Archived Global Fleet Update for 2015

Individual aircraft sales, register updates and aircraft movements

03-Jan-2015

577 - DHC-6-300 EP-IOP Iranian NAFT Airlines, Ahwaz

Arrived Dubai-World Central (OMDW/DWC) 08-Dec-2014 before becoming OY-NSA for DHC-6 Invest A/S.

792 - C-GKKN DHC-6-300 Unity Group Ltd., Calgary, AB

Flew Honolulu, HI - McMinnville, OR - Spokane-Int’l, WA - Calgary-Int’l, AB 01/02-Jan-2015

06-Jan-2015

244 - DHC-6-300 N244AD Texas Air Services Inc., Dickinson, TX

Registered 06-JN-2015, ex CC-PQI

721 - DHC-6-300 XA-UOA Transportes Aereos Terrestres S.A.

Starboard wing hit a tree on take-off from the Vista Hermosa air strip at Tequesquitengo, Morelos 22-Dec-2014 causing the aircraft to veer to the right and collide with shipping containers. The entire tail section of the aircraft was severed as a result of the collision.

766 - DHC-6-300 J8-GLS SVG Air, Saint Vincent

Registered 05-Dec-2014, ex C-GKPV

08-Jan-2015

802 - DHC-6-300 C-GKPG Unity Group Ltd., Calgary, AB

Flew Honolulu, HI - Klamath Falls, OR Calgary-Int’l, AB 08/09-Jan-2015

915 - DHC-6-400 C-GVEP Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 08-Jan-2015 following painting.

Aurora DHC-6-400 RA-67284 In Service Photos

A nice selection of in service pictures of the Aurora DHC-6-400 RA-67284 courtesy of the website http://funnyshots.livejournal.com/138145.html

10-Jan-2015

620 - DHC-6-300 N888PV Seaborne Airlines, San Juan, PR [Montecito New York LLC]

Flew Provicenciales - Nassau - Fort Lauderdale-Int’l, FL - Winter Haven, FL - Kissimmee-Gateway, FL - Savannah, GA - Rutherfordton, NC 09/11-Jan-2015

919 - DHC-6-400 C-GFVT Viking Ar Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 09-Jan-2015

920 - DHC-6-400 C-GVZQ Viking Ar Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 09-Jan-2015

Photos of the Day

MSN 914 was photographed yesterday by Tim Martin in full Airfast Indonesia colours. This will be the third Series 400 for Airfast. It had flown to Victoria from the paint shop on 22-Dec-2014.

11-Jan-2015

685 - DHC-6-300 PK-YRU PT Trigana Air Service, Jakarta

Left runway while landing in strong winds at Enarotali, Papua, sustaining damage to nose gear and propellers. The aircraft was arriving from Timika with only crew onboard.This is Trigana Air Services eighth Twin Otter accident, and the second to occur with PK-YRU. It was previously damaged in another runway excursion on 01-Jun-2007.

14-Jan-2015

339 - DHC-6-300 TC-SBO Seabird Airlines, Istanbul

Officially imported to Canada 13-Jan-2015; this aircraft departed Turkey back on 15-Nov-2014 returning to Kenn Borek Air.

908 - DHC-6-400 C-FVAM Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Victoria-Int’l, BC - Vancouver-Int’l, BC 14-Jan-2015.

19-Jan-2015

339 - DHC-6-300 C-GOKB Kenn Borek Air Ltd., Calgary, AB

Registered 20-Jan-2014, ex TC-SBO

916 - DHC-6-400 C-GVVA Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Spokane-Int’l, WA 18-Jan-2015 for painting.

26-Jan-2015

112 - DHC-6-100 TG-JOC ARM Aviacion S.A., Guatemala City

Leased to Tropic Air, Belize City Dec-2014 as seen in the photograph below. Interestingly, this particular aircraft was previously operated by Tropic Air from 1988 to 1994.

719 - DHC-6-300 C-GNFZ PAL Airlines Ltd., St. John’s, NL

Flew Goose Bay, NL - Wabush, NL - Dryden, ON - Winnipeg-Richardson, MB - Regina, SK - Springbank, AB 25/26-Jan-2015 into Rocky Mountain Aircraft for wing replacement.

28-Jan-2015

524 - DHC-6-300 N251SA Seaborne Airlines, San Juan, PR [Montecito New York LLC]

Flew San Juan-Marin, PR - Providenciales - Nassau - Fort Lauderdale-Int’l, FL - Lantana, FL - Savannah, GA - Rutherfordton, NC 28/30-Jan-2015 on delivery to CAAMS LLC

EASA Validates the Ikhana DHC-6-200HG Upgrade

IKHANA Aircraft Services (IKHANA) announced that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has validated IKHANA’s RWMI DHC-6-200HG™ modification. The RWMI DHC-6-200HG is now an FAA, Transport Canada, and EASA approved Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) allowing aircraft operations to 12,500 pounds (5670 Kg).

“Validation of our RWMI DHC-6-200HG STC provides added capabilities for operators of DHC-6-100 and -200 Twin Otters who follow European EASA regulations,” says John A. Zublin, President and CEO of IKHANA. “The legacy -100 & -200 series aircraft tend to have lower empty weights, by approximately 300 to 500 pounds, when compared to a similarly equipped DHC-6-300 aircraft. This makes our DHC-6-200HG an attractive alternative for adding payload capacity and revenue.”

The RWMI DHC-6-200HG STC increases the payload capabilities of the basic DHC-6-100/-200 aircraft from 11,579 pounds (5252 Kg) to 12,500 pounds (5670 Kg), providing an increase of 921 pounds (418 Kg) or nearly 8%. Operations are allowed to the full 620 shaft horsepower (50 psi torque) of its PT6A-27 engines, effectively transforming a DHC-6-200 to match the capabilities of a DHC-6-300 aircraft.

IKHANA Aircraft Services provides Design-Build-Fly solutions to the aerospace industry through integration of new technologies, aircraft modifications, heavy maintenance, major repair, and critical parts manufacturing. Headquartered at the French Valley Airport (F70) in Murrieta, California, IKHANA holds FAA, EASA, Transport Canada, and Fiji repair station approvals, FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA), and is a Viking Air Factory Endorsed Service Center.

29-Jan-2015

916 - DHC-6-400 C-GVVA Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 29-Jan-2015 following painting.

31-Jan-2015

338 - DHC-6-300 C-FDHB Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Flew Managua - McAllen-Miller, TX - Cheyenne, WY - Calgary-Int’l, AB 31-Jan/01-Feb-2015 returning from Antarctica.

732 - DHC-6-300 C-GKBH Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Flew Managua - McAllen-Miller, TX - Cheyenne, WY - Calgary-Int’l, AB 31-Jan/01-Feb-2015 returning from Antarctica.

01-Feb-2015

351 - DHC-6-300 HB-LUC Zimex Aviation Ltd., Glattbrugg

Noted parked at Altenrhein/Saint Gallen without engines, or vertical stabilizer. The aircraft had arrived there on 23-Nov-2014.

02-Feb-2015

655 - DHC-6-300 9N-AKM Tara Air, Kathmandu

The former Tara Air DHC-6-300 9N-ABQ has been rebuilt following an incident that occurred in Sep-2012. It has zero time wings, engines and gear, and is available for $3.5 million USD

896 - DHC-6-400 N896JF NASS Holdings LLC, Titusville, FL

Registration cancelled 29-Jan-2015 to the United Arab Emirates. N896JF was delivered from Titusville to the U.A.E on 12-Dec-2014. The new military serial remains unknown at this point. The aircraft can be seen below while passing through Santa Maria on 07-Dec-2014 en route to Abu Dhabi.

09-Feb-2015

312 - DHC-6-300 C-GCKB Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Flew McAllen-Miller, TX - Cheyenne, WY - Calgary-Int’l, AB 09-Feb-2014 returning from Antarctica.

733 - DHC-6-300 C-GKBG Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Flew McAllen-Miller, TX - Cheyenne, WY - Calgary-Int’l, AB 09-Feb-2014 returning from Antarctica.

10-Feb-2015

27 - DHC-6-100 N227CS Win Win Aviation, Wake Forest, NC

Flew Dekalb, IL - Pontiac-Oakland, MI 10-Feb-2015. The aircraft had been delivered to De Kalb via road transport from the Rampart Aviation facility in North Raleigh, NC in Apr-2014.

426 DHC-6-300 C-GXXB Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Flew Liberia - McAllen-Miller, TX - Cheyenne, WY - Calgary-Int’l, AB 10/11-Feb-2014 returning from Antarctica.

11-Feb-2015

139 - DHC-6-200 N70EA Eagle Air Transport Inc., Ottawa, IL

While taxiing out for departure to Puerto Rico, collided with N30EA at Sebastian, FL (X26) on 09-Feb-2015. Both aircraft sustained significant damage, and are expected to remain out of service for the immediate future. Two DHC-6 maintenance/repair organizations will inspect the aircraft shortly with a view to repairing both by the summer season.

191 - DHC-6-200 N30EA Eagle Air Transport Inc., Ottawa, IL

While taxiing out for departure to Puerto Rico, collided with N70EA at Sebastian, FL (X26) on 09-Feb-2015. Both aircraft sustained significant damage, and are expected to remain out of service for the immediate future. Two DHC-6 maintenance/repair organizations will inspect the aircraft shortly with a view to repairing both by the summer season.

339 - DHC-6-300 C-GOKB Kenn Borek Air Ltd., Calgary, AB

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Williston, ND - Spencer, IA - Cape Girardeau, MO - Nassau - Providenciales - San Juan-Marin, PR 11/13-Feb-2015

15-Feb-2015

917 - DHC-6-400 C-GLVA Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 14-Feb-2015 following painting.

18-Feb-2015

629 - DHC-6-300 C-GKVT Unity Group Ltd., Airdrie, AB

Test-flown 17-Feb-2015 following overhaul.

693 - DHC-6-300 C-GKCS Kenn Borek Air Ltd., Calgary, AB

Flew Liberia - McAllen-Miller, TX - Cheyenne, WY - Calgary-Int’l, AB 17/18-Feb-2015 returning from Antarctica.

921 - DHC-6-400 C-GVAT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 17-Feb-2015

19-Feb-2015

389 - DHC-6-300 N288SA Seaborne Airlines, San Juan, PR [Montecito New York LLC]

Flew San Juan-Marin, PR - Providenciales - Nassau - Fort Lauderdale-Int’l, FL 19-Feb-2015

20-Feb-2015

93 - DHC-6-100 N169TH Mid Pacific Air LLC, Kailua-Kona, HI

N169TH, which has been parked at South Lewis County Airport in Toledo, WA for quite some time is once again being advertised for sale. It is available on wheels for $765,000US or on Wipline 13000 amphibious floats for $975,000US.

