THE SMALL group of volunteers behind the Arthur Butler Aviation Museum and Airport Committee in Tooraweenah have now set their sights higher and plan to bring exciting 'aviation tourism' to the region.

A town meeting was held Wednesday 15 November to discuss plans for an Air Rally in 2023 involving a race around a course involving the three 'Castlereagh region' shires.

The organisers will be working closely with Gilgandra Shire Council and are hopeful that it will become a collaboration and part of the 'Real Country' campaign launched this year through a joint effort of Gilgandra, Warrumbungle and Coonamble shire councils.

"We'll run it under the Arthur Butler Museum banner and are hoping it will become our third annual event behind the Tooraweenah Show in October and Endurance Ride at Easter," said Mark Pitts, committee President and grandson of pioneering aviator Arthur Butler.

"I think we'll be calling it 'Winging it over the Castlereagh'."

"The Mendooran, Baradine and Coonamble airports were all serviced by Butler Air Transport who started flying out of Tooraweenah in 1938," Mr Pitts said.

The race will be open to any type of recreational aircraft with entrants required to fly over, and verify that they have sighted, selected landmarks along the route.

"They'll take off at the Tooraweenah Airport and fly to the top of the Castlereagh River in the Warrumbungles," he said.

"They'll fly over Coonabarabran, Binnaway, Mendooran, Gilgandra, Gulargambone, Coonamble, then out over Mt Magometon and back to Tooraweenah."

John Spora and Paddy O'Connor test the steps used by Butler Air Transport at Tooraweenah airport. PHOTO Lorna Spora

Another committee member Mark Adams is currently finalising the rules for the event.

"It will be a Navigational Race," Mr Pitts said. "The pilots estimate a flight time before they leave and the one closest to the time wins the Arthur Butler Trophy."

He says the committee are excited to work with the three local councils involved.

"The idea is to promote tourism and there will be a lot of outsiders coming so we want to incorporate the three shires," Mr Pitts said.

"We'd also love local pilots to be involved."

"We're already in the process of preparing for CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority)," he said.

With around twenty aircraft turning out for a rain-affected Arthur Butler Open Day in May this year, it is hoped that at least that number will be keen to sign on for a race around the Castlereagh.

Visitors will be encouraged to either 'camp under the wing' or in the nearby Warrumbungles, stay in Tooraweenah or book accommodation in one of the neighbouring towns.

Community market stalls will also be set up around the terminal building where a festive atmosphere will keep onlookers and supporters entertained.

Mark Pitts says, as with all small towns, community involvement will be pivotal to success.

"It's all about community," said Mr Pitts. "When AB was building the aerodrome in 1937 they all pitched in to help him."

"We want it to be an event that everyone can enjoy," he said.

After a recent Annual General Meeting, the executive of the Arthur Butler Aviation Museum and Airport Committee are President Mark Pitts, Secretary Mark Adams, Treasurer Patty Webb and committee members Gary Weston, Brendan Butler, Dominic and Lorna Spora, Emer Spora and former Tooraweenah Airport Manager Geoff Pike.