The South Australian Aviation Museum Engine Run and Open Cockpit Day will involve several of their regular engines supported by five open cockpits.

Could you imagine yourself sitting in the cockpit of a C-47, about to fly allied POWs out of Changi at the end of WW2 like one of the SAAM members?  The general public will get the opportunity to get up close to numerous aircraft on Sunday 25 October 2026.  Go along for an action packed day at the South Australian Aviation Museum, with lots of fun for big and little kids guaranteed.

SAAM volunteers will guide you through the cockpits of:

• Douglas C-47 Dakota
• Lockheed AP-3C Orion
• de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou
• Fokker F-27 Friendship
• General Dynamics F-111 (visitors will be able to get up close to the F-111, but not actually sit in the seats due to safety concerns)

They will also be having three runnings of some of the engines that they have – planning to start the Rolls Royce Merlin and Kestrel, the Siddeley Lynx and Cheetah and the Pratt & Whitney R-1340 (old smoky). Run times will be announced over the PA on the day.  It is advised to take along hearing protection, especially for kids.

In addition to the aircraft and engines, they will be having a sausage sizzle, plus there will also be a coffee van and an ice cream van. There will also be a giant second hand book store in hangar one.

Stay tuned to the SAAM Facebook page for more event details and regular updates.

Note: Not all engines are to be run on the day. Engines are selected based on their serviceability.

SAAM Entrance Fees (as at Oct 2026):

• Adults $17
• Concession $12
• Australian Servicemen and Veterans $8.50
• Family $41.50 (2 Adults & 3 Children)
• Children (5yrs – 15yrs) $7.50
• Children (under 5) Free

About the SAAM:

SAAM is a non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers. Their focus is to collect, record and display the history of civil and military aviation in South Australia.   The SAAM Foundation is an incorporated charitable trust and donations to the SAAM Foundation are tax deductible.   SAAM welcomes donations of aircraft, aircraft parts, aviation memorabilia, books, documents, models, photographs and uniforms, subject to their selection criteria. 

Location:

Vehicle entry is at 16 Bedford Street, Port Adelaide. Please see map here.

For more information and all enquiries please visit the South Australian Aviation Museum website or follow their Facebook page for updates.

What:  Open Cockpits and Engine Run Day

When:  Sunday 25 October 2026 | 10am-4pm

Where:  South Australian Aviation Museum | 66 Lipson Street, Port Adelaide (Vehicle entry from 16 Bedford Street)

Who:  All Ages

At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.

Image Source: South Australian Aviation Museum 

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