Photo Update

MSN 880 - DHC-6-400  C-GVVA
Viking Air Ltd. (MAS wings)
Victoria, BC 28-Jun-2013
Tim Martin Photo

Photo Update

As mentioned in previous blog entries, MSN 045 has recently been acquired by Ikhana Group and it is pictured below earlier this month at Murietta-French Valley. Thanks to Temecula180 for the photo contribution.

 

MSN 045 - DHC-6-100 N920R
Ikhana Group Inc.
Murrieta-French Valley, CA Jun-2013
Temecula180 Photo

 

Aircraft Movements

52 - DHC-6-100 N52FW Kapowsin Air Sports, Shelton, WA

Updating yesterday's item on the Kapowsin Twin Otter, Springbank was actually not the final destination. The aircraft continued on to the Skydive Eden North facility in Stony Plain, AB for the Provincial Skydiving Championships being held 29-Jun to 01-Jul-2013.

 

27-Jun-2013

 

• Shelton-Sanderson Field, WA (KSHN/SHN) - Springbank, AB (CYBW/YBW)
• Springbank, AB (CYBW/YBW) - Eden North Skydiving Airfield, AB (?)

 

MSN 52 - DHC-6-100 N52FW
Kapowsin Air Sports
Eden North Skydiving Airfield, AB 28-Jun-2013
Eden North Photo

 

119 - DHC-6-100 N323SJ Twin O Inc., Wilmington DE

 

Once again updating an item from yesterday - N323SJ is continuing on its way northwest today through Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming and ending up at Bozeman, MT.

 

28-Jun-2013

 

• Memphis-Gen. Spain, TN (M01) - Iola, KS (K88)
•  Iola, KS (K88) - North Platte, NE (KLBF/LBF)
• North Platte, NE (KLBF/LBF) - Torrington, WY (KTOR/TOR)
• Torrington, WY (KTOR/TOR) - Bozeman-Gallatin, MT (KBZN/BZN)

 

 

Photo Update

Hevilift's P2-KSI flew Mount Hagen-Cairns yesterday, and is seen below on arrival.



MSN 706 - DHC-6-300 PS-KSI
Hevilift
Cairns, QLD 28-Jun-2013
AndrewB/FNQ Skies Photo

Aircraft Movements

52 - DHC-6-100 N52FW Kapowsin Air Sports, Shelton, WA

27-Jun-2013

• Shelton-Sanderson Field, WA (KSHN/SHN) - Springbank, AB (CYBW/YBW)

N52FW has departed from its base in Shelton to Springbank, AB - likely to enter the Rocky Mountain Aircraft facility. The aircraft last visited Springbank from the 1st to the 15th of February 2013.

Aircraft Movements

119 - DHC-6-100 N323SJ Twin O Inc., Wilmington, DE

26-Jun-2013

• North Palm Beach-County, FL (F45) - New Smyrna Beach-Massey Ranch, FL (X50)
• New Smyrna Beach-Massey Ranch, FL (X50) - Hampton-Clayton County, GA (4A7)
• Hampton-Clayton County, GA (4A7) - Memphis-Gen. Spain, TN (M01)

The privately owned N323SJ is currently heading in a general northwesterly direction from its home in Palm Beach, FL


MSN 119 - DHC-6-100 N323SJ
Twin O Inc.
Altenrhein-Saint Gallen, Switzerland 20-Sep-2012
Tino Dietsche Photo

Aircraft Movements & Photo Update

355 - DHC-6-300 C-FCSW Ashe Aircraft Enterprises, Calgary, AB

Following overhaul by Rocky Mountain aircraft in Springbank, C-FCSW is now positioning down to Mena, AR for painting. The routing needs to be confirmed, however it would appear that it flew:

25-Jun-2013

• Springbank, AB (CYBW/YBW) - Casper, WY (KCPR/CPR)
• Casper, WY (KCPR) - Sterling, CO (KSTK/STK)
• Sterling, CO (KSTK/STK) - Mena, AR (KMEZ/MEZ)

358 - DHC-6-300 PJ-WIL Winair, Saint Maarten

PJ-WIL was noted on the Landmark Aviation ramp at Calgary, AB on 21-Jun-2013 as noted in the photo below from Dave Subelack



MSN 358 - DHC-6-300 PJ-WIL
Winair
Calgary, AB - 21-Jun-2013
Dave Subelack Photo

Photo Update

A couple of contributed photos of one of the oldest active Twin Otters (at the time), SN 009 which was delivered to Air Caledonie in 1968 before moving to Fiji in 1990. This aircraft was registered to Ikhana Group in California in Aug-2012.

