Belfast in Cairns [Archive]

TIMA9X

21st Jan 2013, 14:10

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/8/4/5/2084548.jpg
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Untitled-(HeavyLift-Cargo/Short-SC-5-Belfast/2084548/L/&sid=5ce9c34fdd1de9b7eb5bbcbe644b5600
Photo Search Results | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?regsearch=RP-C8020&distinct_entry=true)for those who don't see her every day, and a bit of background, interesting history attached to this rare bird... ;)

it appears she maybe starting a new chapter.....

Aircraft Taken at More (http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=Untitled%20%28HeavyLift%20Cargo%2 0Airlines%29&distinct_entry=true): Untitled (HeavyLift Cargo Airlines)
More (http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?aircraftsearch=Short%20SC-5%20Belfast%20C1&distinct_entry=true): Short SC-5 Belfast C1 More (http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?placesearch=Cairns%20%28CNS%20%2F%20YBCS%29&distinct_entry=true): Cairns (CNS / YBCS)
More (http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?countrysearch=Australia%20-%20Queensland&distinct_entry=true): Australia - Queensland, March 1, 2012 Remark Photographer RP-C8020 (http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?regsearch=RP-C8020&distinct_entry=true) (cn SH1819 (http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?cnsearch=SH1819&distinct_entry=true)) the last airworthy Belfast now sans titles More (http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?photographersearch=Lars%20Hentschel): Lars Hentschel
Contact Lars Hentschel (http://www.airliners.net/message/?id=2084548&photographer=Lars%20Hentschel)
After being retired from TAC HeavyLift service, several were parked at Southend Airport (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southend_Airport) for a number of years, until one aircraft was refurbished and flown to Australia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia) in 2003. This aircraft is no longer flying; it was often visible parked on the General Aviation side of Cairns International Airport (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairns_International_Airport) in Queensland (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queensland), in company with one or two of the company's Boeing 727s.
Now registered RP-C8020, it was moved back over to the general aviation (western) side of the Cairns airport on 19 August 2011, after spending the best part of a year sitting on the Cairns International apron where it had been moved prior to the scrapping of the remaining company Boeing 727 (RP-C8016) at the end of September 2010.
Short Belfast - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_Belfast)http://www.pprune.org/aviation-history-nostalgia/483264-short-belfast-why.html

http://www.pprune.org/freight-dogs/395467-end-belfast.html

nitpicker330

21st Jan 2013, 21:35

It can't be too good for it sitting closed up in the Cairns humidity and heat.

Spinnerhead

22nd Jan 2013, 08:50

How can you call an aircraft that hasn't flown for 4 or more years airworthy?

Bundaberg

7th Feb 2013, 07:15

Unfortunately the return to operation of this Aircraft has been more than a bumpy ride, its more a roller coaster of emotions for all involved. It would be great to see this old lady respond once again to the commands of dedicated crew members. No doubt Brian P, Dave D, Alan R and chief fixer and former owner Geoff L and many others remember the lady well.

This Belfast did not deserve to be run into the ground, abandoned and finally substituted by previous owners for other toys.

Hopefully the old lady may rise again.

Jabawocky

7th Feb 2013, 11:02

She would often depart YBBN (2003-2006 roughly) at around 6-7am.....and I lived in Bridgeman Downs at the time, just inside SFC-FLXXX airspace, and at times I wondered if this beast departed in CTA :eek:

I have seen overloaded tiger moths, well furl and two fat fokkers, climb at better rates!

Noisy too.

But in a way I miss it.:sad:

Trojan1981

7th Feb 2013, 23:44

Time for a museum methinks...

remoak

8th Feb 2013, 05:05

You don't need to put it in a museum... it could BE the museum... :ok:

GlobalDIRT

2nd Nov 2013, 01:04

Does anyone know who now owns the Belfast Short 'Hector' that is being worked on?

philbky

22nd Feb 2014, 23:24

I'm currently in the QANTAS lounge at Cairns looking across to the Belfast. Painted all white with no markings at all, the engines are still installed and as far as I can tell through a 500mm lens, the airframe looks to be in good condition.

DaisyDuck

23rd Feb 2014, 08:47

Can't comprehend the parking fees it must be currently chewing up...

Waghi Warrior

23rd Feb 2014, 09:09

Also can't comprehend the corrosion the old airframe is acquiring, added onto the corrosion the thing had before it arrived there. Future for it would be a reef wreck or if someone could afford it, a museum piece. Doubt that it will ever fly again under it's own power. VERY SAD TO SEE A LOVELY OLD AEROPLANE BE LEFT TO THE ELEMENTS IN SUCH A HARSH ENVIRONMENT........ :mad:

SOPS

23rd Feb 2014, 09:22

Does anyone actually own it?

Square Bear

23rd Feb 2014, 09:27

Daisy

don't think it is chewing up parking fees any more...my understanding is that the the beast was abandoned.

Used to have a big "H" on the tail, picture on this thread shows that area painted grey.

http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HeavyLift_Cargo_Airlines has a picture of it.

