British Commonwealth
Pacific Airlines (BCPA) was registered in New South Wales on
24 June 1946 with the shareholders being the governments of Australia
(50%), New Zealand (30%) and the United Kingdom (20%) to operate
trans-Pacific services from Australia and New Zealand. The first
BCPA service to Vancouver, Canada departed from Laverton RAAF Base
near Melbourne on 15 September 1946 using the chartered Australian
National Airways (ANA) DC-4 VH-ANC Warana. The service operated
via Sydney, Nadi, Canton Island, Honolulu and San Francisco. The
service was virtually an ANA operation until 25 April 1948 when
the first service with a BCPA liveried aircraft (DC-4 VH-BPA) departed
Sydney. The need to replace the non-pressurised DC-4s came to a
head in late July 1948 when it emerged that four sleeper configured
DC-6s which were ready for delivery to the Swedish airline ABA might
be available for sale to BCPA for US$820 000 per aircraft. The four
DC-6s were duly purchased and the first, VH-BPF, departed Burbank
on 22 November 1948 on its delivery flight to Sydney. The last of
the four aircraft was delivered to BCPA on 17 December 1948. The
aircraft were named after ships which Captain James Cook had used
on his voyages of exploration. Acquisition of the DC-6s enabled
BCPA to introduce pressurised services across the Pacific before
its main competitor Pan American. Sadly, BCPA's short history was
marred by the loss of DC-6 VH-BPE Resolution and all 19 on
board while on approach to San Francisco on 29 October 1953. The
following year, BCPA ceased to exist and its operations were taken
over by Qantas. Trans-Pacific services became the responsibility
of Qantas from 1 April 1954 although services were operated by BCPA
DC-6s up until 15 May 1954. The remaining three BCPA DC-6s were
handed over to the New Zealand airline Tasman Empire Airways Limited
(TEAL - later Air New Zealand). Subsequently, they were operated
by the Royal New Zealand Air Force after which they were passed
on to a succession of civil operators. The last survivor of the
BCPA fleet is the former VH-BPG Adventure which is currently
located at Lanseria Airport in the Republic of South Africa.
(This precis of the history of BCPA is drawn from Harry Moore's
book Silver Wings in Pacific Skies.)
|
|
SE-BDI
|
|
|
| |
|
Built
to an order from the Swedish airline ABA (later Scandinavian Airlines
System) as SE-BDI, the 133rd DC-6 off the line. (Source: 1) |
| |
|
Before
delivery to ABA in Sweden, the aircraft was sold to British Commonwealth
Pacific Airlines. (Source: 3) |
|
VH-BPG
|
|
|
|
29OCT48
|
|
Registered
to the Department of Civil Aviation as VH-BPG. (Source: 7) |
|
19NOV48
|
|
Sold
to BCPA. (Source: 7) |
|
17DEC48
|
|
Delivered
to BCPA and named "Adventure". (Source: 1) |
|
13JAN49
|
|
Operated
crew training (4:10) at Parkes, NSW. (Source: 8) |
|
06MAR49
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Sydney (1:30) Capt Bennett. Presumably a test/training flight.
(Source: 14) |
|
16MAR49
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Canton Island (5:10) Honolulu (7:05) Captain Guthrie. (Source:
14) |
|
20MAR49
|
|
Operated
Canton Island-Nadi (5:00) Captain Guthrie. (Source: 14) |
|
25MAR49
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:30) Nadi (4:40) Captain Guthrie. (Source:
14) |
|
02APR49
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi. (Source: 8) |
|
14APR49
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco. (Source: 11) |
|
16APR49
|
|
Operated
San Francisco-Honolulu. (Source: 11) |
|
20APR49
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney. (Source: 8) |
|
11APR49
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco. (Source: 11) |
|
24APR49
|
|
Operated
San Francisco-Honolulu. (Source: 11) |
|
30APR49
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi (7:25) Captain Schubert. (Source: 14) |
|
18MAY49
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi. (Source: 8) |
|
24MAY49
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco. (Source: 8) |
|
25MAY49
|
|
Operated
San Francisco-Honolulu. (Source: 8) |
|
26MAY49
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-San Francisco-Honolulu. (Source: 11) |
|
02JUN49
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island. (Source: 11) |
|
03JUN49
|
|
Operated
Canton Island-Nadi. (Source: 11) |
|
04JUN49
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney. (Source: 11) |
|
08JUN49
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney. (Source: 8) |
|
17JUN49
|
|
Operated
a test flight Sydney-Sydney (2:00) Captain Knowling. (Source: 14) |
|
18JUN49
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi. (Source: 8 & 11) |
|
30JUN49
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco. (Source: 8 & 11) |
|
01JUL49
|
|
Operated
San Francisco-Honolulu. (Source: 8 & 11) |
|
05JUL49
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island. (Source: 11) |
|
08JUL49
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:20) Nadi (4:55) Captain Guthrie. (Source:
14) |
|
08JUL49
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney. (Source: 8) |
|
13JUL49
|
|
Registered
to BCPA as VH-BPG (having been previously registered to the Department
of Civil Aviation). (Source: 7) |
|
23JUL49
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi. (Source: 8) |
|
04AUG49
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco-Vancouver. (Source: 8) |
|
05AUG49
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-San Francisco-Honolulu. (Source: 8) |
|
07AUG49
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Auckland. (Source: 11) |
|
09AUG49
|
|
Operated
Auckland-Nadi. (Source: 11) |
|
12AUG49
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:15) Nadi (5:00) Captain Guthrie plus Dunne,
Cavill & George. (Source: 14) |
|
13AUG49
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney. (Source: 8) |
|
23AUG49
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island-Nadi. (Source: 11) |
|
24AUG49
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney. (Source: 11) |
|
03SEP49
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi (7:20) Captain Dickson plus Lucas, Capel & Wilson.
(Source: 14) |
|
03SEP49
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Honolulu. (Source: 8) |
|
13SEP49
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi. (Source: 11) |
|
13SEP49
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Canton Island-Honolulu (12:20) Captain MacDonald. (Source: 14) |
|
16SEP49
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Nadi. (Source: 8) Conflicting date see below. |
|
17SEP49
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island-Nadi. (Source: 11) Conflicting date see above. |
|
18SEP49
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Auckland. (Source: 11) |
|
20SEP49
|
|
Operated
Auckland-Nadi-Canton Island. (Source: 11) |
|
21SEP49
|
|
Operated
Canton Island-Honolulu. (Source: 11) |
|
09OCT49
|
|
Test
flight (2:05) (Source: 11) |
|
23OCT49
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Vancouver. (Source: 8) |
|
24OCT49
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-Honolulu. (Source: 8) |
|
12NOV49
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Melbourne (2:20) Adelaide (2:10) Perth (6:00) Captain Knowling
plus Gillespie & Johnston. (Source: 14) |
|
13NOV49
|
|
Operated
Perth-Adelaide (5:20) Melbourne (1:45) Captain Knowling plus Gillespie
& Johnston. (Source: 14) |
|
14NOV49
|
|
Operated
Melbourne-Sydney (2:00) Captain Knowling plus Gillespie & Johnston.