MSN 009 - DHC-6-100 DQ-FEZ
Sun Air
Malololailai, Fiji 13-Sep-2006
M. Condon Photo

MSN 009 - DHC-6-100 DQ-FEZ
Pacific Sun
Malololailai, Fiji 29-May-2009
M. Condon Photo

MSN 009 - DHC-6-100 DQ-FEZ
Pacific Sun
Malololailai, Fiji 29-May-2009
M. Condon Photo

Aircraft Movements

45 - DHC-6-100 N920R Bank of Utah Trustee/Gravitas Aviation, Vancouver, BC

Following up on the blog entry for 17-Jun-2013 the official sale date from Bank of Utah Trustee to Ikhana Group Inc. was 14-Jun-2013.

Photo Update

With thanks to Skydiving Stills a great shot of DHC-6-100 MSN 66, N166DH approaching Ellington, CT.

66 - DHC-6-100 N166DH
Sussex Skydive LLC
Ellington, CT 15-Jun-2013
Skydiving Stills.com Photo



A nice shot of Alkan Air's DHC-6-300 C-FCPV at Whitehorse, with thanks to Henry Tenby.

MSN 371 - DHC-6-300 C-FCPV
Alkan Air Ltd.
Whitehorse, YT 07-Jun-2013
Henry Tenby Photo

Aircraft Movements

402 - DHC-6-300 C-FHKB Kenn Borek Air, Calgary, AB

23-Jun-2013

• Luxor-Int'l., Egypt (HELX/LXR) - Nis, Serbia (LYNI/INI)

826 - DHC-6-300 N826X Transport Services LLC, Birmingham, AL

23-Jun-2013

• Fort Lauderdale-Int'l. (KFLL/FLL) - Montego Bay-Sangster, Jamaica (MKJS/MBJ)

Aircraft Movements

826 - DHC-6-300 N826X Transport Services LLC, Birmingham, AL

It looks like N826X is ready to exit its check at ASI at West Georgia Regional and position back down to base in Colombia. As noted in the blog entry for the same day, the aircraft had arrived at ASI on 27-May-2013

22-Jun-2013

• West Georgia Regional (KCTJ/CTJ) - Fort Lauderdale-Int'l., FL (KFLL/FLL)

MSN 826 - DHC-6-300 N826X Transport Services LLC (Drummond Company Inc.)
Cartagena, Colombia 22-Mar-2013
Andres Ramirez Photo

Aircraft Movements

272 - DHC-6-300 C-GBEB Province of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB

C-GBEB has departed the Straube's Aircraft Services facility in Ogden, UT following it's repaint. The aircraft had arrived there in May 2013.
 

MSN 272 - DHC-6-300 C-GBEB
Province of Manitoba
Ogden, UT 18-Jun-2013
Straube's Aircraft Services Photo

 

Currently I'm just trying to determine the routing after departure from Ogden; it was flight planned for Salt Lake City to Great Falls on the 18th, and I can see it departing northbound out of Great Falls. It was picked up on ADS-B in the vicinity of Calgary at about 19:45 on the 18th, but I don't know whether it cleared Customs in YYC before proceeding to YBW.

Thanks to the folks at Straube's in Ogden for the photo above.

Photo Update

The Barrick DHC-6-300 from their Peruvian operation was noted in Calgary yesterday, and then continued on to Rocky Mountain Aircraft in Springbank.



