Census of Australian DC-3s

AUSTRALIA

Flyable (potentially)	8
Non-Flying	10
Preserved (Intact)	17
Displayed (Incomplete)	11
Wreckage	18
TOTAL	64

C/N	Regn	Previous Identities	Owner	Location	Status	Note
1941	VHCXD	PH-ALT PK-ALT	Memorial	Bamaga Airfield, QLD 4876	W	.
1944	VH-ANR	PH-ALW PK-ALW 1944 VHCXE VHCXL	Queensland Air Museum	Caloundra, QLD 4551	P	QAM Website
1965	PK-AFV	PH-ALP	Broome Historical Society	Broome, WA 6725	W	28
2029	VH-ABR	VH-ABR A30-3	Ansett Historical Aviation Group	Tullamarine, VIC 3043	F	36
4120	VH-ANH	NC33657 41-7698 VHCDJ	Moorabbin Air Museum	Moorabbin, VIC 3189	P	.
4836	41-20066	VHCDW	USAF C-53	near Truscott Airfield WA	W	.
6007	VH-EWE	41-18646 VH-AER VH-EWF	Jeff Morgan	"Marama", Karoonda SA 5307	N	2
6009	VHCGS	41-18648	USAF C-47	35 miles west of Monto QLD 4630	W	20
6021	VH-AES	41-18660 VH-AES VH-SBA VH-AES VH-SBA	Hawdon Operations Limited/HARS	Albion Park Airport, NSW 2527	F	.
6024	VH-AEQ	41-18663	Jason Burgess	near Swan Hill, VIC but across the border in NSW.	N	16
6051	VH-DAS	41-38668 VH-AEO	Kuranda Heritage Market	Kuranda, QLD 4872	W	.
6108	VH-SBO	41-19465 VH-AEU VH-SBO P2-SBO P2-ANT	Jason Burgess (nose only)	near Swan Hill, VIC but across the border in NSW.	D	8
9282	VHCFM	42-23420	Memorial	The Lodge, Carnarvon Gorge	W	18
9593	VH-MMA	42-23731 A65-13 VHCTL VH-MMA P2-MMA P2-ANS VH-MWQ	John Hardy Aviation	Parap (Darwin) NT 0804	F	See Issue #27 See Issue #28
11973	N2-23	42-92199 A65-23 VHCTB	Historical Society	West Wyalong, NSW 2671	P	.
11974	A65-24	42-92200 VHCTW	Darryl Gibbs/CNAPG (nose only)	Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650	D	1
12056	VH-SBL	42-92274 A65-29 VHCTZ VH-TAE VH-SBL P2-SBL P2-ANR	Peter Starr	Larras Lee, NSW 2866	N	25
12187	"VH-BPA"	42-92392 FZ631 VH-EAN VH-EBF VH-EBU VH-SBD P2-SBD P2-ANO N5590C	David Kingshott Pacific Dakota Restorations (nose only)	Caboolture, QLD 4510	D	3
12542	N2-43	42-92711 A65-43 VHCUN	Fleet Air Arm Museum	Nowra, NSW 2540	P	39
12638	42-108879	nil	Arthur Schmidt	Mildura, VIC 3500	D	14
12873	VH-EAP	42-93009 A65-44 VHCIA VH-EAP VH-EBY VH-SBG P2-SBG P2-ANP N5590A VH-BPL	Qantas Founders Outback Museum	Longreach, QLD 4730	P	24
12874	VH-EDC	42-93010 A65-46 VHCIC VH-JVF VH-CAR	Jason Burgess	near Swan Hill, VIC but across the border in NSW.	W	15
12880	DT-941	42-93015	Wreck	near Mossman, QLD 4873	W	29
13082	A65-50	42-93197 A65-50 VHCIF	Wreck	Mount Kosciuszco, NSW	W	21
13084	VH-BAA	42-93199 A65-49 VHCIE VH-EAL VH-EBH VH-EBW	Central Aust Aviation Museum	Alice Springs, NT 0870	P	10
13210	"VHDAK"	42-93312 W-12	Werner Kroll	Samford, QLD 4520	D	9
13338	VH-TAK	42-108949 A65-52 VHCII	Jason Burgess	near Swan Hill, VIC but across the border in NSW.	W	27
13459	VH-MIN	42-93536 KG647 G-AIAZ KG647 VH-SMI	Moose Toys	Grange Road, Moorabbin, VIC 3194	D	25
13624	VH-ANW	42-93685 VH-ANW VH-GAK	Blair Howe	Myalup, WA 6220	P	4
20041	PK-GDC	43-15575 DT-971 VHREY PK-REY "VN-BME"	Pleun and Hennie Hitzert, Lily Dutch Windmill	Amelup, WA 6338	N	19
13864/ 25309	N2271C	43-48048 KG765 C-406 G-ANZE "XY-URT"	Maryborough Military Aviation Museum (nose section) Queensland Air Museum (rear fuselage)	Maryborough, QLD 4650 Caloundra, QLD 4551	D D	42
13922/ 25367	VH-EDD	43-48106 A65-57 VHCUR VH-EAO VH-EBX VH-SBH X-18	Jason Burgess	near Swan Hill, VIC but across the border in NSW.	W	5
14050/ 25495	VH-BAB	43-48234 VH-DMV VH-CAO	Historical Aircraft Restoration Society	Parkes, NSW 2870	N	22
14556/ 26001	VH-PWN (#2)	43-48740 A65-63 VHCKN	Discovery Air Tours (formerly Dakota National Air)	Larras Lee, NSW 2866	N	25
15193/ 26638	P2-003	43-49377 A65-67 VHCUX P65-003	Amaroo Tavern	Moree, NSW 2400	N	.
15195/ 26640	VH-JGL	43-49379 A65-64 VHCUU	Mulwala & District RSL	Mulwala, NSW 2647	P	26
15685/ 27130	VH-DNA	43-49869 A65-68 VHCUY P65-004 P2-004	Discovery Air Tours (formerly Dakota National Air)	Larras Lee, NSW 2866	N	25
15686/ 27131	A65-71	43-49870 A65-71 VHCIN	Australian War Memorial	Canberra, ACT 2600	P	11
15919/ 32667	A65-75	44-76335 A65-75 VHCIR	Wreck	Part of rear fuselage remains at Daly Waters.	W	.
15920/ 32668	VH-AGU	44-76336 A65-72 VHCIO	Jeff Trappett	Latrobe Valley, VIC	F	Adastra Website
15923/ 32671	A65-73	44-76339 A65-73 VHCIP	Far North Queensland Aviation Museum	Mareeba, QLD 4880	P	43
15929/ 32677	A65-78	44-76345 A65-78 VHCIU	RAAF Museum	Point Cook, VIC 3030	P	12
15997/ 32745	KN374	44-76413	Werner Kroll	Samford, QLD 4520	D	13
16131/ 32879	VH-NVD	44-76547 A65-86 VHRFC	RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre	RAAF Amberley, QLD 4306	P	37
16135/ 32883	N2-90	44-76551 A65-90 VHRFG N2-90 VH-NVZ	HARS Navy Heritage Flight	Albion Park Airport, NSW 2527	P	38
16136/ 32884	VH-TMQ	44-76552 A65-91 VHRFH	Outback Aero Pty Ltd	Cootamundra, NSW 2590	F	35
16147/ 32895	PK-RDB	44-76563 NZ3537 ZK-AOZ 5W-FAA	Aviation Historical Society of the Northern Territory / Australian Aviation Heritage Centre	Darwin, NT 0800	W	30 QAM Website
16197/ 32945	VH-BPN	44-76613 KN470 H-717 G-ANMA VH-MML P2-MML P2-ANV VH-MML	Discovery Air Tours (formerly Dakota National Air)	Larras Lee, NSW 2866	N	25
16348/ 33096	VH-EAE	44-76764 A65-95 VHRFL	Historical Aircraft Restoration Society	Albion Park Airport, NSW 2527	F	.
16354/ 33102	VH-OVM	44-76770 A65-98 VHRFO	Shortstop Jet Charter	Essendon Airport, VIC 3041	F	.
16358/ 33106	VH-EAF	44-76774 A65-94 VHRFK	Historical Aircraft Restoration Society	Albion Park Airport, NSW 2527	F	.
16361/ 33109	P2-001	44-76777 A65-100 VHRFQ P65-001 (VH-DNF)	David Salter	Walcha, NSW 2854	P	25
16365/ 33113	VH-SPY	44-76781 A65-102 VHRFS VH-PTS N65388	South Pacific Airmotive / Geoff Leach	Innisfail Aerodrome, QLD 4860	P	31
16547/ 33295	A65-104	44-76963 A65-104 VHRFU	Aviation Historical Society of the Northern Territory / Australian Aviation Heritage Centre	Darwin, NT 0800	W	6
16549/ 33297	VH-JXD	44-76965 A65-108 VHRGZ	Ron Schneider	Rupanyup, VIC 3388	N	.
16552/ 33300	VH-UPQ	44-76968 A65-105 VHRFV	Derelict Aircraft Museum (nose only)	Yalca, VIC 3637	D	25
16553/ 33301	VH-MMD	44-76969 A65-109 VHRGX VH-MMD P2-MMD P2-ANU	Whispering Pines Aviation Museum, (Robert Walker)	Barellan, NSW 2665	P	25
16556/ 33304	A65-111	44-76972 A65-111 VHRFY	David Anderson (nose only)	Moorabbin, VIC 3189	P	.
16713/ 33460	A65-114	44-77128 A65-114 VHRGB	South Australian Aviation Museum	Port Adelaide, SA 5015	D	.
16716/ 33464	A65-115	44-77132 A65-115 VHRGC	Darwin Harbour (5 km off East Point)	Darwin, NT 0800	W	34
16960/ 34220	A65-124	45-957 A65-124 VHRGL	Air Force Assn Museum	Bull Creek, WA 6149	D	.
?	DT-966	VHRET	Underwater wreck off North Stradbroke Island.	Off North Stradbroke Island, QLD	W	41
UNIDENTIFIED
?	?	?	Dan Brown (nose section)	Sunshine Coast, QLD	W	40
?	?	?	David Bell (nose section)	Gratton Field, Calvert QLD 4340.	W	7

