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Old 25th Apr 2019, 07:11
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Mariner
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: aboard
Age: 64
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I flew a ex-KLM B747-200 SUD Freighter with MPH for a few years between 2003-2006. Built in 1975, it was then supposed to be the highest time airframe in the world. The HMV we did at around 125.000 hrs included a LOV (Limit of Validity Inspection), basically meaning that Boeing didn't design the airplane to be flown that many hrs, and extra inspections were needed to ensure its structural integrity.
We sold it to Southern Air in 2006, which were supposed to part it out but somehow decided to fly it some more.

It was retired in 2011, and subsequently stored or scrapped in MHV. Assuming Southern flew it for another 5000 hrs that adds up to some 130.000 hrs.

Apart from a rather quirky autopilot system, it flew just fine

Last edited by Mariner; 25th Apr 2019 at 07:13. Reason: typo's
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