David Kenny has recently posted a photo of Central Aviation's Fletcher FU 24-950 ZK-DMO out in a field, presumably in Central Otago:
Just dropped into Gore - thanks to the Squirrel in the background on 26-03-2018 was the NZ Aerospace FU24-950 ZK-WLN (c/n 185) of Phoenix Aviation Ltd.
This airframe was built as ZK-DMO and registered to Air Parts (NZ) Ltd of Hamilton on 08-05-1973 and first flew on 28-10-1973.
Central Aviation Co Ltd became the first operator followed by Central Airspread Ltd in 1987 and then Central Airspread (1991) Ltd from 1992.
Oamaru Airspread Ltd took it on in February of 1994 and then Southair Ltd in 1999 followed by Willow Air (NZ) Ltd in January of 2001.
It went back up to Hamilton for conversion to Walter M601-D-11NZ turbine power and first flew in this form on 24-10-2002.
It spent a few months with Otago Airspread in 2011 then returned to Willow Air (NZ) Ltd until it was damaged at Gore on 05-11-2012.
Ownership changed to Phoenix Aviation Ltd of Gore on 15-01-2013.
ZK-WLN was cancelled from the register on 30/6/21 as withdrawn and I understand it is stored at Gore.
Not 100% sure but I think I has been purchased by the Ashburton Aviation Museum for display.
ReplyDeleteI understand the FU 24 that is going to hte Ashburton Aviation Museum is ZK-WLP.
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