Search & Subscribe

Search & Subscribe

Search The Blog For:

Tuesday, 22 August 2017

Twin Otter Update for 22-Aug-2017



The replacement website is nearing completion. I have a couple more regions to finish up on the operator lists (USA, South America). There is also some work left with the advertiser spots, such as putting them in the same order as before. You'll note that the advertisers (the ones who make the blog possible) are now always visible, the sizing is dynamic dependent on your platform. So no requirement to scroll down to reach the blog.

I have added blog entries for 18th and today at the new site. You are welcome to check things out, keeping in mind that there remains some work yet to do. If you are a current subscriber at TwinOtterSpotter there will be no need to re-subscribe, I will transfer everyone over in due course.

The home page changes pictures at 5 sec. intervals, if you click on the picture itself it will also move it on to the next image.


Click the logo below to check the new site.


Wednesday, 16 August 2017

Twin Otter Update for 16-Aug-2017



287 - DHC-6-300 PJ-WCD Winair, Sint-Maarten

Flew Fort Lauderdale-Executive, FL - Orlando-Executive, FL - Birmingham, AL - Wichita-Eisenhower, KS - Denver-Rocky Mountain, CO - Cheyenne, WY - Calgary-Int'l, AB 03/06-Aug-2017 on return to Kenn Borek Air.


675 - DHC-6-300 N675BA Berry Aviation Inc., San Marcos, TX

Updating entry for yesterday; flew Bangor, ME - St. John's. NL 16-Aug-2017, again using the Southern Cross flight number SXA421.

Aircraft Incident


891 - DHC-6-400 FAP 306 Fuerza Aérea del Perú, Iquitos

Damaged during runway excursion on landing at Iquitos, Peru 15-Aug-2017. The aircraft was on a training flight at the time, and there were no serious injuries.

You have to note the striking similarity in the resting position of FAP 306 when compared to the last two DHC-6-400 incidents in Taiwan and  Japan. There were also two prior MASWings excursions as well, although luckily, those aircraft did not end up in the bushes adjacent to the runway.

Daniel Carbajal Photo

Daniel Carbajal Photo

Tuesday, 15 August 2017

Twin Otter Update for 15-Aug-2017



231 - DHC-6-300 N564E AMS Aircraft Leasing Inc., Port Saint Lucie, FL

Registration pending 10-Aug-2017. This is the former RDPL-34180 which had arrived in Florida via shipping container on 06-Oct-2014

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

Noted still parked at Bern 14-Aug-2017, still on amphib floats, in basic European Coastal c/s without titles.

355 - DHC-6-300 C-FCSW Air Labrador Ltd., Goose Bay, NL

Registered to Ashe Aircraft Enterprises Ltd., Calgary, AB 14-Aug-2017. This aircraft was flown back to Springbank by World Wide Ferry on 20/21-Jul-2017.

557 - DHC-6-300 9A-TOA RUAG Aviation Schweiz, Emmen

Noted still parked at Bern 14-Aug-2017; still on amphib floats, in blue & white European Coastal c/s, without titles.

675 - DHC-6-300 N675BA Berry Aviation Inc., San Marcos, TX

Flew San Marcos, TX - Bangor, ME 15-Aug-2017. The aircraft is being ferried by Southern Cross Aviation as SXA421.  I'm guessing that it is heading towards Africa to join, or replace the aircraft already there. N675BA has been with Berry since 2013, but has always remained in the U.S. till this point.

696 - DHC-6-300 9A-TOE RUAG Aviation Schweiz, Emmen

Noted still parked at Bern 14-Aug-2017, on wheels and in basic European Coastal c/s without titles. 

Monday, 14 August 2017

Twin Otter Update for 14-Aug-2017


I am continuing to work on the new TwinOtterWorld, which will replace this site in the near future. Currently, I am about half way through creating the new Operator/Fleet files, which is probably the biggest single task. With any luck I hope to have things completed by week's end.








With thanks to Desert Sand Aircraft Leasing, two Twin Otters that have now received the Skydive Spaceland livery. Firstly is MSN 37 N337MB which is the former N71EC, and below that MSN 228 N228YK which has finally shed the yellow Ptarmigan Airways livery.

