Twin Otter Update for 30-Nov-2016

The following pages have been updated:

• Viking Series 400 Production
• DHC-6 Operators Africa/Middle East
• DHC-6 Operators Canada
• DHC-6 Operators Indian Ocean
• DHC-6 Operators USA

AeroGeo and SKOL to operate Rosneft’s Twin Otters

Courtesy of: Russian Aviation Insider

Russian oil company Rosneft will split its order for DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft between two local operators. Five out of 10 aircraft purchased by RN-Aircraft, Rosneft’s aviation division, will be operated by SKOL, a private operator registered in Surgut. It has an affiliate office in Krasnoyarsk, where the aircraft are based. The remaining five aircraft will be operated by Krasnoyarsk-based AeroGeo, which was responsible for the acceptance and ferrying of the aircraft.

In mid-October AeroGeo delivered to Krasnoyarsk the eighth of the ten aircraft ordered by Rosneft in August 2015.

At the moment Rosneft is transferring three DHC-6s to SKOL. Later on, when the final two aircraft of the batch reach Russia, they will also be added to SKOL’s fleet. All of these aircraft will be based on Cheremshanka airport, 2 km from Krasnoyarsk’s main airport Yemelyanovo.

SKOL was one of the candidates to perform the aircraft acceptance procedures, however AeroGeo’s offer was more competitive and won RN-Aircraft’s tender.

“We’ve got the flight crews and the technicians in place to start operating the aircraft. At the moment we are initiating procedures for registering the new type with our Air Operator Certificate. So we are gearing up to start operations and count on the launch before the end of the year,” the SKOL representative told Russian Aviation Insider.

According to Federal Air Transport Agency, SKOL currently operates Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3, Mi-171, Mi-8Т/АМТ, Mi-26Т helicopters and Cessna 208B Grand Caravan and YaK-40 airplanes.

The remaining five DHC-6 aircraft will be operated by AeroGeo from its base in Krasnoyarsk-Severny airport. Just one DHC-6 is currently registered in the operator’s AOC. “Rosneft hasn’t yet come up with the idea how to use this aircraft, and AeroGeo is not authorized to use it in third party interests without coordinating it with the owner. So the aircraft is just basically sitting there,” an industry source told Russian Aviation Insider. No comment was available from the operator.

SKOL is to become the fourth operator of Twin Otters, after AeroGeo (May 2016), Aurora (2014) and ChukotAvia (end of 2012).

382 - DHC-6-300 8Q-IAH Island Aviation Services, Male (Maldivian)

Officially imported to Canada 29-Nov-2016. Aircraft was returned to Calgary on 10-Nov-2016 after lease.

447 - DHC-6-300 8Q-IAF Island Aviation Services, Male (Maldivian)

Updating entry for 26-Nov-2016; flew Hurghada - Nis - Wick - Keflavík - Iqaluit, NU 27/30-Nov-2016 as it continues toward Calgary on return to Kenn Borek Air.

533 - DHC-6-300 C-FAKB Kenn Borek Air Ltd., Calgary, AB

Registered 29-Nov-2016, ex PJ-WIJ. Aircraft had arrived back in Calgary on 13-May-2016, and was officially imported on 31-Oct-2016.


687 - DHC-6-300 C-FMQX Ashe Aircraft Enterprises Ltd., Calgary, AB

Flight planned for Springbank, AB - Calgary-Int'l, AB 30-Nov-2016. C-FMQX is the former XC-DIO which was acquired by Gravitas Aviation in 2015, and subsequently sold to Rocky Mountain Aircraft. It arrived in Springbank in Oct-2015.

Twin Otter Update for 26-Nov-2016

447 - DHC-6-300 8Q-IAF Island Aviation Services, Male (Maldivian)

Flew Male - Al Ain - Hurghada  24/26-Nov-2016 returning to Canada after lease. The aircraft had been operating in the Maldives since 09-Dec-2014, and is seen below upon its arrival there. As with the delivery flight in 2014, the return is being flown by World Wide Ferry.

