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Thursday, November 21, 2024 Civil/General Aviation » DC-3 » Miaco  
 


DC-3s in Malta

Post-war, DC-3s continued to fly into Malta, but by the end of the sixties, their numbers would have been far less, especially after the advent of the jet engine, had it not been for the setting up of the M.I.A.CO. company in 1967. By this time, DC-3 activity had slowed down considerably.

To further help put the above paragraph in a proper perspective, I am below listing a table, grouping by year, the DC-3s seen in Malta up to the setting up of MIACO. Military C-47s have not been taken into account.

This table is only meant as a guide. It is neither exact nor accurate. For starters, the Custom files where I got most of my information from, only start from March 1946, and there are some missing files between June-December 1947, July 1960 – December 1961, and July 1967 – September 1972.

It also only lists the different DC-3 registrations seen in each year, not how many visits were made by each individual aircraft. British, Dutch and South African Dakotas, for example, made several re-fuelling stops over a three/four year period.

The table also does not take into account that some DC-3s were seen with a different registration, either on delivery, or flying with a new operator.

As a postscript, up to the time of writing these words in April 2022, from available information, and including DC-3s seen after the voluntary liquidation of MIACO, this writer has gathered a list of 427 different registrations.

Of these, 47 were seen with two different registrations, 4 with 12, and 1 with four different registrations.
        
 
YEAR REG. PREFIX AMOUNT TOTAL
1945 G- 1 1
1946 G-

LN-

LR-

PH-

VT-

ZS-
 38

2

1

1

2

5
 49
1947 G-

LN-

OO-

OY-

PH-

SE-

VH-

VT-

ZS-
 40

4

5

1

3

1

1

2

10
 67
1948 F-

G-

LN-

LX-

OO-

OY-

PH-

SR-

VR-

VT-

XY-

ZS-
 3

10

1

1

1

1

5

1

3

1

1

4
 32
1949 AP-

F-

G-

LN-

OO-

OY-

PH-

VP-

VR-

YU-

ZS-
 3

1

7

1

3

1

1

2

1

1

4
 25
1950 AP-

G-

OO-

PH-

VP-

VR-

XA-

XY-

ZS-
 2

9

1

7

1

2

1

2

8
 33
1951 F-

I-

SU-

VR-

ZS-
 1

4

3

4

1
 13
1952 CF-

F-

G-

I-

PH-

VP-

VR-

ZS-
 4

4

16

10

1

4

2

1
 42
1953 ET-T

G-

I-

SN-

TJ-

VP-

VR-

ZS-
 1

25

1

2

1

9

3

4
 46
1954 G-
 7
 7
1955 G-
 5
 5
1956 F-

G-

N

SN-
 2

5

1

1
 9
1957 G-

OO-

ST-

VT-
 2

1

1

1
 5
1958 F-

G-

ST-

VR-
 2

2

6

2
 12
1959 EI-

G-

N

OD-

OO-
 3

3

1

2

2
 11
1960 G-

N

PH-

TS-

VP-
 2

1

1

3

1
 8
1961



0
1962 G-

HI-
 3

1
 4
1963 CF-

G-

PH-
5

2

5
12
1964 5Y-

OO-

PH-
1

1

3
5
1965 G-
 1
 1
1966 OO-
 2
 2
1967 G- 1 1
        
 


MIACO

This table lists DC-3s that are known to have visited Malta for overhauling or servicing by MIACO and taken from a list which originally was first published in the Luqa Aviation Yearbook 1983/84. The list is quite comprehensive, with 46 aircraft and 53 different identities, but without access to Miaco files, no claim can ever be made that it is complete. Hal-Far, where the company was initially based, is some distance from Luqa Airport and not easily accessible without a car (especially in those days – even the nearest bus service left you with a good twenty minute walk). It is also quite possible that Miaco personnel may have gone to Luqa Airport to work on the aircraft there.

Operators & Leases

Again, it is impossible to state with any degree of accuracy when leases with a particular operator commenced or were terminated. For this reason, only the dates when the aircraft was observed at Miaco are given, together with the titles (if any) that the aircraft may have been wearing at the time.

Aircraft Histories

For histories of all the DC-3s mentioned on this page, I have mainly relied on the volume, The Douglas DC-3 and its predecessors by J.M.G. Gradidge (an Air-Britain publication), together with Updates 1 & 2, also issued by the same author. But when information in these volumes conflicted with information held in my, I have relied on the latter. As two decades have passed since the above volume was first published in 1984, the histories of certain aircraft only go as far at 1982/83.

Additional information was supplied by a number of foreign enthusiasts, members of various aviation forums on Yahoo.

Same c/n, different registrations

Some of the DC-3s seen had in fact already been seen in with different registrations, either with previous operators, or after coming to MIACO. For easy reference, the following table lists these aircraft.

REG. A/C TYPE C/N P.I.’s NOTES
5N-ARA 16294/ 33042 C-47B-30-DK G-AMYX, 06.09.53

N3102Q,
  
5N-ATA 12472 C-47A-10-DK   See under N9050T.
C-FSAW 4644 C-47-DL N161V on 07.12.71.  
C-GOZA 14666/ 26111 C-47B-5-DK G-ANTC on 06.07.55.  
F-OCUY 7390 C-53-DO N569R on 15-22.11.72
  
N482F 14978/ 26423 C-47B-10-DK G-AGMZ on 13.02.47

VR-AAE on, 20.07.52.		  
N488F 14660/ 26105 C-47B-5-DK G-AGKJ on 14.09.47

VR-AAD on 11.02.52

TJ-ABR on 09.11.53
  
N3102Q 11654 C-53D-DO N7654 on 07.06.59.  
N3455 16631/ 33379 C-47B-35-DK   See under SU-BFZ.
N9050T 12472 C-47A-10-DK G-AGYX 16.02.62

PH-MAG on __.__.70

5N-ATA on 31.10.76
  
N62303 16175/ 32923 C-47B-30-DK 5Y-AKB on 15.01.70
  
PH-DDZ 19754 C-47A-80-DL N920, first seen 30.12.80

SU-BFY seen in July 83.		 SU-BFY returned on 08.07.85, five months after MIACO had ceased operations. Re-registered to the Dutch Dakota Ass., departing Malta on 09.05.87.
SU-BFY 19754 C-47A-80-DL N920 See under PH-DDZ.
SU-BFZ 16631/ 33379 C-47B-35-DK N3455 First seen at Miaco between November 1969-70 as N3455. As SU-BFZ between September 83-84. Like SU-BFY, it returned to Malta, but as N3455, on 31.12.86, entered Safi for the night, departing on 01.01.87.

        
 


The following is a list of abbreviations used.


           
Arr - Arrived A/l or A/ls - Airlines A/c - Aircraft A/w or A/ws – Airways Conv - Converted Corp. -Corporation
Co. - Company c/n - construction number c/s - colour scheme DD - delivery date Dep – Departed Inc.- Incorporated
mfg. - Manufactured (completed) mkgs. - Markings ntu - not taken up ob - observed, (by spotters, usually in Malta.) o/h - overhauled op - operated
p.i. or pi - previous identity reg - registered rr - re-registered Sq - Squadron TT - Total Time Wfu - withdrawn from use
W/o - Without w.o. - written off        

        
 