37 - DHC-6-100 N337MB Desert Sand Aircraft Leasing, Rosharon, TX


228 - DHC-6-200 N228YK Desert Sand Aircraft Leasing, Rosharon, TX


The National Transportation Safety Board has released its report on the accident involving the Skydive Perris DHC-6-300 N708PV on 24-May-2017. The report can be viewed at the link below:

DHC-6-300 N708PV Accident Report


Crystal Cruz Photo

Friday, 11 August 2017

Twin Otter Update for 11-Aug-2017



Last week I had posted a couple of items with respect to DHC-6-300's MSN 389 and MSN 620 which are operated by Dimonim Air.  As Dimonim rather strenuously objected, I removed the items a couple days ago while seeking documentation/correspondence supporting their current status. I am now in possession of that documentation, and accordingly have restored the news items below.

389 - DHC-6-300 Vista PK-HVN PT Dimonim Air, Jakarta (PT Marta Buana Abadi)

Notice of default issued to lessee 10-Oct-2016, and notice to surrender aircraft to lessor issued on 24-Feb-2017. Lessor has applied to Indonesian CAA to de-register aircraft back to the U.S.A. Lessee (PT Dimonim Air) is in arrears in excess of $1 million USD for the two Twin Otters.



620 - DHC-6-300 PK-HVM PT Dimonim Air, Jakarta (PT Marta Buana Abadi)

Notice of default issued to lessee 10-Oct-2016, and notice to surrender aircraft to lessor issued on 24-Feb-2017. Lessor has applied to Indonesian CAA to de-register aircraft back to the U.S.A. Lessee (PT Dimonim Air) is in arrears in excess of $1 million USD for the two Twin Otters.






Aerocorp Avionics Solutions has announced the successful installation and entry into service of the first of three Garmin 950 equipped with Trans Maldivian Airways. The initial aircraft, seen below is MSN 256 8Q-MBC which is a 1969 built machine originally delivered to ARAMCO.







The Garmin-950 upgrade has now been installed on the following aircraft:

  • MSN 184 LN-JMP
  • MSN 256 8Q-MBC
  • MSN 368 C-GGIR
  • MSN 577 OY-NSA
  • MSN 636 HB-LRN
  • MSN 748 VP-FAZ
  • MSN 766 PK-FSC
  • MSN 783 VP-FBB
  • MSN 787 VP-FBC
  • MSN 839 VP-FBL

Thursday, 10 August 2017

Twin Otter Update for 10-Aug-2017



Hevilift Australia's new DHC-6-300 VH-YWJ is seen below at its new base in Brisbane, with thanks to Lloyd Fox.

509 - DHC-6-300 VH-YWJ Hevilift Australia  Brisbane 07-Aug-2017 Lloyd Fox Photo

There were two Twin Otters this year at the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI, a 300 series from NOAA, and a 400 series from Viking/Pacific Sky. Photos thanks to Ian Macdonald.

824 - DHC-6-300 N46RF U.S. Department of Commerce/NOAA  Oshkosh WI 27-Jul-2017 Ian Macdonald Photo

944 - DHC-6-400 C-FMJO Pacific Sky Aviation Oshkosh WI 23-Jul-2017 Ian Macdonald Photo

Tuesday, 8 August 2017

Twin Otter Update for 08-Aug-2017


Coming Very Shortly!






549 - DHC-6-300 C-GIZF Ashe Aircraft Enterprises Ltd., Calgary, AB


Flew Springbank, AB - Gimli, MB - Moosonee, ON - Wabush, NL - Goose Bay, NL 04/05-Aug-2017 for Air Borealis. This aircraft had earlier returned to Springbank on 22-Mar-2017, and is seen below in May-2017. The return ferry flight back to Labrador was operated by World Wide Ferry.