MSN 447 - DHC-6-300 C-GKBQ
Island Aviation Services/Maldivian
Male, Maldives 09-Dec-2014
Bas Sam Photo

Maps generated by the Great Circle Mapper - copyright © Karl L. Swartz.

Twin Otter Update for 23-Nov-2016

A couple naked Twin Otters noted in Gander, yesterday. Both have been available for sale, C-GLAI with 63,205 hrs TTAF, and C-FGON with 62, 101 hrs TTAF. 

MSN 296 - DHC-6-300 C-GLAI
Air Labrador
Gander, NL 22-Nov-2016
Garry Donovan Photo

MSN 369 - DHC-6-300 C-FGON
Air Labrador
Gander, NL 22-Nov-2016
Garry Donovan Photo

71 - DHC-6-100 C-GGLE 3119378 Canada Inc., Fort Simpson, NT

Departed Pitt Meadows, BC 18-Nov-2016 bound for Fort Simpson, NT. The aircraft had been in Pitt Meadows since 12-Oct-2016 for removal of the floats.

320 - DHC-6-300 N322AV Wells Fargo Bank NW Trustee, Salt Lake City, UT (Avmax Aircraft Leasing)

Flew Great Falls, MT - Sheridan, WY - Lamar, TX - San Marcos, TX 18/19-Nov-2016, presumably on delivery to Berry Aviation Inc. where it would join MSN 521 N418AV.

949 - DHC-6-400 C-GVFP Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Updating entry for 10-Nov-2016, flew Spokane, WA - Victoria, BC as VKN949 10-Nov-2016 after painting. The aircraft is seen below on arrival in Victoria, with thanks to Tim Martin (who notes as well that the emergency placards on the exterior are in Spanish).

MSN 949 - DHC-6-400 C-GVFP
Viking Air
Victoria, BC 10-Nov-2016
Tim Martin Photo

Twin Otter Update for 14-Nov-2016

15 - DHC-6-100 N122PM Dilkara Leasing LLC, Las Vegas, NV (Skydive San Marcos)

Updating the entry for 12-Apr-2016; following the accident that occurred at Fentress, TX 09-Apr-2016, the aircraft was acquired by Gravitas Aviation in Oct-2016 for parts. It has -27 engines, the large forward emergency exits and a roll-up skydiving door. 

The aircraft has been transported via road to Calgary, AB and is seen in the photo below after arrival.

MSN 15 - DHC-6-100 N122PM
Gravitas Aviation
Calgary-Int'l, AB Nov-2016
Gravitas Aviation Photo

726 - DHC-6-300 C-GALU Gravitas Aviation Ltd., West Vancouver, BC

Updating entry for 06-Jun-2016; after arriving in Calgary, AB on 05-Jun-2016, C-GALU continues on its overhaul, upgrade and repaint by Regent Aircraft Services.

The aircraft is seen below in the paint shop.

MSN 726 - DHC-6-300 C-GALU
Gravitas Aviation
Calgary-Int'l, AB Nov-2016
Gravitas Aviation Photo

Great shot below of FAP 301 overhead its home turf of the Peruvian Amazon.

MSN 847 - DHC-6-400 FAP 301
Fuerza Aérea del Peru
Photo via Danny Moeri

Twin Otter Update for 10-Nov-2016

382 - DHC-6-300 8Q-IAH Island Aviation Services/Maldivian Seaplane, Male

Updating entry from yesterday; flew Iqaluit, NU - Thompson, MB - Calgary-Int'l, AB 09/10-Nov-2016. The aircraft is seen below upon arrival in Calgary.

MSN 382 - DHC-6-300 8Q-IAH
Kenn Borek Air
Calgary-Int'l, AB 10-Nov-2016

Maps generated using the Great Circle Mapper - copyright © Karl L. Swartz.

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

Updating entry from yesterday; aircraft flew McAllen-Miller, TX - Liberia 10-Nov-2016.