MSN 701 - DHC-6-300 OB-1704
Minera Barrick Misquichilca S.A.
Calgary, AB - 19-Jun-2013
yyce3 Photo

MSN 701 - DHC-6-300 OB-1704
Minera Barrick Misquichilca S.A.
Calgary, AB - 19-Jun-2013
Dave Subelack Photo

MSN 871 C-FMJO was now been placed on amphibious floats perhaps signalling that a delivery is perhaps getting closer. C-FMJO is the third of three undisclosed customer orders, and the only one currently remaining in Victoria.

MSN 871 - DHC-6-400 C-FMJO
Viking Air Ltd.
Victoria, BC 19-Jun-2013
Tim Martin Photo

A great action shot of MSN 872 C-GVTU from Mayne Island, BC with thanks to Daniel Nicholson. C-GVTU is busy daily completing the training of the first group of Vietnam Navy personnel.



MSN 872 - DHC-6-400 C-GVTU
Pacific Sky Aviation (Hải Quân Việt Nam)
Off Mayne Island, BC - 18-May-2013
Daniel Nicholson Photo
 

Tim had an opportunity to catch MSN 878 in better conditions on the 18th, and is seen below taxiing at Victoria. He was also able to identify the covered marks as 2270 for the UAE A.F.

MSN 878 - DHC-6-400 C-FGAL
Viking Air Ltd. (Global Aerospace Logistics/UAE AF)
Victoria, BC 18-Jun-2013
Tim Martin Photo

Viking Series 400 Sales Announcement

Aerostar Leasing Secures Four Viking Series 400 Twin Otters
 

Paris, France, June 18th, 2013:

 

Viking Air Limited of Victoria, BC, Canada and Aerostar Leasing Group, have this week signed an agreement for four (4) DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 for commercial operations in Asia. Aerostar is a new customer for the Twin Otter Series 400, and are scheduled to receive their aircraft in 2015.

 

“We are pleased to welcome another customer to the growing Twin Otter Series 400 family, and trust Aerostar Leasing will be as satisfied with their new aircraft as our repeat customers are,” commented David Curtis, Viking president & CEO. He added, “Aerostar is well versed in the aviation industry, so we are confident that they will be successful incorporating the new Series 400 Twin Otters into their operations.”

 

With Twin Otter Series 400 in operation in 16 countries and a backlog exceeding $400M, the Series 400 is now confirmed as the best-selling next generation turbo-prop aircraft in its class. Viking provides OEM support for the worldwide fleet of de Havilland legacy aircraft (DHC-1 through DHC-7) and forms part of Westerkirk Capital Inc, a Canadian private investment firm with substantial holdings in the hospitality, aviation, and real estate sectors.

 

 

Viking Series 400 Sales Announcement

 

 

 Vityaz Avia Signs Seven Aircraft Deal for Viking Twin Otter Series 400

 

Russian Market Expands in Advance of Moscow Air Show

Paris, France, June 19th, 2013:

 

 

 

Viking Air Limited of Victoria, BC, Canada and Vityaz Avia Corporation, of Moscow, Russia, have signed an agreement for an additional seven (7) DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 for operation in Russia. The multi-aircraft deal brings the Vityaz aircraft order total to eleven, making Vityaz Viking’s largest single non-military customer to date.

The seven new Series 400 Twin Otters are scheduled for delivery through 2015, and will be utilized as utility aircraft to support remote communities throughout the northern regions of Russia. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in time for the MAKS International Air Show in Moscow in August, where the aircraft will be available for the first time on static display for viewing by the Russian aviation industry.

 

The Series 400 Twin Otters will feature as standard equipment a fully IFR Honeywell Primus Apex digital avionics suite, complete with two primary and one secondary GPS backed navigation system, Flight Management System, TAWS, TCAS I, and EGPWS. In addition, the aircraft will be configured with a variety of landing gear options, including wheels, amphibious floats, wheel/skis, and intermediate flotation gear (IFG). Airframe de-ice and other buyer selected options to be announced at a later date.

 

David Curtis, Viking president & CEO, announced the deal at the Western Canada Reception during the Paris International Air Show. He commented, “We believe the Series 400 Twin Otter aircraft is ideally suited for the harsh operating environments in Russia, and have been working with Vityaz since 2010 to develop the Russian market potential.” He added, “We are pleased to see with this new order that the demand for the aircraft is strong and proving that our initial business case was valid.”

