History:

Sydney Nelson Staff at Harris Park, near Parramatta, NSW, built an aircraft of his own design, the machine being complete by 18 July 1910. Mr Staff was a member of a well-known family in the area and worked as a carpenter and builder. He became interested in aviation following the publication of articles in the Popular Mechanics magazine. Using his carpentry skills he built an airframe and covered it with fabric, then painted cellulose dope on the skin to make it taut and durable. A company, Messrs Williams of Burwood, designed an engine which was expected to produce 18.6-kw (25-hp) and which was mounted in the pusher configuration.

However, this engine did not produce enough power and the aeroplane was only able to taxi, early tests being made at a paddock adjacent to the Rosehill Racecourse. He then obtained a Gnome rotary engine from William Hart and installed this. He designed his own propellers and used blue-fig timber in laminations, the timber coming from the Richmond River on the NSW north coast. He was hoping to fly the aeroplane as the first Australian designed and built machine in Australia but was beaten by John Duigan. Initial testing was performed by Frank Peacock, an engineer. However, due to the time he spent building the aeroplane his business suffered and further development was abandoned as he needed to devote his time to his business and supporting his family.

On 19 October 2013 an opening ceremony was held at Rosehill in Prospect Street where Bi-Plane Park was opened by the Lord Mayor Parramatta, the park being established near the site where the Staff – Peacock aircraft was built.

Further information:

Information on this aircraft is currently limited. The Author welcomes any further specifications and/or details to update the site.