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

Flew Calgary-Int'l, AB - Denver-Centennial, CO - McAllen-Miller, TX 10-Nov-2016.


This year's line up for Antarctica (as of today) - and if I have counted correctly, has 9 Kenn Borek machines (which are also accompanied by six BT-67's).

• 311 - C-FBBV
• 312 - C-GCKB
• 338 - C-FDHB
• 373 - C-FKBX
• 426 - C-GXXB
• 693 - C-GKCS
• 725 - C-GKBO
• 732 - C-GKBH
• 733 - C-GKBG

949 - DHC-6-400 C-GVFP Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flight planned today for Spokane, WA - Victoria, BC as VKN949 after painting.

Twin Otter Update for 09-Nov-2016

382 - DHC-6-300 8Q-IAH Island Aviation Services/Maldivian Seaplane, Male

Updating entry from yesterday; flew Keflavík - Iqaluit, NU and at the time of writing is overhead the Hudson Strait, west of Iqaluit, continuing towards Calgary.

Maps generated using the Great Circle Mapper - copyright © Karl L. Swartz.

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

Registration cancelled 08-Nov-2016 to Maldives. Aircraft was delivered to Island Aviation Services on 31-Oct-2016.

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

Flew Calgary-Int'l, AB - Denver-Centennial, CO - McAllen-Miller, TX 09-Nov-2016 en route to Antarctica.

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

Flew Calgary-Int'l, AB - Spokane, WA 08-Nov-2016 for painting.

Twin Otter Update for 08-Nov-2016

Team JAS, the Twin Otter Solutions Company, acquired by Regional One

November 7, 2016

JACKSONVILLE, FL – Team JAS, the Twin Otter Solutions Company, is pleased to announce that they have been acquired by Regional One Worldwide Services headquartered in Miami, Florida.

"We are very pleased to join the Regional One team of aviation professionals” said Andy Sanfilippo, CEO of Team JAS.  "We have a long standing history of supporting Twin Otter operators worldwide, and our future as part of Regional One will help us to expand on our successes and provide even greater value to our customers.”  Team JAS will remain headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida with no management or other operational changes.  “It’s business as usual for Team JAS’s customers, suppliers and employees” added Andy Sanfilippo.  “The only difference will be the added scale and support we will enjoy from becoming part of the Regional One Team”

"Team JAS has a strong presence in the Twin Otter market and we are very excited to have them join our Regional One family” said Hank Gibson, President of Regional One.  "By combining the strengths of both organizations I am very confident that we can reach new heights in customer service and support across our combined customer bases”.

Regional One is a purchaser, lessor and seller of aircraft, aircraft parts, engines and engine parts and other related support items applicable to the Regional / Commuter aircraft worldwide.  For more information please visit www.regionalone.com

Team JAS is a customer driven solutions company that has supported the Twin Otter fleet worldwide for over 30 years.  Headquartered in Jacksonville, FL, the 33,000 square foot facility includes sales and logistical support, a maintenance repair and overhaul facility: JAS ServicesSM FAA/EASA 145 and Viking Air Ltd. FECC (Factory Endorsed Component Center) approved, an engineering and manufacturing division: JAS Engineered SolutionsSM, and a large climate controlled warehouse.  For more information please contact our team at 904.292.2328 or via email at sales@teamjas.com

_________________________________________________________________________________

MSN 75 - DHC-6-100 4X-AHP
Ayit Aviation & Tourism
Sde Dov
LLHZ2805 Photo

It has since returned home to Victoria, however C-FMJO was used as the Viking static display aircraft at the 2016 NBAA. Thanks to George Trussell for the photo.

MSN 944 - DHC-6-400 C-FMJO
Viking Air
Orlando-Executive, FL Nov-2016
George Trussell Photo

382 - DHC-6-300 8Q-IAH Island Aviation Services/Maldivian Seaplane, Male

Updating entry for 04-Nov-2016; aircraft flew Hurghada - Nis - Altenrhein/St.Gallen - Wick - Keflavík 05/08-Nov-2016 as it makes its way back to Calgary.