226 - DHC-6-200HG C-FFNT Gravitas Aviation Ltd., West Vancouver, BC

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Iqaluit, NU - Keflavík - Malmø - Nis - Hurghada - Salalah - Malé 20/27-Feb-2015 on delivery to Island Aviation Services Ltd.

913 - DHC-6-400 C-FAFI Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Victoria-Int’l, BC - Great Falls, MT - Rapid City, SD - Springfield, MO - Columbus, GA - Titusville, FL 20/22-Feb-2015

23-Feb-2015

Viking Completes Global Aerospace Logistics Contract with Delivery of 9th Twin Otter Series 400 Aircraft

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February 23rd, 2015: Viking Air Limited of Victoria, British Columbia, has now officially handed over the final Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft on order for Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL), of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, completing the multi aircraft purchase contract.

The final aircraft will join the eight Viking Twin Otter Series 400 already delivered to GAL since 2013, being utilized by the UAE Government under a multi-year service contract. The specially equipped Series 400 Twin Otters are configured with paratroop provisions and intermediate flotation gear (“IFG”) to enable the Government’s operations on the loose sand in the Arabian Gulf region. Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) is an original launch customer for the Series 400 Twin Otter, having placed their initial aircraft order in 2009.

Abdulla Marassas, Aviation Program Manager for GAL, commented, “We are very happy with the Viking Series 400 Twin Otter, as evidenced by our fleet of nine aircraft. The Series 400’s performance is beyond our expectation, and perfectly serves the purpose for the design and function intended.”

He added, “Working with Viking has been a satisfying experience, dealing with knowledgeable people who have made the purchase and delivery process easy, and we’re already looking forward to expanding our relationship with future projects.”

About Global Aerospace Logistics: Global Aerospace Logistics, LLC is a limited liability company registered by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and based in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. GAL is a leading provider of government and defense aerospace services encompassing aviation maintenance, component repair and overhaul, aviation logistics, maintenance repair facility, aircraft sales, tactical pilot training, and defense aviation consulting and project management.

Utility Air Sells Premiere Viking Series 400 Twin Otter to Fiji

Walker Corp to Utilize Twin Otter Series 400 for Luxury Transport to Six Star Resort

Geelong, Victoria, Australia, February 24th, 2015: Viking Air Limited of Victoria, BC, Canada and Walker Corporation of Sydney, Australia, have entered into an agreement for the purchase of what will become the first Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft put into operation in Fiji.

The Viking Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft, scheduled for delivery in the second calendar quarter of 2015, will be utilized as a luxury transport for resort guests and will be configured with 19-passenger interior, air conditioning, and amphibious floats for both runway and water-based operation.

Lang Walker, Executive Chairman of Walker Corporation, stated, “We are opening a luxury six star resort later this year on Yaukuve Island in Fiji, and want guests to enjoy every aspect of their stay from start to finish. Our amphibious float-equipped Series 400 Twin Otter will provide guests with first class service, conveying them safely to and from the resort in comfort and in style.”

Walker continued, “We employed the services of Utility Air to help us select an aircraft with the capability to meet all of our requirements. For us, the Viking Twin Otter Series 400 was the logical choice due to its operating versatility, robust design, reliability and spacious interior – all qualities perfectly suited for our luxury island resort.”

Utility Air’s managing director, Stephen Pembro, commented, “We are delighted to have sold our first Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft so soon after being appointed the Viking sales representative for Australasia, and have immensely enjoyed our dealings thus far with Walker Corporation. The support provided by the Viking Team during negotiations was excellent, and we rank this deal as being one of the most pleasant and satisfying we have ever achieved.”

24-Feb-2015

IKHANA RWMI DHC-6-300HG™ Twin Otter Standard Commuter Category STC Passes a Key Certification Milestone to Allow a 14,000 lbs. MTOW

IKHANA Aircraft Services (IKHANA) announced that the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has accepted IKHANA’s G-1 Issue Paper outlining IKHANA’s approach for certifying their RWMI DHC-6-300HG™/-400HG™ Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) as a Standard Commuter Category STC. “The FAA’s acceptance of our RWMI DHC-6-300HG™/-400HG™ STC certification methodology is a key milestone that ensures our path to final approval is clearly identified,” states Mr. John A. Zublin, President and CEO of IKHANA. “Additionally, we have satisfactorily completed our FAA approved landing gear drop testing, flight loads analysis, and, now, we are ready to effect aircraft modifications and move ahead with our flight testing phase. The Standard Commuter Category STC addresses a typical Twin Otter operator’s need for as much payload as possible and, of course, for increasing revenue.”

The RWMI DHC-6-300HG™ STC increases the payload capabilities of the basic DHC-6-300 and, ultimately, DHC-6-400 Twin Otter Series aircraft from 12,500 lbs. (5670 Kg) to 14,000 lbs. (6350 Kg). As a Standard Commuter Category STC, DHC-6-300 and DHC-6-400 operators will be able to operate, in revenue service without special purpose restrictions. IKHANA’s RWMI DHC-6-300RG™/-400RG™ STC is currently limited to special missions operations, constraining operators who carry passengers for revenue service.

The FAA uses issue papers to provide a structured means for describing and tracking the resolution of significant technical, regulatory, and administrative issues associated with a project. In particular, the G-1 issue paper establishes and communicates a formal agreement for the major issues, regulations, and special conditions that will apply between IKHANA, the FAA and a foreign civil aviation authority.

311 - DHC-6-300 C-FBBV Kenn Borek Air Ltd., Calgary, AB

Flew Liberia - McAllen-Miller, TX - Cheyenne, WY - Calgary-Int’l, AB 23/26-Feb-2015 returning from Antarctica.

725 - DHC-6-300 C-GKBO Kenn Borek Air Ltd., Calgary, AB

Flew Liberia - McAllen-Miller, TX - Cheyenne, WY - Calgary-Int’l, AB 23/26-Feb-2015 returning from Antarctica.

26-Feb-2015

493 - DHC-6-300 C-GKSN Air Labrador Ltd., Goose Bay, NL

Flew Springbank, AB - Great Falls, MT - Torrington, WY - Wellington, KS - Mena, AR 26/27-Feb-2015 for painting with Goodner Brothers.

629 - DHC-6-300 C-GKVT Unity Group Ltd., Airdrie, AB

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Iqaluit, NU - Keflavík 28- Malmø - Nis - Hurghada - - Salalah - Malé 27-Feb/09-Mar-2015 on delivery to Island Aviation Services Ltd. The flight is being operated by World Wide Ferry of Calgary.

01-Mar-2015

Kiribati Legal Battle for Twin Otter

On 27-Feb-2015 the Islands of Kiribati issued a press release with respect to the non-delivery of DHC-6-300 MSN 831, which had been scheduled to be acquired from U.S. based CAAMS LLC during 2014. Kiribati had previously purchased another DHC-6-300 MSN 647 from CAAMS during 2013 as seen in the photograph below, and CAAMS was taking a CASA 212-200 in partial trade against the aircraft.

Following the publishing of the Kiribati press release by New Zealand media outlets, CAAMS issued the statement below, announcing a multi-million dollar suit against both Air Kiribati and the Kiribati government.

CAAMS files multi million US Dollar Law Suit against Air Kiribati and the Government of Kiribati for Fraud & Misrepresentation for failing to deliver an Air Kiribati owned CASA 212-200 msn 356 in Air Worthy condition that CAAMS was taking on partial trade for it's DHC-6-300 Twin Otter msn 647 that CAAMS sold to Air Kiribati.  

The Government of Kiribati provided a Kiribati Export C of A Certificate to the USA FAA indicating the CASA 212-200 aircraft was airworthy to FAA standards but during the inspection of the CASA 212-200 the FAA Engineers found severe corrosion in the airframe and tail section of the aircraft. The FAA engineers removed the horizontal stabilizer from the CASA 212-200 and grounded the aircraft. The CASA OEM (Airbus DS Military Aircraft Inc.) informed us that the CASA 212-200 has severe corrosion and was not airworthy and recommended the aircraft be completely disassembled and shipped to the USA for repair which could exceed $1.5 million USD.  

CAAMS is filing a formal complaint with the FAA and the U.S. Department of Transportation that will be posted on the U.S. Department of Transportation website when completed.

03-Mar-2015

389 - DHC-6-300 N288SA Montecito New York LLC, Scottsdale, AZ (Seaborne Airlines)

Flew Leesburg, FL - Rutherfordton, NC 03-Mar-2015. After completing the initial portion of its delivery flight from Seaborne to CAAMS on 19-Feb-2015, N288SA is today continuing up to the CAAMS facility in Rutherfordton, NC. This also completes the deliveries of the three aircraft acquired from Seaborne.
The aircraft in seen below framed by Collings Foundation Consolidated B-24J Liberator at Leesburg, FL.

913 - DHC-6-400 C-FAFI Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registration cancelled 02-Mar-2015; aircraft was delivered to NASS Holdings LLC in Titusville, FL on 22-Feb-2015 and the new U.S. registration is pending. It will ultimately be delivered to the United Arab Emirates upon completion of final work at NASS.

04-Mar-2015

913 - DHC-6-400 N913BS NASS Holdings LLC, Titusville, FL

Registered 03-Mar-2015, ex C-FAFI

919 - DHC-6-400 C-GFVT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Spokane-Int’l, WA 03-Mar-2015 for painting.

06-Mar-2015

71 - DHC-6-100 C-GGLE South Nahanni Airways, Fort Simpson, NT [3119378 Canada Inc.]

Canadian registration cancelled 07-Dec-2014, the aircraft had been parked at Vancouver-Int’l, BC since late Oct-2014, and departed to Fort St. John, BC. and Fort Simpson, NT.

719 - DHC-6-300 C-GNFZ PAL Airlines Ltd., St. Johns, NL

Flew Springbank, AB - Regina, SK - Winnipeg-Richardson, MB - Sioux Lookout, ON - Kapuskasing, ON 06/07-Mar-2015. The aircraft had been present at Rocky Mountain Aircraft since arriving on 26-Jan-2015 for a wing change.

918 - DHC-6-400 C-FVIK Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 06-Mar-2015 following painting.

09-Mar-2015

617 - DHC-6-300 C-GKBR Seaborne Airlines, San Juan, PR [Kenn Borek Air]

Flew Providenciales - Fort-Lauderdale-Exec, FL Albany, GA Anniston, AL - Kirksville, MO 09/11-Mar-2015

10-Mar-2015

Interesting article printed in the Solomon Islands yesterday with respect to the Twin Otters being operated there. I've asked some contacts in that part of the world for clarification on some of the statements made within the article, as there are many elements that don't seem to add up. One of those (not even related to aircraft) obviously being the relocation of the Seychelles from the Indian Ocean to the Caribbean. In any case, for entertainment value if nothing else, because there are few verifiable facts and many suppositions, the article is reprinted below:

Solomon Airlines Aircrafts too old, sources revealed

There is increasing air safety concerns with the Solomon Airline’s domestic fleet.

