Gday Crosswind I flew UIA for the Wewak mission back in the early 80's will try to dig up some pics. And Chimbu I flew AWM ealy 80's for Central air when John W cross hired her to us, great memories.
To the best of my knowledge, after UIA had her accident on 31/12/84 her wings were removed and she was airlifted to a river ?? And strapped to a barge for the trip to I guess Port Moresby. She was then purchased by another person whom I have met but cannot remember his name. He then contracted Narromine Aero Services - Dwayne Jobe to undertake full repairs. I purchased her in 1996 and flew her back to WA with a total of 4 hours Tailwheel time. I am excited to hear that some of you have not only heard of UIA but also flown her. I would like to totally strip and repaint UIA ( current colour is all white with a red and white tail as per Narromine Aero Services) If anyone would have a photo of UIA I would love to see it. Thanks
Rockarpee, could you maybe call some of your early memories of flying UIA and maybe which strips you flew into. What was the Wewak Mission and what was it's relationship to Wirui Air Services ? What was Father Bouchard like as a pilot ? Did anyone know of Bill Farrell? Is he still around? Cheers
From my notes:- VH-MFE actually did not become P2 registered, she crashed near Mount Hagen on 17.04.1974. P2-AWM crashed near Manamo (spelling?) on 11.06.1992 and P2-ROW accident on 01.02.1993 near Gumine.
Initially the aircraft seem to be registered to Catholic Mission of the Divine Word, Wirui Aerodrome, Wewak, PNG. Later P2 registers quote registered to Divine Word Mission and some to Wirui Air Service. They had Cessna 180J/K, 185, 206, Pilatus, Wren, Dornier.
And the Bishop Leo Arkfeld flew 'em all. He used the same reg. no matter what he was in and the same leg times. Wewak FSU getting good at figuring what aircraft he was in from the time interval. (If he was still out there 15 mintes late he would be in the Piston Pilatus)
Aussie02 - Manumu...and it was a sad day...the next day pulling the bodies out was worse.
Skywagon1915 you're doing an awesome job - I better remove digit or your 185 will fly before my Bo restoration - highly likely in fact - although I just bought a set of wings in the US for less than 1/2 what I reckon it would cost to rebuild mine...and an enormous saving in time.
Thanks CC, those words of encouragment will motivate me for a few more days ... I need it. I'm sick of chasing bit's
This picture of P2-MFW taken at Mendi PNG really illustrates the classic stance of the Cessna 185. Of interest to me is that it gives a rare RHS profile, as most photo's are taken from the loading side it seems. Some where soon, I will decide on repainting her in the original Tiger Yellow scheme or in some personal layout.
CC: Try this chap who imports my Ford Mustangs and spare parts.
Pete Tate Foytt Shipping and Auto Hermosa Beach CA 90254 pete@foytt.com P: 310 683 9141
Consolidate freight to Australia. Long as they'll fit in a 40' HC etc. He has brought in planes, but stress aircraft wings ref packing & handling. Build an appropriate frame around them ref fork lifting etc (insurance) No better way inbound, 30 day sea freight.
Email or PM me if need extra details. Tell Pete you came from me (ref emails), helps bridge the gap (no referral fee's implied). He ships all over.
Had a good day today, secured rest of Fin, H stabiliser bit's, complete IO520D w/remote oil cooler and Hartzell 3-Blade prop as well as air induction box/filter mount for lower cowl ! Wings should start by May 2012.
Last edited by Skywagon1915; 4th Apr 2012 at 20:59.
Yes I did, but Aero Enterprise where the plane is, have the engine shop and a 520 rebuild is a economical option. The 550 is beaut & ideal but a lot of money, and I'd like to control this particular budget. This 520 still has some 200 TR if I want to use them. I'm actually planning a rebuild from present status.
Neville is a really nice fellow. If you mean my wings, he plan's to start them soon. I have 4 wings (2 spare if anyone looking for some) positioned there, two of which are MFU's original (sic) ... in as much they have P2-MFU on them ! He's finishing off another 185 ex-PNG I think, I'll ask him what it is, never thought to do that up till now.
I'll post some pic's of the wing tear down and rebuild later ... I'm both nervous and excited about it really not knowing what they are like internally. What you could see appeared OK.
Last edited by Skywagon1915; 4th Apr 2012 at 20:22.
Reason: N/A info.
Jpi now has a edm 900 which is certified as primary including fuel gauges. I have just put an 830 in mine. The 900 came out between ordering and install, which was a bit of a bummer. They're good.