549 DHC-6-200 C-GIZF Springbank,  AB 17-May-2017 John Olafson Photo

Friday, 4 August 2017

Twin Otter Update for 04-Aug-2017


94 - DHC-6-200HG™ C-GQKN  Harbour Air   Green Lake, BC

857 - DHC-6-400 PK-BAR PT Air Born  Bali 23-Jul-2017 Dreamcatcher-68 Photo


190 - DHC-6-200 N190KM Kevin McCole, Brookline, NH

Registered to Fayard Enterprises LLC, Wake Forest, NC 02-Aug-2017. Aircraft has been operated by Skydive Carolina.

190 DHC-6-200 N190KM Atlanta South Regional, GA Gordon Shepherd Photo


296 - DHC-6-300 C-GLAI Planes & Parts Ltd., Turner Valley, AB

Updating previous entries; aircraft was moved to Kenn Borek Air in Calgary, AB on 11-Jul-2017 who will prepare it for service entry with DiviDivi Air in Curaçao.


369 - DHC-6-300 C-FGON Planes & Parts Ltd., Turner Valley, AB

Updating previous entries; aircraft was moved to Kenn Borek Air in Calgary, AB on 11-Jul-2017 who will prepare it for service entry with DiviDivi Air in Curaçao.


509 - DHC-6-300 P2-KSG Hevilift PNG, Waigani

Updating entry for 04-Jul-2017 where the aircraft had arrived in Cairns, QLD; repainted into new Hevilift livery and registered 25-Jul-2017 to Hevilift Australia (Fixed Wing) Pty Ltd., Banyo, QLD as VH-YWJ. The aircraft is seen below with thanks to FNQ Skies.

509 - DHC-6-300 VH-YWJ Hevilift Australia  Cairns, QLD 27-Jul-2017 FNQ Skies Photo


874 - DHC-6-400 B-55571 Daily Air Corp., Taiwan (CAVU Aviation Finance)

Damaged airframe left Taiwan 02-Aug-2017 via container bound for Victoria, BC for repair by Viking Air. It is expected to be completed by the end of the year, and then return to Asia.



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

Flew Calgary-Int'l, AB - Olds/Didsbury, AB - Thompson, MB - Iqaluit, NU - Keflavík - Altenrhein/Saint Gallen 26/29-Jul-2017 on delivery. 

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



Wednesday, 2 August 2017

Update for 02-Aug-2017



Hello everyone,

Just wanted to provide a brief update. I have Twin Otter news and photos from the past week and am going to work on preparing things shortly. Unfortunately I was taken off line for the last eight days with an emergency, and wasn't able to update anything until this morning. 

I may upload things in bits and pieces so to speak, but it will get done.

Erik


Tuesday, 25 July 2017

Twin Otter Update for 25-Jul-2017



A nice shot of MSN 952 in front of the Regent Aircraft Services hangar in Calgary. The aircraft arrived from Victoria, BC on 22-Jul-2017.

MSN 952 - DHC-6-400 C-FVIK  Calgary-Int'l, AB Jul-2017 Regent Aircraft Photo


The Twin Otter -300 series that arrived in the United Arab Emirates in 2003/2005 have always remained a bit of a mystery. Although the end-user was known to the U.A.E. Joint Aviation Command, their status and subsequent identities was never clearly established.

The following information identifies the aircraft:

  • MSN 672 = UAE 2255, which is in service (ex A6-MBZ)
  • MSN 758 = UAE 2266, is currently under rebuild as seen below (ex VH-KZP)
  • MSN 759 = UAE 2277, is currently under rebuild as well. (ex VH-KZQ)




MSN 758 - DHC-6-300 2266 U.A.E. Joint Aviation Command



Monday, 24 July 2017

Twin Otter Update for 24-Jul-2017


The second Twin Otter that received the "retro" style Winair scheme before delivery is seen below at Saba. As it turns out, Winair has actually reverted to this livery that had its origins from 1967, with the revised titles coming along 20+ years later. The company website also features the return to the red & blue theme, and new (old) logo.

MSN 831 DHC-6-300 PJ-WIU Winair
Saba Jul-2017
Vincent Hassell Photo


291 - DHC-6-300 C-FOPN Air Labrador Ltd., Goose Bay, NL

As noted in the previous entry, C-FOPN has now returned to Rocky Mountain Aircraft as well. The aircraft flew Goose Bay, NL - Wabush, NL - Moosonee, ON - Geraldton, ON - Gimli, MB - Yorkton, SK -Springbank, AB 23/24-Jul-2017.