DELETED

C/N	Regn	Previous Identities	Owner	Location	Note
3272	VH-ANN	NC1947 41-7687 VHCDB VH-ANN VH-GAH	Darryl Gibbs/CNAPG (nose)	Clyde North, VIC 3978	1
The nose section of VH-ANN was stolen from the CNAPG and scrapped in the Wagga Wagga area.

9286	VH-CWS	42-23424 A65-9 VHCTI VH-EAM VH-EWA VH-EWF VH-PWN ZK-AMS	The Independence Hall of Korea	Cheonan, South Korea	32
Exported to South Korea in 2016. Displayed outdoors with the tail number 451123.

12540	VH-XUX	42-92709 A65-41 VHCUK VH-MMF	Flying Tiger Historical Organization. Loaned to Flying Tiger Heritage Park	Guilin, China.	17
Exported to China IN 2018.

AMENDMENT RECORD

[The latest amendment is at the top]

ISSUE

DATE

REMARKS

115

25JUN23

It has been reported that the nose section of VH-ANN (3272) was stolen from the CNAPG and subsequently scrapped by persons unknown. This aircraft has been moved to the Deleted table and the total has been reduced to 64.

114

24JUN23

It has emerged that VH-UPQ (16552/ 33300) was not entirely scrapped and that the nose section has been preserved at the Derelict Aircraft Museum in Victoria. Accordingly VH-UPQ has been reinstated to the main table and the total increased to 65.

113

01OCT22

David Rasmus advises that he has disposed of the nose sections of VH-TAK (13338) and VH-EDD (13922/25367). Jason Burgess has confirmed that he has acquired these items which are now stored near Swan Hill along with VH-AEQ (6024), VH-EDC (12874) and the nose sections of VH-SBO (6108) and VH-EDD (13922/ 25367).

112

27AUG22

The unidentified nose section held by David Bell, remains unidentified as photographic evidence shows that it did not come from the aircraft identified as City of Hereford. See Note 7

111

04AUG22

The unidentified nose section held by David Bell, which was tentatively identified as having come from A65-75, is once again unidentified with the emergence of the fact that the nose section of A65-75 was totally consumed by the post-crash fire. See Note 7

110

29JUL22

VH-BAB (14050/25495) has been moved from Caboolture to Parkes where it arrived by road on 18JUL22. Thanks to Mike Delahunty of HARS. See Note 22

109

09JAN22

VH-TMQ (16136/32884) changed ownership on 28NOV21 to Outback Aero Pty Ltd of Cootamundra. See Note 35

108

16JUL21

The unidentified nose section held by David Bell of Calvert, QLD. Is now believed to have come from A65-75. See Note 7

107

20MAY21

VH-BAB (14050/25495) was originally intended to be restored to airworthiness at Caboolture and flown to HARS at Albion Park but it is now reported that the aeroplane will be trucked from Caboolture to the HARS satellite facility at Parkes.

106

17MAY21

The unidentified nose section held by the Maryborough Military Aviation Museum, Qld has been donated to David Bell and stored at Gratton Field, Calvert, QLD. See Note 7

105

21OCT20

A65-73 (15923/ 32671) has been acquired from the Beck Collection by the Far North Queensland Aviation Museum at Mareeba according to a report on Facebook on 18OCT20.

104

07OCT20

N2271C (13864/25309) was broken up at Amberley on 16SEP20 because of extensive exfoliation corrosion. Sections of the airframe have been gifted to other museums. This aircraft has been reclassified from P to D. See Note 42

103

06AUG20

VH-BAB (14050/25495) has been sold to HARS.

102

14JUL20

N2-90 (16135/32883) was trucked from Nowra to Albion Park on 12JUL20.

101

12JUN20

DT-966 Added the underwater wreck of this aircraft. It's C/N is unknown.

100

27FEB20

VH-EWE (6007) Added an update on its static restoration.

18FEB20

VH-MMA (9593) was test flown at Darwin on 16FEB20 after a lengthy restoration.

21JAN20

VH-SBL (12056) landed at Larras Lee on 11JAN13 and has apparently not flown since. Therefore it has been reclassified as Non Flying and the census totals adjusted accordingly. The total of 8 flying is consistent with a global census compiled recently by Coert Munk.

07JAN20

VH-MMD (16553/33301) has turned up in the Whispering Pines Aviation Museum on the property of Robert Walker at Barellan, NSW. Evidently, reports of her death were greatly exaggerated! (see Issue 94). Clearly we must question the report that VH-UPQ was also scrapped along with VH-MMD. The Census total has been increaded by 1 to 62. Thanks to Russell Legg for this update.

21DEC19

An unidentified nose section has been advertised for sale on the Sunshine Coast. The Census total has been increased to 62 with the addition of this wreck. See Note 40

13DEC19

The unidentified nose section held by QAM has been gifted to the Maryborough Military Aviation Museum, Qld. See Note 7

30NOV19

Following the closure of the Australian Aviation Museum at Bankstown, VH-UPQ and VH-MMD were scrapped at Bankstown in early November 2019. The Census total has been reduced to 61. See Note 25

21OCT19

VH-EDD (13922/25367) The nose section has been acquired by David Rasmus of Gawler, SA. See Note 5

The former VH-SPY (16365/33113) was sighted at Innisfail Aerodrome on 19OCT19. See Note 31

18JAN19

VH-XUX (12540) On 26APR18 the registration VH-XUX was reallocated to a Bell 206B and the DC-3 shows as "exported to China 12JAN17". This aircraft has been moved to the "DELETED" table and the census total adjusted accordingly. See Note 17

14DEC18

VH-NVD (16131/32879) was unveiled in wartime camouflage as A65-86 at the Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre on 12DEC18. See Note 37

07DEC18

VH-SPY (16365/ 33113) The aircraft has been sighted at Innisfail near the airport. See Note 31

05DEC18

VH-SPY (16365/ 33113) It has been reported that this aircraft is no longer located at Edmonton south of Cairns. The current location is unknown. Thanks to Brett Lawrence for this non-sighting! See Note 31

09FEB18

VH-NVD (16131/32879) will be trucked from Nowra to Amberley to join the Aviation Heritage Centre where it is expected to arrive in the early hours of 12FEB18. Status changed from N to P. See Note 37

VH-NVZ (16135/32883) was deregistered on 30JAN15. Status changed from N to P. See Note 38

17AUG17

VH-ABR (2029) flew again after a lengthy restoration on 14AUG17. See Note 36

16MAR17

VH-SPY (16365/ 33113) has been located on a private property at Edmonton south of Cairns. The name of the new owner is not known. Thanks to Ted Annand for this sighting. See Note 31

12MAR17

VH-SPY (16365/ 33113) was sighted on 06FEB16 on a low-loader being transported to a private property location unknown. Status changed from N to P. See Note 31

02SEP16

The Census table has been amended with the addition of a new category D. This is to provide for aircraft that do not really qualify as Preserved as they are significantly incomplete. VH-MIN (see below) is a case in point. Thus:

P = Preserved (Intact)
D = Displayed (Incomplete)

Accordingly, the following 8 aircraft were reclassified from P to D.
3272
6108
11974
12638
13210
15997/32745
16556/33304
16960/34220

VH-MIN has been reclassified from N to D.