The aircraft is seen below while on the ground at Wick, Scotland.

MSN 382 - DHC-6-300 8Q-IAH
Island Aviation Services
Wick 07-Nov-2016

Maps generated using the Great Circle Mapper - copyright © Karl L. Swartz.

556 - DHC-6-300 N241SA Diamond Bar LLC, Kirkland, WA (Grand Canyon Airlines)

Noted parked at Boulder City, NV 19-Oct-2016, still painted as TI-BFO. Aircraft is all white, with small Grand Canyon tail logo, no titles and no engines.

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

Registration cancelled 17-Oct-2016 on export to Canada. Aircraft was badly damaged in an accident at Aguni, Ryukyu Islands on 28-Aug-2015.

953 - DHC-6-400 C-FGAL (6) Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 04-Nov-2016.

954 - DHC-6-400 C-GVEP (4) Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Registered 04-Nov-2016.

Twin Otter Update for 04-Nov-2016

Always appreciate getting contributions of information or photographs, so many thanks to Joe Leeker for a nice selection of Trans Maldivians, of which three are featured below.

MSN 270 - DHC-6-300 8Q-TMR
Trans Maldivian Airways
Kuredu 29-Oct-2016
Joe Leeker Photo

MSN 659 - DHC-6-300 8Q-MBB
Trans Maldivian Airways
Kuredu 23-Oct-2016
Joe Leeker Photo

MSN 774 - DHC-6-300 8Q-MAZ
Trans Maldivian Airways (Komandoo Resort)
Kuredu 24-Oct-2016
Joe Leeker Photo

382 - DHC-6-300 8Q-IAH Island Aviation Services/Maldivian Seaplanes, Male

Flew Male - Al Ain - Hurghada 02/04-Nov-2016 on return to Canada.

Maps generated using the Great Circle Mapper - copyright © Karl L. Swartz.

533 - DHC-6-300 PJ-WIJ Winair-Windward Island Airways, Saint Maarten

Officially imported to Canada 31-Oct-2016. This aircraft actually arrived back in Canada on 13-May-2016 but had not been officially imported till now.

MSN 533 - DHC-6-300 PJ-WIJ
Winair (Kenn Borek Air)
Calgary-Int'l, AB 14-May-2016
Dave Subelack Photo

Twin Otter Update for 02-Nov-2016

Viking Sells 2nd Series 400 Twin Otter to Caverton Helicopters of Nigeria 

Orlando, Florida, November 2nd, 2016: Viking Air Limited of Victoria, British Columbia, and Caverton Helicopters, based in Lagos, Nigeria, have signed an agreement for the purchase of a second Series 400 Twin Otter aircraft to add to Caverton’s existing fleet currently operating in western Africa. 

Caverton’s second Twin Otter Series 400 is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2017, and will provide essential services in support of the company’s contract with the Cameroon Oil Transportation Company (COTCO), a specialized joint venture created between Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Petronas, and the governments of Chad and Cameroon. 

Under the contract, Caverton Helicopters will utilize the Series 400 Twin Otter for onshore pipeline surveillance and passenger transfer services for COTCO along the 1,070-kilometer underground pipeline route between the Doba oil fields in Chad to the offshore export terminal in Cameroon. 

“To have Caverton return to Viking to purchase a second Twin Otter Series 400 is a testament to the quality of the aircraft and suitability for use in the harsh operating conditions of western Africa,” said Peter Walker, Viking regional sales director, Africa, Middle East & Asia Pacific. He added, “After seeing four years of successful service from their first Viking aircraft, Caverton’s confidence in the Series 400’s ability to reliably operate has afforded them the opportunity to participate in such an important contract.” 