This is the third and final aircraft expected to return to Springbank from Labrador.

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

Flew Victoria-Int'l, BC - Calgary-Int'l, AB 22-Jul-2017.


With thanks to Lenn Bayliss from Australia, a trio of Twotters at Springbank, taken on 21-Jul-2017.

MSN 783 DHC-6-300 VP-FBB British Antarctic Survey
Springbank AB 21-Jul-2017
Lenn Bayliss Photo

MSN 355 DHC-6-300 C-FCSW Rocky Mountain Aircraft
Springbank AB 21-Jul-2017
Lenn Bayliss Photo

MSN 493 DHC-6-300 C-GKSN Rocky Mountain Aircraft
Springbank AB 21-Jul-2017
Lenn Bayliss Photo

Wednesday, 19 July 2017

Twin Otter Update for 19-Jul-2017



Over the past week or so (why it has been rather quiet here at Twin Otter Spotter) I have been working on merging my other two blogs into one  called Regional Wings. It replaces Turboprop Spotter and Regional Jet Spotter. You can take a look by clicking on the photo below, and of course you are welcome to subscribe if your interests or work involve regional aircraft.

Having mostly completed that effort, I can return to the Twin Otter, and hopefully come up with a way of updating the look of this site. As the advertisers are the ones who keep things running, I need to come up with something that meets their needs, but also may be a bit more user friendly, and require a little less scrolling.





291 - DHC-6-300 C-FOPN Air Labrador Ltd., Goose Bay, NL

Pending return to Rocky Mountain Aircraft after lease, and departure from Goose Bay is expected over the next week.  C-FOPN had been operated by Air Labrador since 07-Jul-2010.

291 - DHC-6-300 C-FOPN Air Labrador Goose Bay NL 21-Jun-2015 Kenneth I. Swartz/Aeromedia Communications


355 - DHC-6-300 C-FCSW Air Labrador Ltd., Goose Bay, NL

Flew Goose Bay, NL - Wabush, NL - Moosonee, ON - Gimli, MB - Springbank, AB 19/20-Jul-2017 on return to Rocky Mountain Aircraft. C-FCSW had been operated by Air Labrador since 09-Nov-2014.

355 - DHC-6-300 C-FCSW Air Labrador Nain, NL Brandon Shepherd Photo


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

Flew Goose Bay, NL - Wasbush, NL - Moosonee, ON - Geraldton, ON - Gimli, MB - Springbank, AB 16/17-Jul-2017 on return to Rocky Mountain Aircraft. C-GKSN had been operated by Air Labrador since 13-May-2011.

493 DHC-6-300 C-GKSN Air Labrador  Goose Bay, NL May-2015 Air Labrador Photo


831 - DHC-6-300 C-GKVN Unity Group Ltd., Airdrie, AB

Registration cancelled 17-Jul-2017 on export to Sint Maarten.


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

Registration cancelled 03-May-2017 on export to Chile as CC-ATB. The aircraft was delivered to South America in Mar-2017 for Barrick Servicios Mineros Ltda. It is seen below at La Serena, and is expected to be transferred to Barrick's Peru flight department.

941 DHC-6-400 CC-ATB Barrick Mineros  La Serena Jul-2017 La Serena Spotting Photo


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

Flew Calgary-Int'l, AB - Victoria-Int'l, BC 11-Jul-2017.


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

Registered 11-Jul-2017

Monday, 10 July 2017

Twin Otter Update for 10-July-2017



507 - DHC-6-300 F-OIAY Air Loyauté, Nouméa

Updating the entry for 06-Jul-2017; F-OIAY safely returned to base in New Caledonia on 09-Jul-2017 following its wing set replacement that was carried out in Cairns, QLD. The final routing is
seen below:

Maps generated by the Great Circle Mapper - copyright © Karl L. Swartz.
Lord Howe Island (YHLI)

Lord Howe Island (YLHI)

Norfolk Island (YSNF)


Saturday, 8 July 2017

Twin Otter Update for 08-Jul-2017



40 - DHC-6-100 (100HP™) N902RT Ikhana Group Inc., Murrieta, CA


First flight following conversion to aerial sprayer configuration 05-Jul-2017. This aircraft had been delivered via road transport from Vancouver, BC to Murrieta, CA in 2013, after having been withdrawn from use by Westcoast Air earlier in the year.