(Source: 14) |
|
19NOV49
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi. (Source: 8) |
|
04DEC49
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (8:45) Vancouver (3:05) Captain Schubert plus
Gillespie, Johnston & E. Wilson. (Source: 14) |
|
05DEC49
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-San Francisco (3:30) Honolulu (10:00) Captain Schubert.
(Source: 14) |
|
06DEC49
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Nadi. (Source: 8) |
|
23DEC49
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Auckland-Sydney. (Source: 8) |
|
24DEC49
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Melbourne-Adelaide-Perth (9:45). (Source: 11) |
|
25DEC49
|
|
Operated
Perth-Adelaide-Melbourne-Sydney (9:45). (Source: 11) |
|
31DEC49
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi (7:30) Captain MacDonald. (Source: 14) |
|
31DEC49
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Honolulu. (Source: 8) |
|
01JAN50
|
|
Operated
Canton Island-Honolulu. (Source: 8) |
|
15JAN50
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco-Vancouver. (Source: 11) |
|
17JAN50
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-San Francisco-Honolulu. (Source: 11) |
|
18JAN50
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:05) Nadi (5:05) Captain Schubert. (Source:
14) |
|
19JAN50
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney. (Source: 8) |
|
21-23JAN50
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Perth-Sydney (19:45). (Source: 8) |
|
03FEB50
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Auckland-Sydney. (Source: 11) |
|
11FEB50
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi-Canton Island-Honolulu (13:00). (Source: 11) |
|
11FEB50
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco. (Source: 8) |
|
12FEB50
|
|
Operated
San Francisco-Vancouver. (Source: 8) |
|
13FEB50
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-Oakland (5:40). (Source: 8) |
|
13FEB50
|
|
Operated
Oakland-Honolulu (9:25). (Source: 8) |
|
11MAR50
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Canton Island-Honolulu. (Source: 8) |
|
14MAR50
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:20) Nadi (4:55) Captain Knowling. (Source:
14) |
|
29MAR50
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney. (Source: 8) |
|
30APR50
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island. (Source: 11) |
|
03MAY50
|
|
Operated
Canton Island-Nadi. (Source: 11) |
|
04MAY50
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney. (Source: 11) |
|
06MAY50
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi. (Source: 11) |
|
07MAY50
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Honolulu (12:20). From this point in Capt Kessey's log book there
is no further mention of Canton Island although flight times suggest
BCPA flights continued to call at Canton Island. (Source: 11) |
|
21MAY50
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (9:10) Vancouver (3:20) Captain Guthrie. (Source:
14) |
|
22MAY50
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-San Francisco (3:25) Honolulu (9:20) Captain Guthrie. (Source:
14) |
|
27MAY50
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Perth-Sydney (20:15). Flight time suggests via Melbourne and
Adelaide. (Source: 11) |
|
31MAY50
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney (8:25) Captain Holloway. (Source: 14) |
|
29JUN50
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (9:10) Captain Deignan. (Source: 14) |
|
30JUN50
|
|
Operated
San Francisco-Honolulu (9:55) Captain Deignan. Number 3 engine u/s
750 miles out of Honolulu. (Source: 14) |
|
08JUL50
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Melbourne (2:05). (Source: 8) |
|
09JUL50
|
|
Operated
Melbourne-Adelaide (2:05). (Source: 8) |
|
09JUL50
|
|
Operated
Adelaide-Perth (6:15). (Source: 8) |
|
09JUL50
|
|
Operated
Perth-Adelaide (5:10). (Source: 8) |
|
10JUL50
|
|
Operated
Adelaide-Melbourne (1:50). (Source: 8) |
|
10JUL50
|
|
Operated
Melbourne-Sydney (2:20). (Source: 8) |
|
08AUG50
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:25) Nadi (5:00) Captain Guthrie. (Source:
14) |
|
09AUG50
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney. (Source: 8) |
|
18AUG50
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Nadi (12:20). (Source: 11) |
|
19AUG50
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney. (Source: 11) |
|
02SEP50
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Perth-Sydney (19:20). (Source: 11) |
|
30SEP50
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Melbourne (2:10) Captain Bennett plus MacDonald & Ditton.
Departed 2140. (Source: 14) |
|
01OCT50
|
|
Operated
Melbourne-Adelaide (2:00) Perth (6:00) Adelaide (5:20) Melbourne (2:00).
(Source: 14) |
|
02OCT50
|
|
Operated
Melbourne-Sydney (2:05) Arrived 0235. (Source: 14) |
|
06OCT50
|
|
Flown
for 30 minutes. Presumably a test flight ex Sydney. Captain Knowling.
(Source: 14) |
|
07OCT50
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Canton Island-Honolulu. (Source: 8) |
|
19-27OCT50
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco-Vancouver-San Francisco. Captain Bonnington.
Actual dates not recorded. (Source: 14) |
|
05NOV50
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Vancouver. (Source: 11) |
|
06NOV50
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-Honolulu. (Source: 11) |
|
18NOV50
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi (7:05) Captain Schubert. (Source: 14) |
|
25NOV50
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Perth-Sydney (19:20). (Source: 11) |
|
05DEC50
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:40) Nadi (5:05) Captain Bonnington. (Source:
14) |
|
13DEC50
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi. (Source: 11) |
|
13DEC50
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Nadi (1:55). Evidently an air turnback. (Source: 11) |
|
14DEC50
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Honolulu (12:20). (Source: 11) |
|
16DEC50
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Nadi (12:50). (Source: 11) |
|
17DEC50
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Auckland. (Source: 11) |
|
19DEC50
|
|
Operated
Auckland-Nadi-Honolulu. (Source: 11) |
|
30DEC50
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi. (Source: 8) |
|
02JAN51
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:55) Nadi (5:10) Captain Guthrie. (Source:
14) |
|
28JAN51
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Vancouver. (Source: 11) |
|
29JAN51
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-Honolulu. Last mention of VH-BPG in Capt Kessey's log book.