This came after at least two recent air incidents and latest revelations that Solomon Airlines is using written-off Twin Otter aircrafts, which it purchased from overseas and refurbished them here. News of the purchase of written off aircrafts is well-guarded information, but inside sources have confirmed this to be true. “One of the Twin-Otters was the one that crashed in the waters of Seychelles, in the Caribbean some years ago,” a source said. “Solomon Airlines purchased this written-off plane and paid for the freight cost to have it shipped here,” the source added. “It lied idle for many months before the company’s engineers started working to refurbish it.“But when the management found it would cost so much to refurbish the aircraft, it decided to sell it to an Australian. “The plane has been refurbished by its Australian owner, and is now ready to fly.

“However, the latest we got is the management is planning to purchase the fuselages of this aircraft to fit it into another Solomon Airlines Twin Otter(H4-SID) currently grounded at Henderson. “H4-SID fuselage is currently expired and needs to be sent overseas for re-licensing. “But what’s the point of buying the fuselage of a plane we already sold? “We are going to pay for that twice or more the amount we sold the plane for. I’m sure someone out there is benefiting from these deals,”the source said. The source addedSolomon Airlines also sold another Twin-Otter aircraft (H4-FNT) to Air PNG sometimes in 2010.

The aircraft, the source revealed, was refurbished and registered under Air PNG. However, a few years later this same aircraft was leased to Solomon Airlines and now registered as H4-OTA. It is unclear whether the aircraft has now been owned by the Solomon Airlines. “If we are badly in need of aircrafts for the domestic fleet, why do we have to sell the aircrafts and then repurchase their parts and or lease them again? “It’s just unbelievable the way the management is doing business.” The source also revealed a second written-off Twin-Otter aircraft was purchased from Vanuatu.

“The aircraft was refurbished, but Solomon Airlines spent millions of dollars to get it up in the air,” the source said. This aircraft is currently operating and registered as H4-NNP. “These are very old aircrafts. But we are lucky to have a team of highly capable engineers who ensure safety standards are maintained.” Asked about the safety concern, Director of Civil Aviation George Satusaid they are keeping tap on Solomon Airlines domestic fleet.
“At the moment all aircrafts are air-worthy,” MrSatu said. He said the purchase of written-off aircraft from other companies is a normal practice in the airline industry. However, MrSatu said any crashed plane or scrap bought from another country has to be repaired to meet the Standard Technical Certificate (STC) before it can be flown.

Asked does those mechanical problems happening to Solomon Airlines aircrafts justifies the certification the Aviation gives, MrSatu said anything that happens after that just happens. He said any problems with the aircrafts have to be inspected and the Civil Aviation will have to do an inspection before giving Solomon Airlines the green light. Solomon Airlines chief executive officer Ron Sumsum was sent questions but has not responded. His lawyer told the Solomon Star Captain Sumsum can only respond if the sources of the story are revealed to him. Meanwhile, our sources said if the Solomon Airlines management is serious about improving the domestic fleet, they should buy new aircrafts instead of scraps. “What is the difference between buying a scrap and a new aircraft when the cost of refurbishing a scrap is almost the same as the price of a new aircraft?”

The source said Solomon Airlines is also leasing an Islander (H4-AAJ) from an Australian Ian Covil. Another source spoken to said the issue of the status of the aircrafts used in the domestic fleet is a long time concern. “But we cannot speak up for fear of losing our jobs,” the source said. “Quite a good numbers of our staff have already been unfairly dismissed and we don’t want that to happen to us.” In its 50-year history, Solomon Airlines has had only one domestic air disaster. This was in 1991 the aircraft flying between Kirakira and Honiara crashed into the mountains of Guadalcanal, killing all passengers on board. Report of an investigation carried out into the incident was never made public.
By DANIEL NAMOSUAIA

Reprinted from the Solomon Star

226 - DHC-6-200HG C-FFNT Gravitas Aviation Ltd., West Vancouver, BC

Registration cancelled 09-Mar-2015. This aircraft had arrived in Male, Maldives ON 27-Feb-2015 and has become 8Q-IAH with Aerostar Bravo/Island Aviation Services, although the current Maldivian register has yet to be updated accordingly.

13-Mar-2015

391 - DHC-6-300 OB-1913-P Servicios Aereos de los Andes, Iquitos

OB-1913-P was mentioned in the blog back on 20-Sep-2014 when it was originally scheduled to be returned to Rocky Mountain Aircraft from Peru. Following an extension of the original lease, the aircraft remained with Andes. It was recently moved from floats to wheels in preparation for delivery back to Canada, and the aircraft is (at the time of writing) en route. The current location or routing however is unknown.

920 - DHC-6-400 C-GVZQ Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Spokane-Int’l, WA 12-Mar-2015 for painting

922 - DHC-6-400 C-FGAL Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 26-Feb-2015

923 - DHC-6-400 C-FVGY Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 10-Mar-2015

924 - DHC-6-400 C-GUVA Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 10-Mar-2015

16-Mar-2015

27 - DHC-6-100 N227CS Win Win Aviation Inc., Wake Forest, NC

Re-registered N227WW 11-Mar-2015

66 - DHC-6-100 N166DH Sussex Skydive LLC, Sussex, NJ

To Sky Lift Aviation LLC, Lewes, DE and registered 09-Mar-2015

18-Mar-2015

78 - DHC-6-200HG C-FASQ Summit Air, Yellowknife, NT [8199400 Canada Ltd.]

Test flown from Murrieta, CA 18-Mar-2015. The aircraft had arrived at Ikhana on 18-Nov-2014 for 200HG upgrade.

19-Mar-2015

78 - DHC-6-200HG C-FASQ Summit Air, Yellowknife, NT [8199400 Canada Ltd.]

Flew Murrieta, CA - Sacramento-Executive, CA - Bend, OR - Salmon, ID - Havre, MT - Saskatoon, SK 19-Mar-2015

919 - DHC-6-400 C-GFVT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 19-Mar-2015 following painting.

20-Mar-2015

493 - DHC-6-300 C-GKSN Air Labrador Ltd., Goose Bay, NL

Flew Mena, AR - Dickinson, TX - Johnstown, PA - Presque Isle, ME - Goose Bay, NL 20/21-Mar-2015. The aircraft had arrived in Mena about 3 weeks ago for painting by Goodner Brothers.

21-Mar-2015

915 - DHC-6-400 C-GVEP Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Victoria-Int’l, BC - Anchorage, AK - Anadyr-Ugolny - Magadan-Sokhol - Vladivostok - Kagoshima 21/25-Mar-2015

916 - DHC-6-400 C-GVVA Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Victoria-Int’l, BC - Anchorage, AK - Anadyr-Ugolny - Magadan-Sokhol - Vladivostok - Kagoshima 21/25-Mar-2015

22-Mar-2015

903 - DHC-6-400 N401JF NASS Holdings LLC, Titusville, FL

Flew Titusville, FL - Burlington, VT - St. John’s, NL - Santa Maria - Ibiza - Kerkyra - Aqaba - 22/27-Mar-2015

24-Mar-2015

920 - DHC-6-400 C-GVZQ Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 24-Mar-2015 following painting.

27-Mar-2015

244 - DHC-6-300 N244AD Texas Air Services Inc., Dickinson, TX

Flew Houston-Southwest, TX - Moncks Corner, SC - Bermuda - Santa Maria - Bern 27/30-Mar-2015 on delivery to RUAG Aviation.

30-Mar-2015

834 - DHC-6-300 N463BA National Aerotech Delaware Inc., Wilmington, DE

Flew Macon, GA - Fort Lauderdale-Exec, FL - Providenciales - Saint Croix - Bridgetown 29/30-Mar-2015. This aircraft is the former Fuerza Aérea Ecuatoriana FAE-449, which crashed in the Rio Anzu, Ecuador back on 20-Jan-2011. It was subsequently completely rebuilt by National Aerotech.

915 - DHC-6-400 C-GVEP Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Canadian registration cancelled 30-Mar-2015 to Japan. Registered to First Flying/Dai-Ichi Koku Kabushiki-Gaisha, Osaka as JA201D.

916 - DHC-6-400 C-GVVA Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Canadian registration cancelled 30-Mar-2015 to Japan. Registered to First Flying/Dai-Ichi Koku Kabushiki-Gaisha, Osaka as JA202D.

07-Apr-2015

244 - DHC-6-300 N244AD Texas Air Services, Dickinson, TX

Registration cancelled 02-Apr-2015 on export to Switzerland; expected to become HB-LRJ although this has yet to appear on the Swiss FOCA database.

10-Apr-2015

921 - DHC-6-400 C-GVAT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 10-Apr-2015 following painting.

14-Apr-2015

914 - DHC-6-400 C-FMJO Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Victoria-Int’l, BC - Comox, BC - Anchorage, AK - Anadyr-Ugolny - Petropavlovsk - Vladivostok - Seoul-Gimpo - Taipei - Kota Kinabalu - Jakarta-Halim 13/27-Apr-2015. Canadian registration cancelled 30-Apr-2015 to Indonesia.

21-Apr-2015

320 - DHC-6-300 C-FBHV Avmax Aircraft Leasing Inc., Calgary, AB

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Great Falls, MT 21-Apr-2015

22-Apr-2015

919 - DHC-6-400 C-GFVT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Victoria-Int’l, BC - Prince Rupert, BC - Juneau, AK - Anchorage, AK - Nome, AK - Anadyr-Ugolny 22/29-Apr-2015 on delivery to Chukotavia. Canadian registration cancelled 04-May-2015 to Russian Federation as RA-67286.

925 - DHC-6-400 C-GNVA Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 20-Apr-2015

926 - DHC-6-400 C-GUVT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 20-Apr-2015

27-Apr-2015

27 - DHC-6-100 N227WW Win Win Aviation Inc., Wake Forest, NC

Flew Hot Springs, AR - Houston-Southwest, TX - Brownsville, TX - Cuautla/Huitzililla 25-Apr-2015 on delivery to Skydive Cuautla.

542 - DHC-6-300X2 N34KH Ikhana Group Inc., Murrieta, CA

Registered to D.P. Acquisitions Inc., Wilmington, DE 24-Apr-2015. N34KH will be the first delivery of Ikhana's Twin Otter X2; the aircraft is currently being prepared for departure from Murrieta.

923 - DHC-6-400 C-FVGY Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Spokane-Int’l, WA 26-Apr-2015 for painting.

Argentine Army DHC-6-200 Returns to Active Duty after Seven Years

AE-106, a DHC-6-200 (MSN 136) of the Argentine Army has just been rolled out of the Area de Material Quilmes base of the Argentine Air Force in Buenos Aires. Original delivered to the Argentine Army in 1968, this marks the return to active duty after a period of seven years on the ground. The work completed brings the aircraft fully up to date, including installation of roll-up utility door. Thanks to Roberto Alarcón for the photograph below.

29-Apr-2015

922 - DHC-6-400 C-FGAL Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 29-Apr-2015 following painting.

