A pioneer of aviation on the Sunshine Coast is being remembered for his many contributions to the region.
Kevin Henebery was the propelling force behind Caloundra Airport, has two roads named after him and helped grow the region’s string bean industry.
Mr Henebery died on October 7, aged 92, and his family is now reflecting on the profound legacy he has left behind.
Born on January 19, 1932, Mr Henebery moved to the Sunshine Coast at age 21 when he left the family sheep farm in Sale, Victoria, and purchased a five-hectare property near Nambour.
He briefly returned to Victoria to propose to and marry the love of his life, Margaret, before they returned to the Coast.
As a commercial banana and pineapple farmer, Mr Henebery later became a pioneer grower of green beans in the region and today Henebery Road at Burnside is named for his farming efforts.
In 1962 Mr Henebery took a keen intertest in flying when looking for a new hobby.
Learning to fly at Maroochydore Airport, he gained his commercial pilot licence in 1965 and won a scholarship to do his instructor’s training, which he completed in 1966.
At the time, the couple was busy running a farm and raising their five sons and two daughters, born between 1955 and 1968.
Opting for a sea change, the family sold the farm and moved to Caloundra, where Mr Henebery’s aviation career soared to new heights.
He founded Henebery Aviation Company in 1967, which operated passenger flights between Caloundra and Brisbane from August 1972.
These 13-minute flights cost $7.50 per adult when the service first began.
The company also operated charter and scenic flights as well as pilot training from its base at Caloundra Aerodrome.
Speaking with Sunshine Coast News, Mr Henebery’s son Bill Henebery reflected on his father’s life and legacy, particularly in the aviation space.
“There was no Caloundra Airport at the time,” Bill said.
“Dad was the pioneer of the Caloundra Airport. That airport is there because of him.
“He was the one who rallied with council to build the airport.”
Bill said the aviation company was a family business and he had many memories helping alongside his siblings.
“We, as kids, were out their helping build terminal buildings and hangars – it was a working family,” he said.
“All the family were involved in washing aircraft, upkeep of the building, mowing lawns, putting flares down the runways so we could take off and land during the night.
“If we knew dad was flying at night we would run down the runways and light the kerosene flares so dad could land, dodging the kangaroos on the way too.
“If dad was doing training flights at Maroochydore, my brothers would have to climb up Mount Coolum with a gas lantern and red cellophane around it so dad could see the mountain.”
Over the years, Mr Henebery’s fleet of aircraft increased, as did demand for his aviation services.
“Henebery Aviation started with one four-seater plane and grew and grew over the years,” Bill said.
“At the prime of the business we had three Cessna 172s, a Cessna 210 and three Partenavia twin-engine aircrafts bought and designed for all weather and instruction flying.
“As the business expanded there was more need for us to fly day and night.”
Bill said the aviation company was known for its regular scheduled flights, as well as other specialty services.
“Passengers could park at Caloundra Airport, buy a seat on the plane and we would transfer them to the TAA or Ansett terminals in Brisbane for the flight onwards.
“We did aerial photography with photographers and a bit of freight runs in the night, running newspapers all over the country.
“We did Air Ambulance at times, and search and rescue for the police force.”
Mr Henebery sold the company in 1985 to retire, dabbling in professional fishing and building a waterfront home at Mooloolaba, where he grew various fruits and vegetables.
While the terminal at the aerodrome was removed to make room for large hangars, the Henebery hangar still stands.
The access road to the site is named Henebery Place in honour of its pioneering occupant.
Bill said his father was still very independent and had lived at home until he died.
“Someone would pop over for dinner and to play cards every night,” Bill said.
“Wednesday was always fish and chip night.”
Mr Henebery lost his wife three years ago and is survived by his seven children: Peter, Anthony (Tony), Sharyn, Mary-Anne, Michael, William (Bill) and Brian.
He also has 27 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, with another on the way.
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