About Caverton Helicopters: Caverton Helicopters Limited was established in September 2002 as a charter, shuttle and maintenance company aimed at bridging the gap in the onshore helicopter service sector. Today, the company’s focus is to render logistics and environment support services to Nigerian Oil and Gas producers, with broader support services offered to energy operations along the West African shelf. Caverton operates out of a 10,000 square meter facility at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos, along with several purpose-built facilities in Victoria Island, Port Harcourt, Warri and Cameroon.

MSN 864 - DHC-6-400 C-GUVA (5N-SHE)
Caverton Helicopters
Victoria, BC 20-Sep-2012
Heath Moffatt Photo

Viking Enters into Comprehensive Multi-Year Support Contract with the Peru Air Force for Series 400 Twin Otter Aircraft 

Orlando, Florida, November 2nd, 2016: Viking Air Limited of Victoria, British Columbia, and the Fuerza Aerea del Peru (FAP) have entered into a multi-year contract for the comprehensive support of twelve Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft operated by the FAP in the Amazonian region of north-east Peru. 

Modeled after similar OEM fleet support programs, the objective of the contract is to streamline the spare parts procurement process, obtain seamless technical support, and maximize the utilization of their fleet of twelve Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft. 

The contract will commence in the coming weeks and provides the FAP with a continuous flow of spare parts, on-site technical support, “Performance-Based Logistics (PBL)” parts and overhaul services associated with scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, and supply of initial provisioning spare parts and equipment required to support the fleet of twelve aircraft. 

A key component of the contract, the PBL program was specifically developed to provide the FAP with budget predictability, a simplified and expedient parts ordering process, up-to-date technical publications, and all the necessary tools required to monitor upcoming maintenance events. The program also provides coverage for parts and overhaul services associated with scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events for the airframe systems, avionics, and propellers. 

“As the OEM, Viking is ideally positioned to provide the Peru Air Force with the essential parts supply and technical expertise required to maximize utilization of their Series 400 fleet,” commented Michael Hall, Viking’s director of Global Customer Support. “The FAP’s implementation of such an allencompassing support contract is a progressive step towards ensuring the longevity of their fleet, and Viking is proud to be part of their continued success.” 

The FAP’s twelve Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft purchase is Viking’s largest single-customer order to date. The aircraft were configured with both land gear and floats to support various missions in remote areas of Peru, and were delivered between 2011 and 2014.

MSN 879 - DHC-6-400 FAP 305
Fuerza Aerea del Peru
Iquitos 09-Jul-2015
Luis Enrique Saldana Photo

Twin Otter Update for 01-Nov-2016

IKHANA Aircraft Services Begins FAA Flight Testing Phase for RWMI DHC-6- 300HG™ allowing 14,000 LBS MTOW Standard Commuter Category STC 

IKHANA Aircraft Services (IKHANA) announced FAA airworthiness certification and the first flight of Twin Otter Series 300, N808RT, modified to 14,000 lbs. MTOW as an FAA Certified flight test aircraft in support of IKHANA’s RWMI DHC-6-300HG™ Standard Commuter Category Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) program. “At this early stage, all indications show we are going to turn a great airplane into an exceptional one.” states Mr. John A. Zublin, President and CEO of IKHANA, “The flight test pilots were extremely happy with the DHC-6-300HG™ performance, especially the added horsepower and quietness of the four bladed propellers. Our next steps will validate the 14,000 MTOW to the rigorous FAA regulations to provide operators increased payload and the opportunity for increased revenues.” 

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

IKHANA has been a key provider of enhancements for the worldwide DHC-6 Twin Otter fleet with products including the RWMI DHC-6 Re-Life Wing Box™, RWMI DHC-6 Re-Life Fuselage™, RWMI DHC-6 Re-Life Flight Controls™, RWMI DHC-6 Re-Life Nacelles™, RWMI DHC-6-200HG™ (allowing DHC-6- 100 and 200 series to operate at 12,500 lbs.), enhanced air conditioning, upgraded avionics, VIP amenities, cargo handling, camera hatches, and integration of surveillance/patrol systems. IKHANA’s modifications support a variety of customers in executive transport, regional/commuter airlines, and special missions operations. 