(Source: 11) |
|
17FEB51
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi (7:50) Captain Mills. (Source: 14) |
|
20FEB51
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island-Nadi. (Source: 8) |
|
13MAR51
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (8:05) Nadi (4:45) Captain MacDonald. (Source:
14) |
|
17MAR51
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Canton Island-Honolulu. (Source: 8) |
|
25MAR51
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco-Vancouver. (Source: 8) |
|
26MAR51
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-San Francisco-Honolulu. (Source: 8) |
|
30MAR51
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi (7:30) Captain MacDonald. (Source: 14) |
|
04APR51
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney. (Source: 8) |
|
10APR51
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:10) Nadi (5:00) Captain MacDonald. (Source:
14) |
|
14APR51
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Canton Island-Honolulu. (Source: 8) |
|
28APR51
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Canton Island (5:20) Honolulu (7:10) Captain MacDonald. (Source:
14) |
|
06MAY51
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (8:50) Vancouver (3:20) Captain MacDonald.
(Source: 14) |
|
07MAY51
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-San Francisco (3:20) Honolulu (9:55) Captain MacDonald.
(Source: 14) |
|
05JUN51
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island-Nadi. (Source: 8) |
|
06JUN51
|
|
Operated
a test flight Sydney-Sydney (1:00) Captain Moore. (Source: 14) |
|
09JUN51
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Canton Island (5:25 lightning strike) Honolulu (7:45) Captain
Guthrie plus Dunne, Cavill & Cameron. Number 4 engine u/s into
Honolulu. (Source: 14) |
|
17JUN51
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (10:05) Vancouver (3:30). Captain Guthrie.
(Source: 14) |
|
18JUN51
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-San Francisco (3:05) Honolulu (9:35) Captain Guthrie. (Source:
14) |
|
26JUN51
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:30) Nadi (5:00) Captain Polley. (Source:
14) |
|
08AUG51
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi. (Source: 8) |
|
15AUG51
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco. (Source: 8) |
|
16AUG51
|
|
Operated
San Francisco-Honolulu. (Source: 8) |
|
21AUG51
|
|
Operated
a test flight Sydney-Sydney (1:50) Captain Bennett. (Source: 14) |
|
26AUG51
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Auckland (5:35) Captain Polley. (Source: 14) |
|
28AUG51
|
|
Operated
Auckland-Nadi (5:35) Captain Polley. (Source: 14) |
|
06SEP51
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (9:10) Captain MacDonald. (Source: 14) |
|
07SEP51
|
|
Operated
San Francisco-Honolulu (9:45) Captain MacDonald. (Source: 14) |
|
15SEP51
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Canton Island-Honolulu. (Source: 8) |
|
23SEP51
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco-Vancouver. (Source: 8) |
|
24SEP51
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-San Francisco-Honolulu. (Source: 8) |
|
11OCT51
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (9:05) Vancouver (3:30) Captain MacDonald.
(Source: 14) |
|
12OCT51
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-San Francisco (3:20) Honolulu (9:25) Captain MacDonald.
(Source: 14) |
|
14OCT51
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Auckland (5:11). (Source: 8) |
|
16OCT51
|
|
Operated
Auckland-Nadi (5:28). (Source: 8) |
|
19OCT51
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:20) Nadi (4:55) Captain Holloway plus Dunne,
Bruce & Hick. (sic). (Source: 14) |
|
30OCT51
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island-Nadi. (Source: 8) |
|
10NOV51
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Canton Island (5:00) Honolulu (7:35 lightning strike on antenna)
Captain MacDonald. (Source: 14) |
|
14NOV51
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney (8:10) Captain Guthrie plus Dobson. (Source: 14) |
|
02DEC51
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (8:50) Vancouver (3:30) Captain Ditton plus
Probert, Cavill & Wilson. Bennett joined at San Francisco. (Source:
14) |
|
03DEC51
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-San Francisco (4:00) Honolulu (9:50) Captain Ditton plus
Probert, Cavill, Wilson & Bennett. (Source: 14) |
|
22DEC51
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Honolulu (12:45). (Source: 8) |
| |
|
Along
with other BCPA DC-6s, VH-BPG was chartered periodically by Australian
National Airways (ANA) to cover peak traffic periods. (Source: 7) |
|
05JAN52
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:10) Nadi (4:50) Captain Guthrie. (Source:
14) |
|
08JAN52
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Canton Island (5:10) Captain Guthrie. (Source: 14) |
|
11JAN52
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:35) Nadi (5:05) Captain Campbell. (Source:
14) |
|
17FEB52
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (9:00) Vancouver (3:40) Captain Campbell. (Source:
14) |
|
18FEB52
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-San Francisco (3:50) Honolulu (10:10) Captain Campbell.
(Source: 14) |
|
11MAR52
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Canton Island (5:15) Honolulu (7:05) Captain Hemsworth. (Source:
14) |
|
26MAR52
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney (8:10) Captain Polley. (Source: 14) |
|
29MAR52
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:25) Nadi (4:55) Captain Polley. (Source:
14) |
|
30MAR52
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney (8:30) Captain Polley. (Source: 14) |
|
04MAY52
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Darwin (7:30) Captain Bennett. (Source: 14) |
|
05MAY52
|
|
Operated
Darwin-Manila (7:55) Captain Bennett. (Source: 14) |
|
06MAY52
|
|
Operated
Manila-Iwakuni (6:20) Manila (6:30) Captain Bennett. (Source: 14)
In connection with the Korean War, BCPA operated several flights to
Iwakuni, Japan under charter to the New Zealand Army carrying 50 troops
on each flight. The troops were flown across the Tasman by TEAL. (Source:
17) |
|
07MAY52
|
|
Operated
Manila-Darwin (7:50) Sydney (7:25) Captain Bennett. (Source: 14) |
|
11JUN52
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi (7:10) Captain Guthrie. (Source: 14) |
|
18JUN52
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (8:55) Captain Holloway. (Source: 14) |
|
19JUN52
|
|
Operated
San Francisco-Honolulu (9:45) Captain Holloway. (Source: 14) |
|
23JUL52
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Canton Island (5:00) Honolulu (7:15) Captain Holloway. (Source:
14) |
|
26JUL52
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:15) Nadi (4:55) Captain Holloway. (Source:
14) |
|
29JUL52
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Canton Island (5:20) Honolulu (7:20) Captain Holloway. (Source:
14) |
|
12SEP52
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:15) Nadi (4:55) Captain Guthrie. (Source:
14) |
|
13SEP52