"VH-BPA" has been reclassified from W to D.

VH-MIN (13459) has been sectioned and displayed at Moose Toys at Moorabbin Airport. See Note 25

19AUG16

VH-CWS (9286) was photographed on a dock in South Korea on or about 12APR16. Details of this aircraft have been retained in a new section headed DELETED. See Note 32

19AUG16

VH-XUX (12540) correcting the previous amendment. Although the aircraft is now owned by the Flying Tiger Historical Organization, it will remain on the Australian register and possibly return to Australia in the future. Consequently, the aircraft has been reinstated on the Australian census. Thanks to Ralph Chrystall for this information. See Note 17

16AUG16

VH-XUX (12540) departed Bathurst on 15AUG16 on delivery to China. This aircraft has been deleted from the census total but all details have been retained in a new table headed "DELETED". See Note 17

12JUN16

VH-AES (6021) is now based with HARS at Albion Park. The aircraft was flown in on 11JUN16.

22JAN16

VH-CWS (9286) has been dismantled, reportedly for shipping to a military museum in Korea. Status has been changed from F to P and the total reduced by one. See Note 32

04DEC15

VH-XUX (12540) was successfully test flown on 25NOV15. The aircraft's status has been changed from N to F. See Note 17

06OCT15

VH-AES (6021) is now registered to Hawdon Operations Limited, Spring Hill, QLD but the aeroplane is based at Avalon, VIC. Thanks to Greg Thom for this update.

25SEP15

VH-DNF (16361/33109) the fuselage with wing centre section departed Larras Lee on 23SEP15 by road to David Salter's property near Walcha, NSW.

11SEP15

VH-BAB (14050/25495) has been having regular engine runs while fundraising for the rebuild continues.

The nose section of DC-3 (12187) which was once displayed on a pole at Cairns Airport as "VH-BPA" has been repainted olive drab and grey and named "Freedom". It will be turned into a trailer-mounted simulator. Thanks to Ian McDonell for these updates.

19AUG15

VH-MMF (12540) was re-registered VH-XUX on 28JUL15 to Ralph Chrystall.

12APR15

VH-DNF (16361/33109) has been sold to David Salter who plans to move the aircraft from Larras Lee to his property near Walcha, NSW. The aircraft will not be on public display. Aircraft status changed from N to P.

08JAN15

VH-BAB (14050/25495) was sold to David Kingshott on 24SEP14.

17DEC14

VH-BAB (14050/25495) has been sold to David Kingshott of Pacific Dakota Restorations for airworthy restoration at Caboolture. The aircraft arrived at Caboolture by road on 17DEC14.

Also acquired by David Kingshott of Pacific Dakota Restorations is the nose section of the DC-3 (12187) which was once displayed on a pole at Cairns Airport as "VH-BPA". This nose section arrived at Caboolture by road on 17DEC14 along with VH-BAB.

With the closure of the Butler Air Transport Museum at Tooraweenah, VH-DNF (16361/33109) has been advertised for sale.

07MAY14

The nose section of VH-TAK (13338) has been acquired by David Rasmus of Gawler, SA.

21APR14

Added an update on plans to use PK-GDC (20041) for accommodation.

06MAR13

The former P2-001 and VH-DNF (NTU) (16361/33109) has been sold to the Butler Air Transport Museum at Tooraweenah.

VH-AGU (15920/32668) appeared at the Australian International Airshow at Avalon painted to represent an AC-47 gunship. The aircraft carries the name "Spooky".

03FEB13

The remains of VH-EDC (12874) are located on a farm near Swan Hill.

22JAN13

VH-SBL (12056) landed at Larras Lee on 11JAN13.

09DEC12

VH-MMF (12540) as sold to Ralph Chrystall on 28JUN12. (Correcting issue #61 which stated that it was sold to Peter Starr. Actually Mr Starr was bidding on behalf of Mr Chrystall). (Source: Ralph Chrystall)

VH-SBL(12056) still belongs to Peter Starr. The aircraft will be flown to a newly constructed airfield at Larras Lee from where it will be flown occasionally. (Source: Ralph Chrystall)

07DEC12

VH-SBL (12056) flew away from Essendon on 06DEC12.

03NOV12

PK-GDC (20041) the former Broome tourism office has changed hands again. See Note 19.

VH-TAK (13338) is now located at Heathcote, Vic with the Derelict Aircraft Museum. See Note 27.

08OCT12

VH-CWS (9286) is again advertised for sale. See Note 32 .

03JUL12

VH-MMF (12540) was sold to Peter Starr on 28JUN12.

23JUN12

VH-MMF (12540) is to be auctioned at Bankstown on 28JUN12.

05MAY12

VH-DNF (16361/33109) was transported from Warnervale to Larras Lee on 24FEB10.

05NOV10

VH-CWS (9286) is now registered to Peter Christoudias / JNP Enterprises Pty Ltd trading as Broome Air Services in Broome, WA. See Note 32 .

12JUL10

VH-CWS (9286) is now registered to Slattery Auctions Australia Pty Ltd. See Note 32 .

The nose section of A65-104 (33295) was used in a procession in APR80 but subsequently destroyed.
See Note 6.

20MAY10

The port wing of A65-104 (33295) has been moved to the AAHC. See Note 6.

The wings and centre section of PK-RDB (32895) have been scrapped. See Note 30.

04MAR10

VH-DNF (16361/33109) was transported from Warnervale to Larras Lee on 24FEB10.

28JAN10

VH-PWN#2 (14556/26001) departed Bankstown by road on 21JAN10 and arrived at Larras Lee the same day.

VH-DNF (16361/33109) will be transported from Warnervale to Larras Lee in early 2010.

30DEC09

The following DC-3s formerly operated by Discovery Air Tours are being transported by road from Bankstown Airport to Larras Lee near Molong, NSW. The aircraft are stored in the open at Larras Lee on a property belonging to Chrystall Transport who also transported the aircraft.

VH-BPN (161197/32945) arrived at Larras Lee on (approximately) 25NOV09.

VH-MIN (13459) arrived at Larras Lee on 10DEC09.

VH-DNA (15685/27130) arrived at Larras Lee on 17DEC09.

VH-PWN#2 (14556/26001) will be transported early in 2010.

VH-MIN & VH-DNA have been recategorised as non-flying. The two RAN Historic Flight aircraft VH-NVD and VH-NVZ have also been recategorised as non-flying. The census totals have been adjusted accordingly.

01SEP09

Added an update on the location of components of A65-104 (33295). See Note 6.

Added an update on the location of components of PK-RDB (32895). See Note 30.

19JUN09

DC-3TP ZS-OJJ (32961) was noted at the Dodson Aviation hangar at Ottawa, Kansas in May 2009.
See Note 33.

VH-CWS (9286) will be auctioned at Maitland, NSW on 23JUL09. See Note 32.

VH-TMQ (32884) has been sold to Australasian Jet Pty Ltd of Essendon, Vic. See Note 35.

VH-SBL (12056) was noted with an engine running at Essendon Vic. on 15JUN09. See Note 25.

Thanks to Gordon Reid for these updates.

10APR09

DC-3TP ZS-OJJ (32961) departed Brisbane for Honiara on 05APR09. See Note 33.

VH-SPY (33113) on 15OCT08 it was noted that fitters were working on the starboard engine and that the 'South Pacific' titles and the double cheatline had been removed. Thanks to Paul Howard for this report which was overlooked at the time.
See Note 31.

06APR09

Ownership of VH-UPQ (33300) was transferred to the Australian Aviation Museum on 16FEB09.
See Note 25.

16MAR09

"VH-BPA" (12187) was found to be beyond saving and the airframe was broken up on 16JAN09. The nose went to Warbird Adventures at Mareeba and some parts went to QFM at Longreach. The remainder of the airframe has been scrapped. See Note 3.

15MAR09

The following 6 DC-3s formerly operated by Discovery Air Tours are to be sold at auction on 25MAR09. The notes appearing below are from the auction catalogue. All aircraft were passed in and no sales eventuated.