The aircraft have been listed by order of registration prefix.
REG. C/N TYPE HISTORY NOTES
4W-ABX 13584 C-47A-25-DK 42-93649 D19Jun44 - KG717 RAF Nassau 27Jun44 - India 04Aug44 - 353 Sq - 1334 TSCU Baroda - Indian Govt 30Jan47 - VT-DOD Deccan A/W R Jan50 -Jndian A/L Corp 01Aug53 - J K Chemicals Ltd, Bombay 06May71 - Safari A/W "Mayur" (1978) -Arr Miaco, Malta 30Jul78, dep 040ct78 -Yernen A/W 4W·ABX · Std Sana'a, Yemen Nov93. [Also quoted in error as to Yemen 1977 and dbr 14Nov78 Marib, N Yemen, but this is believed to be the fate of 4W-ABY c/n 13174]. Landed at Luqa Airport on 30.07.78, then to Hal-Far same day, dep Hal-Far on 04.10.78, leaving Luqa Airport on the 5th.
5N-ARA 16294/ 33042 C-47B-30-DK   Arrived in Arax A/Ls titles, staying between 19.06.75-18.07.75, from/to Lagos. Another three-day visit between 25-27.07.75 arriving from Djerba departing for Lagos.
5N-ATA 12472 C-47A-10-DK   Arrived from Lagos as Nigerian Tradewings on 31.10.76 at 13:00, departing for Palma on 24.05.78 at 12:00.
C-FITH 20228 C-47A-90-DL 43-15762 D06May44 - ATC Great Falls 08May44 - Alaska TSP (Western) 18Jun44 - Rel USA several times - East Base 17 Jul46 - Long Beach 29Jul46 - RFC Augusta D29Jul46 - NC9033H Aero Svce Corp, Philadelphia, PA (1949) - ZS-DLX Aero Svces Corp R16Jun55 - N9033H Rr 29Jun55 - ZS-DLX Rr 03Jan56 - CF-ITH Spartan Air Svces Ltd R07Feb56 - VP-KLJ Spartan Air Svces 1960 - CF-ITH Rr Mar61 - Kersey Airspray Ltd, Ottawa, Ont R16Apr69 - Kenting Avn Ltd - Terra Surveys Ltd, Ottawa R15Mar73 - Laurentian Air Svce L R04Jun73 - Capital Air Surveys Ltd (1974) - Kenting Acft Ltd (1976)-Terra Surveys Ltd (1977)- Bradley Air Svces Ltd (1977) - C-FITH Rr 1977 - Terra Surveys Ltd (1978) - Capital Air Surveys Ltd (1978) - Terra Surveys Ltd (1978) - Laurentian Air Svces R03May79 - Bradley Air Svces (Sep79) - (several leases seem to be involved here - First recorded visit between 25.05.75-05.06.75 (going to MIACO on the 26th), registered to Terra Surveys. Arrived from Algiers, departed for Marseilles. 26.02.78, to Hal-far on the 27th, seen again on 04.03.77. Dep Luqa for Hal-Far on 17.07.78, again on the 29th, and on 2nd August to Hal-Far. Entered Miaco on 14.01.80. Noted with these titles between 26 Feb 78 - Jan 80. Also used in Yorkshire TV series “Airlines” 04.81. Remained at Safi until transported to Hal Far by road to the International Fire & Safety School, Hal Far 19.03.87. Following closure of this school, the aircraft was again transported by road to the Malta Aviation Museum, Ta'Qali between 23-24.04.96.
C-FSAW 4644 C-47-DL 41-38616 23Aug42 - Egypt 15Dec42 - 12 AF 37 TCS Oran 15Sep43 - Hunter 08Jul45 - San Bernardino 20Jul45 - RFC Walnut Ridge 31 Dec45 - NC51831 TWA '322' D19Feb46 - Union Steel & Wrecking Co B18Dec53 - N16R Reynolds Tobacco Co (1956) - N161V Sears Roebuck and Co Inc, Philadelphia, PA (Jun63) - Aero Svce Corp, Washington, DC, Sep67 - Canx 11Jan72 - CF-SAW (2) Spartan Air Svces Ltd, Ottawa, Ont R17Mar72 - Geoterrex Ltd, Ottawa, Ont 1974 - Uniran L - C-FSAW Rr 1976 - Cr 230ct77 20km NE of Monida, Iran. Landed at Luqa on 11.03.72. Re-fuelling stop on 15.01.75 from Cagliari to Cairo, registered to Geoterrex. A visit to Miaco between 16-20.03.75 (or the 26th, handwriting isn’t clear) from Greece to Algeria. Again seen between 26.07.75-14.10.75, departing for Niger. Another refuelling stop between 25/26.02.76, arriving from Greece departing for Marseilles. Returned from Toulouse on 28.09.76 at 15:15. Noted at Luqa on 20.05.77, departing for Athens on 01.06.77 at 12:30.
C-FYED 4433 R4D-1 01977 R4D-1 USMC MAW-2NMJ-253 08Jun42 -VMJ-153 27Apr43 - Com Fair WC 08May43 - Camp Kearney 26Jul43 - PAC 16May44 - MAG-35 Aug44 - HON MAG-25 24Jul46 - SOC 310ct46 - C-709 Afrypesca - HK-709 Rr - N2901 BA Dishington - N4C Coca Cola Co 03Jul52 - N4CP Charles Pfizer & Co, Maywood, NJ (Jun63) - Pfizer & Sons Inc, Akron, OH (1966) - Lockwood Kessler and Bartlett Inc, Syosset, NY (1967) - N141U Rr 27Mar67 - CF-YEO Greyhound Lsg & Financial of Canada Ltd R21 Feb69 - Great Lakes A/L L28Jan71 - Lockwood Consultants Ltd, Toronto, R28May71 - Northway Consultants, Toronto, 1973 - Northway Air Surveys (1977) - C-FYED Rr (May78) - Northway-Gestalt Corp, Toronto, (Apr80) - Questor Surveys Ltd. Mississauga, (May80) - PT-LGO Questor-Prospec noted at Brasilia Oct85 - C-FYED Questor Prospec at Toronto May86 - N141U American Warbird Co Inc, Suisan, CA RO? Jul89 - Canx and then restd Jan92 - Gunnell Aviation. Santa Monica, CA RP 12Aug93 - Museum of Flying, Santa Monica, B20Apr94 - Rr N193DP Oct94 - David Price, i/s 2001 - Thomas D Thomas, Los Angeles. CA R100cto4 - Noted at California City Municipal Apr05. Arr with Northway titles on 22 Jan 1980, entered Miaco on the 23rd.
C-GOZA 14666/ 26111 C-47B-5-DK 43-48850 D26Sep44 - KJ938 RAF Montreal 29Sep44 - M East 090ct44 - 216 Sq - 204 Sq - 215 Sq - 216 Sq - 22 MU/UK 02Feb50 - G-ANTC Transair Ltd R22Jul54 -Alares Devel Co Ltd t/a Jersey A/L RD9Apr59 - BU (CI) A/W Ltd R01Aug63 - Hunting Surveys & Consultants Ltd, Leavesden 30Aug68 - * - C-GOZA Kenting Earth Sciences R19Sep74 - Kenting Acft Ltd (1975 to May77)- Kenn Borek Air (1978)- Kenting Earth Sciences Ltd, Ottawa, Ont R Nov79 - Std Malta (May-Nov80) - Duxford Aug82 - G-ANTC Air Atlantique Ltd, R09Jun82 - Canx 02Jan83 - N4261 P Skyfreight Airlines Inc, Hialeah, FL R Jun83 - N124SF Rr Aug83 - Lynbird International A/I, Ft Lauderdale, FL, Sep84, B02Nov85 - HK-3215X LACOL 27Feb86 "Capt. Miguel Angel Rodado A." - Fuselage std Villavicencio Sep97/Nov01. *At Luqa between 10 Apr - 04 Oct 71, but no contact with Miaco at this stage. Night stop between 01-02.02.75. Another refuelling stop on 20.05.75 from Crete to Toulouse, registered to Kenting Earth Sciences. Also noted at Luqa on 14.05.80 when it entered Safi, & 22 Nov 80.

        
 