 

Viking received Russian Interstate Aviation Committee (IACAR) Type Certification in July, 2012 in conjunction with the delivery of the first two Russian aircraft in October, 2012. These aircraft marked the first Twin Otters in history to be delivered to Russia.

 

With Twin Otter Series 400 in operation in 16 countries and a backlog exceeding $400M, the Series 400 is now confirmed as the best-selling next generation turbo-prop aircraft in its class. Viking provides OEM support for the worldwide fleet of de Havilland legacy aircraft (DHC-1 through DHC-7) and forms part of Westerkirk Capital Inc, a Canadian private investment firm with substantial holdings in the hospitality, aviation, and real estate sectors.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Update

Win Win's DHC-6-200 N223AL (MSN 223) is once again operating in Canada this summer for Parachutisme NouvelAir, and is seen below at Farnham, QC a couple days ago.

MSN 223 - DHC-6-200 N223AL
Win Win Aviation Inc.
Farnham, QC - 15-Jun-2013
Pierre Gillard Photo

Viking Series 400 News

Viking Nears Completion of Vietnam Navy Group “A” Guardian 400 Flight & Maintenance Training Program

Paris, France, June 18th, 2013:

 

 

Viking Air Limited and affiliate Pacific Sky Aviation Inc. of Victoria, BC, Canada confirm flight training is nearing completion for the first contingent of Vietnam Navy pilot delegates as part of the Viking Guardian 400 multi-aircraft purchase contract announced in May 2010. The pilot trainees have traveled from Vietnam to Canada to receive English language, flight and technical training over the past twenty (20) months, and will be officially graduating from the program in early July.

 

The unique flight and maintenance training program provided by Viking’s sister organization, Pacific Sky Aviation, encompassed English Second Language (ESL), ab-initio, private and commercial pilot licensing, multi-engine, night, and amphibious float training. Other partners on the program included Camosun College (Victoria, BC) and FlightSafety International (Toronto, Ontario).

 

The Guardian 400 aircraft training was carried out on the Navy’s new aircraft over the course of four months, clocking approximately 500 flight hours and 350 cycles on runway, soft field, and water based operations, instructed by established Twin Otter pilots with over 15,000 hours of combined experience on the type.

 

The maintenance portion of the program included six (6) weeks of mechanical training for the technicians who will be responsible for maintaining the aircraft at the Navy’s base of operations in Vietnam. Further support will be provided by Viking Series 400 Twin Otter pilot and Field Service Representatives based in Vietnam to support the aircraft as they enter into service and to assist in developing on-going operational procedures.

“This program has been specially tailored to the requirements of the Vietnam Navy, and is quite unlike any other training program in the world,” commented Michael Coughlin, CEO at Pacific Sky Aviation. He clarified, “A significant amount of the Twin Otter training focused on seaplane operations with the students completing over 2100 landings on lakes and the rugged coastline of British Columbia; this will be instrumental to their success in operating the aircraft for maritime patrol operations in Vietnam.”

The Vietnam multi-aircraft purchase announced in May 2010 stages the Viking Twin Otter Series 400 as the first Western-based manufactured aircraft purchased by Vietnam’s Ministry of Defense, and the first ever fixed wing aircraft initiated by the Vietnamese Navy. The contract includes six new Guardian 400 Twin Otters to be utilized for transport, resupply, maritime surveillance and search and rescue operations throughout Vietnam’s coastal regions. The aircraft are being delivered in a variety of configurations, equipped for both land-based and amphibious operations with convertible interiors including VIP, commuter, and utility layouts.

Pacific Sky is a Transport Canada approved Flight Training Unit providing flight and maintenance training in support of the Viking Twin Otter Series 400 program, including engineering and production tests, ferry flights, and specialized training.

With Twin Otter Series 400 in operation in 16 countries and a backlog exceeding $400M, the Series 400 is now confirmed as the best-selling next generation turbo-prop aircraft in its class. Viking provides OEM support for the worldwide fleet of de Havilland legacy aircraft (DHC-1 through DHC-7) and forms part of Westerkirk Capital Inc, a Canadian private investment firm with substantial holdings in the hospitality, aviation, and real estate sectors.