VH-BPN (161197/32945) Refurbishment 2003 not complete, but has undergone extensive airframe work. Located Bankstown.

VH-DNA (15685/27130) Located at Bankstown awaiting engine overhaul / replacement. Was extensively refurbished in 2000.

VH-DNF (16361/33109) Located at Warnervale, unserviceable but complete, low time airframe.

VH-MIN (13459) Refurbished 2002. Located at Bankstown. Unserviceable, requires engines & 100hrly.

VH-PWN#2 (14556/26001) Located at Bankstown. Unserviceable, some damage, low time airframe.

VH-SBL (12056) Refurbished 1999. Located at Essendon Vic. for maintenance, undergoing 100hrly inspection. Good serviceable aircraft.

22JAN09

The Registration Holder/Operator of VH-CWS (9286) changed on 12JAN09 to Westpac Banking Corporation, Concord West, NSW. See Note 32.

06JAN09

DC-3TP ZS-OJJ (32961) was still parked at Goulburn in December 2008. See Note 33.

30DEC08

Classic Wings advise that their last day of operations will be 10JAN09 and that VH-CWS (9286) will be available for sale after this date. See Note 32.

19SEP08

"VH-BPA" (12187) has been removed from its column at Cairns Airport for an inspection of its structural integrity. See Note 3.

09SEP08

Classic Wings have been issued with an AOC and expect to resume operations with VH-CWS (9286) in late September 2008. See Note 32.

23AUG08

Classic Wings have received approval for an AOC and expect to resume operations with VH-CWS (9286) in late September 2008. See Note 32.

03SEP07

Added the underwater wreck of A65-115 (33464). See Note 34.

21JUN07

The former VH-BPL (12873) has been painted in Qantas Empire Airways markings as VH-EAP.
See Note 24.

25MAR07

It is reported that Classic Wings suspended all operations with VH-CWS (9286) on 21FEB07. See Note 32.

28FEB07

The wreckage reported to be at Watts Bridge has been identified as KN374 (15997/32745). As it is now known to be an externally complete fuselage, it has been deleted from the wreckage total and added to the preserved total. Thanks to its owner Werner Kroll for making the identification. See Note 13.

Recent arrival, DC-3TP ZS-OJJ (32961) has been added to the list of flying aircraft.
See Note 33.

28AUG06

VH-CWS (9286) departed Bankstown on 25AUG06 and arrived at Jandakot on 28AUG06. See Note 32.

14MAY06

Jason Burgess reports that he acquired VH-AEQ (6024) on 13MAY06. Thanks for the first-hand report Jason.
See Note 16.

27MAR06

The former ZK-AMS (9286) was re-registered VH-CWS on 14 MAR 2006 and as a result has been transferred from the New Zealand census page.
See Note 32.

05DEC05

The trailer-mounted nose section of VH-SBO (6108) belongs to Jason Burgess.
See Note 8.

01AUG05

Thanks to Eric Munk for the following additions and amendments:

PK-AFV (1965) was added to the listing.

DT-941 (12880) was added to the listing.

Wreckage of PK-RDB (32895) is aft fuselage and tail section only.

VH-SPY (33113) status changed from flying to non flying.

A65-104 (33295) amount of wreckage at Darwin is greater than previously reported.

24APR05

VH-MMA (9593) arrived in Darwin on 15FEB05 after its lengthy layup in Kununurra awaiting a new engine.

06MAR05

VH-BPL (12873) arrived at Longreach by road on 03MAR05.

02MAR05

Discovery Air Tours have been busy with various tourist flights. Currently they have two aeroplanes in service, VH-SBL and VH-DNA. VH-MIN is out of service and parked at the Australian Aviation Museum at Bankstown minus an engine. It is understood that there is sufficient work for VH-MIN to be returned to service when an overhauled engine is available.

09FEB05

VH-BAB (25495) departed Wangaratta by road on 25JAN05, arriving in Mareeba on 30JAN05.

Greg Hardy of Hardy Aviation confirms that the c/n of VH-MMA is definitely 9593.

16JAN05

Amendment #25 stated that the c/n of VH-MMA had been corrected from 9593 to 9583. Well this humble webmaster should have had more faith in Big Al because he was right all along! Therefore, the c/n for VH-MMA has been changed back to 9593 and some of the previous identities have been changed accordingly. It should be noted that there is widespread confusion over the c/n of this aeroplane and indeed even the Air-Britain DC-3 book has it wrong. It is believed that the confusion stems from a badly punched digit on the aeroplane's data plate.

11JAN05

The wrecked nose section of VH-TAK (13338) has surfaced in the collection of the new Mitiamo Air Museum at Mitiamo, Vic. This brings the total to 61. See Note 27.

05JAN05

This page has undergone a major update. The most significant change is that ALL Previous Identities are now listed in chronological order from the top. The most recent identity is that which appears in the column headed Regn.

Identities commencing "VH" but without a hyphen are radio call-signs which were carried concurrently with an RAAF A65 serial. In many cases, these radio call-signs were painted on the fin/rudder of the aircraft, otherwise they appeared only on the instrument panel.

Another significant change is that aircraft which were mistakenly allocated dual constructor's numbers are now listed under both numbers. The first number listed is the incorrect c/n and the second number after the slash is the correct c/n. The Index table below is linked to the correct c/n.

This update has highlighted several typographical errors which are listed below.

VH-MMA (9583) was incorrectly shown as c/n 9593 when it should have been 9583
See Amendment #27

VH-SBL (12056) was incorrectly shown as c/n 12036 when it should have been 12056

VH-EDC (12874) was incorrectly shown as A65-47 when it should have been A65-46

A65-73 (32671) was incorrectly shown as VHCIO when it should have been VHCIP

22DEC04

The former VH-JGL (26640) was trucked from Tocumwal to Mulwala on 18OCT04. See Note 26.

21DEC04

Darryl Gibbs advises that the nose section of A65-24 (11974) was transported by road from Clyde North to Wagga Wagga on 19/20DEC04. The badly damaged nose section of VH-ANN will follow at a later date. Restoration of A65-24 will resume in Wagga.

13DEC04

VH-BAB (25495) has been sold to Mike Spalding of North Queensland Warbirds in Mareeba. See Note 22.

07DEC04

VH-JGL (26640) was struck off the register on 16SEP04. See Note 26.

25JUN04

VH-BPL (12873) is currently being dismantled in preparation for trucking to the Qantas Founders Outback Museum in Longreach. It is reported that the aeroplane will be painted silver overall and marked as VH-EAP with Qantas Empire Airways titles.

VH-BPN (32945) status changed from Flying to Non-Flying. The aircraft is stored at the Australian Aviation Museum, Bankstown along with VH-PWN and VH-UPQ.

VH-UPQ (33300) is stored at the Australian Aviation Museum, Bankstown along with VH-PWN and VH-BPN.

VH-PWN (#2) (26001) is stored at the Australian Aviation Museum, Bankstown along with VH-BPN and VH-UPQ.

ZK-AMS (formerly VH-PWN #1) (9286) has been operating in Australia on lease to Pionair Australia since early May 2004. The aircraft is operating out of Bankstown. It is expected that ZK-AMS will eventually return to the Australian Register, at which time it will be moved from the NZ Census page to the Australian Census page.

16MAR04

I am advised that John D. Williams donated VH-BPL (12873) to the Qantas Founders Outback Museum in Longreach on 20th February 2004. See Note 24.

14MAR04

VH-BPL (12873) has been sold to the Qantas Founders Outback Museum in Longreach. See Note 24.

21DEC03

VH-BPL (12873) has been sold to Warwick Allen of Orange, NSW. See Note 23.

15SEP03

VH-BAB (25495) has been sold to a purchaser in New Zealand. See Note 22.

12SEP03

Allan Bovelt has done a thorough check of the site and the following updates have been incorporated.
6009	Wreck added. See Note 20.
9282	Added further details.
13082	Wreck added. See Note 21.
32667	Wreck added.
33096	Amended base to Albion Park.
33106	Amended base to Albion Park.

01SEP03

VH-ANW (13624) was trucked to Myalup, W.A. on 23AUG03. See Note 4.

PK-GDC (20041) was trucked to Armadale, W.A. in May 2003. See Note 19.

24MAR03

Fuselage of VH-EDD (25367) has disappeared from Cairns Airport. See Note 5.

05JAN03

Added the wreckage of 42-23420 (9282) at Carnarvon Gorge. See Note 18.

