Fletcher FU24 ZK-BIO

I have been asked by Warwick H if I had a photograph of the Robertson Air Service Fletcher Fu24 that carried the fleet number "6" during the 1960 -1970's.

I did an earlier posting on this aircraft at :-

http://nzcivair.blogspot.co.nz/2012/01/blast-from-past.html

 

Below is a slightly updated version.

The aircraft in question is Fletcher FU24 ZK-BIO c/n 42 which was first registered to Cable Price Corporation Ltd on 12-12-1955. It first flew on 10-03-1956 and gained its Cof A on 11-07-1956.

It was listed to Robertson Air Services Ltd of Hamilton on 24-09-1956 and given the fleet number "6".

I believe it was the first FU24 to be fitted with the 260hp engine and first flew with this on 28-05-1957.

Pic above was taken at Te Kuiti on 05-03-1969.

In its earlier days it was piloted by Len Holden.

 Pic above was shot at Hamilton in May 1975 by CMM.

Note the larger "last three" letters of the registration.

 Above. Taken on an unknow date at Hamilton by CMM.

Above - still at Hamilton. Dated 03-09-1979. Carrying the name of the pilot "Peter Sylvia".
Below is another undated shot from Hamilton from CMM.

You will note that in the two lower photos the fleet number "6" is in a squarer font.

It was upgraded to FU24-950M status first flying as such on 22-11-1980.
Unfortunately it crashed, killing the pilot Peter Sylvia, at Arohena near Te Awamutu on 29-06-1982 and was cancelled from the register on 22-09-1982.