REG. C/N TYPE HISTORY NOTES
F-BTDH 15539/ 26984 C-47B-20-DK 43-49723 D23Dec44 - KK205 RAF UK 13Jan45 - ACSEA 10Mar45 - 3 TAF CS - "Hermes" CinC Allied Land Forces SEA - NEI CS - 12 MU 270ct47 - FLC 09Jan48 - USAF 13May48 - 349723 French AF (MDAP) 25Sep52 - GT1/61 FRAND - GT2/62 FRAZV Jun53- GT2/64 FRBFN - GT1/62 1954 - CIET 340 May55 - GT4/61 Mar56 - CIET 340 Oct56 - GLAM 1/60 May60 - EC 57 FRCAL Jan64 - Std Chateaudun (1971) - F-BTDH Sasma, Tours May72 - TN211 Force Aerienne Congolaise i/s Apr96. Landed on 27.09.73 at 20:50, departing for Hal-Far on the 28th. Departed from Luqa Airport, Malta on 02.11.73 at 13:00. Owner listed as Rousseau Aviation. This aircraft was previously listed in the non-Miaco table.
F-OCKH 9336 C-47A-20-DL 42-23474 D05Apr43 - 12 AF Oran 28May43 - 48 TCS HUSKY I (Jul43) - 9 AF 31 Mar44 - FLC France 02Apr48 - F-BFGA Aigle Azur R23Jun49 - UAT L06Jun55 -AigleAzur Aug55-Air Laos L- 23474 French AF 08Sep59- CSEM 330 Jun60 - EPAS 325 FRHRA Jun61 - EAA 601 FSDLZ Apr64 - EC 70 FSDMB Oct64 - for sale Chateaudun 1971 - F-BRGC Brabier, Brevanne Res 06Nov72 ntu - F-BRGO Ste Pradier R Nov72 - F-OCKH Helicopteres Buzzichelli Hemet, Blagnac, R04Mar77 -At Miaco, Hal Far, Malta without markings 09Mar77 to 10Apr78 - Hemet Exploration R020ct78 - F-BVJH Hemet Exploration "Cnateau de Rebirechioulet", Toulouse R06Jun80 - Ste Cooperative Aeronautique - EC-530 Transporte Aereo de Mercania [Aeromarket], Son Bonet, Majorca, D30Jul90 - Rr EC-FAH - Cr 02Mar93 on t/o Palma, Majorca. Under repair at Son Bonet (1994), but not completed. Ob w/o markings from 09.03.77 to 10.04.78. w/ARGAS titles on 12.08.78.
F-OCUY 7390 C-53-DO   landed on 18.04.75, leaving for Hal-Far on the 19th. Departed Malta on the 28th. Came from/back to, Tripoli. Landed at Luqa from Hal-Far on 03.04.77, and on 19.05.77 and 16.10.77. Again seen on 30.04.78 and 01.05.78 with Hemet Aviation. Arrival/departure dates unknown.
G-ANAF 16688/ 33436 C-47B-35-DK 44-77104 D08Jun45 - KP220 RAF Montreal 09Jun45 - UK 19Jan45 - 435 Sq 01Dec45 - AOC 46 Gp CF 06Mar46 - 24 Sq 27Mar47 - 22 MU 15Nov50 - G-ANAF BKS Aerocharter Ltd "Jean Batten" R17Jun53 - BKS Air Tpt Ltd 01Jan54 - Hunting Aerosurveys Ltd R07Nov58 - Hunting Surveys Ltd - Hunting Surveys & Consultants Ltd R04May67 - Pres as KP220, E Anglian Avn Soc, Duxford 09Apr73 - G-ANAF Westcountry Acft Svcing, Exeter D10Jan77 - Air Atlantique, Jersey B210ct77 - British Caledonian L Dec79 - Air Atlantique - Air Luton D12Mar85 -Topflight Feb86 - N170GP Starflite Corp, Miami, FL, B29May87 - Consolidated Aviation Enterprises, S Burlington, VT, B24May88 - G-ANAF Atlantic Air Transport, Coventry, B210ct77 - [Marine Pollution Control] - Lsd Racal Electronics for trials of Nimrod radar Jan98 - Lsd Thales Avionics (Aug01 ). Arr for servicing by MIACO on 08 Sept 84, dep 15 Sept 84, carried British Caledonian blue shield and golden lion just aft of the nose.
HZ-TA3 4363 R4D-1 4703 R4D-1 USN 06May42 - VR-1 09May42 - VR-7 03Apr43 – NA-TS 01 Nov43 - Roanoke Jan45 - Miami Mar45 - Jacksonville Apr45 - Miami Sep45 - Glenview 30Jun46 - SOC 30Nov46 - C-900 Expreso Aereo - Jarosair, Miami, FL 1948 - N1699M Remmert-Werner Inc, St Louis, MO - Dow Chemical Co 1951 - Draper Chemical Co - N69D Rr - N1699M Rr - N234Z Airflite Inc, Freeland, Ml (Jun63) - Pennzoil Co, Oil City, PA (1964) - Pennzoil United Co, Houston, TX (1971) - Pennzoil Co (1975) - Canx 1976 - Jerry Foster Enterprises, R03May78 - HZ-TA3 Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz, "Sara" D05Sep79 - Noted at Miaco, Malta 19Jul80-23Jun81 - Canx 15Apr84 to USA - N234Z Jerry Foster Enterprises Inc, Nashville, TN RMar87 - HZ-TA3 still std as such at Nairobi Mar88 (to 1990?) - Newcal Aviation Inc, Little Ferry, NJ RJan89 - Acer Corp, New York, NY, B 10Jun89 - ZS-MRU Gr de Klerk Sep90 - Wonderair 080ct90 -Avia Air Charter, Wonderboom, 1992 -Airworld, (ops for Speed Service Couriers), Wonderboom (Nov97) - Naturelink Charter i/s Oct02 "Spirit of Adventure" - D to Dunsfold, UK 27Jan06 and reportedly reserved 05 as TF-AVN for Air Atlanta Icelandic. Ob at Miaco between 19 Jul 80 & 23 Jun 81.
N161V 4644 C-47-DL   See under C-FSAW. Noted with registration N161V at Luqa on 07.12.71, departing for Hal-Far.
N169AP 20457 C-47A-90-DL 43-15991 ATC Homestead 8 STU 05Jun44 - Dow 1379 BU 25Jul44 - Europe ATC 13Aug44 - India-China ATC - Hamilton 1503 BU 17Jan46 -ATS D Monthan 4105 BU 01Feb46 - AMC D Monthan 3040 ASS 07Feb50 - S Bernardino SBAMA 14Mar50 - NG Holman 109 FSS 27 Jun50 -ANG Holman 133 FW 01Jan51 -ADC Holman 133 FIW 02Mar51 - Minneapolis St P. 72 ABS 16Feb52 - 514 ADFG 16Feb53 - Sioux City 521 ADFG 28Sep53 - Minn. St P 514 ADFG 13Jan54 - McGhee Tyson 516 ADFG 04Aug54 - 355 FG 25Aug55 - Wr. Patt. 58 AD HqD 23Nov57 - Hancock 4624 ABS 09Sep58 - AMC D Monthan 11Jan61 - Reel 07Mar61 - N87647 Aero American Corp, Tucson, AZ (1965/66) - N590 Rr 24Jan66 - N169AP Pan American UAR Oil Co, NY - Amoco UAR Oil Co Mar75 - Amoco Egypt Oil Co R Jun75 - Pyramid Airlines by Feb78 - Canx Jan85 - Std Cairo - B/u. Logged at Luqa/Miaco with Pan American UAR Co. on 14.06.68, Amoco UAR Oil Co titles on 29.04.71, with Amoco Egypt Oil Co between 15.01 – 20.05.77, & Pyramid A/Ls titles between 10.02.78 and 30.04.84.
N189UM 6262 DC-3-454 NEIAF, not del - 43-1987 C-49J 31 Dec42 - Minneapolis 04Jan43 - Washington 10Mar43 - Chicago 25Apr43 - Reno 02Aug44 - McChord 190ct44 - Brownsville 04Dec44 - Greenwood 14Jan45 - RFC 11Apr45 - NC12926 DPC - Chicago & Sthn "City of Evansville" 'C-36' D30Aug45 - Delta C & S 01 May53 (DC-3A) - Charlotte Acft Corp - N43M Minnesota Mining & Mfg Co, St Paul, MN 1955 - N189UM Univ of Minnesota (1967) - Aero Svce Corp, Washington, DC Jan68 - Noted at Luqa, Malta Mar73-Jun75 without markings - Western Geophysical of America, Houston, TX (1975)-Aero Svce Corp, Houston, TX (1976) - Cr 07Apr78 Dar-el-Beida, Oran, Algeria. See N7119 below. Arrived from Istanbul on 22.07.73, departing for Oran on 10.09.73. Owner given as Aero Service Corp. Other visits between 31.01.74-04.04.74 from Algiers to Bordeaux, 07-09.05.75 from Valencia to Cairo (visit to MIACO not confirmed) and between 22.06.75-23.07.75 from Cairo to Greece. Had panoramic windows aft of wings.
N219F 9894 C-47A-40-DL 42-24032 D22Jul43 - 8 AF 020ct43 - 9 AF 82 TCS (Dec44) - NC19997 - France 23Sep46 - F-BCYS Air France R06Sep47 - LR-AAN Cie Generals de Tpts t/a Air Liban "Tripoli" R15Sep47 -Air Li ban Mar51 - OD-AAN Rr May51 - MEA-Air Liban Nov65 - N219F Intl Avn Devel Corp, Reno, NV 28Dec65 - Phillips Petroleum Corp, Bartlesville, OK L21 Feb66 to 20Jan71 - ATC Inc B28Apr71 (to Jan80) -Amoco UAR Oil Co L.71 - Std Hal Far, Malta (1971 - 74) - Petty Ray Div Geosource (Mar77 - Jul78) - Pyramid A/L, Cairo L22Jul79 - Std Malaga Mid-1985 to 1987 - Global Equipment Leasing Ltd, Reno, NV B23Apr86 - R Jul86 - Canx Aug88 - YV-505C Midas Air (Sep89) - YV-61 OC AVENSA/Servivensa (Mar91) - Std Isla Grande Sep93 - Cr 14Jun95 Kavac Cainaima, Venezuela, but repaired and i/s Nov 98/Sep 99, o/h Feb 01. Phillips Petroleum UAR Ltd on 09.09.68, w/o titles 09.71, Major o/h by Miaco, summer 1974, test flight on 13.08.74, dep w/o titles on the 15th. Noted with Conoco titles between 27.09.74-08.10.74, Petty Ray titles between 06-08.07.75, again with Conoco titles between 26-30.11.75. Amoco UAR Oil Co 12 Mar. (Seen twice in August 76, between the 3rd & 14th & 17th - 25th.) Petty Ray Div Geosource (from Hal-Far on 13.06.77, departing on the 15th?), Returned to Miaco end of 07.78, w/o titles at Luqa on 23.09.78, Pyramid A/L titles .07.79, O/h & painted by 24.10.79, Pyramid A/Ls between 24.01.81 and 23.10.84. Test flt on 23.11.84, final departure from Malta the following day. Never seen again following voluntary liquidation of MIACO in February 1985.
N330 4479 C-47-DL 41-18417 30Jun42 - Lawson 21Jul42 - Pope 27Jul42 - Ogden 03Aug42 - Ft Harris 29Aug42 - Gt Falls 01 Dec42 - Dalhart 14Dec42 - Pope 17Mar43 - Langley 16Apr43 - Olmstead 19Jun43 - Alliance 17 Jul43 - Sedalia 26Jul43 - Dunnellon 03Aug43 - George 29Aug44 - RFC Bush 100ct45 - C-1201 SAETA - HK-1201 Rr - LANSA - Avianca B10Jul52 - N2077A State Airlines Inc, Charlotte, NC - L B Smith Aircraft Corp, Miami, FL - F-OART Air France B02Feb56 - N330 Avalon Air Tpt B21 Jan59 - J Sorthun Apr63 - Intl Avn Devel Corp, Walnut Creek, CA - LAVCO L29Dec66 to 1969 - Diamond Lsg Corp, Reno, NV - ATC Inc, Reno, NV R200ct69 (to Apr80) - Ray Geophysical L Nov72 -AraxA/L L260ct74 - SN-ARC ntu - N330 MIACO L Feb77 -AraxA/L L 1978-ATC Inc, Santa Rosa, CA- Pyramid Airlines, Cairo L23May80-Global Equipment Leasing, B23Apr86 - Canx 14Jun88 - Rr N514GL ntu - Std Malaga Jul86 - EC-177 Aeromarket Express, Palma D01Jun88- EC-EJB Rr 05Sep88 - Wfu Aug93 San Bonet, Majorca - Std San Bonet Jul96 to (Jun05). Passed through Malta on delivery between 20-24.01.67. First recorded visit with Lavco titles on 23.06.67. Lavco 01.70 - 23.04.72, Ray Geophysical Division of Mandrel Industries, Lsd from 11.72 to 06.74 (last visit when on this lease between 05-28.06.74.) - Seen in Arax A/L titles between 11-21.08.74, again between 25.09.74-27.10.74 and 03.11.76-11.02.77, 05-10.04.77, 22.02.78 to Hal-Far - had small ‘chevron’ sticker near reg on port side on 10.07.79 - Argas 05.80 (end of lease) - Pyramid A/Ls 23.05.80 - Argas/ Pyramid A/Ls 15.06.81, Geosource 06.03.83, - w/o titles 03.83-06.83, Pyramid A/Ls 11.08.83, w/o titles 01.84 – Argas 30.05.84. Dep Malta on the 31st.
        