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney (8:40) Captain Guthrie. (Source: 14) |
|
30SEP52
|
|
Operated
a test flight Sydney-Sydney (1:10) Captain Knowling. (Source: 14) |
|
05OCT52
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Auckland (5:35) Captain Guthrie. (Source: 14) |
|
07OCT52
|
|
Operated
Auckland-Nadi (5:15) Captain Guthrie plus Dobson and Longmuir. (Source:
14) |
|
16OCT52
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (9:05) Captain Barnes. (Source: 14) |
|
17OCT52
|
|
Operated
San Francisco-Honolulu (10:30) Captain Barnes. (Source: 14) |
|
09DEC53
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:20) Nadi (5:00) Captain Ditton. (Source:
14) |
|
10DEC52
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney (8:10) Captain Ditton. (Source: 14) |
|
04JAN53
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (8:45) Vancouver (3:30) Captain Guthrie. (Source:
14) |
|
05JAN53
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-San Francisco (3:45) Captain Guthrie. (Source: 14) |
|
24JAN53
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi (7:15) Captain Campbell. (Source: 14) |
|
31MAR53
|
|
Operated
a test flight Sydney-Sydney (0:10) Captain Moore. Returned with pins
still in stbd landing gear. Completed test flight (1:25). (Source:
14) |
|
05APR53
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Auckland (5:25) Captain Dickson. (Source: 14) |
|
07APR53
|
|
Operated
Auckland-Nadi (5:25) Captain Dickson. (Source: 14) |
|
19APR53
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (9:35) Vancouver (3:10) Captain Barnes. (Source:
14) |
|
20APR53
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-San Francisco (3:25) Honolulu (8:55) Captain Barnes. (Source:
14) |
|
16MAY53
|
|
Operated
Sydnay-Nadi (7:25) Captain Barnes. (Source: 14) |
|
28MAY53
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (5:30) Captain Schubert. Returned to Honolulu
with number 4 engine u/s. (Source: 14) |
|
29MAY53
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (9:35) Captain Schubert. (Source: 14) |
|
30MAY53
|
|
Operated
San Francisco-Honolulu (9:05) Captain Schubert. (Source: 14) |
|
24JUN53
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi (7:10) Captain Schubert. (Source: 14) |
|
01JUL53
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (9:10) Captain Guthrie. (Source: 14) |
|
02JUL53
|
|
Operated
San Francisco-Honolulu (9:35) Captain Guthrie plus Probert, Thomson
& Martin. (Source: 14) |
|
19SEP53
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi (7:10) Captain Mills. (Source: 14) |
|
06OCT53
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:30) Nadi (4:50) Captain Campbell. (Source:
14) |
|
07OCT53
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Sydney (9:10) Captain Campbell. (Source: 14) |
|
24OCT53
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi (4:05) Captain Mills. Returned Sydney due compass trouble.
(Source: 14) |
|
24OCT53
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi (7:25) Captain Mills plus Dobson, Capel & Martin.
(Source: 14) |
|
28OCT53
|
|
Captain
Fethers and crew including Radio Officer Tierney operated Nadi-Canton
Island-Honolulu in VH-BPE Resolution. On the next sector to
San Francisco with a replacement crew, VH-BPE crashed with the loss
of all on board. (Source: 14) |
|
29OCT53
|
|
BCPA
DC-6 VH-BPE Resolution crashed near Half Moon Bay, California
at approximately 0844 Pacific Standard Time while on approach to San
Francisco with the loss of all on board (8 crew and 11 passengers).
The report into the crash refers to investigators making comparison
examinations (specifically flap settings) of another BCPA DC-6 identified
in the report as VH-BPG. The investigation also involved a simulation
of the accident flight from top of descent using an unidentified BCPA
DC-6. It is possible therefore that the aircraft used for the simulation
was also VH-BPG, however this cannot be determined with any degree
of certainty. |
|
16DEC53
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Canton Island. First take-off aborted (5:15) Honolulu (7:50)
Captain Schubert plus Boardman, Longmuir & Mathers. En route Nadi-Canton
Island, VH-BPG communicated with the S.S. Gothic ("QSO
S.S. Gothic") (Source: 14)
The S.S. Gothic had been converted to serve as a Royal Yacht
for a tour of Australia and New Zealand by the newly crowned Queen
Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. Her Majesty flew from London
to Jamaica where she boarded the Gothic on 22NOV53 and sailed
via the Panama Canal arriving in Fiji on 17DEC53. |
|
20DEC53
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:40) Captain Schubert plus Boardman, Longmuir
& Mathers. (Source: 14) |
|
22DEC53
|
|
Operated
Canton Island-Nadi (5:05) Canton Island (5:05) Honolulu (7:45) Captain
Schubert plus Boardman, Longmuir & Mathers. (Source: 14) |
|
13JAN54
|
|
Operated
Sydney-Nadi (7:40) Captain Fethers plus MacDonald, Nye & Matthews.
(Source: 14) |
|
20JAN54
|
|
VH-BPG
crossed the Equator between Canton Island and Hawaii at 0730 hours.
Certificate |
|
20JAN54
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (8:45) Vancouver (3:35) Captain Lucas plus
Mathers & Cassells. (Source: 14) |
|
22JAN54
|
|
Operated
Vancouver-San Francisco (4:15) Captain Lucas. Delayed 27 hours due
snowstorm in Vancouver. (Source: 14) |
|
23JAN54
|
|
Operated
San Francisco-Honolulu (11:05) Captain Lucas. (Source: 14) |
|
24JAN54
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (8:45) Honolulu (10:45) Captain Lucas. Vancouver
sector cancelled because of weather. (Source: 14) |
|
24FEB54
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Canton Island (5:35) Honolulu (7:50) Captain Probert plus Boardman,
Thomson & Mathers. (Source: 14) |
|
27FEB54
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-Canton Island (7:20) Nadi (4:50) Captain Probert. (Source:
14) |
|
02MAR54
|
|
Operated
Canton Island-Honolulu (7:10 checked for radioactivity on arrival)
Captain Probert. (Source: 14)
At this time, atomic tests were being conducted on Christmas Island
and it was common for aircraft flying this route to be tested for
radioactivity on arrival in Honolulu. |
|
28MAR54
|
|
Operated
Nadi-Auckland (5:20) Captain MacDonald plus Boardman & Thomsen
(sic). (Source: 14) |
|
30MAR54
|
|
Operated
Auckland-Nadi (5:15) Captain MacDonald. (Source: 14) |
|
10APR54
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (0:25 returned to blocks) Captain Probert.
Aircraft was already 56 hours late on arrival Honolulu. (Source: 14) |
|
10APR54
|
|
Operated
Honolulu-San Francisco (9:15) Captain Probert. (Source: 14) |
|
11APR54
|
|
Operated
San Francisco-Honolulu (9:05) Captain Probert plus Dunne, Hourigan,
Mathers & Cassells. This was Radio Officer Tierney's last flight
as DC-6 crew. He commenced training on Qantas Super Constellations
on 03MAY54. (Source: 14) |
|
17MAY54
|
|
Registration
VH-BPG cancelled on sale to TEAL as ZK-BGB. (Source: 2) |
|
ZK-BFB
|
|
|
|
MAY54
|
|
The
Air-Britain publication, "The Douglas DC-6 and DC-7 Series" by John
A. Whittle (second edition 1971) states:
"To TEAL as ZK-BFB 'Arawhata' May 1954. Reregd. ZK-BGB."