IKHANA Aircraft Services, a DBA of IKHANA Group Inc., 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. IKHANA has a proven reputation for developing unique engineered solutions across a wide variety of aircraft platforms and diverse customer base including extensive experience in the DHC-6 Twin Otter, King Air, and Gulfstream airframes. 

MSN 499 - DHC-6-300HG™ N808RT
IKHANA Group
Murrieta, CA 25-Oct-2016
IKHANA Photo

Viking Sells Twin Otter Series 400 to Government of Panama’s Servicio Nacional Aeronaval (SENAN) Air Group 

Orlando, Florida, November 1st , 2016: Viking Air Limited of Victoria, British Columbia has sold its first Series 400 Twin Otter to the government of Panama for use by its Servicio Nacional Aeronaval (SENAN) Air Group based in Cocoli, Panama. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in the coming weeks, and will be utilized to support the agency’s humanitarian aid missions throughout the country. 

The Series 400 will be the first Twin Otter to be introduced to SENAN’s operational fleet, and will be integral to the successful development of services the agency provides to the Panamanian population. 

David Caporali, Viking’s regional sales director for Latin America, commented, “SENAN is excited to be adding the Series 400 Twin Otter to their operational capacity, where its performance and amazing versatility will be put to good use on the many short-field airstrips common in the region.” 

About SENAN: The Servicio Nacional Aeronaval (SENAN) Air Group is responsible for indoctrination, training, coordination and monitoring air operations for compliance with the State’s mission to protect life, honor, property and other rights and freedoms of individuals within the Republic of Panama. SENAN is renowned for its professionalism and high operational performance, and is comprised of Airlift Squadron, Helicopter Squadron, and Air Training unit. 

About Viking Air Limited: Headquartered in Victoria, BC, Viking is the global leader in utility aircraft support and services, and the manufacturer of the world-renowned Series 400 Twin Otter. Viking is the Original Type Certificate holder for all out-of-production de Havilland aircraft, from the DHC-1 Chipmunk through the DHC-7, and provides exclusive spare parts manufacturing for the legacy de Havilland fleet. 

In 2007 Viking launched the Twin Otter Series 400 production program, and to date over 125 new aircraft have been sold to 29 countries worldwide, averaging a production rate of one new aircraft delivered every 15 business days. 

In October 2016, Viking completed the acquisition of Bombardier’s amphibious aircraft program, including transfer of the Type Certificates (manufacturing rights) for the CL-215, CL-215T, CL- 415 aircraft and all variants to Viking. In addition to the Type Certificates, Viking has also assumed responsibility for product support, parts and service for the fleet of 170 water bombers currently in operation around the world.

MSN 946 - DHC-6-400 C-GVVA (AN 261)
Viking Air Ltd.
Victoria, BC 14-Sep-2016
Tim Martin Photo

Viking Twin Otter Series 400 Receives Type Certification in Brazil 

Orlando, Florida, November 1st, 2016: Viking Air Limited of Victoria, BC, Canada has now received Type Certification for the Series 400 Twin Otter in Brazil, adding to the list of twenty-nine countries now recognizing the type worldwide. The Certification was granted by Brazilian civil aviation authority ANAC (Agencia Nacional de Aviacao Civil) in October 2016, and will help pave the way for the first ever Twin Otter to enter the Brazilian market. 

With the recent focus by Brazil’s government to develop policies that foster regional air transport links to remote locations throughout the country, certification of the Twin Otter Series 400 by ANAC is an integral factor in moving forward within the rapidly expanding Brazilian market. 

“The Series 400 Twin Otter is the perfect solution for the remote areas of Brazil as it can provide essential air transportation to areas lacking infrastructure development,” said David Caporali, Viking’s regional sales director for Latin America. “The Series 400 platform is ideally suited for the harsh operating conditions that Brazil presents, and we are confident it will prove itself to be the aircraft of choice for commercial and government operations alike.”