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Post by nuuumannn on Dec 2, 2013 12:04:27 GMT 12
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Post by nuuumannn on Dec 2, 2013 12:06:37 GMT 12
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Post by suthg on Dec 2, 2013 13:21:26 GMT 12
Very nice pics - she is looking in remarkably good fettle and a proud paintwork too. Thanks for sharing - another reason to go visit Ashburton next time we're down south.  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 2, 2013 13:48:32 GMT 12
Super photos Grant.
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Post by skyhawkdon on Dec 2, 2013 14:30:03 GMT 12
Yes a real shame she is being parked up in January but that is the financial reality of operating an aircraft like this these days. We saw her landing back at Chch airport in a strong crosswind as we left from viewing the Strikemaster.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 2, 2013 15:17:57 GMT 12
Oh, I didn't realise the aircraft is being grounded. That is sad indeed. So we'll soon have four potentially flyable DC-3's in NZ and only one actually flying?
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Post by harrysone on Dec 2, 2013 15:33:42 GMT 12
I heard a rumour from a friend visiting Nelson & talking to the DC-3 crew that there are divided opinions within the trust regarding the imminent grounding of AMY. Some of the group are saying that the aircraft may be kept airworthy
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 2, 2013 15:47:10 GMT 12
I hope she is. If the Southern DC-3 trust wishes to promote what they do here on the forum they are most welcome to, if it helps to keep 'em flying.
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Post by nuuumannn on Dec 2, 2013 15:55:49 GMT 12
Yes, with all here, will be very sad if they do ground it; it's in terrific shape and will be missed on the display circuit. I spoke to a woman at the open day and she said that the organisation is keen to keep it in New Zealand, so it doesn't end up as a rusting hulk on some desolate strip in deepest darkest [insert topical Third World country/region here].
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 2, 2013 17:40:48 GMT 12
so it doesn't end up as a rusting hulk on some desolate strip in deepest darkest Ashburton?
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Post by Peter Lewis on Dec 2, 2013 21:47:30 GMT 12
I understand that this is all part of the original acquisition plan.
Money had to be borrowed to buy AMY, and the aircraft was operated in order to pay off this loan.
Now that this is (almost?) complete, the financially unencumbered aircraft can become a museum artifact.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 2, 2013 22:06:46 GMT 12
Would it not continue to generate extra revenue for the museum for other projects and acquisitions if it was kept active?
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Post by craig on Dec 3, 2013 6:41:34 GMT 12
Have they got a shed big enough for it at Ashburton. This should be a requirement no matter where it ends up
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Dec 3, 2013 8:44:57 GMT 12
She already has centre stage in the new hangar at Ashburton
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Post by Peter Lewis on Dec 3, 2013 8:45:32 GMT 12
I am aware of some of the reasons behind this action, but really any definitive comment should come from one of those people directly involved.
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Post by FlyingKiwi on Dec 3, 2013 18:44:33 GMT 12
Would it not continue to generate extra revenue for the museum for other projects and acquisitions if it was kept active? I think operating an aircraft like this is pretty hard to actually generate revenue as such, unless it is being employed in regular airline service/as a freighter etc. I don't claim to know their financial specifics, and I know we have members here who probably do, but I wouldn't imagine for example that the DC-3 operating in Auckland actually turns a profit for the owners once all the operational costs are taken into account. |
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