NZCAA records do not support this so it is highly likely that the
reference to ZK-BFB is the result of an earlier typo by sources unknown. |
|
ZK-BGB
|
|
|
|
MAY54
|
|
Registered
to Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL) as ZK-BGB and named "Arawhata".
(Source: 1) |
|
JUL-OCT54
|
|
TEAL
operated 17 charter flights Sydney-Darwin-Manila-Iwakuni-Tokyo and
return with New Zealand Army troops. Five of these flights were operated
by ZK-BGB. (Source: 15) |
|
26SEP56
|
|
Departed
for Hong Kong for wing skin modifications which permitted a 2,000
pound increase in payload. The modifications took approximately 15
days. (Source: 16) |
|
09AUG59
|
|
Arrived
Sydney 1250. Departed Sydney 1510. (Source: 6) |
|
10AUG59
|
|
Arrived
Sydney 1235. (Source: 6) |
|
11AUG59
|
|
Departed
Sydney 0810. (Source: 6) |
|
11AUG59
|
|
Arrived
Sydney 2015. (Source: 6) |
|
12AUG59
|
|
Departed
Sydney 1006. (Source: 6) |
|
13AUG59
|
|
Arrived
Sydney 1318. (Source: 6) |
|
13AUG59
|
|
Departed
Sydney 1505. (Source: 6) |
|
14AUG59
|
|
Arrived
Sydney 1335. Departed Sydney 1510. (Source: 6) |
|
23AUG59
|
|
Arrived
Sydney 1305. Departed Sydney 1515. (Source: 6) |
|
24AUG59
|
|
Arrived
Sydney 1250. (Source: 6) |
|
25AUG59
|
|
Departed
Sydney 0810. (Source: 6) |
|
25AUG59
|
|
Arrived
Sydney 2010. (Source: 6) |
|
26AUG59
|
|
Departed
Sydney 1000. (Source: 6) |
|
27AUG59
|
|
Arrived
Sydney 1305. Departed Sydney 1614. (Source: 6) |
|
28AUG59
|
|
Arrived
Sydney 1250. Departed Sydney 1455. (Source: 6) |
|
NZ3632
|
|
|
|
16MAY61
|
|
To
Royal New Zealand Air Force as NZ3632. (Source: 4) |
|
25MAY61
|
|
Entered
service with No. 40 Squadron Royal New Zealand Air Force as NZ3632.
(Source: 4) |
|
07DEC61
|
|
Whenuapai
- Brisbane (5:20) (Source: 9) |
|
10DEC61
|
|
Brisbane
- Whenuapai (5:05) (Source: 9) |
|
18JAN62
|
|
Whenuapai
- Brisbane (4:45) (Source: 9) |
|
19JAN62
|
|
Brisbane
- Darwin (6:30) (Source: 9) |
|
20JAN62
|
|
Darwin - Changi (7:40) (Source: 9) |
|
22JAN62
|
|
Changi - Darwin (7:45) (Source: 9) |
|
23JAN62
|
|
Darwin - Brisbane (6:50) (Source: 9) |
|
24JAN62
|
|
Brisbane - Whenuapai (5:00) (Source: 9) |
|
01FEB62
|
|
Whenuapai
- Brisbane (5:30) (Source: 9) |
|
02FEB62
|
|
Brisbane
- Darwin (6:30) (Source: 9) |
|
03FEB62
|
|
Darwin
- Changi (8:25) (Source: 9) |
|
05FEB62
|
|
Changi - Darwin (7:50) (Source: 9) |
|
06FEB62
|
|
Darwin
- Brisbane (6:35) (Source: 9) |
|
07FEB62
|
|
Brisbane - Brisbane (3:10) Air turnback with flight deck fire. (Source:
9) |
|
08FEB62
|
|
Brisbane
- Whenuapai (5:15) (Source: 9) |
|
01MAR62
|
|
Whenuapai
- Brisbane (5:05) (Source: 9) |
|
02MAR62
|
|
Brisbane
- Darwin (7:05) (Source: 9) |
|
03MAR62
|
|
Darwin
- Changi (8:05) (Source: 9) |
|
05MAR62
|
|
Changi
- Darwin (7:45) (Source: 9) |
|
06MAR62
|
|
Darwin
- Brisbane (6:30) (Source: 9) |
|
07MAR62
|
|
Brisbane
- Whenuapai (5:15) (Source: 9) |
|
13MAR62
|
|
Whenuapai
- Christchurch (2:00) (Source: 9) |
|
13MAR62
|
|
Christchurch
- Brisbane (6:25) (Source: 9) |
|
14MAR62
|
|
Brisbane - Sydney (2:00) (Source: 9) |
|
14MAR62
|
|
Sydney
- Whenuapai (5:15) (Source: 9) |
|
29MAR62
|
|
Whenuapai
- Nadi (5:15) (Source: 9) |
|
29MAR62
|
|
Nadi - Whenuapai (4:45) (Source: 9) |
|
30MAY62
|
|
Whenuapai
- Brisbane (5:30) (Source: 9) |
|
30MAY62
|
|
Brisbane
- Darwin (7:10) (Source: 9) |
|
01JUN62
|
|
Darwin
- Changi (7:35) (Source: 9) |
|
03JUN62
|
|
Changi
- Darwin (7:35) (Source: 9) |
|
04JUN62
|
|
Darwin
- Brisbane (5:50) (Source: 9) |
|
05JUN62
|
|
Brisbane
- Whenuapai (4:10) (Source: 9) |
|
23JUN62
|
|
Whenuapai
- Brisbane (5:40) (Source: 9) |
|
24JUN62
|
|
Brisbane
- Darwin (6:00) (Source: 9) |
|
25JUN62
|
|
Darwin
- Changi (7:20) (Source: 9) |
|
27JUN62
|
|
Changi
- Darwin (7:50) (Source: 9) |
|
28JUN62
|
|
Darwin
- Brisbane (6:40) (Source: 9) |
|
29JUN62
|
|
Brisbane
- Whenuapai (5:05) (Source: 9) |
|
01JUL62
|
|
Whenuapai
- Brisbane (5:40) (Source: 9) |
|
02JUL62
|
|
Brisbane
- Darwin (6:55) (Source: 9) |
|
03JUL62
|
|
Darwin
- Changi (9:00) No. 2 engine shutdown. Subsequently No. 1 engine shutdown
on test flight at Changi. (Source: 9) |
|
19JUL62
|
|
Changi
- Darwin (8:20) No. 3 engine shutdown. (Source: 9) |
|
19JUL62
|
|
Darwin
- Brisbane (6:55) No. 4 engine shutdown. (Source: 9) |
|
21JUL62
|
|
Brisbane
- Whenuapai (5:15) (Source: 9) |
|
31JUL62
|
|
Whenuapai
- Nadi (6:25) (Source: 9) |
|
31JUL62
|
|
Nadi
- Whenuapai (5:15) (Source: 9) |
|
05AUG62
|
|
Whenuapai - Nadi (5:20) (Source: 9) |
|
06AUG62
|
|
Nadi
- Canton Island (5:15) (Source: 9) |
|