 
REG. C/N TYPE HISTORY NOTES
N480F 9719 C-47A-35-DL 42-23857 D17Jun43 - Baer 07Aug43 - 5 AF Brisbane 29Aug43 - 70 TCS - 65 TCS "Stacey" - Manila - Cond 23Dec46 - Pl-C130 Philippine A/L 13Feb47 - N94590 William C Wold, New York, NY R19Sep55- PP-YQR REAL B Jan56 - N9319R Remmert Werner Inc 30Sep59 - Sinclair Somal Corp, NY Mar61 - Intl Devel Corp, Danville, OH 1965 - Libyan Avn Co Ltd L - Diamond Lsg Corp, Reno, NV 1966 (L to LAVCO to Jun72) - N480F Rr 1966 - Zapata Jun-Jul72 - Ray Geophysical Nov72 - Bechtel (Nov75) - Pyramid A/L, Egypt L 1977 -ATC Inc, Valletta, Malta R09May78 - Pyramid titles 1979-80 - Dep Malta 22May80 -At Miaco, Malta 1 Jan82-29Jul82 - Chevron Oil Co - Cr after t/o from Khartoum Airport, Sudan 19Jul83 [EF] - Canx Jan84. LAVCO (at least between 03.68 & 06.72), Zapata 06-07.72, Ray Geophiscal (Division of Mandrel Industries) 06.11.72 – 01.12.73, Argas (Arrived on 01.12.73, departed for Dhahran on 10.04.74), Bechtel (11-12.75) again between 03.07.76-08.09.76, departed in Pyramid A/Ls on 10.07.77, noted in hangar on 22.01.79 at new location of Safi, following the transfer from Hal-Far the previous September. Subsequent return/s unknown, but departed for the last time on 29.06.82.
N481F 15016/ 26461 C-47B-10-DK 43-49200 D 28 Oct 44 - 9th AF 02 Dec 44 - USA 20 Aug 45 - RFC 05 Apr 46 - N7401 Mississippi Mfg Co (Dec 53) – 43-49200 1 TC Baer 806 BU 280ct44 - 9 AF 02Dec44 - Bradley 20Aug45 - Greenville 21Aug45 - D Monthan 10Feb46 - RFC Augusta 05Apr46 - N7401 Air Fresh Sea Foods Inc, Memphis, TN (1947) - Mission Mfg Co (Dec53) - I.A.D.CO R - Lavco Lsd - Diamond Lsg Co – Lavco lsd (1965 to 1970) - N481F Rr 1971 - Lavco L (ob on 27 Jul 70) - Amoco UAR Oil Co. D 28 Aug 70 - Jul 72 (ob on 31 Aug 70) - Ray Geophysical Division of Mandrel Industries Nov 72 - Arax A/Ls lsd (ob on 05 Nov 72) - W/o markings Jan 73 lsd - Glomar Sirte 8-9 Feb 73 lsd - Sierra 9 - 14 Feb 73 lsd - Glomar Sirte 15 Feb-11 May 73 lsd - Arax A/L 25 Jul 73 lsd - Arax A/Ls - FAO Airlift (ob on 29 Sept & 01 Nov 73) - canc 08 May 75 destroyed in accident. First recorded visit, with Lavco titles, between 26.05.67-02.06.67, again between 13.07.67-07.08.67, arriving from, departing to, Tripoli. Two fights to/from Sfax as Arax A/Ls between 19-20.01.73, then as Global Marine Europa Ltd from/to Trapani between 9th Feb till 25th May. Departed as Arax A/Ls on 27.05.73. Returned from Niger on 29.09.73, hopping over to Hal-Far the following day. Departed for Mali on 13.12.73 on lease to Ray Geopyshical.
N482F 14978/ 26423 C-47B-10-DK 43-49162 D240ct44 - KJ985 RAF Montreal 260ct44 - UK 10Nov44 - G-AGMZ OFZK BOAC 29Nov44 - VT-CPA Orient A/W ntu 1947 - AP-AAA R Oct47 - G-AGMZ BOAC Assocs - VR-AAE Aden A/W 01 Feb50 - N9935F L Nadir L - Libyan American Oil Co L - VR-AAE Aden A/W - JY-ABW Air Jordan Co L Apr55 - N9820F Transocean A/L 25Apr57 - JY-ABW Air Jordan L - N9820F Oil Exploration Air Svce - Sahara Petr Co - Intl Avn Devel Co (1965/6)- LAVCO (Diamond Lsg Corp, Reno) (1966/7)- N482F LAVCO Rr (1969)-ATC Inc, Valletta R11Jan77 - Taken by Libyan Army for target practice. Seen with Lavco titles on 23.11.72 on a day trip from/to Tripoli.
N483F 4223 R4D-1 3133 USN MAW-2 D27Feb42 - VMJ-152 15Jun42 - VMJ-252 23Jun42 - Cherry Pt Jul45 - Alameda Apr46 - Faetu Pac Ream Jan47 - SOC 28Feb47 - NC95433 S E Spicher, Concord, CA- Pioneer A/L - Transocean - T J-ABH Air Jordan, L Jul52 - JY-ABH Rr Apr54 - N9896F Transocean R26Jan56 - JY-ABH Air Jordan L Nov57 - N9896F Libyan Avn Co, R270ct58 - Intl Avn Devel Corp, Walnut Creek, CA - N483F Diamond Lsg Corp, Reno, NV (1966) - LAVCO, L Jan67-Jun72 at least - ATC Inc, Malta R11Jan77 - Taken over by Libyan Army for target practice. LAVCO, 01.01.67 until at least 17.06. 72
N484F 9470 C-47A-30-DL 42-23608 D04May43 - 54 TCS Baer 01Jun43 - Elmendorf 29Jun43 - Div 19Jul46 - NC79907 W S Wood, Anchorage, AK - Transocean A/L, "Benny Big Feet" - N63T Rr - Intl Avn Devel Corp, Walnut Creek, CA Oct59 - Libyan Avn Co L - N484F Rr 30Nov66 - Used in film "The Protectors" Dec71 - Diamond Lsg Corp (Libyan L cont) (Mar77) - Taken over by Libyan Army for target practice (Jun79). LAVCO 1966 – at least until 21.07.72. Used for film sequence of “The Protectors” Dec 71.
N485F 16294/ 33042 * C-47B-30-DK 44-76710 D11Apr45 - KN509 RAF Montreal 13Apr45 - 525 Sq 03May45 - 46 Sq 14Mar46 - Oakington TC 18May48 - 12 MU 04Feb50 - G-AMYX Silver City A/W "City of Rochester" R01Apr53 - XF619 for troop charters (1954) - G-AMYX Air Kruise (Kent) ltd R30Jan56 - Silver City A/W R280ct57 - BUA R23Jan62 - BU (CI) A/W R01 Nov62 - El-APJ Air Charters of Ireland Ltd, Dublin t/a Hibernian A/L L 08Jul66 - Emerald A/W Dec66 - N3102Q (1) Intl Avn Development Corp 12Sep67, at Hal Far, Malta by Aug68 - N485F (2) Rr May69 - [Exchanged identities with c/n 11654 at Malta after wind damage, winter 1968-69] ATC Inc, Reno, NV Sep69 - 5N-ARA Arax A/L Jun74 at least between 19.11.71 – 30.01.73 - Dam early 1981 at Lagos, to spares. First recorded visit in Lavco titles between 28-30.03.67. Also seen between 29.01.73-04.04.73 in Arax A/Ls titles. *N3102Q arr at Miaco with c/n 33042, and N485F most probably with c/n 11654. These a/c must have been interchanged during an overhaul. The official position became that c/n 33042 was N485F and c/n 11654 was N3102Q.
N486F 20214 C-47A-90-DL 43-15748 D04May44 - ATC Long Beach 06May44 - Stockton 29Mar45 - Lunken 040ct45 - Stockton 03Feb46 - RFC Ontario 01Mar46 - DC-3C 240ct46 - NC63104 Southwest A/W Co 1946 - Pacific A/L Inc 06Mar58 - Intl Avn Development Corp 29Nov61 - op by Libyan Avn Co - N486F Rr - Diamond Lsg Corp (for LAVCO) (1967 to Apr77) - Petty Ray Div Geosource to Dec77 -ATC Inc, Reno, NV R09May78 - Pyramid A/L L (Jun78-82) - ARGAS Aug82 - Geosource Aug84 - Global Equipment Leasing Ltd, Reno, NV, B23Apr86 - Std Malaga Sep87 to 1992 - Basler & Basler, Oshkosh, WI, R Apr90 - Basler Airframes Inc, Oshkosh, WI B03May90 - Not del to USA- Canx 12Jul96 at Malaga as destroyed - B/u and cockpit section to Aviodrome, Lelystad, Netherlands 2005. LAVCO (at least from 08.71-11.72. In Malta between 02.11.72-04.08.73. Again noted leased to Petty Ray Ltd 26.09.74-18.01.75 - Shell Winning N.V. between 27.11.75-04.12.75. Unknown leases when seen between 15-18.05.76 and 24.05.76-08.07.76. In Pyramid A/Ls titles on 26.05.77, 06.06.77 and 17.09.77 when it departed Malta. Date of return unknown, but observed in hangar having Esso Geosource titles being removed on 28.12.77. Noted by foreign spotters at Dhahran in Pyramid A/Ls c/s, but w/Petty Ray Div Geosource titles 11.06.78. Pyramid A/L L 06.78 – 10.10.79, w/o markings 15.01.80 and 29.03.80, Pyramid A/Ls 25.02.82, ARGAS between 27.08.82 (entered Miaco) and 05.06.84 (noted at Miaco), Geosource, 23.08 – 26.10.84.
N487F 19240 C-47A-70-DL 42-100777 D09Dec43 - 438 TCG - 8 AF 18Feb44 - 9 AF - Bradley 04Aug45 - Kellogg 05Aug45 - RFC Walnut Ridge 260ct45 - NC54369 Transcontinental Air Express Corp, Stockton, CA B26Apr46 - Southwest A/L 1946 - Pacific A/L 06Mar58 - Intl Avn Development Corp (op by LAVCO) 29Nov61 - Diamond Lsg Corp (op by LAVCO) (1967) - N487F Rr 01Dec66 - LAVCO lease contd to 1971 - ATC Inc, Reno, NV R23Mar78 - Taken over by Libyan Army for target practice - Canx Jul86. First recorded visits in Lavco titles between 30.06.67-03.07.67.
N488F 14660/ 26105 C-47B-5-DK 43-48844 D25Sep44 - KJ933 RAF Montreal 29Sep44 - G-AGKJ OFZP BOAC D07Nov44/R03Feb45 - VR-AAD Aden A/W R01 Feb50 via SAL - T J-ABR Arab A/W (Jerusalem) Ltd "Amman" R Oct53 - JY-ABR Rr Apr54 -Air Jordan of the Holyland R01 Dec58 - VR-AAD Aden A/W R31 May59 - JY-ACN L (op unknown) - VR-AAD Aden A/W - N9895F Intl Avn Devel Corp, Danville, CA Jul68 - Diamond Lsg Corp (1971 to Apr??) - N488F LAVCO L - (Op by Lavco at least from Dec 70-Jul 72). O/h in Libya in 1977 - ATC Inc, Reno, NV R23Mar78 - Taken by Libyan Army for target practice - Canx Jul83.  
N489F * 12269 R4D-5 42-92465 D15Jan44 - R4D-5 17129 MCAS Cherry Pt 17Jan44 - VMR-352 Aug44 - MAW-9 Dec44 - MAG-93 Apr45 - Corpus C. Oct45 - NART Columbus Dec46 - Fasron-102 11May50 - O&R Jacksonville 20Aug52 - R4D-5S 23Dec52 - Faetulant Norfolk 30Dec52 - Faetupac Noris 27Sep55 - Lit.Pk 31Jan58 - SC-47H 18Sep62 - SOC 21Mar63 - N91288 Intl Avn Devel Corp, Danville, CA 14Ju164 - N489F Rr - LAVCO L Jan67 - Diamond Lsg Corp (LAVCO L cont until Aug72) - N3100Q Rr - Reverted N489F ATC Inc, Valletta, Malta R11Jan77 to (Jan80) - Libyan Army for target practice. * Second aircraft to arr for servicing at Miaco on 07 Apr 67.
        