22JUN02

VH-MMF (12540) was trucked from Camden to Bankstown on 21JUN02 for restoration to airworthiness.

27MAY02

Layout changed to show "Previous Identity" column after the "Regn" column.

27MAY02

Malcolm Long has sold VH-BAB (25495) to John Raynor and Doug Hamilton.

07MAR02

Doug Fawcett's DC-3 (12638) motor home has been sold to Arthur Schmidt of Mildura. See Note 14.

25FEB02

Doug Fawcett's DC-3 (12638) motor home has been identified. See Note 14.

22DEC01

VH-PWN (26001) changed status to non-flying. Aircraft has been stripped of wings, engines, instruments and radios.

A65-71 (27131) is stored in potentially airworthy condition.

A65-78 (32677) is stored in potentially airworthy condition.

VH-UPQ (33300) changed status to non-flying. Has been stripped of one engine and many parts.

The unidentified nose section held by QAM is possibly from a 300 Wing RAF C-47 named "City of Hereford" (serial unknown). See Note 7.

DC-3 remains at a farmhouse at Watts Bridge, Qld have been added to the "Wreckage" count. Reported to be from a 300 Wing RAF C-47. See Note 13.

Added a DC-3 motor home converted by Doug Fawcett and still active in the Sydney area. See Note 14.

VH-EDC (12874) the fuselage has been moved into a shed near the control tower at Camden. See Note 15.

VH-AEQ (6024) was inspected recently. See Note 16.

19SEP01

VH-EWE (6007) clarified location.

VH-AEQ (6024) clarified location.

VH-MMD (33301) changed P.I. from A65-109 to P2-ANU.

17SEP01

Added Queensland numberplate VHDAK (13210).

01SEP01

VH-AEQ (6024) was sighted recently near Bendigo by Jeff Morgan (owner of VH-EWE). It is stored dismantled in the open and for sale. Asking price AU$12,000.

VH-BPL (11973) status changed to Non-Flying.

VH-AGU (32668) location amended to Latrobe Valley Aerodrome (between Morwell and Traralgon). Sighted there on 30th August by Doug Pfitzner.

Al Bovelt has supplied photographic proof that P2-001 (33109) was painted as VH-DNF although these marks were apparently not taken up.

27AUG01

Added Notes, Rumours/Queries and Index.

VH-ANN (3272) location established as Clyde North, VIC.

Changed regn to VH-EWE (6007) and P.I. to VH-EWF. See Note 2.

Added nose of VH-SBO (6108) preserved at Tamworth.

A65-24 (11974) location established as Clyde North, VIC.

VH-BAA (13084) carries spurious markings VH-EWE. See Note 10.

Added the "Dakota Motor Home" (13210). See Note 9.

PK-RDB (32895) status changed from Preserved to Wreck.

P2-003 (26638) Marty Taylor no longer owns the Amaroo Tavern.

Swapped P.I. and Regn as still carries VH-SPY (33113).

Added wreckage of A65-104 (33295) at Darwin. See Note 6.

Added unidentified nose section at Queensland Air Museum.