31-Apr-2015

244 - DHC-6-300 HB-LRJ RUAG Schweiz AG, Emmen, Switzerland

Registered Apr-2015

01-May-2015

542 - DHC-6-300X2 N34KH D.P. Acquisitions Inc., Wilmington, DE

Flew Murrieta, CA - Santa Maria, CA 01-May-2015. N34KH, is the first Twin Otter X2 to be delivered has just departed the Ikhana Group facility in Murrieta. The aircraft is initially being positioned up the coast to Santa Maria before heading across the Pacific for Hawaii, and eventually to Tropicair in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The delivery flight is being operated by Calgary based World Wide Ferry. On 02/04-May-2015 the aircraft flew Santa Maria, CA - Honolulu, HI - Majuro - Port Moresby for Tropicair.

03-May-2015

917 - DHC-6-400 C-GLVA Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Victoria-Int’l, BC - Calgary-Int’l, AB - Churchill, MB - Iqaluit, NU - Reykjavík - Glasgow 03/07-May-2015 on delivery to Highlands & Islands Airports. Registered to Loganair Ltd., Glasgow 15-May-2015.

05-May-2015

918 - DHC-6-400 C-FVIK Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Victoria-Int’l, BC - Calgary-Int’l, AB - Churchill, MB - Iqaluit, NU - Kangerlusuaq - Reukjavík - Glasgow 05/08-May-2015 on delivery to Highlands & Islands Airports. Registered to Loganair Ltd., Glasgow 21-May-2015.

07-May-2015

Ikhana Delivers Twin OtterX2 to Tropic Air, Papua New Guinea

IKHANA Aircraft Services (IKHANA) announces delivery of the first Twin Otter X2™ to Tropicair Ltd. of Papua New Guinea. “IKHANA is delighted to be working with Tropicair as the launch customer for the first Twin Otter X2™ aircraft” states Mr. John A. Zublin, IKHANA President and CEO. “Our Twin Otter X2™ is unlike any Twin Otter aircraft on the market and provides the same dependability that legacy series Twin Otter operators have come to expect, but as a zero-time airplane with technological improvements where it matters.” Mr. Tony Honey, CEO and founder of Tropicair Ltd. states, “The Twin Otter X2™ provides us with a value that makes sense and expands on our ability to service the entire region. This aircraft is ideally equipped to fit within our operation as the provider of the best maintained and most reliable turbine powered aircraft in the region.” The aircraft sale was managed by Hopkinson Aircraft Sales Ltd. as the company’s exclusive aircraft sales agents.

IKHANA’s “Re-Life” process delivers the Twin Otter X2™ as a “Zero Time” Twin Otter with new structural life limits of 66,000 hours or 132,000 cycles, whichever comes first, the same as a factory-new aircraft. Offered with a brand new interior, new engines, customized avionics, and all new wiring, the Twin Otter X2™ combines IKHANA’s Supplemental Type Certificates (STC’s) to “Re-Life” the entire airplane to a new fully useful life. The Twin Otter X2™ includes the RWMI DHC-6 Re-Life Wing Box™, RMWI DHC-6 Re-Life Nacelles™, RWMI DHC-6 Re-Life Flight Controls™, and RWMI DHC-6 Re-Life Fuselage™ Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs), which are FAA, TCCA, and EASA approved.

10-May-2015

923 - DHC-6-400 C-FVGY Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 09-May-2015 following painting.

207 - DHC-6-200 N37ST Ted McGill, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Registration cancelled 05-May-2015; N37ST was written off on 16-Mar-1995 when it ditched into the Pacific, 175 miles NE of Honolulu, HI. It was on delivery to Great Barrier Airlines in New Zealand at the time.

542 - DHC-6-300 X2™ N34KH D.P. Acquisitions Inc., Wilmington, DE

Registration cancelled 06-May-2015 to P2-BBM

18-May-2015

? - DHC-6-100 YI-391 Iraqi Air Force, Baghdad-Al Muthanna Air Base

One of two operated by the Iraqi Air Force, YI-391 has been operated by the Utility Squadron at Al Muthanna since Oct-2014. Is one of these perhaps the aircraft seen below in Dec-2013 at Erbil? N212RA in the photograph below has never been on the official USCAR.

21-May-2015

499 - DHC-6-300 S7-AAJ Air Seychelles, Mahe

Flew Mahe - Nairobi-Wilson - Aswan - Malta - Cascais - Santa Maria - St. John’s, NL Bradford, PA - Kokomo, IN - Plattsmouth, NE - Pueblo, CO - Lake Havasu City, AZ - Murrieta, CA 21/29-May-2015

924 - DHC-6-400 C-GUVA Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Spokane-Int’l, WA 21-May-2015 for painting.

25-May-2015

264 - DHC-6-300 N72GC Monarch Enterprises Inc., Kirkland, WA

Registered 22-May-2015, ex TI-BFV; operated by Grand Canyon Airlines; N72GC had been delivered to Costa Rica in Nov-2014 on lease to Nature Air.

Nepal Airlines Tenders for DHC-6 Upgrade Work

Nepal Airlines have recently called for tenders for the supply of TAWS (Terrain Awareness Warning System) & TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) for three DHC-6-300's. The aircraft involved are MSN 812/9N-ABT, MSN 814/9N-ABU and MSN 830/9N-ABX of which only one is reportedly currently in flyable condition. In late 2014 Nepal Airlines began to take delivery of six new Harbin Y-12E aircraft from China, which were ostensibly to replace the Twin Otters. It is interesting to see that by mid-2015 the company is now investing in a retrofit of their 30+ year old DHC-6's. Older versions of the Y-12 were used by both Nepal Airlines and Yeti Airlines beginning in the early 1990's, but the type never gained a serious foothold in the market.

697 - DHC-6-300 N178GC Cortez Fisher LLC, Kirkland, WA

Registered 28-May-2015, ex TI-AZD; operated by Grand Canyon Airlines, N178GC had been delivered to Costa Rica in Nov-2014 on lease to Nature Air.

04-Jun-2015

922 - DHC-6-400 C-FGAL Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Victoria-Int’l, BC - Prince Rupert, BC - Juneau, AK - Anchorage, AK - Nome, AK - Anadyr-Ugolny - 03/04-Jun-2015

924 - DHC-6-400 C-GUVA Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 04-Jun-2015 following painting.

927 - DHC-6-400 C-GVOT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 04-Jun-2015

928 - DHC-6-400 C-GFAP Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 04-Jun-2015

06-Jun-2015

851 - DHC-6-400 5X-LPY Kampala Aeroclub/FlyUganda, Kajjansi

Flew Aswan - Dubrovnik - Altenrhein/Saint Gallen 06/07-Jun-2015

921 - DHC-6-400 C-GVAT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registration cancelled 05-Jun-2015 as pending change of owner

08-Jun-2015

321 - DHC-6-300 TC-SBU Seabird Airlines, Istanbul

Officially imported to Canada 08-Jun-2015 on return to Kenn Borek Air

464 - DHC-6-300 TC-SBC Seabird Airlines, Istanbul

Officially imported to Canada 08-Jun-2015 on return to Kenn Borek Air

577 - DHC-6-300 OY-NSA DHC6 Invest AS, Beder

Temporary registration OY-NSA, which was utilized for the delivery flight from Dubai has been cancelled as of 04-Jun-2015 while the aircraft undergoes overhaul in Switzerland.

10-Jun-2015

391 - DHC-6-300 OB-1913P Servicios Aéreos de los Andes S.A., Lima

Officially imported to Canada 10-Jun-2015; OB-1913P was returned from lease in Peru on 22-Mar-2015. It entered the Rocky Mountain Aircraft facility at Springbank, AB and currently remains there for completion of maintenance work.

925 - DHC-6-400 C-GNVA Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC
Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Spokane-Int’l, WA 10-Jun-2015 for painting.

11-Jun-2015

321 - DHC-6-300 C-GLKB Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Registered 10-Jun-2015, ex TC-SBU; aircraft was officially imported on 08-Jun-2015 (as noted in the blog on the same date) upon termination of lease to Seabird Airlines. The second aircraft imported the same day, MSN 464, ex TC-SBC has yet to be officially registered.

571 - DHC-6-300 8Q-MAP Trans Maldivian Airways, Male

Collided with company Twin Otter 8Q-TMG on the water at Male 11-Jun-2015, sustaining damage to the rudder.

597 - DHC-6-300 8Q-TMG Trans Maldivian Airways, Male

Collided with company Twin Otter 8Q-MAP on the water at Male 11-Jun-2015, sustaining damage to propeller.

13-Jun-2015

499 - DHC-6-300 N808RT Ikhana Group Inc., Murrieta, CA

Registered 12-Jun-2015, ex S7-AAJ. The aircraft had been flown from the Seychelles to California last month, arriving in Murrieta on 29-May-2015.

834 - DHC-6-300 N463BA National Aerotech Aviation Delaware Inc., Wilmington, DE

Registration cancelled 11-Jun-2015 having become J8-GAW with SVG Air, Saint Vincent. This aircraft was delivered to the Caribbean on 29/30-Mar-2015 after having been rebuilt by National Aerotech.

918 - DHC-6-400 G-SGTS Loganair Ltd., Glasgow

Flew Glasgow - Coventry - Paris-LeBourget 12/13-Jun to serve as demonstrator at the 2015 Paris Air Show. On 20-Jun-2015 it flew Paris-LeBourget - Liverpool - Edinburgh returning to Loganair duties.

15-Jun-2015

636 - DHC-6-300 HB-LRN Zimex Aviation Ltd., Glattbrugg

Flew Aswan - Heraklion - Altenrhein/Saint Gallen 15/16-Jun-2015.

17-Jun-2015

464 - DHC-6-300 C-GPOQ Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Registered 17-Jun-2015, ex TC-SBC; this aircraft was officially imported to Canada on 08-Jun-2015 on termination of lease to Seabird Airlines in Turkey. It joins MSN 321 C-GLKB which was restored to the Canadian register on 10-Jun-2015.

18-Jun-2015

373 - DHC-6-300 PJ-WIO Winair-Windward Islands Airways, Saint Maarten

Returned to Kenn Borek Air after lease, and registered 18-Jun-2015 as C-FKBX

24-Jun-2015

617 - DHC-6-300 C-GKBR Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Williston, ND - Spencer, IA - Cape Girardeau, MO - Albany, GA - Gaineville, FL - Nassau - Providenciales - Saint Croix, USVI - 24-Jun/01-Jul-2015. It had been present in Calgary since early Mar-2015 for maintenance work, and was rolled out in revised Seaborne colours (sans titles) in the past few days.

While C-GKBR was away in Canada Seaborne had received MSN 339 C-GOKB from Kenn Borek instead, and once C-GKBR arrives back in the Caribbean it should allow for either C-GOKB or MSN 287 C-GKBV to come back to Canada.