06AUG62
|
|
Canton
Island - Hickham AFB, Honolulu (7:35) (Source: 9) |
|
08AUG62
|
|
Hickham AFB - Travis AFB, San Francisco (9:10) (Source: 9) |
|
10AUG62
|
|
Travis
AFB - McGuire AFB, New York (9:20) (Source: 9) |
|
12AUG62
|
|
McGuire
AFB - Harmon AFB, Newfoundland (3:45) (Source: 9) |
|
12AUG62
|
|
Harmon
AFB - Mildenhall, UK (9:10) (Source: 9)
"These flights to the UK were used for long haul pilot and navigator
training and carried NZDF personnel to UK for training courses. During
the early 1960s the NZ Government experienced a severe shortage of
teachers and in 1962 the DC-6s on their return from UK carried hundreds
of teachers to fill vacancies in the education system." (Source:
18) |
|
23AUG62
|
|
Mildenhall
- Keflavik, Iceland (5:35) (Source: 9) |
|
23AUG62
|
|
Keflavik
- Harmon AFB (7:00) (Source: 9) |
|
24AUG62
|
|
Harmon
AFB - McGuire AFB (4:10) (Source: 9) |
|
26AUG62
|
|
McGuire
AFB - Travis AFB (10:25) (Source: 9) |
|
28AUG62
|
|
Travis
AFB - Hickham AFB (9:50) (Source: 9) |
|
30AUG62
|
|
Hickham
AFB - Canton Island (7:05) (Source: 9) |
|
30AUG62
|
|
Canton
Island - Nadi (4:35) (Source: 9) |
|
31AUG62
|
|
Nadi - Whenuapai (4:55) (Source: 9) |
|
29NOV62
|
|
Whenuapai
- Melbourne (7:10) (Source: 9) |
|
30NOV62
|
|
Melbourne
- Perth (7:30) (Source: 9) |
|
01DEC62
|
|
Perth
- Cocos Island (7:00) (Source: 9) |
|
02DEC62
|
|
Cocos
Island - Changi (4:05) (Source: 9) |
|
04DEC62
|
|
Changi
- Darwin (7:50) (Source: 9) |
|
05DEC62
|
|
Darwin
- Brisbane (6:50) (Source: 9) |
|
06DEC62
|
|
Brisbane
- Whenuapai (4:55) (Source: 9) |
|
14MAR63
|
|
Whenuapai
- Nadi (4:50) (Source: 9) |
|
15MAR63
|
|
Nadi
- Canton Island (5:00) (Source: 9) |
|
15MAR63
|
|
Canton
Island - Hickham AFB, Honolulu (7:15) (Source: 9) |
|
16MAR63
|
|
Hickham
AFB - Travis AFB, San Francisco (9:40) (Source: 9) |
|
18MAR63
|
|
Travis
AFB - Charleston AFB, South Carolina (8:30) (Source: 9) |
|
19MAR63
|
|
Charleston
AFB - Kindley AFB, Bermuda (3:10) (Source: 9) |
|
21MAR63
|
|
Kindley
AFB - Lajes, Azores (7:10) (Source: 9) |
|
22MAR63
|
|
Lajes
- Mildenhall, UK (6:45) (Source: 9) |
|
01APR63
|
|
Mildenhall
- Lajes, Azores (6:45) (Source: 9) |
|
02APR63
|
|
Lajes
- Kindley AFB, Bermuda (9:10) (Source: 9) |
|
03APR63
|
|
Kindley
AFB - McGuire AFB (3:40) (Source: 9) |
|
05APR63
|
|
McGuire
AFB - Scott AFB, Illinois (3:45) (Source: 9) |
|
05APR63
|
|
Scott
AFB - Travis AFB (7:35) (Source: 9) |
|
08APR63
|
|
Travis
AFB - Hickham AFB (10:05) (Source: 9) |
|
09APR63
|
|
Hickham
AFB - Canton Island (7:35) (Source: 9) |
|
09APR63
|
|
Canton
Island - Nadi (5:00) (Source: 9) |
|
10APR63
|
|
Nadi
- Whenuapai (4:45) (Source: 9) |
|
19APR63
|
|
Whenuapai
- Brisbane (5:30) (Source: 10) |
|
20APR63
|
|
Brisbane
- Darwin (6:45) (Source: 10) |
|
21APR63
|
|
Darwin
- Changi (7:40) (Source: 10) |
|
23APR63
|
|
Changi
- Darwin (8:05) (Source: 10) |
|
24APR63
|
|
Darwin
- Brisbane (7:10) (Source: 10) |
|
25APR63
|
|
Brisbane
- Whenuapai (5:45) (Source: 10) |
|
09MAY63
|
|
Whenuapai
- Nadi (4:50) (Source: 10) |
|
10MAY63
|
|
Nadi
- Canton Island (4:55) (Source: 10) |
|
09MAY63
|
|
Canton
Island - Hickham AFB, Honolulu (7:10) (Source: 10) |
|
11MAY63
|
|
Hickham
AFB - Travis AFB, San Francisco (8:45) (Source: 10) |
|
13MAY63
|
|
Travis
AFB - Scott AFB, Illinois (5:55) (Source: 10) |
|
14MAY63
|
|
Scott
AFB - Charleston AFB (2:45) (Source: 10) |
|
15MAY63
|
|
Charleston
AFB - Lajes, Azores (11:25) (Source:10) |
|
16MAY63
|
|
Lajes
- Mildenhall, UK (6:10) (Source: 10) |
|
25MAY63
|
|
Mildenhall
- Lajes, Azores (6:20) (Source:10) |
|
26MAY63
|
|
Lajes
- Kindley AFB, Bermuda (8:20) (Source: 10) |
|
27MAY63
|
|
Kindley
AFB - Charleston AFB (4:05) (Source: 10) |
|
28MAY63
|
|
Charleston
AFB - Scott AFB, Illinois (3:10) (Source: 10) |
|
28MAY63
|
|
Scott
AFB - Travis AFB (7:20) (Source: 10) |
|
30MAY63
|
|
Travis
AFB - Hickham AFB (9:40) (Source:10) |
|
01JUN63
|
|
Hickham
AFB - Canton Island (7:15) (Source: 10) |
|
01JUN63
|
|
Canton
Island - Nadi (4:55) (Source: 10) |
|
03JUN63
|
|
Nadi
- Whenuapai (4:55) (Source: 10) |
|
10JUN63
|
|
Whenuapai
- Brisbane (5:55) (Source: 9) |
|
11JUN63
|
|
Brisbane
- Darwin (6:45) (Source: 9) |
|
12JUN63
|
|
Darwin
- Changi (7:25) (Source: 9) |
|
14JUN63
|
|
Changi
- Darwin (8:05) (Source: 9) |
|
15JUN63
|
|
Darwin
- Brisbane (6:30) (Source: 9) |
|
16JUN63
|
|
Brisbane
- Whenuapai (5:00) (Source: 9) |
|
06NOV63
|
|
Brisbane
- Whenuapai (4:50) Changeover of an NZ Batallion based in Malaya using
pre-positioned crews. (Source: 10) |