14AUG01

Original Issue

NOTES

1	CNAPG - Clyde North Aeronautical Preservation Group. The nose section of A65-24 was transported from Clyde North to Wagga Wagga on 19/20DEC04. The nose section of VH-ANN, which is badly damaged, will follow later. Subsequently the nose section of VH-ANN was stolen from the CNAPG and scrapped by persons unknown.
2	Painted in TAA livery as VH-AER (its identity prior to becoming VH-EWF and VH-EWE with East-West Airlines) this aeroplane was part of the McDonalds restaurant at West Lakes, Adelaide from 03DEC83 until 19JUN00 when it was acquired by Jeff Morgan. The aeroplane has been restored to its WWII USAAF markings as Irene and as of early 2020 the engines have been run. It is not intended to restore the aeroplane beyond being taxyable.
3	This aircraft was displayed on a column at Cairns Airport. It carried Bush Pilots livery and the fictitious registration VH-BPA. The aircraft was taken down from its column on 5 September 2008 for an inspection of its structural integrity. This is the first time that the aeroplane has come down since it was placed on display in 1984. It is to be hoped that the Cairns Port Authority will do the right thing. They didn't. The aircraft was deemed to be beyond saving and the aircraft was broken up on 16JAN09. The nose section went to Warbird Adventures at Mareeba and several components (control surfaces and undercarriage parts) went to the Qantas Founders Museum at Longreach. The remainder of the airframe was scrapped. Moral of the story - don't put aeroplanes up poles. The nose section from this aircraft was acquired by David Kingshott of Pacific Dakota Restorations on 24SEP14 and it arrived at Caboolture, Qld by road on 17DEC14 along with VH-BAB. In SEP15 Ian McDonell advised that the nose section has been painted in olive drab and grey with the name "Freedom". Intention is to turn it into a trailer-mounted simulator. The nose section is now being identified by its former RAF identity FZ631.
4	VH-ANW was part of the McDonalds restaurant at Midland, Perth from 1987 to 2000. It was displayed in fictitious markings as VH-MMF "Fortescue" of MacRobertson Miller Airlines. After being stored at RAAF Caversham in W.A. the aircraft was sold to Mr Blair Howe of Myalup, W.A. The aircraft was trucked from Caversham to Myalup on 23rd August 2003 to be displayed on Mr Howe's airstrip.
5	The fuselage of VH-EDD was still present on the Cairns fire dump in August 2001. The cockpit section was in use as the disc jockey's booth at a Cairns night club but its present status or whereabouts are unknown. UPDATE February 2003: Paul Howard reports that the fuselage of VH-EDD has disappeared from Cairns Airport. Presumably it has been scrapped. In May 2009 a nose section believed to be from VH-EDD was noted behind one of the hangars at Cairns Airport. This nose section is definitely not from the scrapped "VH-BPA". In June 2016 the instrument panel and control yokes from VH-EDD were acquired by QAM. The nose section was acquired by David Rasmus and delivered to Gawler, SA on 17OCT19.
6	A65-104 was severely damaged by Cyclone Tracy in Darwin in December 1974. The severed tail section is located in Darwin. There are unconfirmed reports that the nose section is at East Sale, VIC and the fuselage is at Sydenham, NSW. Eric Munk visited Darwin in April 2005 and reports that the wreckage consists of the tail section, wing centre section and starboard wing. In August 2009, Andrew Schulze from the AHSNT advised that the centre section, with starboard wing still attached, is located at the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre in Darwin. The port wing is located at the AHSNT workshop but will be relocated to the AAHC. The AHSNT have expressed interest in reassembling A65-104 so any leads on the existence/location of the fuselage and nose section would be welcome. Andrew Schulze advised on 19MAY10 that the port wing has been relocated to the AAHC where it joins the other remains of A65-104. The nose section of A65-104 (cut off immediately aft of the cockpit sliding window) was mounted on a trailer and used in a procession at East Sale, Victoria in April 1980. Later enquiries by a potential purchaser revealed that the nose section had been taken to the tip and presumably destroyed.
7	This totally gutted nose section, which was intended for conversion to a caravan, was obtained from the Ipswich area by QAM in the mid eighties. It is currently stored in Brisbane. Possibly from a 300 Wing RAF C-47 named "City of Hereford" (serial unknown) acquired for a caravan conversion by Max Fuller of Grange, Brisbane. QAM gifted this nose section to the Maryborough Military Aviation Museum who collected it from Brisbane on 18NOV19 and transported it to Maryborough, Qld. After the MMAM acquired the cockpit section from N2271C (13864/25309) the unidentified nose section became surplus to requirements and was donated to David Bell who transported it to Gratton Field, Calvert on 14MAY21. It is intended that it will be converted into a mobile display. UPDATE: 16JUL21. Research by the new owner of the nose section suggests that it may have come from A65-75 which crashed at Daly Waters on 26 October 1956 and was subsequently converted to components. Parts of the aircraft were recovered by a team from RAAF Amberley which could explain the existence of parts in the Ipswich area from where QAM originally acquired the nose section. Part of the rear fuselage (which already appears on this list) remained at Daly Waters as recently as 2015. UPDATE 04AUG22: The NAA file on the crash of A65-75 confirms that the nose section of this aircraft was totally consumed in the post-crash fire. The file includes photographic proof of this. Therefore the identity of the nose section held by David Bell remains unknown. UPDATE 27AUG22: A photograph of the fuselage section appeared in The Courier-Mail (Brisbane) of 19JUL46 identifying the aircraft as the former City of Hereford and the owner as Max Muller (not Fuller as previously stated) of Grange, Brisbane. It is stated that Mr Muller acquired the aircraft from a friend who bought it from disposals and that three sections of the aircraft were stored in Mr Muller's yard at the Grange. Another report in The Courier-Mail of 11OCT46 includes a photograph of the forward fuselage with the caravan conversion further progressed. This photo clearly shows that the small door immediately aft of the cockpit on the port side has been extended upwards beyond the height of the cockpit windows. As the nose section previously held by QAM has a normal sized door, this means that this fuselage section is not that which came from the City of Hereford.
8	VH-SBO is the famed "Norman Gunston" aeroplane. The trailer-mounted nose section was purchased by Jason Burgess from David Scott of Tamworth in June 2005. It is currently stored in the Swan Hill area. Jason intends to restore it as VH-AEU or VH-SBO. Jason advises that there is a section of the fuselage from VH-SBO (approx 5 metres long) in use as a farm shed on a property near Tamworth.
9	Last operated by the Netherlands East Indies Navy as W-12. Post-war the fuselage was mounted on an International KB-5 truck chassis by Bill Chater for use as a motor home. Currently roadworthy with Queensland numberplate VHDAK!
10	VH-BAA (c/n 13084) is marked as VH-EWE to commemorate the fact that the real VH-EWE (c/n 6007) was the first aircraft out of Darwin after Cyclone Tracy in December 1974.
11	A65-71 is stored in potentially airworthy condition.
12	A65-78 is stored in potentially airworthy condition.
13	Remains at a farmhouse at Watts Bridge, Qld are reported to be from a 300 Wing RAF C-47 (serial unknown). IDENTIFIED 27FEB07: This aircraft is an externally complete fuselage shell minus wings and tail group. It was acquired in March 2004 by Werner Kroll and moved to his property at Samford, QLD. Werner also owns the Dakota road vehicle c/n 13210. The fuselage is identified as a C-47B-25-DK, 44-76413, O/N 3303, AC2032. This would make it c/n 15997/32745 which was delivered to the RAF as KN374 in March 1945. The aircraft served with 300 Wing and was struck off charge on 30 May 1946 and allotted to the USAAF. Werner advises that the aircraft was flown from New Guinea to Brisbane and used for spares. Since acquiring the fuselage, Werner has repaired some skin panels and painted the fuselage light grey with RAF roundels and the name "Piccalilli Lil" (a character from the stage show "A Sentimental Bloke").
14	A motor home converted in 1947 from USAAF C-47 42-108879 (c/n 12638) by Doug Fawcett is still active in the Sydney area. The vehicle was included in an auction of classic cars held in Sydney during February 2002. The vehicle, which is based on a 1940 Chevrolet truck chassis, sold for AU$29,000 to Arthur Schmidt of Mildura, Victoria. The aircraft from which the vehicle is converted made a heavy landing at Bankstown on 13th April 1945 and overshot runway 29 killing the flight engineer. The pilot was 2nd Lt George C. Fitzpatrick.
15	The fuselage of VH-EDC is reported to have been moved inside a hangar at Camden. It has been reported that VH-EDC was "blown up" in the making of the movie "Australia". Can any reader confirm? Although an appearance in the movie "Australia" is still unresolved, it has been established that the wreck of the aircraft was used in the mini series "Pacific". The remains are now owned by Jason Burgess who has moved them to a farm near Swan Hill where he also has the cockpit section of VH-SBO to be joined by VH-AEQ sometime in 2013.
16	VH-AEQ is stored dismantled on Alvin Petersen's property "Xanadu" in the Kamarooka* State Forest near Bendigo, Victoria. The aircraft still carries the remnants of the markings acquired when it was an advertising sign for the Aeroplane Car Company in Brisbane. The aircraft is in poor condition and for sale. (* previously shown incorrectly as Kwambatook) Jason Burgess reports that he acquired VH-AEQ on 13MAY06. The aircraft was previously owned by David Hamilton who bought the "Xanadu" property from Alvin Petersen a few years ago. Jason confirms that the aircraft is dismantled and in poor condition. It will be moved to a farm near Swan Hill where Jason already has the cockpit of VH-SBO. It was reported in JAN13 that VH-AEQ would be moved to the farm near Swan Hill in the near future.
17	VH-MMF was trucked from Camden to Bankstown on 21JUN02 for restoration to airworthiness for Geoff Leach (South Pacific Airmotive). Aircraft was sold at auction for $31K to Ralph Chrystall on 28JUN12. On 28JUL15 the aircraft was registered VH-XUX to Ralph Chrystall. VH-XUX was the next available registration and it has no other significance. Curiously, the serial number used for registration purposes is 42-92709 which is the aircraft's USAAF identity. The aircraft was successfully test flown on 25NOV15. It has been reported that the aircraft will be used to re-enact wartime flights over "The Hump" before being placed on display at the Flying Tiger Heritage Park in Guilin, China. The aircraft departed Bathurst on 15AUG16 for Guilin, China. The aircraft will remain on the Australian register and possibly return to Australia in the future. As of 10MAY16 the Registration Holder is the Flying Tiger Historical Organization Inc of Groveland, California. The Registered Operator remains as Ralph Chrystall of Larras Lee, NSW. The aircraft is owned by Flying Tiger Historical Organization and loaned by them to the Flying Tiger Heritage Park. On 26APR18 the registration VH-XUX was reallocated to a Bell 206B and the DC-3 shows as "exported to China 12JAN17". This aircraft has been moved to the "DELETED" table and the census total adjusted accordingly.
18	C-47A 42-23420 "Pushy Cat" was en route from Batchelor to Archerfield on 9th November 1943 when it broke up in a storm over the Carnarvon Gorge 60 miles south of Springsure with the loss of 4 crew and 15 passengers. Part of the wreckage was subsequently relocated to a site opposite the Lodge at Carnarvon Gorge where it serves as a memorial.
19	PK-GDC was sold to Peter Hanbury of Armadale, W.A. on 23APR03. During May 2003 the aircraft was dismantled and trucked to the property of Jeff Green at Armadale, W.A. It is reported that the owner is intending to convert the aircraft into a studio. The aircraft was moved over the weekend of 01/02SEP12 from Armadale to Amelup (north of Albany) in the Stirling Ranges where it will be restored and act as an attraction outside the Lily Dutch Windmill restaurant/accommodation complex. (Report from Merv Prime). Report on watoday.com.au of 16APR14 that the aeroplane belongs to Pleun and Hennie Hitzert who are converting it to guest accommodation on their property located about 100 kilometres north of Albany in the Stirling Range National Park.
20	C-47 41-18648 "Starduster" disintegrated in flight en route Rockhampton to Archerfield on 21NOV43 while serving with the 21 TCS (MACR 1220). Located 22JUN48. Wreckage still on site.
21	C-47 A65-50 crashed at Mount Cobberos on 24AUG54. Part of the wreck is used as a trampers' hut near Mount Kosciuszco.
22	Doug Hamilton and John Rayner sold DC-3 VH-BAB to Sean O'Sullivan of Wairua, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand on 28JUL03. After the aircraft has been delivered to N.Z. it will be transferred to the N.Z. Census Page. Despite having been sold in the Airworld dispersal to Sean O'Sullivan in New Zealand, the aircraft was never delivered. Sean O'Sullivan has since sold the aeroplane to Mike Spaulding of Mareeba based North Queensland Warbirds who reportedly intend to make the aeroplane flyable. VH-BAB departed Wangaratta by road on 25JAN05, arriving in Mareeba on 30JAN05. The aircraft was sold to David Kingshott of Pacific Dakota Restorations on 24SEP14. The aircraft will be dismantled at Mareeba and trucked to Caboolture for airworthy restoration. The aircraft arrived at Caboolture on 17DEC14 along with the nose section of "VH-BPA" (c/n 12187). SEP15 Update from Ian McDonell. The aircraft is having regular engine runs while fundraising for the rebuild continues. The aircraft is now identified by its former USAAF identity 43-48234. David Kingshott announced during an AHSA podcast on 31JUL20 that the former VH-BAB has been sold to HARS. This brings the HARS DC-3 fleet to five. Although it was originally intended that the aircraft would be flown to HARS at Albion Park, the latest plan is that it will be transported by road from Caboolture to Parkes. The March 2022 edition of the HARS Journal states that the fuselage is still at Caboolture but the wings and other components are at Albion Park. Ultimately the aeroplane will be reassembled and displayed at Parkes. A team from HARS commenced dismantling the aircraft at Caboolture on 11JUL22. The fuselage and wing centre section departed Caboolture on 13JUL22 and arrived at Parkes on 18JUL22. The fuselage and centre section were reattached on the same day and the aircraft raised on its wheels. HARS intend to restore the aeroplane to its military configuration.
