Price Recently Dropped: This 1947 Auster J5 is a charming and capable vintage taildragger with excellent mechanical pedigree. Recently through its annual inspection, this Auster is running beautifully, with a smooth engine that received a top overhaul less than 100 hours ago.
The low-time propeller and electric starter motor (no hand-propping needed) make it a joy to operate, offering reliable performance and classic British character. As an opportunity to own a well-sorted, easy-starting example of this post-war icon, it stands out among current aircraft for sale in Australia listings for vintage tailwheel enthusiasts.
The aircraft has benefited from ongoing maintenance and recent upgrades. Both wings were recovered with the Stewart System in 2016, with further work including new bungees (March 2022), new aileron cables and tyres (June 2023), and a new battery fitted in March 2024. The engine was top-overhauled by Borg Sorensen in 2022 at 2,518 airframe hours, and an extensive annual inspection was completed in June 2023 with over $9,000 spent.
Equipped with an electric starter and wind-driven generator, this aircraft has had one owner since 1992 and has always been hangared, reflecting long-term care and consistent ownership.
Auster Aircraft LTD
J5
For Sale
Kilcoy, Queensland, Australia
VH-KSL
1947
2613.2 hrs as of 30/07/2025
Gipsy Major Series 1, 150–66 hrs (TBO 1500 hrs), top overhaul 07/04/2022, last leak-downs 70, 76, 77, 76
Hoffman wooden fixed pitch, 117 hrs TSN
Basic VFR