|
17NOV63
|
|
Brisbane
- Darwin (6:50) Changeover of an NZ Batallion based in Malaya using
pre-positioned crews. (Source: 10) |
|
25NOV63
|
|
Darwin
- Brisbane (7:40) Changeover of an NZ Batallion based in Malaya using
pre-positioned crews. (Source: 10) |
|
16DEC63
|
|
Whenuapai
- Nadi (5:00) (Source: 9) |
|
17DEC63
|
|
Nadi
- Whenuapai (5:00) (Source: 9) |
|
N254N
|
|
|
|
19APR64
|
|
Delivered
to Lamm Associates Inc., Oakland as N254N. (Source: 1) |
|
19APR64
|
|
Departed
Whenuapai on delivery. (Source: 5) |
|
JUN64
|
|
To
National Interests Inc. of Reno, Nevada as N254N. (Source: 4) |
|
CF-PWP
|
|
|
|
13MAR65
|
|
To
Pacific Western Airlines as CF-PWP. (Source: 4) |
|
N80MA
|
|
|
|
17FEB71
|
|
To
Lamm Associates Inc., Oakland as N80MA. (Source: 4) |
|
MAR71
|
|
To
Mercer Airlines as N80MA for passenger charter work out of Burbank,
California. (Source: 4) |
|
MAY72
|
|
To
Aerial Applicators Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah as N80MA for conversion
to a firefighting tanker, "Tanker 20". (Source: 4) |
|
JUL78
|
|
Registered
N80MA to Aerial Applicators of Salt Lake City. (Source: AL 148/19) |
|
AUG80
|
|
Operated
on the Rattlesnake Fire in the deep canyon by the Salmon River north
of McCall, Idaho. Flown by Ralph Glasgow. (Source: 12) See images |
|
13MAY81
|
|
Sold
to Sis-Q Flying Service, Santa Rosa, California. (Source: 4) |
|
JUL81
|
|
Registered
N80MA to Sis-Q Flying Service Inc. (Source: AL 179/23) |
|
MAY85
|
|
Sold
to Macavia International Corporation. (Source: 4) |
|
90
|
|
During
the 1990 fire season, the entire fleet of 9 Macavia DC-6 tankers was
inactive at Santa Rosa, reportedly while the owner concentrated on
other business interests. (Source: Propliner #44 Autumn 1990) |
|
FEB91
|
|
Sold
to T & G Aviation for use as a tanker. Subsequently withdrawn
from service and stored at Chandler Field, Arizona. (Source: 4) |
|
FEB93
|
|
Registered
N80MA to Pacific Harbor Capital Inc.of Portland, Oregon. (Source:
AL 317/26) |
|
NOV93
|
|
Sold
to Barron Thomas Aviation Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware. (Source: 5) |
|
25JAN94
|
|
Registered
to Barron Thomas Aviation Inc. (Source: 4) |
|
JUL94
|
|
Registration
N80MA cancelled. (Source: AL 334/29) |
|
06JUL94
|
|
Struck
off the US Register. (Source: 4) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
In
1992, UNITA (União Nacional para a Independência Total de Angola /
National Union for the Total Independence of Angola) having refused
to accept the 1992 election results, were engaged in hostilities against
the government of Angola. The following year (1993) an international
arms embargo was imposed on UNITA forces. These sanctions were progressively
strengthened in subsequent years. To circumvent the embargo, a variety
of aircraft were pressed into service under various flag of convenience
registrations. One of UNITA's main suppliers was ATO (Air Transport
Office) which acquired this DC-6 in 1994 and placed it on the Zaire
register as 9Q-CPL. The aircraft was later transferred to the Liberian
register as EL-WNH but continued its sanctions-busting operations.
At various times, EL-WNH has been reported as being operated by Interocean
Airways, Interstate Airways (owned by a South African national, Johannes
Parfirio Parreira) and Transair Cargo, all of which were involved
in the UNITA airlift. By 1998, UNITA had been reduced to a guerilla
force and the airlift wound down. |
| |
|
|
|
9Q-CPL
|
|
|
|
JUL94
|
|
Seen
at Chandler Memorial Airport, Arizona as 9Q-CPL of Air Transport Office.
(Source: AL 334/29) |
|
JUL94
|
|
Sold
to Air Transport Office, Kinshasa, Zaire as 9Q-CPL. (Source: 7) |
|
14JAN95
|
|
Seen
at Kinshasa as 9Q-CPL with Air Transport Office. (Source: AL 347/27) |
|
13NOV95
|
|
Photographed
at Kinshasa as 9Q-CPL with Air Transport Office titles and still fitted
with the firebombing tank. |
|
EL-WNH
|
|
|
|
AUG97
|
|
Re-registered
in Liberia as EL-WNH to Air Transport Office. (AL 374/37) |
|
12AUG97
|
|
Seen
at Lanseria, Republic of South Africa, as EL-WNH. (Source: AL 370/36) |
|
24AUG97
|
|
Seen
at Lanseria as EL-WNH. (Source: AL 370/36) |
|
AUG97
|
|
Sold
to SOCATA. (Source: 4) |
|
15SEP97
|
|
Seen
at Lanseria as EL-WNH. Verified to be formerly 9Q-CPL and c/n checked.
(Source: AL 371/37) |
|
21SEP97
|
|
Photographed
landing at Lanseria. |
|
29SEP97
|
|
Photographed
arriving at Rand, RSA on three engines. |
|
19JUN98
|
|
Seen
at Lanseria as EL-WNH with no titles "grounded in good condition".