 
REG. C/N TYPE HISTORY NOTES
N535M 20558 C-47A-90-DL 43-16092 D17Jun44 - TCC Baer 21Jun44 - Syracuse 26Jun44 - Bowman 17Aug44 - Camp Mackall 02Sep44 - Laurinburg 27Sep44 - Brookley 10Feb45 - Pope 17Mar45 - Memphis 15Jul46 - Pope 21 Jul46 - RFC Augusta 18Jul46 - NC1050M Caribbean American Airlines Inc, Miami, FL R04Dec46 - CU-T265 Cuba Aeropostal - YV-C-AVR AVENSA R04Jan51 - Canx 06May60 - Servicios Aerotecnicos Latinas Americanas, San Jose, Costa Rica 30Apr60 - N535M Ohio Oil Intl of Libya 01Jun60 -Amerada Petroleum Corp of Libya - Continental Oil Co of Libya - Ohio Oil Intl of Libya Inc 19Jun61 - Oasis Oil, Libya 1966-67 - Continental Oil Corp 01Jul71 - Conoco Inc, Houston, TX R09Jul79 - Std Malta (04May79 to Jun84) - ATC Inc, Santa Rosa, CAR Jan84 - Pyramid A/L L but not flown? - Canx Aug87 - Derelict at International Fire & Safety Training School, Hal Far, Malta. Only tail remained by Apr94. Photographed on 14.10.69 in basic CONOCO livery. In Emerald A/Ws livery but w/o titles at Luqa 10.70. Also at Luqa on 07.71 and 05.09.77 (arrived from Hal-Far, may have departed Malta the following day). Arr from Iran on 04.05.79, with N565. On take-off from Iran, both a/c were fired at with small arms. Never flew since May 79.
N565 14955/ 26400 C-47B-10-DK 43-49139 D260ct44 - India-China ATC 30Nov44 - Long Beach 18Nov45 - S Bernardino 04Feb46 - Long Beach 31May46 - RFC Ontario 21May46 - NC66655 Aviation Maintenance Corp, Van Nuys - N565 Ohio Oil Co, Libya - Amerada Petr Co of Libya (1956) - Oasis Oil, Libya 1966 - Continental Oil Co, t/a Conoco Inc, Houston, TX R09Jul71 - Arr Malta 04May79 and std - ATC Inc, Santa Rosa, CA R Jan84 - Canx Aug87 - To Intl Fire & Safety Training School, Hal Far, Malta Jul 87. Totally destroyed after continuously being set on fire for practice. Ob w/o markings 31 Oct 69, and from Oct 70 to 17 Sept 74 when it returned to MIACO at Hal-Far. With Conoco titles between 17.08.74-11.09.74.. Arr from Iran on 4 May 79, with N535M. On take-off from Iran, both a/c were fired at with small arms and N565 had two bullet holes on the port side. The co-pilot or navigator was hit in the head while looking out of the window and was killed. Never flew since May 79.
N569R 7390 C-53-DO 42-15873 027 Jul42 - Lawson 23Aug42 - Florence 05Sep42 - Brookley 30Sep42 - Presque 280ct42 - WILDFLOWER 03Nov42 - Erding 43 RBS 18Jan48 - VC-53 7230 ABG 12Feb49 - 85 ABG 25Jul49 - AFE Wiesbaden 7167 SAMS 10Aug49 - San Bernardino C-530 19Aug49 - Wiesbaden 7167 SAMS 25Mar50 - HQO Orly ECA 07Jul50 - AFE Wiesbaden 7167 SAMS VC-530 29Sep50 - Rhein Main 03Apr53 - Salzburg 1142 SAS 10Jun53 - Geneva Oct54 - HQO Vienna 1130 SAG 030ct55 - HQC Andrews 1001 ABW 03Mar59 - LOG Std D Monthan 01Aug60 - Sold 20Aug61 - N87638 Aero American Corp, Tucson, AZ. 1961 - N569R Island Creek Coal Co, Huntington, WV R23Apr63 - Ontario A/W Inc, Auburn, NY (1966) - Roasan Inc, Newport Beach, CA 1967 - EASperkula, Long Beach, CA (Jan72)-Air Rent Inc, Chico, CA- Steig AGL (Feb74) - Kurfiss Avn (Mar74) - F-OCUY Helicopteres Hemet Buzzichelli "Chateau de Minjesebes" 17Apr75 - Hemet Exploration, Toulouse R020ct78 - F-BJBY Rr 15Jul80 - Cr 21Apr81 Oran to Toulouse. Also seen w/Air Re. Co. Titles between 15-22.11.72, 15, and 29-30.04.73, 25-29.06.73 (went to Hal-Far, probably on the 26th) and 19-22.08.73.
N893 16304/ 33052 C-47B-30-DK 44-76720 D07Apr45 - KN514 RAF Montreal 08Apr45 - 24 Sq 20Jun45 - 525 Sq 07Aug46 - 238 Sq - 10 Sq - 22 MU 15Feb50 - MAAG 02Nov54 - 44-76720 USAF 04Nov55 - German AF MatUKdo 1956 - GA+108 1/LTG61 Apr57 -AS+588 FFS 'S' 1959 -AB+588 FFS 'B' 1961 -AA+588 FFS 'A’ 1962 - XA+119 LVSt 612 1963 - 4/FmLuVRgt 61 30May64 -1404 13Nov67 - Sold Dec75 - N893 ATC Inc, Hal Far, Malta D Feb76, R21 May76 - Pyramid A/L L (1977 to 1983) - Geosource c.Nov84 - Global Equipment Leasing Ltd, Reno, NV B23Apr86 - Rr N515GL Mar87 - Std Malaga Sep87 - Canx 14Jun88 - HK-3360X Transamazonica Lida, 1988 to 1995 - Ceased ops. Arr at Luqa on 11.02.76 in full NATO dayglo/ camouflage but military markings overpainted. Departed on 07.04.76. W/o titles on 01.05.77, Pyramid A/L by 21.12.77, again w/o markings after this date, Pyramid A/Ls titles on 25.02.78, 15th Aug and 2nd Sept and between 15.10.80 and 03.02.83 – entered MIACO w/Geosource titles on 05.11.84 - w/o markings 13.01.85. Departed Malta for Spain on unknown date.
N894 16455/ 33203 C-47B-35-DK 44-76871 D02May45 - KN577 RAF Nassau 08May45 - ACSEA 29May45 - 300 Gp 10Jan46 - VMYDN - 1382 (T) CU 15Jun46 - 271 Sq 06Jun46 - 77 Sq - Oakington TC 08Nov48 - 53 Sq - 22 MU 21 Feb50 - MAAG 140ct54 - 44-76871 USAF 040ct55 - German AF MatUKdo 1956 - GA+109 1/LTG61 Apr57 - AS+589 FFS 'S' 1959 - GR+112 1959 - ND+105 LwGrpSud LVSt 612 1961 - 4/FmLuVRgt 61 - 1408 13Nov67 - Sold Dec75 - N894 Intl Avn Devel Corp D03Mar76 -ATC Inc, Hal Far R15Dec76 - (Jan80) - Geosource L (Aug80) - Pyramid A/L L Aug81-Dec84 - Global Equipment Leasing Ltd, Reno, NV B23Apr86 - N516GL Rr Mar87 - Std Malaga - Canx Aug88 - HK-3361X Transamazonica Ltda, (1990) - Lineas Aereas El Dorado (Feb92 to 1994) - Std Eldorado 1993. Landed in Malta in full NATO camouflage/ dayglo and military markings obliterated on 05.03.76. Departed for Cairo on 18.12.76. Returned in December 1977, seen undergoing engines runs on the 12th. Departure date, and subsequent return unknown. Test flight and runway beat-up (at Hal-Far) on 31.07.78, departing Malta w/o titles on 01.08.78, Geosource 08.80, Pyramid A/Ls 03.08 – 07.11.81, Texaco 11.83, test flt on 15.03.84, dep on the 16th, w/o markings 10.09 – 07.12.84. Test flight on 07.12, dep on the 9th. Never seen again as a result of MIACO closing down.
N895 16525/ 33273 C-47B-35-DK 44-76941 D12May45 - KN622 RAF Montreal 01Jun45 - ACSEA 16Jun45 - 215 Sq - 267 Sq - 110 Sq -48 Sq - UK 23Dec47 - 22 MU/UK 14Jan48 - MAAG via Fields 05Apr55 - 44-76941 USAF 27Feb56 - 7351 Mt Gp Landsberg - German AF MatUKdo 1956 - GA+106 1/LTG61 Apr57 - AS+591 FFS 'S' 1959 - GR+106 Reserve Nov59 - XA+114 LVSt 612 1961 - 4/FmLuVRgt 61 30May64 - 1409 13Nov67 - Sold Dec75 - N895 ATC Inc, Hal Far, Malta arr 26Feb76 - MIACO D27May76 - Bechtel L -Arax NL L27 Jun76 - 5N-ARB Arax NL R210ct77 - Used for spares at Nairobi-Wilson Apt, for Air Kenya - Derelict at Wilson Oct87 to Sep97. Arrived in full NATO camouflage/dayglo but w/o military markings on 26.02.76. Departed for Abu Dhabi on 24.05.76. Reported lsd to Betchtel 27.05.76 to 27.06.76. Returned to Miaco between 28-30.06.76, returning for a 13-day period between 09-22.07.76, Arax A/L 27.06.76.
N920 19754 C-47A-80-DL   See under SU-BFY.
N925 20016 C-47A-85DL 43-15550 1 TC Baer 806 BU 07Apr44 - Pope 349 TCG 05Aug44 - ATS Patterson 4100 BU 18Jan45 - Ft Dix 4149 BU 04Mar45 - Rye Lake RRD 22May45 - Ft Dix 4149 BU 14Jul45 - Olmsted 14Mar46 - AMC Griffiss 4149 BU 01May48 - 3171 ERS 18Jan49 - EC-47A 01Apr49 - Pleasantville GPLPY 30Aug49 - Westchester Co 12Dec52 - JC-47A 30Nov55 - HQC Andrews 1001 ABW 02Mar59 - C-47A 10May59 - LOG D Monthan 120ct61 - N87684 FAA, Oklahoma City, OK 010ct62 - N162 FAA Rr (1964) - Canx 25Feb64 - 605-AAB Somali A/L R22May64 - 60-SAB Rr Oct70 - N925 MIACO R Oct80 - Lsd Pyramid Airlines (Jul81-May84) - Std Malaga Mid 1985 - Global Equipment Lsg Ltd, Reno, NV B23Apr86 - N512GL Rr Mar87 ntu - N925 Basler & Basler, Oshkosh, WI, R Apr90 - Basler Airframes Inc, Oshkosh, WI B03May90 R18May90 - Never left Spain -Canx 12Jul96.as destroyed - Broken up at Malaga. W/o markings 04.03.81, Pyramid A/Ls 07.81 and between 19.01 & 21.05.84. Dep for Djibouti on 15.06.84 w/o titles.
        
