A concern of the time was the steady decline in Queensland based ownership of Vintage, Classic and Warbird aircraft - a trend that was slowly but surely depleting the “local” population of these historic aircraft. Two years after being formed, the QVAS split from its then parent body (the SAAA) and assumed an identity in its own right - the Queensland Vintage Aeroplane Group (QVAG).
In its infancy, the Group adopted a strategy that was based on the formation of a "network" of aircraft restorers, however, growing interest in the Group and its objectives led to a healthy increase in membership enquiries and this initial strategy was expanded to cater to all persons who shared a common interest - that being the furtherment of Vintage, Classic and Warbird aviation.
Whilst the tyranny of distance is something that the Group has had to accept and contend with, it has nevertheless been very successful in promoting its objectives and increasing its membership base. In the main, this has been due to successive Committees that have given of their time, energies and moreover, a commitment to maintain that which is considered to be a worthwhile goal.
In 1987 QVAG became an incorporated association – QVAG Inc. The title has since been amended to QVAG / AFM Inc. and this is now also registered under the "Collections Act" to provide registered charity status with all donations of cash and kind being tax deductible.
The Group recognises that for a country the size of Australia, it is a natural and healthy situation for several national bodies to exist - all of which share the common goal of promoting Vintage, Classic and Warbird aviation. In fact QVAG actively encourages its members to support the Antique Aircraft Association of Australia (AAA of A), the Historic Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) and Australian Warbirds Association.
Reflecting upon and complimenting the success of the Group’s prime objectives (the restoration and operation of Vintage, Classic and Warbird aircraft), the Group has assumed responsibility for the staging of Australia’s premier Vintage, Classic and Warbird Fly-In - QVAG’s annual “Festival of Flight”™. Traditionally staged over the last weekend of August each year, as a generalisation this Fly-In attracts the attendance of two hundred plus Vintage, Classic and Warbird aircraft and indeed, a substantial number of more modern types. In essence, all aircraft types and all facets of aviation are welcomed.
Our objectives have been further promoted in printed matter through the publication of a periodical journal under the title "Australian Vintage Aeroplane News" (AVAN). AVAN is intended to be the "glue" that keeps the "fabric" of the organisation together. The content of AVAN is broad spectrum with articles that relate the richness of Australia's aviation history and when available, period photographs are incorporated to support the article. Beside the historic articles, articles of a topical nature regularly feature and these might cover a particular restoration project, a particular aircraft type, a notable aviation identity and news briefs of interest. Typically, AVAN provides a wealth of information for QVAG members and interested parties.
The QVAG / AFM organisation has established its ClubRooms and Museum in a historic ex. RAAF Nissen hut that is located at Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield (near Toogoolawah) in the picturesque Brisbane Valley. Originally constructed at Archerfield during the Second World War as Building No. 25, this ex No. 23 “City of Brisbane” (Reserve) Squadron building has been refurbished extensively and it has become a facility that Members are able to utilise for weekend fly-aways etc.
Over the past fifteen years, QVAG members have acquired a wealth of expertise in many facets of aviation and especially in the areas of event coordination and conduction. The Group has provided assistance with the co-ordination and organising of many aviation events (commemorations etc.) and has thus been instrumental in the conduction of events that are outside of those that it stages in its own right.