Meet Jack Arthur, a pilot and aviation photographer.
For Jack Arthur, flying isn’t just a passion - it’s in his blood. Growing up surrounded by old warbirds and experimental planes, he was drawn to the sky from the very beginning. Now, as a pilot and aviation photographer, he spends his days flying, restoring, and capturing the legacy of historic aircraft. But there’s more to the story than just flying - every plane has a past, and Jack is determined to keep it alive.
“My passion for aviation didn’t really evolve, it was just always around me. Dad flew planes, built aircraft, and started working on his P-40 when I was just a kid. Mum also grew up flying in Canada with her father, who was an engine builder and designer for Pratt & Whitney.”
“Some of my earliest memories are of cruising around Dad’s hangar as he restored his World War II fighter plane - squeezing into tight spaces and lending a tiny hand, maybe holding a rivet or a screw. It’s something I cherished then and still love doing today with my family.”
Based in the plains of the Australian Mountains, Jack’s family Arthur Aero hanger is in the perfect spot; wide open spaces, stunning sunsets, and flat areas with lakes that lets Jack fly freely around – and within 20 minutes, he’s soaring over the mountains.
“Learning to fly is a challenge, you’re constantly in new environments and high-stress situations, but over time, it becomes second nature. One of the biggest challenges for me is learning to fly different planes - especially old warbirds from World War II.”
When he’s not flying, Jack’s in the hanger spending time with his family's extensive aircraft collection, learning and researching how to fly vintage and experimental airplanes, including how to start vintage engines.
“Figuring out how to start vintage engines and keep them safe is a huge process. You're constantly jumping between aircraft, learning their quirks, and problem-solving on the go. It’s tough, but that’s what makes it so exciting.”
“Working with planes can also be dirty as it's very hands-on work. That’s why Hard Yakka suits us perfectly. One minute you’re underneath a plane, covered in oil, and the next, you're out flying in the paddock with your mates. It’s good, reliable gear that just works, simple, tough, and made for our lifestyle.”
“Being part of the Aussie warbird community is special. I love capturing photos of these historic planes, just like the ones of Harry and I as kids standing on aircraft decades ago. It’s about preserving these moments, putting a timestamp on history and keeping these incredible machines in the air for generations to come.”
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