 
REG. C/N TYPE HISTORY NOTES
N3101Q 4911 C-53-DO 42-6459 C-53 23Apr42 - Patterson 30Apr42 - Pope 04Jun42 - Lawson 17Jul42 - Pope 15Aug42 - Stuttgart 120ct42 - Dalhart 18Nov42 - Stuttgart 27Dec42 - Pope 08Mar43 - Del Valle 08Apr43 - Bergstrom 21Jun43 - Lubbock 04Mar44 - Ft Worth -7Nov44 - S Plains 27Nov44 - RFC Bush 12Jan45 - NC18565 DPC - TWA '369' B09Feb45 - Wfu 21Dec48 - Lockheed Acft Corp Dec49 - Fitted with NASARR nose for F-104 training 1960 - XA+117 German AF LVSt612 190ct62 - LVSt 614 30May64 - ESt61 26May66 - SOC 17Feb67 - N3101QATC Inc, Reno, NV R23Sep69- LAVCO L-Wfu Hal Far, Malta, 1970 - Used for spares at Hal Far ca 1977 - Remains at Luqa 1983 - Canx Dec83 - In scrap yard at Birzebuga, Malta, Dec89 - Noted there May94 marked '140'. *Arr at Miaco in 1968 w/mock F-104 nose, white-blue-silver-dayglo c/s. Still w/F-104 nose on 29 Jun 68. LAVCO lsd up to mid-1970. Stored at Miaco, and used for spares. Completely scrapped by the end of 1978.
N3102Q 11654 C-53D-DO 42-68727 D20Mar43 - Alliance 04May43 - George 29Aug44 - Brookley 06Nov44 - RFC 01Jan45 - NC49689 DPC - NC14959 DPC/American A/L "F/s Charleston" L 30Jan45 - WAA 300ct48 - Pacific Southwest A/L- Giles Co & Lew Ellen Inc (PSA L Oct51) - N66Y Fairways Corp - N7654 Rr - Oasis Oil Co L - Intl Avn Devel Corp, Walnut Creek, CA (1966) - Libyan Avn Co L¬Diamond Lsg Corp Oct66 (LAVCO L cont) - N485F (1) Rr - N3102Q (2) Rr 1969 - exchanged identities with c/n 33042 at Malta, winter 1968-69 -At Miaco, Malta for spares use Jun74 -ATC Inc, Valletta, Malta R11Jan77 - Derelict Hal Far, Malta (Feb77) - Scrapped by Dec78 - Canx Jul83 - Parts noted in scrap yard at Birzebuga, Malta, Dec89 - May94. First aircraft to arr for servicing on 28 Mar 67 after Miaco started operations from Malta. See note on c/n mix-up with N485F. Emerald A/Ws c/s 11.08.68 at Hal-Far. Damaged when pushed by strong winds against wall, probably winter 68/69. Parts of p.i. N7654 visible under port wing on 28 Mar 77. Scrapped by Miaco by 12.78.
N3161Q 15271/ 26716 C-47B-15-DK 43-49455 D24Nov44 - KK135 RAF UK 03Dec44 - 1 PTS 12Dec44 - 1 P>S - 1 PTS - 22 MU 26Jun50 - MAAG via Fields 29Jun55 - USAF 22May56 - GA+115 German AF 1/LTG61 09Apr57 - GR+115 3/LTG 62 19Sep59 - CA+015 3/LTG62 03Dec61 - F1BerBMVg Apr63- N3161Q Intl Avn Devel Inc, Reno, NV D23Sep68 (prob in Libya) - ATC Inc, Reno, NV R21May70 - Stored Hal Far, Malta mid70-mid74 - Eastern Bechtel Corp Lex MIACO 25Jun76 l0Feb77 -Amoco Egypt Oil Co 28Mar77 - Deminex 20Nov77 - Pyramid A/L L (May78 to Mar84) - Std Malaga Mid-85 - Global Equipment Leasing, Reno, NV, R Jul86 - N513GL Rr - Std Malaga Sep87 - Basler & Basler, Oshkosh, WI, B03Apr90 - Basler Airframes Inc, Oshkosh, WI, R May90 - Basler & Basler, Oshkosh, WI, RP30Jan92 (not del. by Aug93) - Canx 08Aug95 as destroyed - Reported del to Bydgoszcz, Poland 1991 for turbo conversion - Noted Jul04 - moved to Zerniki-Gadki, Poland 2004 - noted May05 bare metal, unconverted. Del to Miaco on 23.09.68, Lavco, Stored at Hal-Far from mid-1970 up to mid-1974 in LAVCO livery. Major o/h May/Jun 74, AMOCO Egypt Oil CO. 11.04.75 (Dep Malta w/these titles), Betchtel Corp 25 Jun 76, (ob Abu Dhabi), Amoco Egypt Oil Co. 28.03.77, w/o titles on 16.08.77. With Deminex titles on 13.10.77, 10-12 and 20 Nov. 77. In Pyramid A/Ls titles between 26.05.78 and 12.03.84, w/o titles between 15.12.84 and 04.01.85. Departed shortly afterwards.
N3176Q 16066/ 32814 C-47B-25-DK 44-76482 D09Mar45 - KN393 RAF Montreal 11Mar45 - UK 28Mar45 - 187 Sq Mar45 - 525 Sq - 238 Sq - 77 Sq 13Jan47 - Oakington 02Nov48 - TSTU - 27 Sq - 22 MU 08Feb50 - MAAG 16Feb55 - 44-76482 USAF 01Feb56 - German AF 1956 - GA+114 1/LTG61 04Apr57 - GR+114 LTG61 reserve 19Sep59 - CA+017 3/LTG62 08Mar61 - F1BerBMVg Apr63 - Canx 10Aug67 - N3176Q Intl Avn Devel Corp (1968) - Std MIACO, Malla Dec69-Jun74 - ATC Inc, Hal Far, Malta R21 May70 - Deminex 21Aug75 - Pyramid A/L L 1977 - Std Malta Jun84 - Global Equipment Lsg Ltd, Reno, NV, R Jul86 - Regn canx 13May87 but res N519GL Mar 87 Ntu and canx 04May88 - Std Malaga Jul86 to Sep87 - EC-EIS Aeromarket Express SA, Palma, Del 29Apr88 - R27 Jun88 - Dbr landing at Palma 06Jun89 - Stripped of all useful parts at Palma, Sep90 - Scrapped. Stored Miaco from 12.69 to 08.74, test flt 21 Aug 75, Deminex dep on the 24.08.75 – 23.08.79, without titles on various dates when noted between ’79-‘83 - w/Pyramid A/Ls between 19.01 – 12.03.84, w/o titles 10.09.84 – 11.11.84, Left Malta 13.11.84, returned on the 21st. Eventual departure date unknown.
N3177Q 16273/ 33021 C-47B-30-DK 44-76689 D04Apr45 - KN498 RAF Montreal 06Apr45 - 525 Sq UK 04May45 - 46 Sq 14Feb46 - 30 Sq - Oakington - 46 Sq - 22 MU 15Feb50 - MAAG 220ct54 - 44-76689 USAF 140ct55 - German AF MatUKdo 1956 - GA+103 1/LTG61 25Mar57 -AS+583 FFS 'S' 1959 - GR+103 LTG61 reserve 20Nov59 - XA+113 LVSt 612 (NASARR) 28Apr61 - FLVR-61 30May64 - Wfu 07Jul67 - N3177Q Intl Avn Devel Corp, Reno, NV R25Jul68 * - Pan American¬ UAR Oil Co, Chicago, IL R250ct68 -Amoco Egypt Oil Co, Chicago R05Dec68 - Amoco UAR Oil Co R 10Sep69 - Amoco Egypt Oil Co 1977-78 - Pyramid A/L L Jul78 - Canx Jan85 - Std Cairo - Broken up. * Arr at Miaco on 28.07.68 still in camouflage and F-104 nose. Amoco UAR Oil Co. From late 68 to mid-77, w/o titles between 06.01.74 - 29.06.74 (Note: Custom files listed the “owner” as Amoco Egypt Oil Co. when seen between 06-30.01.74, and again 26.03.76-10.06.76), Deminex 10.09.76-15.10.76 and again between 03-13.11.76. Amoco Egypt Oil Co. from mid-1977. Arrived at Luqa on 17.02.78. Returned from Hal-Far with Pyramid A/Ls titles on 06.04.78, departing from Malta on the 7th. Remained in Pyramid A/L titles until 11.09.83. Dep w/Pyramid A/Ls on this date, but returned w/technical problems. Date of departure after repairs completed unknown, but never again seen at Miaco.
N3178Q 16395/ 33143 C-47B-30-DK 44-76811 D26Apr45 - KN541 RAF Montreal 23May45 - UK 21Apr46 (dam during del) - 1 TAMU 20May46 - 1381 (T) CU 29Jul46 - Oakington TC 27Apr48 - 30 Sq 30Apr50 - 12 MU 22Feb51 - MAAG via Fields 16Jul54 - 44-76811 USAF - 7531 FMS 28Feb56 - German AF MatUKdo 1956 - GA+107 1/LTG61 01Apr57 - CA+014 F1BerBMVg 10Sep59- GR+116 11Dec59 - ND+202 LwGrp Nord 2/LTG63 02May61 - 3/LTG62 26Jan63 - F1BerBMVg Apr63 - DC-3A-SIC3G - N3178Q Intl Avn Devel Corp, Reno, NV D29Jul68 (to Malta) - grounded at MIACO 29Jul68-21Jan76 -ATC Inc, Reno, NV Mar70 - Pyramid A/LL Aprl77 -ATC Inc, Valletta, Malta R20Jun78 - Canx Jul83. * Del to Miaco on 29.07.68. Airworthiness inspection by Miaco on 08.10.68. This DC-3 had remained grounded between its arrival and 21.01.76, when it made its first test flight! To Luqa on the 24th, departing Malta on the 25th. Pyramid A/L between 04.77 and 03.82. Never seen again after departure from Malta.
N3179Q 16605/ 33353 C-47B-35-DK 44-77021 D25May45 - KN656 RAF Montreal 11Jun45 - UK 19Jun45 - 77 Sq - ACSEA 040ct45 - 31 Sq - 204 Sq M East 08Jan48 - Oakington TC 05Apr49- 27 Sq - 22 MU 11May50 - MAAG via Fields 270ct54 - 44-77021 USAF 08Dec55 - German AF MatUKdo 1956 - CA+011 3/LTG62 - F1BerBMVg - Wfu 07Jul67 - N3179Q Intl Avn Devel Corp D02Aug68 at MIACO, Malta - J J Quinn - Welltrade Inc Nov69 - PH-WWW res Dec70, ntu - PH-MOA Moormanair R22Dec70 - Cr 03Jun71 Southend, Essex - B/u Sep72. * Del to Miaco 02.08.68. Still at Miaco in 1969.
N3455 16631/ 33379 C-47B-35-DK 44-77047 D09Jun45 - KN673 RAF Montreal 15Jun45 - 45 Gp 13Jul45 - UK 1 TAMU 23Jul46 - 1382 {T) CU 27Nov46 - 240 OCU 05Jan48 - Std 03Nov48 - 12 MU 27Feb50 - G-AMSN JA Wilson R28Apr52 - Starways Ltd Mar53 - Mercury A/W LApr64 to Nov64 - South Coast Air Svces L 12Jul65 - Lord Calthorpe, Ringway t/a Mercury A/W R22Nov65 - N3455 Intl Avn Devel Corp R28Dec67 - ATC Inc, Reno, NV R020ct69 - LAVCO L (1969-72) - Arax A/L L05Jun72 - MIACO L - Eastern Bechtel Corp L 19Nov76 to Feb77 - Pyramid A/L L 1977 -Arax A/L L - Pyramid A/L L May80 - SU-BFZ Pyramid A/L, Cairo "Cheops" R Jun82 - El-BS! Apple Air Services Ltd, Apr86 ntu - N3455 Airspeed International Inc, R29Dec86 - Canx Apr87 - Std at Exeter - G-AMSN Aces High Ltd R13Nov89 - Std N Weald 02Mar90 - N3455 Star Airways Inc, Dover, ME, B30May90 - H Richardson, Eynsold, VI, RP Aug93 ntu - Std N Weald Oct93 - G-AMSN Aces High Ltd, R31Aug95/30Jun97 - Regn canx 25Jan00, dism - Fuselage present at North Weald Oct01. LAVCO titles between 11.69 and 11.70. Arax A/L between 23.05.72 and 13.06.73. Made a number of flights for Global Marine Europa between 15th June and 6th July 73, although two flights to/from Sfax on the 16th were listed as Arax A/Ls. Departed for Abu Dhabi on 04.11.73 at 04:45 as Eastern Betchel Corp., w/o titles 01.75 (in Malta between 26.01.75-03.03.75). Owner listed as IADCOM when in Malta between 01-06.12.76 and 14.12.76-25.03.77, Pyramid A/L 10.03.77 – 19.05.80 rr SU-BFZ Pyramid A/L, “Cheops" between 07.09.83 – 01.09.84 (Departed Malta.) Landed at Luqa (as N3455) on 31.12.86, entering Safi afterwards. Dep on 01.01.87. “Amy”.
        