26-Jun-2015

24 - FACh 940 Fuerza Aérea de Chile, Santiago

Arrived Murrieta, CA 26-Jun-2015 onboard Lockheed C-130R FACh 990 for overhaul and upgrade by Ikana

391 - DHC-6-300 C-GHVV Rocky Mountain Aircraft, Calgary, AB [491549 Alberta Ltd.]

Registered 26-Jun-2015; MSN 391 had arrived back in Calgary from Peru on 22-Mar-2015, and was officially imported on 10-Jun-2015. Since 22-Mar-2015 it has been located at the Rocky Mountain Aircraft facility in Springbank.

897 - DHC-6-400 C-GVKI Pacific Sky Aviation, North Saanich, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 26-Jun-2015 following repainting into commemorative 50th Anniversary livery.

922 DHC-6-400 C-FGAL Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Canadian registration cancelled 25-Jun-2015 to RA-........ C-FGAL was delivered to Chukotavia on 04-Jun-2015.

27-Jun-2015

139 - DHC-6-200 N70EA Eagle Air Transport Inc., Ottawa, IL

Flew Sebastian, FL - Canton, GA - Ottawa, IL 06-Jun-2015 on completion of repairs following its accident on 09-Feb-2015.

191 - DHC-6-200 N30EA Eagle Air Transport Inc., Ottawa, IL

Flew Sebastian, FL - Dalton, GA - Ottawa, IL 18-Jun-2015 on completion of repairs following its accident on 09-Feb-2015.

01-Jul-2015

926 - DHC-6-400 C-GUVT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Spokane-Int’l, WA 01-Jul-2015 for painting.

02-Jul-2015

321 - DHC-6-300 C-GLKB Kenn Borek Air Ltd., Calgary, AB

Flew Stavanger - Keflavík - Nuuk - Iqaluit, NU - Churchill, MB - Calgary-Int’l, AB 02/04-Jul-2015 returning from lease

435 - DHC-6-300 8Q-MAN Trans Maldivian Airways, Male

Sustained severe damage on landing offshore the Kuredu Resort, and subsequently sank. There were no apparent injuries to the 11 passengers and 3 crew aboard. The aircraft was en route from the Komandoo Resort, also located within the Lhaviyani Atoll. 8Q-MAN is seen in the photograph below, taken by Darren Wilson on 09-Mar-2014.

464 - DHC6-300 C-GPOQ Kenn Borek Air Ltd., Calgary, AB

Flew Stavanger - Keflavík - Iqaluit, NU - Churchill, MB - Calgary-Int’l, AB 02/04-Jul-2015 returning from lease

921 - DHC-6-400 C-GVAT Planes & Parts Ltd., Turner Valley, AB
Flew Springbank, AB - Calgary-Int’l, AB - Thompson, MB - Iqaluit, NU - Keflavik - Malmø - Nis - Hurghada - Al Ain - Ahmedabad - Kathmandu 02/15-Jul-2015 on delivery to Tara Air. Canadian registration cancelled 16-Jul-2015 to Nepal and registered same day to Tara Air as 9N-AKL

04-Jul-2015

287 - DHC-6-300 C-GKBV Seaborne Airlines, San Juan, PR [Kenn Borek Air]

Flew Saint Croix, USVI - Providenciales - Nassau - Fort Pierce, FL - Albany, GA - Cape Girardeau, MO - Spencer, IA - Bismarck, ND - Glasgow, MT - Calgary-Int’l, AB 04/06-Jul-2015 returning from lease.

08-Jul-2015

925 - DHC-6-400 C-GNVA Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 08-Jul-2015 following painting.

09-Jul-2015

893 - DHC-6-400 9M-SSD MASWings, Kota Kinabalu

MASWings DHC-6-400 9M-SSD is seen below today at Mukah, Sarawak where it was hit by Challenger 601-3R N639TS. The latter aircraft was carrying Sarawak Governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud.

10-Jul-2015

923 - DHC-6-400 C-FVGY Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Rolled out at Victoria-Int’l, BC 09-Jun-2015 having had its amphibious floats installed.

11-Jul-2015

905 - DHC-6-400 C-FVAT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Victoria-Int’l, BC - Springbank, AB 11-Jul-2015 for ferry tank installation

906 - DHC-6-400 C-GVTU Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Victoria-Int’l, BC - Springbank, AB 11-Jul-2015 for ferry tank installation

14-Jul-2015

620 - DHC-6-300 N888PV CAAMS LLC, Rutherfordton, NC [Montecito New York LLC]

Flew Rutherfordton, NC - Louisburg, NC 29-Jun-2015; on 14/15-Jul-2015 it flew Louisburg - Rutherfordton - Salina, KS - McMinville, OR for installation of ferry tanks at Southern Cross Aviation. Departure from McMinville to Honolulu was cancelled on 26-Jul-2015, re-filed again for 27-Jul-2015 and cancelled, once again on 28-Jul-2015 filed and cancelled. On 30-Jul-2015 it departed McMinville for Honolulu, but returned to McMinville again later in the day. The aircraft then remained parked at McMinville.

17-Jul-2015

45 - DHC-6-200HG N920R Ikhana Group Inc., Murrieta, CA

U.S. Registration cancelled 13-Jul-2015 to Croatia as 9A-TOC. Flew Murrieta, CA - Boise, ID - Calgary-Int’l, AB - Iqaluit, NU - Keflavík - Aarhus - Zagreb - 17/20-Jul-2015. 9A-TOC has touched down in Zagreb for European Coastal Airlines. The delivery flight began from the Ikhana Group facility in Murrieta, CA on 17-Jul-2015 and covered just under 6,500 miles en route.

9A-TOC is aircraft number three for European Coastal, with the second (9A-TOB) due for delivery from RUAG Aviation in Bern, Switzerland shortly.

20-Jul-2015

926 - DHC-6-400 C-GUVT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 19-Jul-2015 following painting.

927 - DHC-6-400 C-GVOT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Spokane-Int’l, WA 19-Jul-2015 for painting.

922 - DHC-6-400 RA-67287 Chukotavia Air Company, Anadyr

Registered 25-Jun-2015, ex C-FGAL; this is the addition of the new RA- registration which was unknown in the last report on 26-Jun-2015. The aircraft was delivered to Anadyr on 04-Jun-2015.

23-Jul-2015

Pictured below is MSN 655, 9N-AKM courtesy of AviationNepal. This aircraft is a rebuild, formerly known as 9N-ABQ which had suffered accidents in 1997 and 2002 and was subsequently grounded in Kathmandu for a further ten years. It was repaired in Jan-2012 to be operated by Tara Air, however it was damaged again in Aug-2012, and then Sep-2012, the latter of which necessitated the rebuild that was completed in 2015. It had been offered for sale with a TT of 25,190 hrs with zero time engines and new wings. According to AviationNepal the aircraft has returned to Tara Air, and the style of the registration and Nepal flag do match the recently delivered DHC-6-400 9N-AKL, however minus the titles.

27-Jul-2015

Loganair Awarded Scottish Public Service Obligation Contract

As expected, Loganair has now been officially awarded the Scottish Government's Public Service Obligation contract for the next four years. Coinciding with the contract, additional services have been added with an increase of flights to Tiree and Barra, and an improvement to the schedule for Campbeltown.

Loganair currently operates two DHC-6-400's (G-HIAL and G-SGTS) leased from Highlands & Islands Airports Ltd., and one DHC-6-300 (G-BVVK). One other DHC-6-300 is parked at Glasgow awaiting return to the lessor.

30-Jul-2015

696 - DHC-6-300 G-BZFP Loganair Ltd., Glasgow

Noted at Glasgow 30-Jul-2015 with engines reinstalled, and FlyBE markings overpainted in preparation for departure. Aircraft will be flown shortly to Switzerland, and will become aircraft number five for European Coastal Airlines in Croatia. It is expected to become 9A-TOF.

02-Aug-2015

927 - DHC-6-400 C-GVOT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC
Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 02-Aug-2015 following painting.

06-Aug-2015

721 - DHC-6-300 XA-UOA Transportes Aéreos Terrestres S.A. [Goldcorp Inc.]

MSN 721 XA-UOA sustained major damage in an accident at the Vista Hermosa airstrip, located at Tequesquitengo back on 22-Dec-2014. The recovery and preparation for shipment to Viking Air via container is seen in the series of photos below. (the bottom middle photos are from the original accident scene).

905 - DHC-6-400 C-FVAT Planes & Parts Ltd., Turner Valley, AB

Registered 05-Aug-2015; this aircraft flew Victoria, BC - Springbank, AB on 11-Jul-2015 for storage, it had previously been parked at Victoria since 07-Aug-2014.

906 - DHC-6-400 C-GVTU Planes & Parts Ltd., Turner Valley, AB

Registered 05-Aug-2015; this aircraft flew Victoria, BC - Springbank, AB on 11-Jul-2015 for storage, it had previously been parked at Victoria since 23-Aug-2014.

08-Aug-2015

696 - DHC-6-300 G-BZFP Loganair Ltd., Glasgow

Flew to Bern, Switzerland 04-Aug-2015, and UK registration cancelled 05-Aug-2015 on export to Switzerland. Expected to enter RUAG in preparation for delivery to European Coastal Airlines in Croatia. As of today, there is no new Swiss registration showing on the FOCA database.

10-Aug-2015

923 - DHC-6-400 C-FVGY Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Victoria-Int’l, BC - Calgary-Int’l, AB 10-Aug-2015 for ferry tank installation prior to delivery to Fiji.

11-Aug-2015

330 - DHC-6-300 P2-MCZ Airlines PNG, Boroko, NCD

Flew Port Moresby-Jackson - Honiara - Majuro - Honolulu, HI - Murrieta, CA - St. Johns, AZ - Elk City, OK - Lyon, MS - Hampton, GA 11/17-Aug-2015 on delivery

13-Aug-2015

766 - DHC-6-300 J8-GLS SVG Air, Saint Vincent

Officially imported to Canada 13-Aug-2015 on return to Unity Group after lease, and has already been delivered to Airdrie, AB. Registered to Unity Group Ltd., Airdrie, AB 17-Aug-2015 as C-GKPV.

18-Aug-2015

696 - DHC-6-300 G-BZFP Loganair Ltd., Glasgow

Registration cancelled 03-Aug-2015, and registered to RUAG Schweiz AG, Emmen 17-Aug-2015 as HB-LRQ. The aircraft had recently been flown to the RUAG facility in Bern, to be prepared for European Coastal Airlines in Croatia. The aircraft can be seen below after arrival from Loganair, and prior to the application of the new Swiss identity.