Tim Martin Photo

 

Tim Martin Photo

Aircraft Movements

45 - DHC-6-100 N920R Bank of Utah Trustee/Gravitas Aviation, Vancouver, BC

As noted in the blog entry for 27-May-2013, N920R flew Houston-Southwest, TX - El Paso, TX - Murietta-French Valley, CA that same day. This was actually the delivery flight following its sale by Gravitas to Ikhana Group Inc. It currently remains registered to Bank of Utah Trustee, Salt Lake City, UT.

Viking Series 400 News

Viking Completes US Army Contract with Third Guardian 400 Delivery

 
Golden Knights Parachute Demonstration Team Accepts Final Aircraft
 
Paris, France, June 17th
 

Viking Air Limited of Victoria, BC, Canada is delivering this week the third Twin Otter Guardian 400 aircraft to the US Army Golden Knights Parachute Demonstration Team, completing the multi-aircraft purchase contract.  The US Army Golden Knights were an initial launch customer for the Twin Otter Series 400 program, signing the purchase contract for three aircraft in February, 2008.

 

The US Army Series 400 Twin Otters are configured with special mission equipment specific to the Golden Knights parachute jumping requirements, including air-operable roll up door, external jump step and hand holds, wall mounted bench seating, and crew relief station.  All three aircraft operate under the Twin Otter Guardian 400 military variant increased gross weight allowance of 14,000lbs.

 

The first US Army Series 400 Twin Otter was delivered in September 2012, shortly after receipt of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Certification in June, 2012, making them the first US-based operator of the Series 400 Twin Otter.  The Golden Knights have been operating the first two aircraft received under the contract out of their base in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where the third aircraft will be joining them shortly.

 

Viking executive vice president, Dan Tharp, will be attending the handover of the third aircraft at a small delivery event this week in Murrieta, California, where the Golden Knights and US Army Fixed Wing Project Office delegates will be conducting the final acceptance inspection.  

 

“The US Army has been a dedicated Twin Otter Series 400 customer from the outset of the program, signing on as an initial launch customer and working with Viking as an integral member of the Series 400 steering committee,” stated Dan Tharp, Viking executive vice president in charge of operations.  He continued, “Viking greatly appreciates the relationship we have developed with the US Army over the past five years, and we hope to collaborate on future projects where the Twin Otter Series 400 is suitable candidate for their requirements.”

 

With Twin Otter Series 400 in operation in 16 countries and a backlog exceeding $400M, the Series 400 is now confirmed as the best-selling next generation turbo-prop aircraft in its  class.  Viking provides OEM support for the worldwide fleet of de Havilland legacy aircraft (DHC-1 through DHC-7) and forms part of Westerkirk Capital Inc, a Canadian private  investment firm with substantial holdings in the hospitality, aviation, and real estate sectors.

Aircraft Movements

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

15-Jun-2013

• Calgary, AB (CYYC-YYC) - Spokane, WA (KGEG-GEG)

As suggested was imminent yesterday, MSN 880 C-GVVA has now positioned down to the paint facility in Spokane.

Aircraft Movements & Photo Update

643 - DHC-6-300 HB-LQV Zimex Aviation, Glattbrugg

14-Jun-2013

• Mahon, Menorca, Baleares (LEMH/MAH) - Basel, Switzerland (LFSB/BSL)

Series 400 MSN 880 C-GVVA is seen below taxiing at Calgary, AB on 12-Jun-2013. As of yesterday at least, this aircraft remains in Calgary but is expected to head for painting in Spokane soon.

