Residents at Fuamotu Tonga

[pjw4118]

On a recent trip to Tonga, I went back to look around the domestic area as the Air NZ and Virgin flights always seem to arrive and depart in darkness.



There were a few interesting aircraft on the apron including an uncertified turbo prop. There was no way of eluding my security detail as she was the Tongan 400m sprint champion.















Later in town was this locally modified hulk



Adjacent to the airport is the Army Compound and a Scrap yard but sorry Dave, no P40's

But the 'American' wharf is still standing where the US unloaded machinery in 1942.

[Peter Lewis]

Is the D18 still airworthy?

[pjw4118]

Peter , it looked OK , although how long the door had been open I dont know ( I shut it ) . I checked its US registration , now expired and the goss is it was connected to the King. The boys at Air Tonga would know as their hangar is 20 yards away.

[Luis 'ᚭᛋᛒᛁᛅᚱᚾ' Rozas]

Very interesting that the Tongan King would use a Beech. Can't say I disagree with the choice though. Would be nice to have some more info.

[tbf25o4]

From conversations years ago, it appeared that the King had this fascination with the Beech D18 and specifically went out of his way to obtain one