In August, 1966, (forty four years ago, for those not mathematically inclined) we departed Downsview, enroute to Farnborough for the first public showing of the Twin Otter, S/N 009, painted in the classic colours of the late, lamented Trans Australia Airlines (RIP), routing Goose Bay (CYYR), Reykjavik (BIRK) and EGKK.
With nine forty five gallon barrels of JP-4 in the cabin (gravity fed into the belly tanks) an unslaved, vacuum driven directional gyro for steering (with a 'trusty' B-1 floating magnetic compass for reference), a single ADF and a VOR for navigation.
I was in seventh heaven. What luxury! Never before in all my 24 years had I had such reliable engines, such modern equipment and thermostatically controlled cockpit heat to boot! The first of a multitude of Twin Otter crossings of the pond to follow, had we but known. But, after Farnborough we absolutely knew we had a winner.
Good luck to Viking - a great business venture and a great adventure.