22-Aug-2015

620 - DHC-6-300 N888PV CAAMS LLC, Rutherfordton, NC [Montecito New York LLC]

Flew McMinville, OR - Honolulu, HI 22-Aug-2015. At the time of writing, N888PV is now 500+ miles from McMinnville, OR and off the coast of northern California, so it appears that the aircraft is in fact going to continue on to Honolulu. N888PV originally left Rutherfordton, NC on 14-Jul-2015, and had made its first attempt to depart McMinnville, OR on 30-Jul-2015. The ferry flight is being conducted by Southern Cross Aviation, using the flight number SXA1232. Flew Honolulu, HI - Majuro - Kosrae - Pohnpei 26/27-Aug-2015

26-Aug-2015

883 - DHC-6-400 9M-SSB MASWings, Kota Kinabalu

MASWings DHC-6-400 9M-SSB has been involved in a runway excursion at Mukah, Sarawak. The aircraft was arriving from Miri in heavy rain and strong winds. It would appear the aircraft suffered little to no damage in the event, and there were no injuries to the 8 passengers and 2 crew.

27-Aug-2015

928 - DHC-6-400 C-GFAP Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Victoria-Int’l, BC 27-Aug-2015.

28-Aug-2015

766 - DHC-6-300 C-GKPV Unity Group Ltd., Airdrie, AB

Flew Airdrie, AB - Spokane-Int’l, WA - North Bend, OR - Honolulu, HI - Majuro 28/10-Sep-2015. The delivery flight is being undertaken by Calgary's World Wide Ferry, and the routing will take it initially to the Oregon coast before proceeding across the Pacific to Indonesia. On arrival there the aircraft will become PK-VIL, which is already carried under stickers.

915 - DHC-6-400 JA201D First Flying, Osaka

Two days after MASWings 9M-SSB departed the runway landing at Mukah, Sarawak, Japan's First Flying DHC-6-400 JA201D has experienced a runway excursion at Aguni, Japan.

The aircraft was arriving from Naha-Okinawa with 12 passengers and two crew onboard, when it departed the right side of the runway, impacted a drainage ditch and then collided with adjacent bushes. All passengers & crew received minor injuries and were transported to hospital, while the aircraft has reportedly received substantial damage. First Flying had only begun scheduled Twin Otter operations earlier this month.

923 - DHC-6-400 C-FVGY Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Ketchikan, AK - Kodiak, AK - Adak - Petropavlosvk - Sappoto-Chitose - Tanegashima - Okinawa-Naha - Guam - Chuuk - Honiara - Nadi 28-Aug/05-Sep-2015 on delivery.

929 - DHC-6-400 C-FAFI Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 24-Aug-2015 (will be for CAVU Aviation Finance)

930 - DHC-6-400 C-GVEP Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC
Registered 24-Aug-2015

28-Aug-2015

45 - DHC-6-200HG™ 9A-TOC Montrose Global Aircraft Leasing, Dublin [Mg Adriatic Leasing Ltd]

Registered Jul-2015, operated by European Coastal Airlines, Croatia

244 - DHC-6-300 HB-LRJ RUAG Schweiz AG, Emmen

Registration cancelled 28-Aug-2015 to 9A-TOB

620 - DHC-6-300 N888PV Montecito New York LLC, Scottdale, AZ

Arrived Biak-Frans Kaisiepo 29-Aug-2015 on delivery to DimonimAir. The company currently operates a fleet which includes Cessna 208B Grand Caravans, a PAC750 and an ATR-72. Their headquarters is in Jakarta with service to Nabire, Wamena, Tanah Merah, Timika and Bali. The aircraft will become PK-HVM, and can be seen in the photo below after arrival in Biak. It also appears that they are using the former Merpati hangar.

07-Sep-2015

181 - DHC-6-200 N181CS Rampart Aviation Inc., Colorado Springs, CO [FHC Group LLC]

Aircraft impacted trees at the Franklinton/North Raleigh, NC airport 06-Sep-2015. This is the Rampart Aviation owned facility to the west of Louisburg, NC. Two of the three onboard were injured.

389 - DHC-6-300 N288SA CAAMS LLC, Rutherfordton, NC [Montecito New York LLC]

Flew Rutherfordton, NC - Macomb, IA - Ainsworth, NE 16-Sep-2015

11-Sep-2015

926 - DHC-6-400 C-GUVT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Victoria-Int’l, BC - Springbank, AB 11-Sep-2015 for installation of ferry tanks. Flew Springbank, AB - Thompson, MB - Iqaluit, NU - Keflavík - Malmø - Nis - Heraklion - Hurghada - Al Ain - Ahmedabad - Kathmandu 18/25-Sep-2015. Canadian registration cancelled 01-Oct-2015 to Nepal as 9N-AHH.

12-Sep-2015

924 - DHC-6-400 C-GUVA Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Victoria-Int’l, BC - Comox, BC - Anchorage, AK - Nome, AK - Anadyr-Ugolny - Taipei - Kota Kinabalu - Jakarta-Halim 12/27-Sep-2015

16-Sep-2015

454 - DHC-6-300 C-GUZP Rocky Mountain Aircraft, Calgary, AB [Ashe Aircraft Enterprises]

Flew Springbank, AB - Great Falls, MT - Alliance, NE - Mena, AR 16/17-Sep-2015 for painting by Goodner Brothers.

17-Sep-2015

920 - DHC-6-400 C-GVZQ Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Victoria-Int’l, BC - Bellingham, WA - Redding, CA - Murrieta, CA 17-Sep-2015 for pre-delivery modifications by Ikhana. Canadian registration cancelled 24-Sep-2015, and registered 25-Sep-2015 as N903VK to Bank of Utah Trustee, Salt Lake City, UT

19-Sep-2015

929 - DHC-6-400 C-FAFI Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Spokane-Int’l, WA 18-Sep-2015 for painting.

21-Sep-2015

798 - DHC-6-300 8Q-TME Trans Maldivian Airways, Male

Sank while docked at the Atmosphere Kanifushi Resort, in the Lhaviyani Atoll during strong winds and swells 21-Sep-2015. It would appear that there is no significant structural damage other than what will have been caused by the sea water.

24-Sep-2015

485 - DHC-6-300 P2-KSB Hevilift PNG, Waigani

Last flight noted as such was 07-Aug-2014 Port Moresby, NCD - Cairns, QLD and was noted 12-Aug-2014 with registration partially removed, and outside at Cairns, QLD 02-Sep-2015 as PK-FUR. Subsequently transferred to Hevilift Indonesia as such. The aircraft is still indicating current on the PNG aircraft register as P2-KSB as of their 29-Jun-2015 listing.

369 - DHC-6-300 C-FGON Air Labrador Ltd., Goose Bay, NL

Sustained damage to lower fuselage 24-Sep-2015 when nose gear sank into soft sand, causing the shock strut to fail. The aircraft was taxiing on a beach at Daniels River, NL at the time. Repairable.

29-Sep-2015

442 - DHC-6-300 H4-SID Solomon Airlines, Honiara

Flew Honiara - Gurney - Cairns, QLD 29-Sep-2015

01-Oct-2015

132 - DHC-6-200 DU-SD4 Skydive Dubai, Dubai

Damaged in a landing accident at the company facility near the Dubai Marina. The incident is being described by the Dubai Media Office as the aircraft having "deviated off course, resulting in a minor accident" however the picture would seem to indicate otherwise.

368 - DHC-6-300 XC-ALA Procuraduria General de la Republica, Mexico City, DF

Noted in open storage on the PGR ramp at Mexico City, DF 28-Jul-2015

412 - DHC-6-300 F-OCQZ Air Caledonie, Nouméa

Flew Nouméa - Santos - Honiara - Buka - Port Moresby - Cairns, QLD 30-Sep/01-Oct-2015 for attention by Hawker Pacific.

687 - DHC-6-300 XC-DIO Procuraduria General de la Republica, Mexico City, DF

Noted in open storage on the PGR ramp at Mexico City, DF 28-Jul-2015. Re-registered C-FMQX to Gravitas Aviation Ltd., West Vancouver, BC and arrived Springbank, AB 01-Oct-2015.

733 - DHC-6-300 C-GKBG Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Colorado Springs, CO 01-Oct-2015

741 - DHC-6-300 PK-BRM PT Aviastar Mandiri, Jakarta

Missing, and presumed crashed 02-Oct-2015 while en route from Masamba to Makassar, both on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Last radio contact with the aircraft was eleven minutes after departure. Aviastar Mandiri operate seven Twin Otters, and have previously had three major accidents with the type.

927 - DHC-6-400 C-GVOT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Thompson, MB - Iqaluit, NU - Keflavík - Malmö - Nis - Aswan - Nairobi-Wilson - Seychelles 01/08-Oct-2015 on delivery to Air Seychelles.

03-Oct-2015

Indonesia Prohibits DHC-6-300 Operations For One Week in Wake of Aviastar Mandiri incident.

While the search continues for Aviastar Mandiri's DHC-6-300 PK-BRM the Jakarta Post is reporting that the Indonesian Transport Minister has grounded the country's DHC-6-300 fleet for the next week. "We prohibit all DHC-6-300 Twin Otter planes from flying in the coming week. We will carry out a comprehensive assessment on all the planes as instructed by Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan" said Air Transportation Director General Suprasetyo.

He said also that the Ministry would check all planes owned by Aviastar, and if investigators found any negligence in its safety standards, the Ministry would impose sanctions against the airline.

924 - DHC-6-400 C-GUVA Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Canadian registration cancelled 02-Oct-2015 to Indonesia (was delivered to Airfast Indonesia 27-Sep-2015).

929 - DHC-6-400 C-FAFI Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 03-Oct-2015 following painting

930 - DHC-6-400 C-GVEP Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Spokane-Int’l, WA 02-Oct-2015 for painting.

08-Oct-2015

312 - DHC-6-300 C-GCKB Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Colorado Springs, CO - McAllen-Miller, TX - Liberia 08/09-Oct-2015 to Antarctica

Aviastar Mandiri Accident Update

Updating the blog entry for 02-Oct-2015; search teams located the aircraft wreckage 05-Oct-2015 on the slope of Mount Latimojong, at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet. There were no survivors. The recovered bodies of passengers and crew were handed over to family on 07-Oct-2015 and 08-Oct-2015 respectively. Indonesian press reports of 08-Oct-2015 indicate the aircraft was off course by approximately 15 nm taking it over an area of Mount Latimojong which would require a minimum safe altitude of 10,000+ feet.

In other events, the Indonesian Transport Ministry has suspended Aviastar Mandiri's scheduled operations certificate, as they do not meet the "minimum number of aircraft operated" requirement. Indonesia, like some other developing countries, requires scheduled air carriers to possess a minimum number of aircraft in order to be certified. This suspension is not related to the most recent Twin Otter accident, and was likely only determined by the Indonesian regulator as a result of the Aviastar operation being under additional scrutiny.

Aviastar Mandiri may continue non-scheduled operations (only) with aircraft having a seating capacity of less than 30 passengers.