 
REG. C/N TYPE HISTORY NOTES
N5000E 20475 C-47A-90-DL 43-16009 007 Jun44 - Alaska ATC 10Jun44 - WAA 18Dec46 - Adak 07May47 - Elmendorf 01Jan48 - Salvage 16Aug48 - N4766C Northern Consolidated A/L Inc (Nov53 to 1956) - Colorado Interstate Gas Co - N950 Electric Autolite Co - NSO00C Swiflite Acft Corp - NS00OE Rr 09Feb66 - Aero Service Corp (long nose noted Nov71) - Western Geophysical L until 1975 - Aero Svce Corp, Houston, TX R14Jan76 - Starflite Corp, Miami, FL, R Jan89 - Canx 14Sep90 - ZS-LVR Bazaruto Air Charter, Lanseria, R 11Dec90 - "Memphis Belle" (Nov97) - Landala Safaris (Nov99) - noted damaged at Lanseria Mar00 - repaired by Aug01 - Nelair, Nelspruit R08Jun01 - Noted in Nelair Charters titles .04. Ob at Luqa w/long nose but no markings on 27 Nov 71. Again noted between 22.06.75-01.07.75 and 24.01.76-17.05.76 registered to Western Geopyshical. Between 24.05.76-11.06.75 registered to Aero Service. See article about this aircraft at bottom of this table.
N7119 4784 C-47-DL 41-18623 310ct42 - Sedalia 27Jan43 - Laurinburg - Olmstead 03May43 - Laurinburg 18May43 - Sturgis 13Jun43 - Nashville 21Jun43 - Hattiesburg 27 Jun43 - MacDill 29Jun43 - Lawson 05Jul43 - Grand Is 20Jul43 - Lawson 28Jul43 - Robins 11Aug43 - George 29Aug44 - Stout 23Jun44 - RFC Bush 03Sep45 - NC15573 Resort A/L - Lake Central - N22T S W Richardson (Dec53) - N7711S Huggins Knecht Lsg Co, Dallas, TX (Jun63) - N711T Rr - N7119 Rr (Dec66)- Aero Services Corp, Oct68 to (Jan71), magnetometer and panoramic windows fitted - Canx. Crashed, Tamanrasset, Algeria. See N189UM above. Noted at Luqa with magnometer and panaromic windows from Sept to Dec 70. See accident report at bottom of page.
N9050T 12472 C-47A-10-DK 42-92648 D04Feb44, KG437 RAF Montreal 14Feb44 - UK 23Feb44 - 233 Sq 29Feb44 - 435/436 Sq 05Sep45 - 437 Sq Dec45 - G-AGYX BOAC 15Jan46 - BEA 19Aug46 - Pionair "George Holt-Thomas" -Autair (Luton) Ltd 27Apr61 - CJ Bicknell, Libya t/a Libyan Avn 12Feb62 - Lsd to United Libyan Airlines 1962 - B L R Pocock 22May62 - J W Beazley 17Jan63 - W S Shackleton Ltd 10Jun65 - PH-MAG Martins Air Charter t/a Martinair 01 Jul65 - Lsd to Delta Air Transport - Moormanair R020ct68 * - Scorpio Films R 14May73 - SN-ATA Nigerian Trade Winds R Apr74 ** - Overhaul at Miaco, Malta May77- Jun78 - Lsd U L Drew 24May78 - N9050T Lease Air Inc, FL R29Jan79 ntu - Std at Khartoum 1980 (as 5N-ATA) - Autair Malta Ltd - ATC Inc, Santa Rosa, CAR May83 ***- Derelict at Malta 1983-91 - Canx Aug87 - Dep Malta by sea 290ct91 for UK - Parts displayed at Dakota's American Bistro Restaurant, Fleet, Hants (1992 - 2004) - Nose to RAF Museum, Hendon. * Ob at Luqa on 30.11.69, but no contact with Miaco at this stage. ** Noted from May 77-Jun 78, o/h by Miaco. *** Arr 10.06.83. Aircraft w/o engines/wings for several years, before being cut in three major parts for export to be used as restaurant in the UK. Shipped from Malta on 29.10.91.
N62303 16175/ 32923 C-47B-30-DK 44-76591 D26Mar45 - KN452 RAF Montreal 27Mar45 - 76 Sq 14Apr45 -ACSEA 19Sep45 - 10 Sq - 30 Sq - 22 MU/UK 12Dec47 - TC Exam Unit 15Mar55 - Std - Coastal Cmd Comm Flt 240ct56 - Stn Flt Gibraltar 191Nov56 - RAF Malta 10Nov60 - Queen's Flt 16Jan61 - ME Comm Sq 10Mar61 - 21 Sq Khormaksar, Aden 21Aug65 - 5 MU 06Nov67 - Displayed RAF 50th Ann iv display, Abingdon Jun68 - SOC 22Jul69 - G-AXJU Shackleton Avn Ltd R14Jul69 - 5Y-AKB Kenya Police 15Jan70 - Lion Intl Sales, Vaduz 220ct74 - N62303 Aero Svce Corp, Houston, TX Dec74 - Airfast Svce (Pvt), Singapore 1977 - Spares 1977 - Canx 28Feb78 - Br up at Seletar 1977. Landed at Luqa on 19.01.76, (to Hal-Far on the 20th), leaving for Cairo on 07.11.76. Registered to Aero Service Corp. w/o markings in Oct 76 and Jan 77.
N86451 13954/ 25399 C-47A-30-DK 43-48138 ATC Romulus 553 BU D20Jul44 - Memphis 554 BU 25Aug44 - Ft Dix 592 BU 07Aug45-ATS D Monthan 4105 BU 03Mar46-AMC D Monthan 3040 ASS 07Feb50 - Norton SBAMA 07Sep50 - TC Nellis 3595 PTW 08Nov50 - 3595 FTW 01Apr51 - 3595 CCTW 28Nov54 - Moody 3550 CCTW 31Aug57 - ATC Moody 3550 FTW 15Aug58 - AMC D Monthan 240ct60 - Reel 17Mar61 - N86451 Charlotte Acft Corp - T.3-48 Spanish AF 22Mar62 371-48, 461-21, 745-48 - G-BFHA Warbirds of Gt Britain Ltd R23Nov77 - N86451 D26Feb78 - 9Q-CRL SOTEXKI, Kinshasa - Last noted Kinshasa-Ndjili Apr96. Arrived at Luqa on 01.03.78 in full Spanish Air Force markings except for roundels. Departed on 10.03.78 after servicing at Miaco.
N99210 1984 DC-3A-197 (R) DC-3A-197 NC18112 United "Oregon”, "The Dalles" B210ct37 - Leeward Aeronautical Svce B 10Aug53 - M M Landy/Leair Inc - Bankers Life & Casualty Co (Dec56) - Continental A/L L - Pioneer A/I Ld - Lesavoy Foundn, NY (Sep58) - 5T-CAC Air Mauritanie Aug63 - EC-AXS Spantax R25Aug64 - N99210 U L Drew, Khartoum, Sudan, B18Feb77 - Air Chantenis 18Feb77 - Caprivi A/W L Oct78 - Harrison & White, t/a African Air Charters - Flying Enterprises Inc, Carson City, NV, B04Sep86 - Lsd to TTA, Mozambique "Shirley" L Apr85 - C9-ATG Rr 1987/88 -African Air Carriers Ltd, std Lanseria 1988 - lnterocean c/s (May92) - Std at Beira (Feb96) - Uganda AF leased as 5X-TAL Oct95 - C9-ATG rebuild at Rand Apt Aug97 - Phoebus Apollo, Rand, Sep97 - ZS-BAA Res Oct97 - ZS-PAA Res - Phoebus Apollo Investment CC, Rand R14Feb01 - Resin Sep01. At Rand May03 as C9-ATG, stored devoid of markings Oct03, later under restoration. To Mozambique Apr 87 as N99210 but returned in Sept 88 as C9-ATG in need of repairs. It had been used for famine relief and acquired bullet holes in the rear fuselage. Op. by African Air Carriers Ltd, and st at Lanseria in 1988
PH-DDZ 19754 C-47A-80-DL.   See under SU-BFY.
SU-BFY 19754 C-47A-80-DL 43-15288 D Mar 44 - no card - xx - N161 FAA (1964) - 60S-AAA Somali A/L 22 May 64 - 60-SAA Rr Oct 70 (to 1978) - N920 ATC Inc, Reno, NV Jan 81 - Ob w/o titles on 30 Dec 80 - Pyramid A/Ls titles on 17 Jul 81 - Canc Jun 82 - SU-BFY Rr - Dep Malta 03 Jul 83. Arr 08 Jul 85 w/Pyramid A/Ls. Test flt 17 Oct 85. For sale. - EI-BSJ Apple Air Svcs Apr 86 ntu - PH-DDZ; Rr Dutch Dakota Ass., 13 Feb 87 - CoA 27 Apr 87, expired 17 May 87. CoR expired 17 Jul 87. Test flts in Malta on 07 & 08 May 87, dep 09 May 87 - Aircraft dismantled & completely re-built by DDA, first post-restoration test flight 07 May 99, new CoA 11 Feb 99. Currently flies in the colours of Martin Air Charter. Carries passengers for DDA.  
SU-BFZ 33379 C-47B-35-DK.   See under N3455.
        