N902RT will be delivered to the St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Control District in Louisiana, and replaces an Islander which was lost in an accident in Apr-2016.


831 - DHC-6-300 C-GKVN Unity Group Ltd., Airdrie, AB

Updating entry for 04-Jul-2017; aircraft continued on delivery Providenciales - Tortola - Sint Maarten-Juliana 04/05-Jul-2017 for Winair. The aircraft is expected to become PJ-WIU.

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



A couple of Borek machines at home in Calgary last week, with thanks to Vernon Harvey.

MSN 373 - DHC-6-300 C-FKBX
Kenn Borek Air
Calgary-Int'l, AB
Vernon Harvey Photo

MSN 382 - DHC-6-300 C-FUGT
Kenn Borek Air
Calgary-Int'l, AB 01-Jul-2017
Vernon Harvey Photo

Friday, 7 July 2017

Twin Otter Update for 07-Jul-2017



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

Registered to Kenn Borek Air Ltd., Calgary, AB 04-Jul-2017.


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

Registration cancelled 06-Jul-2017 to Japan and restored at JA201D with First Flying.


961 - DHC-6-400 C-GVSW Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Flew Spokane-Int'l, WA - Victoria-Int'l, BC 06-Jul-2017 after painting.


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

Flew Calgary-Int'l, AB - Spokane-Int'l, WA 06-Jul-2017 for painting.

Thursday, 6 July 2017

Twin Otter Update for 06-Jul-2017




IKHANA Aircraft Services Announces Twin Otter DHC-6-100, MSN 40, is Taking to the Skies Again in a New Role 






IKHANA Aircraft Services (IKHANA) is pleased to announce that DHC-6-100 manufacturer serial number (MSN) 40 has been brought back to life in a new role. MSN 40 has had a rich history since deHavilland-Canada originally delivered it in July of 1967. Exactly 50 years later, and after having served with 6 operators on 2 continents, MSN 40 is now poised to join the fight against Mosquito carried diseases. IKHANA purchased the aircraft in 2013, completely restored and upgraded it as a specialized Mosquito Abatement aircraft. “We integrated a custom designed aerial spraying system and have incorporated 2 new IKHANA STC’s.” States Mr. John Zublin, President and CEO of IKHANA. “The aircraft’s initial post modification flights will validate our new Enhanced Vision System (EVS) and our new RWMI DHC-6-100HP™ STC’s. These STC’s are yet another example of IKHANA applying our Design-Build-Fly philosophy to enhance the DHC-6 Twin Otter’s utility while customizing the aircraft to support a special purpose.” 

IKHANA’s EVS STC modification utilizes the Astronics Max-Viz EVS-2300 infrared sensor to display terrain in low light or low visibility conditions on the Primary Flight Display (PFD) or any supplemental video displays located in the cockpit or cabin. The system provides real time infrared or color video in all phases of operation as a means for increased situational awareness and increased safety. 

IKHANA’s RWMI DHC-6-100HP™ is the latest performance enhancement developed as a supplement to IKHANA’s RWMI DHC-6-200HG™ STC. The RWMI DHC-6-100HP™ installs PT6A-27’s engines with available torque authorized to 50 PSI (620 SHP) and improved performance under hot day high pressure altitude conditions. Maximum Take-Off Weight remains at 11,579 pounds (5252 Kg). 

In Addition to the modifications noted above, the aircraft is also equipped with IKHANA’s Enhanced Cockpit Cooling Air Conditioning System. This modification delivers cool air directly to the cockpit via dedicated air cooling ducts for added crew comfort in hot/humid conditions. 