502 - DHC-6-300 7T-VND Star Aviation, Hassi Messaoud [Zimex Aviation]

Flew Hassi Messaoud - Mahon - Montpellier - Altenrhein/Saint Gallen 06/07-Oct-2015

913 - DHC-6-400 N913BS NASS Holdings LLC, Titusville, FL

Test flown ex-Titusville 06/07-Oct-2014. This aircraft has been present at Titusville since 22-Feb-2015 and is destined for the United Arab Emirates.

11-Oct-2015

931 - DHC-6-400 C-GVVA Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 08-Oct-2015

932 - DHC-6-400 C-FMJO Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 08-Oct-2015

13-Oct-2015

426 - DHC-6-300 C-GXXB Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Colorado Springs, CO - McAllen-Miller, TX - Liberia 13/14-Oct-2015 enroute to Antarctica.

620 - DHC-6-300 N888PV CAAMS Leasing, Rutherfordton, NC [Montecito New York LLC]

U.S. registration cancelled 07-Oct-2015 to Indonesia. Aircraft arrived Biak-Frans Kaseipo 29-Aug-2015.

927 - DHC-6-400 C-GVOT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Canadian registration cancelled 09-Oct-2015 to Seychelles as S7-DNS.

15-Oct-2015

311 - DHC-6-300 C-FBBV Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Colorado Springs, CO - McAllen-Miller, TX - Liberia 15/16-Oct-2015 enroute to Antarctic.

16-Oct-2015

928 - DHC-6-400 C-GFAP Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Victoria-Int’l, BC - Spokane-Int’l, WA 16-Oct-2015 for painting. It had been delivered to Victoria in overall primer.

19-Oct-2015

27 - DHC-6-100 N227WW Win Win Aviation, Wake Forest, NC

Flew Puebla - Brownsville, TX 19-Oct-2015

338 - DHC-6-300 C-FDHB Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Colorado Springs, CO - McAllen-Miller, TX - Liberia 18/19-Oct-2015 enroute to Antarctica.

693 - DHC-6-300 C-GKCS Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Colorado Springs, CO - McAllen-Miller, TX - Liberia 18/19-Oct-2015 enroute to Antarctica.

923 - DHC-6-400 C-FVGY Kokomo Yaukuve Resort, Nadi

Rolled to the right on short final, struck the wingtip and landed hard on the right float 14-Oct-2015 while on local flight from Nadi. During the subsequent go around, evidence of damage to the starboard aileron and wingtip was detected, and the aircraft was flown back to Nadi for a safe landing on wheels. The aircraft remains grounded for inspection and repair.

22-Oct-2015

454 - DHC-6-300 C-GUZP Rocky Mountain Aircraft, Calgary, AB [Ashe Aircraft Enterprises]

Flew Mena, AR - Wellington, KS - Alliance, NE - Billings, MT - Calgary-Int’l, AB 21/22-Oct-2015 following painting with Goodner Brothers. The aircraft had arrived in Mena on 17-Sep-2015.

906 - DHC-6-400 C-GVTU Planes & Parts Ltd., Turner Valley, AB

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Spokane-Int’l, WA - North Bend, OR - Honolulu, HI - Majuro - Port Morseby-Jackson - Dili 22/27-Oct-2015.

23-Oct-2015

930 - DHC-6-400 C-GVEP Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 23-Oct-2015 following painting.

26-Oct-2015

373 - DHC-6-300 C-FKBX Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Colorado Springs, CO - McAllen-Miller, TX - Liberia 26/27 Oct-2015 enroute to Antarctica

613 - DHC-6-300 CC-ACH Transportes San Francisco S.A., La Serena [Minera Barrick]

Flew La-Serena - Atacama - Arica - Chiclayo - Guayaquil - Cali - Liberia - Brownsville, TX - La Junta, CO - Sheridan, WY - Great Falls, MT - Calgary-Int’l, AB 21/28-Oct-2015 on delivery to Kenn Borek Air.

893 - DHC-6-400 9M-SSD MASWings, Kota Kinabalu

Left runway onto soft ground following failure of left main tire, while landing at Mukah, Malaysia 25-Oct-2015. This is the second recent runway excursion at Mukah, on 26-Aug-2015 MASWings DHC-6-400 9M-SSB departed the paved surface in rainy/windy conditions (see blog entry for 26-Aug-2015). This is also the second incident to occur with 9M-SSD, on 09-Jul-2015 it was hit by a Challenger 601-3R while parked at Mukah.

28-Oct-2015

527 - DHC-6-300 N716JP Bald Mountain Air Service, Homer, AK

Flew Fairbanks, AK - Deadhorse, AK - Deadhorse-Alpine, AK 26-Oct-2015 on short-term lease to ConocoPhillips Alaska. It returned Ugnu Kuparuk, AK - Fairbanks, AK - Homer, AK 30-Oct-2015.

31-Oct-2015

665 - DHC-6-300 9N-AFA Tara Air, Kathmandu

Flew Kathmandu - Ahmedabad - Al Ain - Hurghada - Dubrovnik - Altenrhein/Saint Gallen 29-Oct/03-Nov-2015.

02-Nov-2015

Veling Tayara Sell First Civilian Series 400 Twin Otter in the Middle East

Victoria, British Columbia, November 2nd, 2015:

Skydive Dubai, a commercial skydiving operation based in Dubai, UAE, has purchased a Twin Otter Series 400 from the aircraft manufacturer, Viking Air Limited, of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

The Series 400 Twin Otter aircraft is scheduled to arrive in Dubai prior to the start of the World Air Games being hosted by Skydive Dubai on November 30th, 2015, and will be welcome addition to the company’s existing fleet of legacy Twin Otters utilized for commercial parachute operations.

The purchased aircraft was sold through Viking’s Series 400 Twin Otter exclusive sales representative for the Middle East and Turkey, Veling Tayara, and marks the first non-military sale of Twin Otter Series 400 in the Middle East.

Bani Younis Ahmed, Skydive Dubai’s technical maintenance manager, commented, “We are very happy with the addition of the Viking Twin Otter Series 400 to our fleet. The Twin Otter design is perfectly suited for Skydive Dubai’s operations, and we expect our new Series 400 aircraft will be featured throughout the World Air Games here in Dubai.” He added, “Dealing with a regional representative such as Veling Tayara has been a satisfying experience; it has been helpful having a local company on the ground in our same time zone, providing full support to ensure the delivery of our new Series 400 in time for the World Air Games. We look forward to forging this relationship closer with future projects.”

About Skydive Dubai: Established in 2010 shortly after the first international parachuting championships were held in Dubai, Skydive Dubai has now become the number one choice for skydiving enthusiasts around the globe. Located in the world’s premier skydiving location neighbouring the Dubai marina and the Palm Jumeirah, Skydive Dubai operates their drop zone to the highest safety standards under the regulations of the Emirates Aerosports Federation (EAF).

03-Nov-2015

518 - DHC-6-300 C-GSOZ Unity Group Ltd., Airdrie, AB

Registered 02-Nov-2015, ex PK-BAF; this aircraft had been delivered to Balikpapan, Indonesia for lease to PT Air Borneo on 20-May-2013.

933 - DHC-6-400 C-GFVT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 03-Nov-2015

934 - DHC-6-400 C-GLVA Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 03-Nov-2015

06-Nov-2015

613 - DHC-6-300 CC-ACH Transportes San Francisco S.A., La Serena

Officially imported to Canada 06-Nov-2015

793 - DHC-6-300 CC-PQQ Compania Minera Nevada S.A., La Serena

Officially imported to Canada 06-Nov-2015

09-Nov-2015

Indonesia Introduces New Aircraft Age Restrictions

The Indonesian Ministry of Transport has announced additional restrictions on locally-registered aircraft. The Indonesian Civil Aviation Regulations have been amended to prohibit the import, registration and use of commercial passenger aircraft older than ten years, and freighter aircraft of more than fifteen years. Existing commercial passenger and freighter aircraft currently in service with local operators may not exceed thirty years of age. The Indonesian carriers have been given 36 months to comply with the regulation.

At this time the effect of the regulations on the current twenty-nine locally registered Twin Otters is unknown. The only aircraft that would meet the requirements of the amendment are the Series 400 aircraft flown by Airfast Indonesia. A grounding of the remaining series 300 aircraft, even by 15-Oct-2018 would have far reaching implications to the rural air transport system in the archipelago.

Interestingly, the state-owned aircraft manufacturer Indonesian Aerospace is expected to roll-out the first prototypes of their N219 aircraft, marketed as a "Twin Otter Replacement" in 2016. So far, the type has only seen a single confirmed order for 20 aircraft by Nusantara Buana Air. Any requirement to prohibit the operation of the older series Twin Otters would effectively force local operators to either upgrade to Viking Series 400 airframes, or acquire the Indonesian built N219.

The Indonesian regulator has made considerable progress in enacting regulations related to ensuring local operators are financially stable, that they maintain a minimum number of aircraft, and now that those aircraft must meet an arbitrary age criteria. These amendments are progress, and need to be acknowledged accordingly - however incidents and accidents continue to occur at an appalling rate. Unfortunately you can't help but wonder if these changes were really the correct priorities in improving the country's air safety.

725 - DHC-6-300 C-GKBO Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Denver-Centennial, CO - Galveston, TX - Roatan 06/08-Nov-2015

732 - DHC-6-300 C-GKBH Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Colorado Springs, CO 09-Nov-2015

793 - DHC-6-300 C-FKBU Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Registered 09-Nov-2015, ex CC-PQQ.

10-Nov-2015

First Rosneft Series 400 Seen in Spokane

C-GFAP was flown over to the Spokane paint facility on 16-Oct-2015, having been delivered direct from Calgary to Victoria in primer finish back on 27-Aug-2015. As can be seen in the photo below the aircraft has now received the distinctive Rosneft yellow and red/orange scheme, and Russian registration.

Rosneft is set to begin receiving the first of ten Series 400's this year, with deliveries running through Dec-2016. As Rosneft themselves do not possess an AOC, the aircraft will be operated by independent contractors.

Rocky Mountain Aircraft & Aerocorp Avionics Complete G950 Upgrade for BAS

The first British Antarctic Survey (BAS) DHC-6-300 to receive the upgraded Garmin G950 glass cockpit has been completed in Canada. The work was accomplished under the Aerocorp STC by Rocky Mountain Aircraft in Calgary, AB.

Before application of the STC on the remaining three BAS Twin Otters, the organization will verify the installation and functionality of the system on the single aircraft in the South Pole environment.

BAS is confident in the success of the trial, and upon completion will seek additional funding from the U.K. government to complete the remaining three aircraft.

12-Nov-2015

906 - DHC-6-400 C-GVTU Authority of the Special Administrative Region of Social Market Economy Zone

Entered service 12-Nov-2015 Dili-Nicolau Lobato - Oé-Cusse and return.

