Gone but not forgotten ! HS.780 previews

[Mark C]

I've only just caught up with this myself :shock:

HMMM .... could do with some "KIWI" colours (RNZAF) on that bird.

We operated several ANDOVER's here between the late 1970's and late 1990's. 3 distictly different liveries were applied as I recall.

The green/brown camouflage pattern was the first, followed by dark/green/dark grey during their last years of service.

A couple were also operated in the RNZAF VIP Transport role too .... with white fuselage top and tail, grey lower fuselage, pale blue fuselage cheatline through the wondow line, and full "ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE" titles.

Very nice !!!!

Mark C

[DaveB]

CT..

I don't think we actually had any bonafide Andover operators (but willing to be corrected) so it may not grace our VA skies

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[Garry Russell]

Civil 780 operations were just about all African based although some ended up working in other countries

There were some on the British Civil register but that was for the dealers to be able to handle and sell ex RAF aircraft on to new owners.

I don't think it received a type certificate for civil commercial operations

It it did, and I doubt it, it wasn't used.

Garry

[airboatr]

IMHO
I believe that is close enough (what Garry Said)
comon Gents .....

I think It would be a waste not to allow it
Rick and the guys have worked hard to release it
.......
It's not like it's a AIrbus A 380

we do have that available for the VA
hardly classic and as far as being "British"
.......well I'll leave that to ya'lls opinion

[DispatchDragon]

Ermmmm

I had already planned on uploading the data to Flynet for VHAVA
As we need a dual role aircraft with SHORT field capability
for our next expansion - and as we already operate 748s it not a
leap of faith.

Expect it to be on flynet rather soon


Mahalo

Leif

[DaveB]

That of course is your option matey Our operations, though of similar age, have little in common so the Andover.. while a worthy addition to your fleet sadly, has no place in ours. They'll be in good hands over at VHA

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[DispatchDragon]

Thanks Dave

Its the beauty of being virtual - I can adapt history to 'sort of truth" - Some Andovers did make the Civilian register so theres some truth there - not sure wether they would have been as economic as the Budgie - but
the squat and the aft cargo door is a bush pilots dream


Leif

[Garry Russell]

They couldn't even clear the ex RAF HS.748 for operation in the UK due to their military fit.

It was aid at the pension off time that there was interest in them in the UK but only for the engines and props

One at least still flies in Africa but they are not so fussy there

So the 780 would be far worse in that respect.

I would think the maintenace for the kneeling undercarriage would be horrendously expensive.

The Andover would be built for heavy use relitivly short life so I doubt they could be profitable.

But again out in Africa where it can be parked up in a corner at no cost waiting for the next job it might have a chance

Garry

[Mark C]

AFRICA !

That's where some of the last RNZAF ANDOVERS ended up .... on the "3C" register.

I think it was around 1998 or 1999 I shot the last 2 on delivery. One of them was "3C-KKB" .... and I think the other was "3C-KKC".

Both left Auckland, New Zealand in basic RNZAF VIP (blue/white/grey)livery with these African registrations but otherwise devoid of titles.

Mark C

[VEGAS]

AFRICA !

That's where some of the last RNZAF ANDOVERS ended up .... on the "3C" register.

I think it was around 1998 or 1999 I shot the last 2 on delivery. One of them was "3C-KKB" .... and I think the other was "3C-KKC".

Both left Auckland, New Zealand in basic RNZAF VIP (blue/white/grey)livery with these African registrations but otherwise devoid of titles.

Mark C

Hi Mark,

I found a picture (circa 2004) of 3B-KKB and those with a weak disposition need not look! :sad:

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1055614/L/

Can't find owt for KKC though.