The Ballarat branch of the Air Force Association (BAFA) is chartering the Shortstop Jetcharter (SJC) Douglas DC-3 VH-OVM to operate Essendon-Ballarat return flights on Saturday 17th of May and Sunday 18th of May as part of Ballarat Heritage Week.
BAFA is selling seats on these flights via the Friends of the RAAF Museum Inc.
It is a condition of sale, that passenger details are provided to both BAFA, as the head Flight Charter, and to Shortstop Jet Charter (SJC) as the DC-3 Flight Operator.
- Full Names of all passengers
- Passenger Contact Details
- Passenger Weights
- Passenger Mobility Issues
Flight Description
BAFA Flight 1805-01 Essendon to Ballarat Return
Sunday 18th May, 2025 at 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Cost
$380 per person
Flight Duration
The return flight consists of two flights each of approximately 40–45-minute duration. Total flight time in the order of 80 to 90 minutes.
Flight Itinerary
9:00am: Meeting at Shortstop Jet Charter passenger lounge. This is located at Hangar 5, 228 Wirraway Road, Essendon Airport.
There will be a briefing by Capt Michael Falls, describing the history and background of the aircraft. Coffee, tea and soft drinks are provided in the lounge.
9:30am: Final Boarding.
10:00am: Wheels up and departure.
10:40am-11:00am: Arrival at Ballarat airport terminal.
Passengers are welcome to visit various attractions at Ballarat airport operating as part of the Ballarat Heritage Week under the banner of “Entertainment of the Air” via our Facebook page.
Any passengers who leave the airport or otherwise miss the return flight will need to make their own arrangements to return to Melbourne.
3:30pm: Final Boarding.
4:00pm: Wheels up and departure.
4:40pm-5:00pm: Arrival at Essendon airport terminal.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Turbulence
Old airliners like the DC-3 fly low, are not air-conditioned, and can go to places that have wildly varying flying conditions. Please be prepared for any turbulence or other conditions in the air while flying. Please remain in your seats during the flight and obey all instructions from the Flight Crew. Unruly or intoxicated passengers may be refused boarding. The DC-3 flight is weather dependent and if severe storms or high temperatures are forecast, the DC-3 Flight may need to be cancelled.
Weight
2100kg is the maximum allowable passenger load for the flights from Essendon to Ballarat and return. This equates to 28 passengers with an average weight of 75kg. Consequently, we need to ask each passenger to declare their estimated weight, ie themselves including clothing and any carry on luggage (cameras etc).
This will allow SJC to prepare the weight and loading calculations of the DC-3 in preparation for Boarding on the day.
Mobility Issues
The DC-3 is not as user-friendly as modern aircraft for passengers with mobility issues. The on-board stairs are narrow and steep and the cabin slopes at an angle of eleven degrees on the ground.
If you need any form of mobility aids such as sticks/crutches/walking frames or wheelchairs, we need to discuss this with you. If we are unaware of anyone in this position until check-in time on the day of the flight it’s possible we may not be able to carry you.
Refunds
If the aircraft becomes unserviceable, or due to weather, crew availability or other reasons the flight is cancelled, a full refund will be provided. However If a passenger fails to be present by the Final Boarding times and hence does not travel there will be no refund offered.
