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Post by harrysone on Apr 19, 2020 21:50:53 GMT 12
A group of friends and I went for a fly in DC-3 ZK-AWP (originally RNZAF Dakota NZ3543) back in January this year and we noted the date on her manufacturers plate. Many here might not know that she is going to hit a major milestone this ANZAC Day when she hits 75 years of age. We passed this little fact onto the folk at Air Chathams, they knew about it but it had completely slipped their consciousness. It is unfortunate that the COVID-19 Pandemic has come along as we understand that Air Chathams was planning to stage a little something. As it stands I thought that the occasion should not go unnoticed, AWP is the last surviving operational C-47/DC-3/Skyliner/Ag Aircraft etc from the original batch of C-47s purchased lend-lease by the RNZAF during WW2 and has (apart from a few short years in Tonga) served 70+ years operating more or less continuously in this country...She deserves to have a little thread dedicated to her I think...  AWP by Harry Follas, on Flickr  plate_AWP by Harry Follas, on Flickr  Untitled by Harry Follas, on Flickr  Untitled by Harry Follas, on Flickr |
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Post by harrysone on Apr 20, 2020 10:19:32 GMT 12
...Same Location, different operator and earlier times. ZK-AWP (and AMY) in Tongan group with Peau Vava'u Air (Pionair?) in October 2004. Following riots in the islands in 2006, AMY fled the islands back to NZ while AWP (undergoing an engine change at the time) was left behind in a hangar at Tongatapu Airport, to be purchased and revived at a later date by Air Chathams. Note the missing tailcone on AWP, comparing with the previous photos you can also see the addition of disc brakes from when Air Chathams refurbished the aircraft.  PeauVavau by Harry Follas, on Flickr  Untitled by Harry Follas, on Flickr  daks by Harry Follas, on Flickr |
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Post by planewriting on Apr 20, 2020 10:53:38 GMT 12
The "little something" Harrysone mentions in opening this thread was a plan which I had coordinated with Air Chathams in February this year. On 27 May ZK-AWP was going to be positioned at Mangere to fly former NAC staff to Tauranga (and back later) to attend the annual luncheon just for NAC staff and spouses, held at Classic Flyers, based on Tauranga Airport. There were to be four NAC aircraft in attendance, including the birthday girl. The others were resident Heron ZK-BBM, DH89 ZK-AKU and Gipsy Moth ZK-ADT, which NAC acquired from Union Airways in 1947. NAC’s oldest aircraft! Pilots and hostesses were to have the opportunity to reminisce on their DC-3 days. Aviation News Editor, John King, who worked for NAC, was to be guest speaker.
These luncheons were started in May 2009 by Graham Lister and have been held there annually ever since with attendances ranging from 90+ up to 300+. The idea stemmed from the re-union dinner held at Classic Flyers on the occasion of the launching of the NAC book, written by Richard Waugh, Graeme McConnell and myself. Each year, Graham Lister and I (since 2016) have come up with a suitable theme and this year was to mark 50 years since the official retirement of NAC DC-3 services. The last three in service were AWP, BEU and then just BBJ. Yes, we are aware that AOF came back in 1972 for a couple of years to serve Timaru and Oamaru. We realised that with AWP turning 75 we needed to do something about it this year. Sadly, with the lock down, we had to cancel the function.
I take a measure of pride in being deeply involved with the scenic flights out of Tauranga run in conjunction with Classic Flyers.
When AWP returned to doing scheduled flights in late 2015 from Auckland to Whakatane (I had a complimentary seat on the inaugural return trip). Volunteers at Classic Flyers started noticing the DC-3 overheading on those flights each weekend. Someone said, "why don't we drive to Whakatane and watch it land? Me thinks, “why don't I contact Duane Emeny and see if such and outing could include a look through after passenger disembarkment?” The response, “if you can bring 20 people we can set a good price for a trip out to White Island and back”. If you get 24 you can have a complimentary seat. Two days later I supplied 28 names, including mine! All seats filled!
Afterwards, some of us passengers chatted to Captain Keith Mitchell about the possibility of scenic flights out of Tauranga. That led to a discussion with Classic Flyers CEO Andrew Gormlie, me and Duane Emeny in Andrew's office. From this, the scheduled services were amended to allow for AWP to be ferried from Whakatane late on Saturday mornings, conduct whatever flights we had booked, before returning to Whakatane to make a late afternoon scheduled flight back to Auckland.
Over the first summer 2016/17 we carried 829 passengers. The ramp in the opening picture above is the former Air N Z B1900 ramp from Whakatane. The following summer there were over 1100 passengers and to date there have been over 2500 passengers. The last two years’ figures have been affected by the need for an engine change and a repaint. The engine was manufactured in 1949 and had sat unused somewhere in Greece. Air Chathams (the DC-3s owners) bought the engine as a spare so when it was attached to ZK-AWP it went into service for the first time in 70 years.
I have been involved in all but one scenic flight, taking passengers out to the aircraft and assisting with various ground duties. No doubt Harrysone I led you out through the car park to the DC-3 in January.
