydney Airport said was a history-making arrival.

A Century in the Making

The Kingsford Smith replica is in Sydney to kickstart 2028’s 100th anniversary of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, Charles Ulm, Harry Lyons, and Jim Warner’s trans-Pacific crossing from the US to Australia in 1928.

A press release from Sydney Airport noted that the 1928 crossing was a record-breaking “legendary first-ever” event.

Quoting CEO Scott Charlton, they welcomed the replica back in celebration of the Fokker monoplane’s return to the skies.

This is a remarkable aircraft, Charlton stated.

Not only does it honour “the achievements of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, Charles Ulm and their crew, but [it also] celebrates the many milestones achieved in aviation over the past century.”

Federal Labor Party member for Kingsford Smith, Matt Thistlethwaite, said in a rather plain-Jane way that the Southern Cross’s historic symbolism defines the “local story”.

 “The Southern Cross is a powerful symbol for the Kingsford Smith community, reflecting a proud aviation heritage.

“Its return highlights aviation’s enduring importance to our community, strengthening the connection between our history and future.”

A Historic Homecoming

Descendants of the crew were on the flight, as was Australian Aviation advocate Dick Smith, who has been a supporter of the plane’s rebuild.

“It’s incredibly moving to see the Southern Cross flying once more,” said Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s great-grand-nephew, Alex.

Doing what Thistlethwaite didn’t, Kingsford Smith spoke about the Southern Cross’s relevance to Australia’s coming of age as a nation.

“Our families are thrilled,” he asserted, “that this iconic piece of Australian history will inspire new generations and commemorate the bravery of our forebears.”

Likewise, Charles Ulm’s grandson highlighted the plane’s patriotic significance, saying, “It’s extraordinary to witness the Southern Cross flying once more.”

“For those connected to the pioneers of Australian aviation, it brings a real sense of pride and remembrance.”

“We hope,” Ulm added, “its return to the air keeps the spirit of those early aviators alive for generations to come.”

A representative of HARS, when talking about the restoration, said it was a “labour of love for the whole team.”

“Every rivet, timber joint, and piece of fabric,” he explained, “has been rebuilt with precision to honour the original aircraft and the remarkable achievements of its crew.”

“Seeing it fly again is an unforgettable moment for Australian aviation history.”

The Spirit of Australian Aviation

A few facts worth footnoting:

The HARS Southern Cross, which was built by John Pope in the ’80s, is one of the biggest replica planes in the world.

The HARS replica is one of two scale versions in existence. It’s also the only one that is airworthy.

The original Southern Cross lives in a purpose-built, climate-controlled museum close to the Brisbane airport.

Right to cheer on HARS for the return of the Southern Cross, Sydney Airport said the plane was a testament to “the invaluable work of HARS in preserving Australia’s aviation legacy.”

Hear, hear.

I don’t think any Australian can watch the Southern Cross landing again in Sydney without it stirring a sense of national pride.

To build on Sydney Airport’s kudos for HARS, if we’re serious about saving this country, we need to get behind the ordinary, average Aussie volunteer who is actively restoring it.

This is Australian history, tenacity, achievement and national identity all rolled up in one wooden airworthy package.

This is Australian history worth celebrating.

Raise the colours.

Three cheers for the Stars and Crosses!