23	John Williams has sold VH-BPL to Warwick Allen. The aeroplane has been relocated within Hoxton Park Aerodrome and in early January 2004 it will be transported by road to Orange, NSW where it will be painted in Qantas colours and mounted on a turntable to act as a weathervane. The Orange City Council is assisting the project.
24	Evidently, the deal to relocate VH-BPL to Orange (see Note 23) has fallen through, as it has been announced that the aeroplane has been acquired by the Qantas Founders Outback Museum in Longreach. This aeroplane was formerly VH-EAP and VH-EBY with Qantas, so it will make a fine companion for Boeing 747-238B VH-EBQ. The aeroplane was actually donated to the QFOM by John D. Williams on 20th February 2004. Indications are that the aeroplane will be trucked from Hoxton Park to Longreach. Good result! The aircraft arrived at Longreach by road at last light on 03MAR05. By 06MAR05, both wings and one engine had been fitted and paint stripping begun. The aircraft was painted in Qantas Empire Airways markings as VH-EAP in JUN07.
25	Discovery Air Tours (formerly Dakota National Air) went into administration on 16FEB04 but as of 25JUN04 are still operating with VH-DNA, VH-MIN and VH-SBL. DC-3s VH-BPN, VH-PWN and VH-UPQ are stored at the Australian Aviation Museum at Bankstown. DC-3 P2-001, which was to become VH-DNF, is still stored at Warnervale, NSW where it diverted with engine problems on its delivery flight from Papua New Guinea. Ownership of VH-UPQ (c/n 16552/33300) was transferred to the Australian Aviation Museum at Bankstown on 16FEB09. Given that the AAM already have VH-MMD (c/n 16553/33301) they now have two DC-3s with consecutive constructor's numbers. Six Discovery Air Tours DC-3s are to be sold at auction on 25MAR09. Aircraft listed are: VH-BPN, VH-DNA, VH-DNF, VH-MIN, VH-PWN#2 and VH-SBL. All aircraft were passed in and no sales eventuated. See Issue #47. VH-SBL was noted at Essendon with an engine running on 15JUN09. The aircraft had arrived at Essendon on 24MAR08 for maintenance. The 4 Discovery Air Tours DC-3s which were located at Bankstown have been transported by road to a property at Larras Lee near Molong, NSW. Dates of arrival at Larras Lee are: VH-BPN 25NOV09 (approx) VH-MIN 10DEC09 VH-DNA 17DEC09 VH-PWN 21JAN10 (Departed Bankstown same day) VH-DNF 24FEB10 VH-SBL 11JAN13. After several days of maintenance and ground running, VH-SBL departed Essendon on 06DEC12 for Temora. VH-SBL landed at Larras Lee on 11JAN13 using a newly constructed airstrip which has been named the Peter Welsh Memorial Airfield. The Late Peter Welsh was a well respected farmer who owned the property on which the airstrip is located. Ralph Chrystall advised on 06MAR13 that he has sold c/n 16361/33109 formerly P2-001 and VH-DNF (NTU) to the Butler Air Transport Museum at Tooraweenah, NSW. The aircraft will be moved by road from Larras Lee to Tooraweenah in the near future. Plans to open the Butler Air Transport Museum will not proceed and VH-DNF was advertised for sale in 2014. The aircraft was never transported to Tooraweena. David Salter advised on 12APR15 that he has acquired VH-DNF and that it will be transported from Larras Lee to his property near Walcha as part of his private collection. The aircraft will not be on public display. The fuselage with wing centre section departed Larras Lee by road on 23SEP15 overnighting in Tamworth. The journey to Walcha was completed on 24SEP15. The aeroplane was subsequently reassembled on the Salter property. VH-MIN was transported by road from Larras Lee to Moorabbin in 2016. The airframe has been sectioned and parts displayed in a building occupied by Moose Toys. It was originally intended that VH-BPN would be provided but VH-MIN was substituted because thieves had earlier broken into VH-MIN and removed much of the contents of the cockpit. Following the closure of the Australian Aviation Museum at Bankstown, VH-UPQ and VH-MMD were scrapped in early November 2019. It has been reported that this was in spite of several offers to save the aeroplanes. It is noteworthy that these two aeroplanes had consecutive C/Ns 33300 and 33301. VH-MMD was not scrapped as previously reported. The aircraft was moved to the Whispering Pines Aviation Museum at Barellan, NSW. The museum founder, Robert Walker, has also acquired the name Australian Aviation Museum from the defunct museum at Bankstown. The museum at Barellan was officially opened on 10 April 2021. Although VH-UPQ was broken up at Bankstown in early NOV19 its nose section was sighted at the Whispering Pines Aviation Museum on 28MAR21 but it subsequently went to the Derelict Aircraft Museum. The underside of the port wing fitted to VH-MMD is marked VH-UPQ. It is also understood that the WPAM will be relocating to a new site a few kilometres out of Temora.
26	VH-JGL was struck off the register on 16SEP04 as withdrawn from use. The aircraft had been trucked from Wagga to Tocumwal in 2001 and is displayed statically in RAAF markings. (Source: "Australian Aviation" Dec 2004, p.79) UPDATE 21DEC04 by Gordon Reid: On 18OCT04 the aircraft was trucked from Tocumwal to Mulwala where it is displayed outside the RSL in basic RAAF colours and Dakota Downunder titles but with no serial number or registration. The aircraft is named "Louisa".
27	Previously rumoured to exist in the Bendigo area, the nose section of VH-TAK has surfaced in the collection of the Mitiamo Air Museum at Mitiamo, 85 km north of Bendigo, Victoria. The new museum is operated by Richard Winterburn. The wrecked nose section extends from the forward bulkhead (Station 20) to just aft of the cockpit (Station 86). The collection was relocated to Heathcote, Vic and sometime in 2012 was renamed the Derelict Aircraft Museum. On 06MAY14, David Rasmus advised that he has "just purchased" the nose section of VH-TAK from the Derelict Aircraft Museum and that it is to be restored in Gawler, SA.
28	Parts of KNILM DC-3 PK-AFV which was shot down at Carnot Bay, W.A. on 03MAR42 are displayed by the Broome Historical Society. Parts on display include the rudder, both elevators and an aileron. The centre section, parts of the fuselage and one wing remain on the beach at Carnot Bay, although badly corroded.
29	The wreckage of NEIAF C-47 DT-941 is located on a forrested hill near Mossman, QLD. The aircraft crashed on 07SEP44 killing all 19 on board but the wreckage was not found until JAN89.
30	The wreckage of PK-RDB consists of the aft fuselage and the tail section only. Inspected by Eric Munk in April 2005. Faded paint reveals former identities 5W-FAA and ZK-A--. In August 2009, Andrew Schulze from the AHSNT advised that rear fuselage and tail section are located at the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre. The centre section and both wings are located at the AHSNT workshop. Andrew Schulze advised on 19MAY10 that the wings and centre section of PK-RDB have been scrapped but the rear fuselage and tail section remain at the AAHC. The undercarriage doors from this aircraft are on display at the Queensland Air Museum.
31	VH-SPY was inspected by Eric Munk on 27JUN05 and appears to be parked long term. On 15OCT08 it was noted that fitters were working on the starboard engine and that the 'South Pacific' titles and the double cheatline had been removed. The aircraft was photographed at Cairns Airport in JAN16 with the wings removed. On 06FEB16 the aircraft was sighted on a low-loader being transported to a private property believed to be in the Cairns area. On 16MAR17 the aircraft was sighted stored in the yard of a trucking company at Edmonton south of Cairns. Wings and props are not fitted. It is believed that the aircraft is still owned by Geoff Leach. The aircraft is no longer on the Australian Register as VH-SPY and the American registration N65388 was cancelled by the FAA on 31MAY17. It was reported in DEC18 that the aircraft is no longer located at Edmonton. The aircraft was sighted at Innisfail Aerodrome on 19OCT19 still in a dismantled state.
32	ZK-AMS "Dulcie" departed Christchurch for Kaitaia and Lord Howe Island on 02MAY04. The aircraft arrived in Sydney on 03MAY04 on lease to Pionair Australia Pty Ltd. ZK-AMS entered service with Pionair Australia on 05MAY04. It is expected that the aircraft will be transferred to the Australian Register, at which time the aeroplane will be moved from the NZ Census page to the Australian Census page. In late 2005, ZK-AMS was advertised for sale at NZ$550,000. The aircraft is expected to be replaced on its Australian tour operation by a Convair 580. It is reported that the aircraft has been sold to an operator in Perth, Western Australia for use on tourist flights. ZK-AMS was removed from the NZ Register on 03MAR06. The aircraft was registered VH-CWS to Classic Wings Pty. Ltd. of Midland, WA on 14MAR06. VH-CWS departed Bankstown on 25AUG06 and arrived at Jandakot, W.A. at 1345 local on 28AUG06. It is reported that Classic Wings suspended all operations on 21FEB07. On 23AUG08 David Gray, Managing Director of Classic Wings advised: "We’ve finally been given the approval for our Air Operators Certificate, and will start flying CWS commercially again from late September." David Gray, Managing Director of Classic Wings advised that their AOC was issued at the first attempt on 09SEP08. The Classic Wings website advises that their last day of operations will be 10JAN09 and that VH-CWS will be available for sale after this date. Classic Wings operated their last flight on 10JAN09. On 12JAN09 the Registration Holder/Operator changed to Westpac Banking Corporation, Concord West, NSW. VH-CWS departed Jandakot on 01JUN09 for Maitland, NSW where it will be auctioned on 23JUL09. The routing of the delivery flight was: 01JUN09 Jandakot-Kalgoorlie-Forrest 02JUN09 Forrest-Ceduna-Port Augusta 03JUN09 Port Augusta-Broken Hill-Parkes 11JUN09 Parkes-Maitland As of 17MAY10 the Registration Holder and Registered Operator is Slattery Auctions Australia Pty Ltd of Hexham, NSW. As of 24JUN10 the aircraft was registered to Peter Christoudias / JNP Enterprises Pty Ltd trading as Broome Air Services in Broome, WA. As of October 2012 the aircraft is advertised for sale. Advice was received on 22JAN16 that the aircraft has been dismantled for shipping to a military museum in Masan, South Korea. The fuselage of the aircraft was photographed on a dock in South Korea on or about 12APR16. The aircraft is displayed outdoors at The Independence Hall of Korea at Cheonan with the tail number 451123. The details of this aircraft have been retained in a new section headed DELETED. This aircraft is no longer included in the census.
33	DC-3TP ZS-OJJ (16213/32961) arrived at Camden, NSW from South Africa on 05OCT06 and at the time of writing (FEB07) is based at Goulburn, NSW. The aircraft is a turbo-prop conversion. Its ownership and intended purpose are unknown. The aircraft was still parked at Goulburn in December 2008. On 30MAR09 the aircraft flew from Goulburn to Brisbane where it overnighted and returned to Goulburn on 01APR09. The aircraft again flew from Goulburn to Brisbane on 04APR09 but departed for Honiara, Solomon Islands on 05APR09, reportedly on return to its owners, Dodson Aviation in the US. ZS-OJJ was noted at the Dodson Aviation hangar at Ottawa, Kansas in May 2009. Previous identities for this aircraft are: 44-76629 KN483 6881 ZS-DIV VP-YSN A2-ZEN ZS-DIV A2-ZEN N8194Q 6855
34	In October 2006, the underwater wreckage of RAAF C-47B-35-DK A65-115 was discovered in Darwin Harbour approximately 5 km off East Point. The aircraft ditched with the starboard engine on fire on 05SEP46. All 5 crew were rescued although only one escaped injury. The wreckage has been placed on the Northern Territory Heritage Register and is thus protected by legislation.
35	VH-TMQ which was previously owned by Bob Fisher trading as Air Nostalgia has been sold at auction to Australasian Jet Pty Ltd of Essendon who became the registered operator as of 28MAY09. The registration holder is shown as Gooney Bird Pty Ltd of the same address. On 28NOV21 the registration holder changed to Outback Aero Pty Ltd of Cootamundra with the operator showing as Southern Cross Air Tours Pty Ltd. Owner is reported as Phil Hines.
36	VH-ABR flew again on 14AUG17 after a lengthy restoration sponsored by Paul Little.
37	It was reported in the media on 08FEB18 that the former VH-NVD (16131/32879) will be trucked from Nowra to Amberley to join the Aviation Heritage Centre where it is due to arrive in the early hours of 12FEB18. It is expected that the aeroplane will be displayed as A65-86. Status changed from N to P although the aircraft is still on the register at the time of writing. On 12DEC18 the aircraft was unveiled at the Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre repainted in wartime camouflage as A65-86 and with the callsign VH-RFC. The aircraft is still registered VH-NVD to the RAN Fleet Air Arm Historic Flight.
38	The former VH-NVZ (16135/32883) was deregistered on 30JAN15. Status changed from N to P. The aircraft was trucked from Nowra to HARS, Albion Park on 12JUL20.
39	N2-43 (12542) is fitted with a lengthened radar nose.
40	An unidentied nose section was advertised for sale on Queensland's Sunshine Coast in December 2019. The fuselage retains the astrodome mount which suggests that it is ex military. Apparently another aborted caravan conversion, the fuselage has been cut at approximately Station 234.5. It is in extremely poor condition.
41	C-47 DT-966, callsign VHRET, operated by No. 19 (NEI) Squadron RAAF crashed into the sea off North Stradbroke Island on 26FEB47 with the loss of the six persons on board. The C/N of the aircraft is unknown.
42	C-47 N2271C (13864/25309) was imported from Thailand in 1993 with the intention of operating ad hoc services for backpackers under the name Up Over Down Under (UODU). The aircraft never entered service and plans to import an additional two DC-3s from the same source were abandoned because of the poor condition of the first aircraft. N2271C was subsequently donated to the RAAF Aviation Heritage Centre at Amberley. The aircraft was broken up at Amberley on 16SEP20 because of extensive exfoliation corrosion. The nose section was gifted to the Maryborough Military Aviation Museum (Qld) and the rear fuselage incorporating the double doors was gifted to the Queensland Air Museum.
43	C-47 A65-73 (15923/ 32671) was acquired from the Sid Beck collection by the Far North Queensland Aviation Museum, Mareeba around October 2020.

