Ansett Flying Boat Services
I have a few questions about the operations of Ansett's Sandringham Flying Boat fleet.
An older thread on this site made it clear that the pilots who flew these aircraft were employed by Ansett Airlines of Australia, with some if not all endorsed on other aircraft, eg the F-27. Does anyone know if the Hostesses on these flights were employed specfically by the Flying Boat division, or if they also operated "mainline" flights for the airline?
Also, what times did the aircraft depart/arrive at Rose Bay to Lord Howe. There are a number of photographs showing the aircraft arriving and departing during the day, however were there also evening services?
One interesting thing I noticed was that VH-BRC 'Beachcomber' featured the traditional Flying Boat style cabin layout - train style compartment seating with seats facing eachother. VH-BRF 'Islander', the ex-RNZAF Sunderland coversion, had 4 abreast seating on the main deck similar to the F-27 layout. Does anyone who may have flown on these aircraft remember the different cabin layouts?
If anyone has any general memories of the Ansett Sandringham's at all, please share!