Air Minister visits Lockheed Factory (DPR RAAF stock shots)

Southern California Spotlite News item circa April 1957 on the visit by the Australian Minister for Air Mr Osborne to the Lockheed aircraft factory. Mr Osborne's visit to the USA was on the return leg from Ghana flying in a No. 11 Squadron RAAF Neptune long range maritime patrol bomber. Mute footage of Mr Osborne arriving at Lockheed. Inspecting a Lockheed F-104A Starfighter. A two seat Lockheed TF-104 flys low over the airfield. Mr Osborne watches the flying demonstration and meets the pilot. [Sound begins] Interview with Mr Osborne infront of a F-104A. He gives his impression of the independence celebrations in Ghana. Mentions his meeting with USAF officials and visits to operational bases. His impression of the state of US aviation. Americans attitude to Australians - one of kinship. He is asked about the US aircraft industry and replies by praising the capabilities of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. Briefly mentions the F-104 and his flight in a Convair supersonic fighter. [The F-104 Starfighter was a contender for the replacement of the RAAF Sabre fighter]