920 - DHC-6-400 N903VK Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC [Bank of Utah Trustee]

Flew Murrieta, CA - Marina, CA - Medford, OR - McMinnville, OR 12-Nov-2015. The aircraft had been at Murrieta with Ikhana since 17-Sep-2015. On 17/20-Nov-2015 the aircraft flew McMinnville, OR - Bismarck, ND - Milwaukee-Mitchell, WI - Gander, NL - Santa Maria -

931 - DHC-6-400 C-GVVA Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 11-Nov-2015 following painting.

13-Nov-2015

389 - DHC-6-300 N288SA CAAMS Leasing LLC, Rutherfordton, NC

Flew McMinnville, OR - Oakland-Metro, CA 05-Nov-2015, and then Oakland-Metro, CA - Honolulu, HI - Majuro - Pohnpei - Biak-Frans Kaisiepo 13/25-Nov-2015. The delivery flight had begun on 16-Sep-2015 in Rutherfordton, NC.

932 - DHC-6-400 C-FMJO Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Spokane-Int’l, WA 15-Nov-2015 for painting.

17-Nov-2015

613 - DHC-6-300 C-FKBK Kenn Borek Air Ltd., Calgary, AB

Registered 17-Nov-2015, ex CC-ACH

851 - DHC-6-300 HB-LPY Zimex Aviation Ltd., Glattbrugg

5X-LPY was returned to Altenrhein back in Jun-2015 from operation in Uganda, and was subsequently restored back to HB-LPY. On 14-Nov-2015 the aircraft passed through the Maldives, as seen in the photo below. Today, it is flight planned for Ambon-Pattimura - Port Moresby-Jackson for lease to Helifix.

906 - DHC-6-400 C-GVTU Kenn Borek Air Ltd., Calgary, AB

Registered 17-Nov-2015 - C-GVTU was delivered to Timor Leste on 28-Oct-2015 and is currently undergoing familiarization and crew training formalities prior to joining the local register. The aircraft had previously been registered to Planes & Parts Ltd. who had undertaken the ferry delivery flight from Calgary.

19-Nov-2015

48 - DHC-6-100 N202EH Skydive Factory Inc., Rochester, NH

Sold to JST Management LLC, Zephyrhills, FL 01-Nov-2015

665 - DHC-6-300 N105WF Southern Aircraft Consultancy, Bungay, UK

Registered 18-Nov-2015; this aircraft arrived in Altenrhein-Saint Gallen on 03-Nov-2015 as 9N-AFA. Southern Aircraft Consultancy is a specialist in Trustee services for foreign ownership of U.S. registered aircraft.

792 - DHC-6-300 C-GKKN Unity Group Ltd., Airdrie, AB

Flew Airdrie, AB - Great Falls, MT 19-Nov-2015.

935 - DHC-6-400 C-FVIK Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 18-Nov-2015

936 - DHC-6-400 C-FGAL Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 18-Nov-2015

24-Nov-2015

412 - DHC-6-300 F-OCQZ Air Calin, Noumea

Flew Cairns, QLD - Port Moresby-Jackson - Buka - Honiara - Espiritu Santo 24/27-Nov-2015 back to New Caledonia following maintenance with Hawker Pacific. The aircraft had arrived in Cairns, QLD 01-Oct-2015.

25-Nov-2015

792 - DHC-6-300 C-GKKN Unity Group Ltd., Airdrie, AB

Arrived Saint Vincent on delivery to SVG Air on 23-Nov-2015, and repainted as J8-UNI by 24-Nov-2015, as seen in the photo below. The Canadian registration cancellation has yet to be processed by Transport Canada.

928 - DHC-6-400 C-GFAP Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 25-Nov-2015 following painting.

26-Nov-2015

368 - DHC-6-300 C-FMRI Gravitas Aviation Ltd., West Vancouver, BC

Flew Mexico City, DF - Brownsville, TX - Carlsbad, NM - Show Low, AZ - Rexburg, ID - Springbank, AB 26/27-Nov-2015.

27-Nov-2015

96 - DHC-6-200HG N901RT Ikhana Group Inc., Murrieta, CA

Flew Murrieta, CA - Caldwell, ID - Calgary-Int’l, AB - Churchill, MB - Iqaluit, NU - Keflavík - Malmö - Dubrovnik - Hurghada - Dubai-Nad al Sheba 27-Nov/09 Dec-2015

454 - DHC-6-300 C-GUZP Rocky Mountain Aircraft, Calgary, AB [Ashe Aircraft Enterprises]

Flew Springbank, AB - Spokane-Int’l, WA - North Bend, OR - Honolulu, HI - Majuro - Biak-Frans Kaiseipo 27/30-Nov-2015.

01-Dec-2015

793 - DHC-6-300 C-FKBU Kenn Borek Air Ltd., Calgary, AB

Registration cancelled 01-Dec-2015 on export to Sint Maarten as PJ-WCB

851 - DHC-6-400 HB-LPY Zimex Aviation, Glattbrugg (Helifix, Port Moresby, PNG)

Registration cancelled 01-Dec-2015 to P2-

933 - DHC-6-400 C-GFVT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Spokane-Int’l, WA 01-Dec-2015 for painting.

02-Dec-2015

874 - DHC-6-400 S2-AHE Regent Airways, Dhaka [Chevron Bangladesh]

Officially imported to Canada 02-Dec-2015 upon termination of Chevron contract.

05-Dec-2015

851 - DHC-6-400 P2-HFE Helifix Ltd., Port Moresby, NCD, PNG

Registered 01-Dec-2015, ex HB-LPY (see blog entry for 02-Dec-2015)

874 - DHC-6-400 C-FOAE Planes & Parts Ltd., Turner Valley, AB

Registered 04-Dec-2015, ex S2-AHE. (see blog entry for 02-Dec-2015). Planes & Parts will be responsible for bringing the aircraft out of Bangladesh on behalf of the owner.

07-Dec-2015

48 - DHC-6-100 N202EH Skydive Factory Inc., Rochester, NH

Sold to JST Management LLC, Zephyrhills, FL 01-Nov-2015, and registered 01-Dec-2015

920 - DHC-6-400 N903VK Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC [Bank of Utah Trustee]

Registration cancelled 30-Nov-2015 to United Arab Emirates

WestWind Aviation of Saskatoon, SK has announced the acquisition of aircraft and facility assets from La Ronge-based Osprey Wings Ltd.

Included in the sale are four Twin Otters (as well as a single Beech 200, and two Beech 1900's) and Osprey employees have joined the WestWind organization. At this time, none of the former Osprey aircraft have yet been re-registered to WestWind, however that information will be published once it becomes available.

Coincidentally however today is the first time that the previous Osprey Twin Otter aircraft are appearing on flight trackers using the WestWind WEW designator. Previously, the Osprey aircraft had operated using their registrations as call signs.

09-Dec-2015

792 - DHC-6-300 C-GKKN Unity Group Ltd., Airdrie, AB

Registration cancelled 08-Dec-2015 to Saint Vincent; this aircraft was delivered to SVG Air on 23-Nov-2015, and became J8-UNI.

937 - DHC-6-400 C-GVAT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 08-Dec-2015

938 - DHC-6-400 C-GVZQ Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 08-Dec-2015

Twin Otter Series 400 Allows Aurora to Restore Regional Routes from Vladivostok

After an interruption of 23-years, on 17-Nov-2015 Aurora has restored scheduled service from Vladivostok to Dalnerechensk, the oldest and most northern town of Primorsky Krai. The flight operates twice weekly, using the Twin Otter Series 400, with a flight time of 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The carrier has also introduced the Viking Series 400 Twin Otter to the Vladivostok - Dalnegorsk route with effect from 04-Dec-2015. The twice-weekly service restores the air link between the two cities following a hiatus of nearly twenty years.

Due to local demand, Aurora will also use the Twin Otter for flights from Vladivostok to Kavalerovo during December.

10-Dec-2015

454 - DHC-6-300 C-GUZP Rocky Mountain Aircraft, Calgary, AB [Ashe Aircraft Enterprises]

Registration cancelled 11-Dec-2015 to Indonesia.

613 - DHC-6-300 C-FKBK Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Test flown from Calgary-Int’l, AB 10-Dec-2015 and flew Calgary-Int’l, AB - Williston, ND - Spencer, IA - Cape Girardeau, MO - Albany, GA - Fort Lauderdale-Exec, FL - Nassau - Providenciales - San Juan-Isla Grande, PR - Sint Maarten 11/13-Sep-2015.

16-Dec-2015

613 - DHC-6-300 C-FKBK Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

Registration cancelled 16-Dec-2015 to Saint Maarten. This aircraft arrived in Philipsburg on 13-Dec-2015 on delivery to Winair. Registered 16-Dec-2015 to Winair as PJ-WCC.

928 - DHC-6-400 C-GFAP Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Comox, BC - Anchorage, AK - Anadyr-Ugolny - Magadan-Sokhol - Yakutsk - Krasnoyarsk 15/22-Dec-2015

18-Dec-2015

932 - DHC-6-400 C-FMJO Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 18-Dec-2015 following painting.

933 - DHC-6-400 C-GFVT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int’l, WA - Victoria-Int’l, BC 17-Dec-2015 following painting.

21-Dec-2015

920 - DHC-6-400 N903VK Bank of Utah Trustee, Salt Lake City, UT

Registration cancelled 30-Nov-2015 and registered to Skydive Dubai 30-Nov-2015 as DU-SD1 as can be seen in the photo below.

24- Dec-2015

368 - DHC-6-300 C-FMRI Gravitas Aviation Ltd., West Vancouver, BC

Officially registered 23-Dec-2015. C-FMRI was delivered from Mexico City to Calgary ON 28-Nov-2015

First Series 400 Handed Over to Rosneft at Krasnoyarsk

Item Courtesy of Russian Aviation Insider

The first DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 turboprop ordered by Russia’s government-owned oil company Rosneft arrived at Krasnoyarsk on December 23. The second airframe of the type produced by Viking Air has completed acceptance procedures and will be ferried from Canada to Siberia early in 2016, a source told Russian Aviation Insider.

The aircraft is accepted and ferried to Russia by AeroGeo airline, which won Rosneft’s tender for the services in November. RN-Aircraft, Rosneft’s corporate aircraft operator signed the deal with Viking Air in August, according to which the batch of ten 19-seat aircraft will be delivered to Russia before the end of the next year. The aircraft will be used to carry shift workers to oil fields in Krasnoyarsk region, and may enter service in the first half of 2016.

Rosneft has not yet decided on the operator of the DHC-6s. RN-Aircraft does not have an Air Operator Certificate, the source said. Besides the AeroGeo, there another candidate for the job, Surgut-based air carrier Skol, which has an affiliate in Krasnoyarsk. AeroGeo already disposes of trained staff and a maintenance center approved for servicing Pratt & Whitney Canada РТ6А-34 engines. It was also the only participant in RN-Aircraft’s tenders for maintenance of the aircraft and storage of spares and tooling for the DHC-6s. The contracts for the total of $280,000 were signed in December.

Skol has just started to train its specialists for the type operation.