It is quite an operation to co-ordinate crews. Regular captain, Keith Mitchell, flies up from Christchurch each weekend and the co-pilot and hostesses are rostered to fit in with their full-time Air Chathams crew duties. I met Keith for the first time on the SPANZ book-launching tour in 2000 when he co-piloted ZK-AMS. He had just converted to the type and has since amassed somewhere near 3000 hours on type including many of the international ferry flights to Australia and Tonga.
In closing, I should mention I intend doing something to mark the 75th birthday.
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Post by harrysone on Apr 20, 2020 11:15:35 GMT 12
Its quite probable that you did lead us out to the aircraft  There were also discussions afoot for a combined DC-3 formation flight over the cenotaph in Auckland, to mark both ANZAC and the birthday of the former old warhorse... We were hoping to tag along behind with ZK-PBY |
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Post by madmac on Apr 20, 2020 18:11:59 GMT 12
So does the date of manufacture actually relate to when it rolled out the door or some other date in its construction?
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Post by thebrads on Apr 20, 2020 19:12:17 GMT 12
I went for a flight on her in her Pioneer (spelling?) livery at an airshow at Paraparaumu in about 1995. Who has a photograph of that day? First flight I recall on any significant "old" aeroplane and much enjoyed.
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Post by harrysone on Apr 20, 2020 19:44:03 GMT 12
The date of manufacture usually corresponds with the day it rolled out the door as a complete airframe. Kiwi Beavers have quite a number of pics and history of AWP here: www.kiwibeavers.com/ZK-AWP.html(I notice some of the dates on the site aren't accurate upon reflection with respect to the ID plate above |
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Post by davidd on Apr 21, 2020 13:25:58 GMT 12
I think that C-47s, being built to a military specification, have TWO plates riveted to bulkhead (behind pilot's seat?), one by Douglas, which would include the date of manufacture, and the contractor's plate, in this case the USAAF (although no doubt also installed by Douglas at about the same time). The later would have an "acceptance" date stamped on rather than the "manufactured" date, and such other things as contract number, USAAF designation, etc.
Incidentally, the "date of manufacture" as shown on maker's plate is interesting and it seems that brand new C-47s from the factory were moved on to their new "owners" in a most expeditious manner, going by the following chronology based on history of this aircraft (and its two companions), according to Air File 131/19/6 , Volume I (Supply, C-47 Douglas Heavy Transport).
Signal A594 dated 24/2/45, from Air Department (Wellington) to NZ Air Mission (Washington): "Your A529 20/2/45, further my A404 11th January". Regret owing to sudden heavy transport commitments between NZ and forward area, unable to provide crews for March quota of four C-47s. Also unlikely be able provide crews April quota, but will endeavour do so. As general principle, anxious provide RNZAF ferry crews for experience unless local commitments paramount." (Group Captain G M H Pirie, RAF, D of Ops)
Signal A542, dated 2/4/45, NZAM to Air Dept (received 3rd April) "Your A594 24th Feb. "Request advice whether you will be providing ferry crews for April quota, quantity three C-47A A/C expected to be ready for delivery approx. 20/4(45)."
Signal A789, dated 6/4/45, Air Department to Whenuapai: "OC No. 40 Squadron to nominate by signal 3 ferry crews to proceed San Diego for collection 3 C-47 A/C available West Coast 20/4 approx. Crews to consist of captain, co-pilot, Nav, WOAG, and F/Eng. Crews to depart on or about 17/4. Full instructions to follow by Memo."
Signal A790, dated 6/4/45, see below Minute No. 377, should be located on this line!
Signal A969, dated 10/4/45, from 40 Squadron to Air Dept; "Ferry crews herewith. Captains: F/L's R C Barclay, J H Malcolm, P Durning; Navs: F/L's I E (actually J E) Fullarton, I A Purdie, N C (actually J C) Mason; W/Op's: F L J Goddard, F/O J K Taylor, W/O Tate, G H; F/Eng's: F/Sgt Hogg, J D, Sgt's Tait, C O, Stark, D O. No suitable second pilots available." (Believe 2nd Pilots obtained subsequently from Aircrew Pool, Hobsonville, as listed in next communication.)
Minute No. 377, dated 12/4/45 (presume from D of OPs, Air Dept, Wgtn). "Request arrangements be made forthwith for the transport to Kanehoe (Hawaii) of the 15 personnel named hereunder. These officers and other ranks comprise the three ferry crews which are required to leave NZ for Espiritu Santo on Wednesday, 18th April 1945. It is requested that you will make the necessary arrangements with Remuera and with No. 1 (Islands) Group insofar as onwards transportation from Espiritu Santo to Kaneohe is concerned. (Then lists the three crews, numbered 1 to 3, as follows: 1, F/L Durning, Fullarton, Tate, Stark, with co-Pilot F/L J Davidson; 2, F/L Barclay, with Purdie, Goddard, Hogg, plus co-pilot W/O Rusbatch, T D; 3, F/L Malcolm, with Mason, Taylor, Tait, with F/O P D Mullooly as co-pilot.