TwinOtterSpotter Editorial Note:


For those of us who came from AirBC, it is fantastic to see our old CF-GQE returning to the air in a new role. This aircraft joined Airwest in 1973, and continued with AirBC through till 1995 before moving to West Coast Air.


296 - DHC-6-300 C-GLAI Planes & Parts Ltd., Turner Valley, AB

As the end user of this aircraft has now been made public by SkyQuest International, I can now report that the aircraft is bound for Divi Divi Air of Curaçao. The aircraft is currently at Regent Aircraft Services in Calgary.  

369 - DHC-6-300 C-FGON Planes & Parts Ltd., Turner Valley, AB

As the end user of this aircraft has now been made public by SkyQuest International, I can now report that the aircraft is bound for Divi Divi Air of Curaçao. The aircraft is currently at Regent Aircraft Services in Calgary.  

507 - DHC-6-300 F-OIAY Air Loyauté, Nouméa

After several test flights between 03/05-Jul-2017 F-OIAY flew Cairns, QLD - Mackay, QLD - Gold Coast, QLD 05-Jul-2017, and is flight planned to continue to Lord Howe Island - Norfolk Island - Nouméa 06/07-Jul-2017 to re-enter service with Air Loyauté.


MSN 952 is seen below on 30-Jun-2017 with thanks to Tim Martin. The aircraft had originally come from the paint shop all white, but has now received this corporate style white/blue/grey livery.


MSN 952 - DHC-6-400 C-FVIK
Viking Air Ltd.
Victoria, BC 30-Jun-2017
Tim Martin Photo

Tuesday, 4 July 2017

Twin Otter Update for 04-Jul-2017




244 - DHC-6-300 9A-TOB European Coastal Airlines, Split

Registration cancelled Jun-2017 and registered to RUAG Schweiz AG, Emmen 02-Jul-2017 as HB-LRJ.

MSN 244 - DHC-6-300 9A-TOB
European Coastal Airlines
ECA Photo


507 - DHC-6-300 F-OIAY Air Loyauté, Nouméa


Test flown from Cairns, QLD 03/04-Jul-2017 as it prepares to depart back to New Caledonia after maintenance. The aircraft had arrived in Cairns on 01-Jun-2017.

MSN 507 - DHC-6-300 F-OIAY
Air Loyauté
Cairns, QLD
FNQ Skies Photo


509 - DHC-6-300 P2-KSG Hevilift, Waigani

Flew Port Moresby - Cairns, QLD 01-Jul-2017, the aircraft's last visit to Australia was back in Mar-2017.

MSN 509 - DHC-6-300 P2-KSG
Hevilift
Cairns, QLD
FNQ Skies Photo


831 - DHC-6-300 C-GKVN Unity Group Ltd., Airdrie, AB


Following overhaul and refurbishing, C-GKVN flew Airdrie, AB - Lethbridge, AB - Great Falls, MT - Billings, MT - Colorado Springs, CO - Wichita-Eisenhower, KS - Little Rock, AR - Auburn, AL - Fort Lauderdale-Executive, FL - Providenciales 30-Jun/04-Jul-2017 on delivery. The aircraft is expected to continue on today, with a final fuel stop before arriving at its final destination.

Maps generated by the Great Circle Mapper - copyright © Karl L. Swartz.
957 - DHC-6-300 C-FBLZ Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Test flown from Victoria, BC 30-Jun-2017, and then flew Victoria, BC - Calgary-Int'l, AB 04-Jul-2017 as VKN957. Aircraft had been parked at Victoria since arriving from the paint shop on 20-Apr-2017.


A few aircraft from Yellowknife in the past couple of weeks, with thanks to Dirk Septer.

MSN 337 - DHC-6-300 Vistaliner N331AR
Twin Otter International
Yellowknife NT 24-Jun-2017
Dirk Septer Photo

MSN 674 - DHC-6-300 C-FATO
Tli Cho Air
Yellowknife NT 18-Jun-2017
Dirk Septer Photo

MSN 265 - DHC-6-300 C-FATM
Discovery Air
Yellowknife NT 20-Jun-2017
Dirk Septer Photo