The small Australian country town of Cowra in New South Wales, may not boast an international airport, but amongst the fields of wheat and canola, is the Cowra aerodrome, an integral part of the town's viability.

With no commercial airliners in the skies, the aerodrome proved an ideal relocation spot for Paul Goard and his father's business. The two aircraft  engineers from Sydney, design, build and test their own brand of light aircraft, the 'Brumby'.

[Paul Goard, Aircraft Engineer]:
"Here we have got more labor, we have got people who want jobs, and it's a much better area for us to test flight the aircraft and to manufacture the aircraft rather than in the city."

Several planes here are in the process of being rebuilt. This Nanchang Chinese trainer was bought in Europe and is being prepared for sale. Paul is giving its engine a rigorous testing. Behind the Nanchang is a Russian Yak.

This 1942-43 Gruman Avenger is being restored to its former glory. And the American warbird with folding wings, was used extensively on aircraft carriers during World War 2.

As well as testing his own Brumby design, Paul is a flying instructor and registered test pilot for all types of home built light aircraft. He says that establishing a business in the country hasn't only impacted his own life.

[Paul Goard, Aircraft Engineer]:
"It is a fairly big challenge but we are getting on top of it now and we think that in the next 2 to 3 years we will be able to churn them out quite quickly. There are ten people we employ here so that certainly helps out the town."

The positive impacts aren't confined to the local area, Paul's efforts and expertise in his craft, makes for happy customers.

[Paul Goard, Aircraft Engineer]:
"This person here that owns this aircraft, and he lives up at Rockhampton, takes it out at the weekend and loves it. So he is certainly very happy with it."

Philippa Rayment, NTD, Cowra, Australia