(Source: AL 380/43) |
|
18OCT99
|
|
Seen
at Lanseria as EL-WNH apparently stored. (Source: AL 397/45) |
|
22NOV05
|
|
Seen
at Lanseria as EL-WNH locally described as "dumped". (Source: AL 470/49) |
|
10MAR06
|
|
Seen
on the grass at Lanseria as EL-WNH with engines removed. (Source:
AL 473/60) |
|
04
|
|
Used
as a rescue and firefighting training aid at Lanseria. (Source: 7) |
|
06
|
|
Painted
in special markings for the television program "A Step Ahead". (Source:
7) |
|
06JUL10
|
|
The
management of Lanseria International Airport confirmed the donation
of DC-6 EL-WNH to the Queensland Air Museum. |
|
AUG12
|
|
QAM
Registrar, Nick Sayer, visited Lanseria to inspect the aircraft and
determined that although it is seriously incomplete, the basic airframe
is sound and worthy of preservation. QAM is actively seeking sponsors
to fund shipping the aircraft from South Africa to Caloundra, Australia. |
|
SOURCES
|
|
1
|
"The
Douglas DC-6 and DC-7 Series" Air-Britain, Second Edition
1971 by John A. Whittle |
|
2
|
"The
Historic Civil Aircraft Register of Australia" AustAirData,
Tony Arbon and David Sparrow |
|
3
|
"Silver
Wings in Pacific Skies" Boolarong Publications 1993 by Harry
M. Moore. |
|
4
|
A
History of c/n 43127 written by Gil White and published
on www.ruudleeuw.com |
|
5
|
www.adf-serials.com |
|
6
|
"Qantas
Maintenance and Flying Record Log" held by the Qantas Heritage
Collection. |
|
7
|
Ansett
Historian Fred Niven. |
|
8
|
Log
Book of BCPA Radio Operator Keith J. Wordsworth who served
on the DC-6 from December 1948 until January 1952. Thanks
to Peter Wordsworth for access to his father's log book.. |
|
9
|
Log
Book of Squadron Leader Gerrard Brown, No. 40 Squadron RNZAF. |
|
10
|
Log
Book of Bob Howe, No. 40 Squadron RNZAF. |
|
11
|
Log
Book of Captain John W. Kessey, DFC, MAP. |
|
12
|
Larry
Kraus posted on http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.org |
|
13
|
Photograph
by Michel Anciaux. |
|
14
|
Log
Book of Maurice Tierney, a Radio Officer with BCPA from
April 1948 until the airline closed. |
|
15
|
History
of Air New Zealand, Feb 2006
http://www.airnewzealand.com.au/assets/PDFs/history.pdf |
|
16
|
TEALAGRAM
(TEAL Staff News) April-May 1961
https://friendsofthesolentflyingboat.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/tealagram-volume-4-no12.pdf
|
|
17
|
Flight
International 30MAY52 p.670 |
|
18
|
Four
Winds Association, History of No. 40 Squadron RNZAF
http://fourwindsrnzaf-com.webs.com/douglasdc6.htm
|
|
AL
|
"Aviation
Letter" followed by issue number and page number. |
|
THE
BCPA DC-6 FLEET
|
|
Registration
|
Name
|
MSN
|
History
|
|
VH-BPE
|
Resolution
|
43125
|
Crashed
on approach to San Francisco on 29OCT53.
|
|
VH-BPF
|
Endeavour
|
43126
|
Crashed
in service with Royal Air Lao in 1971.
|
|
VH-BPG
|
Adventure
|
43127
|
Located
at Lanseria, RSA as EL-WNH.
|
|
VH-BPH
|
Discovery
|
43128
|
Scrapped.
Nose section with Pekka Kauppi in Finland.
|
|
ISSUE
|
DATE
|
REMARKS
|
|
21
|
07JUL17
|
Added
an image of ZK-BGB at Whenuapai
circa 1957 thanks to Paul Sheehan. |
|
20
|
19MAY17
|
Added
a rare colour image of NZ3632 by
Colonel Rob Dickie. Also added Colonel Dickie's account
of his flight on NZ3632. Thanks to Blair Dickie and Paul Sheehan. |
|
19
|
21SEP16
|
Added
a new image of N80MA Tanker 20
landing at Billings, Montana in August 1989. Thanks to Geoff
Goodall. |
|
18
|
27MAR16
|
Added
two new images.
ZK-BGB at Christchurch in 1955 thanks
to Paul Sheehan.
EL-WNH at Lanseria. |
|
17
|
07MAY15
|
Added
new information from Sources 15, 16, 17 & 18. |
|
16
|
06MAY15
|
Added
log book entries (Source: 14) from Radio Officer Maurice Tierney.
|
|
15
|
17APR15
|
Added
a new image of N80MA as Tanker 20
with Sis-Q Flying Services. |
|
14
|
08DEC14
|
Added
a new image of ZK-BGB thanks to
V.C. Browne and Paul Sheehan. |
|
13
|
24OCT14
|
Added
a new image of EL-WNH. |
|
12
|
18OCT14
|
Added
an image of the aircraft landing
at Lanseria on 21SEP97 thanks to Keith Burton.
Added an image of the aircraft arriving
at Rand on 29SEP97 thanks to Keith Burton. |
|
11
|
02OCT14
|
Added
two new images of N80MA Tanker
20. Thanks to Larry Kraus. |
|
10
|
27SEP14
|
Added
a new image of N80MA Tanker 20. |
|
9
|
25SEP14
|
Added
log book entries (Source: 11) supplied by BCPA Captain John
W. Kessey, DFC, MAP. |
|
8
|
28JUL14
|
Added
log book entries supplied by Bob Howe (Source: 10) who was then
with No. 40 Squadron RNZAF. |
|
7
|
28JUL14
|
Added
log book entries supplied by Gerrard Brown (Source: 9) who was
then a Squadron Leader with No. 40 Squadron RNZAF. |
|
6
|
02APR14
|
Added
an image of ZK-BGB thanks to
Paul Sheehan. |
|
5
|
01OCT13
|
Added images
of NZ3632 and ZK-BGB
thanks to Peter Lewis. |
|
4
|
26AUG13
|
Added
a clarification of the reported use of the registration ZK-BFB.
Thanks to Peter Layne. |
|
3
|
20APR13
|
Added
two images of VH-BPG at San Francisco thanks to Bill Larkins.
Image 1 Image
2
Added an image of N80MA during its
tanker conversion. |
|
2
|
08JAN13
|
Added
movements for VH-BPG as shown in the log book of Radio Officer
Keith J. Wordsworth (Source: 8) |
|
1
|
25DEC12
|
Original
issue. |
|