 

N5000E and Aero Service Corp.
In March 2005 Robert Welshe wrote me:

"I read your website with great interest, particularly with respect to the DC-3 I knew as N5000E, when it was with Aero Service. Originally Aero Service Corp, Philadelphia Pennsylvania and operating from the North Philadelphia airport then Aero Service Division of Western Geophysical in Houston.

Although Aero Corp had had previous DC3's in the 1950's, N5000E was the 1st of 4 DC3's set up with alkali-vapor magnetometer systems in the middle 60's and through to the early 80's. As has been pointed out, these aircraft had two sensors towed on stainless steel coaxial cables. One sensor was about 100 feet below, the other about 300 feet below and both were vertically aligned to measure the difference in magnetic field intensity at two heights. The 'birds' were some 250 feet or more behind the aircraft. At an early stage, in order to fly during periods of minimum turbulence in Texas, the aircraft flew at night, using an infrared tracking camera [liquid nitrogen and all!] and had two B26 landing lights under the fuselage illuminating the 'birds' in an attempt to make their presence known to light aircraft. Fortunately, this practice was not continued. This was in 1968
.
As it turns out, two of these DC3's are now in the vicinity of the airport in Tamanrasset, Algeria. Both crashed there. N7119 crashed after losing an engine just after takeoff and did not make it back to the airport runway. All the crew survived ok. This was in 1974 as I remember.

N189UM crashed on landing on a ferry flight from the US to Africa enroute to a job with a ferry crew. All the crew were ok. I have trouble remembering the year, but it was around 1976. Ironically, Aero also bellied in an Aero Commander 680F at Tamanrasset just after takeoff, in 1973, but it was repaired an returned to service. The density altitude was a factor at this airport, but not a good excuse. This was during a period when N7119 and two Aero Commanders were in the country for approximately 3 years doing a very large geophysical survey.

All of Aero's DC3 aircraft had fuel tank capacity beyond the 'standard' 800 gallons, but N5000E had the best setup, and was a kidney buster with it's 1200 gallon capacity. N5000E was the most traveled of the fleet. It had worked in Adak, at the end of the Aleutian chain, and also in Tiera del Fuego, as well as Niger and Mauritania to name a few places.

I worked for Aero Service from Sept 1961, when I joined them in Australia [also with another old R4D], then through Philadelphia between field assignments and then heading the equipment development through it's time in Houston until the remnants were sold off in August of 1990. It was a great time. Amongst other aircraft, we also operated two Douglas B26 Invaders during this time, and a Caravelle 6R N1001U bought from United Airlines and used as a platform for Synthetic Aperture Radar for mapping purposes. All of Brazil was imaged with this system, as was large areas of Indonesia the Philippines , all of Liberia, Gabon and Japan, and many areas in the US and elsewhere.

Aero's aircraft fleet had included B17's, PBY's and even a couple of P38's before I joined them. The company was actually founded in 1919, and got involved in aerial photography and photogrammetry in the 30's and then immediately after WWII in geophysical work with the magnetometer developed by Gulf Oil. Aerial photography was the dominant business until the late 50's, when geophysics became dominant. A Canadian division was set up during this time, Canadian Aero Service, later sold to Spartan Aerial Services.

The last B17 was still there when I came to Philadelphia and then was sold to the Confederate Airforce. It had been used for high altitude photography and then in it's last missions as a laser profiler during the early 60's."
        
 


Crash of N7119.
I received the following e-mail from Dave Fenwick:

Just to set the records straight, the crash of Aero Service DC-3 N7119 occurred on 17 June 1973, Tamanrasset, Algeria. Flight crew on board were: Left seat Jim Bennett, right seat Dave Fenwick, electronics operator Mike O’Connor. Three pilots were working this survey, myself (Dave Fenwick), Jim Bennett, and the late Warren Kuech, all captains. We flew a schedule of L seat, R seat, day off.

We lost the right engine on take off without enough distance to stop. Due to very rough terrain we made a left turn out and attempted to return to the airport. Unfortunately, while trying to climb over a rather large rock hill, the aircraft stalled and we smacked the top of it. We then had a spectacular and very rough toboggan ride to the bottom of it, leaving the right engine behind to follow us down. The left engine departed the wing as we slid to a stop and after passing through, and partly under the fuselage, ended up behind the right wing. We had nearly 1000 gallons of fuel on board which was now pouring out of ruptured tanks. Luckily with no hot engines left there was no ensuing fire. We all had mainly minor injuries and departed Tamanrasset the following day for medical attention.
        
 
        
 
        
 
        
 
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