MSN 880 - DHC-6-400 C-GVVA
Viking Air Ltd.
Calgary, AB 12-Jun-2013
yyce3 Photo

Continuing with some more historical type photographs today:

MSN 228 - DHC-6-200 C-FPAE
West Coast Air
Vancouver, BC Jul-1980
Gary Vincent Photo
 

MSN 282 - DHC-6-300 J6-SLG
Winlink Saint Lucia
Miami-International, FL - Aug-1983
DDM Photo

MSN 343 - DHC-6-300 N86LU
Lake Union Air
Vancouver, BC
E.J. Kimberley Photo

MSN 348 - DHC-6-300 CF-GOG
Gulf Oil Canada
Edmonton-Municipal, AB Mar-1978
E.J. Kimberley Photo

MSN 559 - DHC-6-300 N63RA
Coral Air
San Juan, PR Oct-1983
Photographer Unknown



MSN 634 - DHC-6-300 HK-2445
Aerolineas Centrales de Colombia S.A.
Medellin, Apr-1984
Photographer Unknown

Photo Update

Some photographs from my collection which are being prepared for Twin Otter Archive later this year. Credits to original photographer are listed when known.

MSN 69 - DHC-6-100 N2714R
Alaska Aeronautical Industries
Anchorage, AK Jun-1979
E.J. Kimberley Photo

MSN 78 - DHC-6-100 C-FAKM
Airwest Airlines
Vancouver, BC Sep-1978
Photographer Unknown

MSN 343 - DHC-6-300 C-FWAG
Methow Aviation
Feb 1985
Bob Garrard Photo

MSN 372 - DHC-6-300 N24RM
Rocky Mountain Airways
Calgary, AB - Jul-1979
Photographer Unknown

MSN 525 - DHC-6-300 G-BEJP
Loganair
Aberdeen, Scotland - May-1981
Photographer Unknown

MSN 617 - DHC-6-300 G-BGMC
Jersey European Airways
Jersey - Oct-1985
Chris Mak Photo

MSN 707 - DHC-6-300 VH-USW
SkyWest Airlines
Perth, WA - Nov-1984
R.N. Smith Photo

MSN 732 - DHC-6-300 G-BIEM
Loganair
Newcastle, UK - 06-Jul-1982
Photographer Unknown

MSN 751 - DHC-6-300 N710PV
Aloha IslandAir
Kapalua, Maui
Peter Miche Photo

MSN 791 - DHC-6-300 9M-MDJ
Malaysian Airlines
Shoreham, UK - 06-Mar-1982
Fred Knight Photo

If you are the photographer of any listed as unknown, please be in contact so the photograph can be credited accordingly.

Aircraft Movements

643 - DHC-6-300 HB-LQV Zimex Aviation, Glattbrugg

13-Jun-2013

• Hassi Messaoud, Algeria (DAUH-HME) - Mahon, Menorca, Baleares (LEMH-MAH)

Photo Update

The Province of Manitoba's new Twin Otter MSN 272 C-GBEB was flown down to the Straube's Aircraft Services facility in Ogden, UT for painting. Although the aircraft was not completed as yet, they have posted some preliminary pictures as can be seen below. Appears that C-GBEB will be a smart looking aircraft upon completion.

 

 

 

Tim Martin managed to improve on his previous shot of the Regent Airways Series 400 after its transition to amphibs.

 

MSN 874 - DHC-6-400 C-GLVA Viking Air Ltd. (Regent Airways/Chevron Bangladesh)
Victoria, BC 10-Jun-2013
Tim Martin Photo

 

Photo Update

With thanks to Tim Martin a photo of Series 400 MSN 879 C-GUVA which arrived in Victoria late this afternoon.

MSN 879 - DHC-6-400 C-GUVA
Viking Air Ltd. (Fuerza Aérea del Peru)
Victoria, BC 08-Jun-2013
Tim Martin Photo

Aircraft Movements

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

08-Jun-2013

• Spokane, WA (KGEG/GEG) - Victoria, BC (CYYJ/YYJ)

C-GUVA has filed for its positioning flight from the paint shop to Victoria, with a planned arrival of 16:50 local time. It entered the paint shop on 28-May-2013.

For Sale

1980 Twin Otter Series 300 by C & S Enterprises (Canada)

SN: 675
Total Time Airframe: 33,718.8
Total Cycles: 78, 070

Full Specifications and Price click the logo below or contact:

 

129 Main St E.

Hawkesbury, ON

CAN K6A 1A2

Phone: (613) 632-0123
Fax: (613) 632-9027