INDEX

Note: This index lists only the most recent identity or that currently appearing on the aeroplane. Registrations in inverted commas are fictitious markings used for display purposes. It should be noted that many of the aircraft no longer appear on the Australian Civil Register and that their registrations may have been reallocated to other aircraft. The Constructor's Numbers in the following table are linked to the relevant entry in the census table above.

REGN	C/N	REGN	C/N	REGN	C/N
A65-24	11974	VH-AEQ	6024	VH-EDD	25367
A65-50	13082	VH-AES	6021	VH-EWE	6007
A65-71	27131	VH-AGU	32668	"VH-EWE"	13084
A65-73	32671	VH-ANH	4120	VH-JGL	26640
A65-75	32667	VH-ANN	3272	VH-JXD	33297
A65-78	32677	VH-ANR	1944	VH-MIN	13459
A65-104	33295	VH-ANW	13624	VH-MMA	9593
A65-111	33304	VH-BAA	13084	VH-MMD	33301
A65-114	33460	VH-BAB	25495	VH-MMF	12540
A65-115	33464	"VH-BPA"	12187	VH-NVD	32879
A65-124	34220	VH-BPL	12873	VH-OVM	33102
DT-941	12880	VH-BPN	32945	VH-PWN #1	9286
DT-966	DT-966	VHCFM	9282	VH-PWN #2	26001
KN374	32745	VHCGS	6009	VH-SBL	12056
N2-23	11973	VH-CWS	9286	VH-SBO	6108
N2-43	12542	VHCXD	1941	VH-SPY	33113
N2-90	32883	"VHDAK"	13210	VH-TAK	13338
N2271C	25309	VH-DAS	6051	VH-TMQ	32884
PK-AFV	1965	VH-DNA	27130	VH-UPQ	33300
PK-GDC	20041	"VH-DNF"	33109	VH-XUX	12540
PK-RDB	32895	VH-EAE	33096	ZS-OJJ	Note 33
P2-001	33109	VH-EAF	33106	41-20066	4836
P2-003	26638	VH-EAP	12873	42-23420	9282
VH-ABR	2029	VH-EDC	12874	42-108879	12638

AUSTRALIA

DELETED

The Global Picture - A Worldwide DC-3 Census by Coert Munk