The N.Z.A.I Fletcher FU24-954 is c/n 277 and was registered to New Zealand Aerospace Industries Ltd of Hamilton on 17-04-1980 and delivered to Rangitikei Air Services Ltd of Taihape on 29-05-1980.
It is seen above in its 400hp mode at Wanganui on 22-07-1986 with the pilots name 'Geoff Rowe' forward of cockpit and 'Whakapuni' on the engine cowling.
It returned to Hamilton to Pacific Aerospace Corporation Ltd from 30-11-1987 and was moved on to Aerial Work (Mid-Northern) Ltd of Maungaturoto from 03-10-1988.
It survived an engine failure on 23-11-1994 but struck a fence on take off at Mangapai on 26-06-2001.
Next we see it is registered to Super Air Ltd at Hamilton from 26-10-2001.
They stripped it, extended the fuselage, installed a 60 cubic foot hopper and tacked a P and W PT6A-11AG turbine in the nose.
I believe it first flew in this form on 21-01-2003.
As you can see it is still with Super Air and is seen here operating recently out of Omana, a few clicks northeast of Dargaville.
Thanks to Peter Garlick for the photographs.
My friend mentioned to me your blog, so I thought I’d read it for myself. Very interesting insights, will be back for more!
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I just tried looking on the register for EMW but "No aircraft was found." What was her fate?
ReplyDeleteIt was withdrawn from use in early 2021 and cancelled 29-06-2021.
ReplyDeleteNow restored to the register as from March 2022 and flying again.
ReplyDeletePeter Baird was the first pilot to operate this plane from new when he was working for rangatikei air services.I remember the day emw arrived
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