Signal A790, dated 6/4/45, Air Dept to Washington (NZAM): "Your A542 2/4: Will provide three ferry crews April quota C-47 A/C."
Signal A833, dated 13/4/45, Air Dept to NZLM (Washington) (advising that above crews leaving NZ 18/4/45, anticipate arriving San Diego 25/4.)
Signal A834, dated 13/4/45, Air Dept to Base Depot (Espiritu Santo), from G/C G M H Pirie, RAF, D of Ops. (Advising that the three ferry crews coming up from NZ on Schedule No. 1, etc.)
Signal A835, dated 13/4/45, Air Dept to NZALO, Oahu (Hawaii), from Group Captain G M H Pirie, RAF, D of Ops); (then follows an abbreviated version of Minute No. 377 of 12th April, stating crews would arrive Kanehoe on or about 20/4, and to arrange onwards transport to San Francisco.)
Memorandum (3 pages) dated 13/4/45, with large circulation, outlines the delivery details of the April 1945 quota of three C-47s with above crews, providing dates, responsibilities, etc, including fact that F/L Peter Durning to be OC Ferry Crews. Delivery route, San Diego - Kaneohe - Palmyra - Canton - Nandi - Whenuapai.)
Signal? to Espiritu Santo (from Air Dept, D of Ops?), dated 17/4/45, states that although delivery crews previously transported from Santo to Kaneohe by NATS service, this service no longer operated, so crews will proceed to Guadalcanal by RNZAF where they will transfer to ATC (Air Transport Command, USAAF) with whom arrangements have been made at Santo.
Signal OM478, dated 21/4/45, from RNZAF (No. 1) Islands Group, to RNZAF Liaison Officer, Hickam Field, also NZALO San Francisco, and Air Dept (Wgtn): "Three ferry crews, total 15, in charge F/L Durning, expect depart Guadalcanal for Kaneohe by ATC 21/4, air travel Kaneohe to Hamilton Field, Priority 2 granted."
Memorandum (No.?), dated 23/4/45, from Air Dept to HQ, No. 1 (Islands) Group, acknowledging receipt of their 17/4 message regarding NATS service and ATC service to Guadalcanal, also noting that the RNZAF Liaison Officer in Hawaii is actually the NZAMLO at Oahu, and is also the OC, RNZAF Honolulu.)
Signal (number?), dated 24/4/45, NZAMLO Oahu to Air Dept, etc.: "Three C-47 crews departed for San Francisco 2345 LMT 22/4." Note, this just ONE day PRIOR to its "Date of Manufacture".
Signal, dated 30/4/45, COMFAIRWESTCAOST to Air Dept, etc: "F/L Durning with 3 crews reported 26/4, expect depart 7/5."
Signal (number?), dated 9/5/45, CFAW-14 to CFAW-2, repeated to various other recipients, including Air Dept, Wgtn, etc.) "RNZAF R4D (?) planes San Diego to Kanehoe on Track 5, altitude 8,000 ft, ETE 16 D8, speed 143 (kts?), Flight 330 F/L Durning No. 4476799 (later NZ3541), off @ 0206 SAA; Flight 334, F/L Barclay No. 4476802 (later NZ3542) off @ 0220; Flight 338 F/L Malcolm No. 4476803 (later NZ3543) off @ 0213. Appears to be details of ferry flight from California to Hawaii. (Note, CFAW = Commander, Fleet Air Wing [14, etc], these HQ in charge of all flights within their respective areas of responsibility.)
Report of Ferry Flight from USA to NZ, by F/L P Durning, of No. 41 Squadron, dated 14/5/45, "in compliance with Air Dept Memo. 115/23/2 dated 13/4/45."
"We arrived at San Diego on 26/4. The last of the (three C-47) aircraft was delivered on 27/4. All fuel, engine and weight tests were conducted satisfactorily and no difficulties as to equipment were experienced. Life saving equipment is issued to every aircraft and as this always includes life jackets, there is no occasion for future crews to take their own lifejackets with them.
In order to make room for essential equipment (navigation gear, etc.), left behind by former American ferry crews, the (1) Flame Arrestors, (2) Loading Ramps, and (3) Para Pack equipment belonging to each aircraft was removed and are being sent by F/L Butler on ship to NZ (F/L Butler was the RNZAF's Equipment Officer at San Diego, and a very popular officer - see below!). (Then Durning mentioned the changes plans brought about by the discontinuation of NATS service from Espiritu Santo, and consequent use of the ATC service from Cactus (Guadalcanal) to the USA - "a great deal of difficulty was experienced both at Cactus and at Honolulu in making these arrangements, as ATC differ to quite an extent from NATS in their requirements as to passage. Enclosed is a specimen copy of a request & authorisation for transport. Arrangements may be made through the ATC at Guadalcanal for the entire journey to San Francisco, the route being G/Canal - Tarawa - Johnston Island - Honolulu, and thence to San Francisco."
"No other difficulties were encountered and all members of the Ferry Crews wish to express their appreciation of the extreme goodwill and co-operation of F/L Butler at San Diego. The aircraft left San Diego on the 8th and arrived in NZ on the 13th May."
David D
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