BTW, (NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE HEVILIFT GROUP, totally different company)

BTW, there was a company 721 or 2? F that must have gone the same way, believe there is "youtube" video on line of it being chopped up at the CNS airport.

Wing Root

24th Feb 2014, 04:46

What's going on? Thought I'd check out how the Belfast was looking today. I see ground power plugged in. Also bloke on ladder tinkering around with engines 1 and 2...

717tech

24th Feb 2014, 09:27

The power cart seems to always be plugged in.

Square Bear

24th Feb 2014, 11:57

What's going on? Thought I'd check out how the Belfast was looking today. I see ground power plugged in. Also bloke on ladder tinkering around with engines 1 and 2...

Keeping some of it alive so the CNS Port Authority can recoup some years worth of parking fees?

Michaelupnorth

7th Nov 2014, 05:32

She is still there, looks OK but in a plane white colour scheme now, I took some pics but not sure how to post them.

Fantome

7th Nov 2014, 22:54

VH-SPY parked next to the Bel-slow . . . . what gives with her?

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/9/6/0/1149069.jpg (http://www.airliners.net/photo/DC-3-Australia-South/Douglas-C-47B-Skytrain/1149069/L/&sid=64cdfb4f6b7cd6c8366e9c836426f2e2)

Fantome

7th Nov 2014, 22:58

http://forum.keypublishing.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=232069&d=1411968979 (http://forum.keypublishing.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=232069&d=1411968979)
29th September 2014

http://forum.keypublishing.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=232071&d=1411969019 (http://forum.keypublishing.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=232071&d=1411969019)

http://forum.keypublishing.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=232070&d=1411969001 (http://forum.keypublishing.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=232070&d=1411969001)
29th September 2014 05:36 IMG_3422.JPG

The Green Goblin

8th Nov 2014, 00:25

Those engines never looked big enough to power it.

I remember when it blasted off from Hedland one day to bali. It blasted off as I landed. 25 mins later when I departed mc were chasing it (cleared to f140. It was only passing through 5000 feet and mc were asking if ops were normal hahaha :)

Fred Gassit

8th Nov 2014, 01:09

I was watching it do circuits in Cairns a few years ago, after every takeoff a Port Authority vehicle was doing a run down the runway on what I could only assume was a FOD inspection...

Timber

10th Nov 2014, 18:08

Nearly six years since it last landed in Cairns in the beginning of January 2009. Would be nice to see it move again. Who owns it?

Stratofreighter

27th Feb 2017, 11:05

The end is nigh for "Hector"....
Short Belfast status - Cairns Airport - Updated to Feb 2017 (http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?132129-Short-Belfast-status-Cairns-Airport-Updated-to-Feb-2017) :uhoh: :{ :(

Octane

28th Feb 2017, 02:19

:-( .................

Ejector

28th Feb 2017, 03:50

From the link above

"There were only 10 built - here are their names and fates:

Samson - RAF Serial XR362 (used registration G-ASKE for overseas test flight), sold as G-BEPE then scrapped
Goliath - RAF Serial XR363, sold as G-OHCA then scrapped
Pallas - RAF Serial XR364, sold as scrap to Rolls-Royce who recovered the Tyne engines
Hector - RAF Serial XR365, sold as G-HLFT then as 9L-LDQ operating with HeavyLift Cargo Airlines, now RP-C8020 (see images above)
Atlas - RAF Serial XR366, sold to RR for engines
Heracles - RAF Serial XR367 - sold as G-BFYU then scrapped
Theseus - RAF Serial XR368, sold as G-BEPS then in storage at Southend Airport - Began being broken up 22/Oct/2008
Spartacus - RAF Serial XR369, sold as G-BEPL then scrapped
Ajax - RAF Serial XR370, sold to RR for engines
Enceladus - RAF Serial XR371, preserved as an exhibit at RAF Museum Cosford"

And then there was one....

I received news today that Short SC-5 Belfast C1, XR365, [G-HLFT, RP-C8020] is to be cut up at Cairns airport tomorrow, 28-2-17
From Facebook

Moggy

Ejector

28th Feb 2017, 04:01

SO Sad to just chop it up. Would make a great holiday house.

StallsandSpins

28th Feb 2017, 08:49

Curious as to what became of the previous owners? I knew he was a controversial character but i knew him years ago as kid.

aroa

5th Mar 2017, 04:38

passed ycns today Belfast still there.

If and when it goes for the chop....very sad.

Where did the DC 3 go

Engineer_aus

11th Mar 2017, 06:29

The Dak went to someones back yard north of Cairns.

Fris B. Fairing

12th Mar 2017, 04:35

I have received a report from someone in Cairns that as of yesterday the aeroplane was still in one piece with no perceived activity around it.

cowl flaps

12th Mar 2017, 12:25

I have received a report from someone in Cairns that as of yesterday the aeroplane was still in one piece with no perceived activity around it.

FBF, it was still there Thurs when I had to pop into town.
No activity anywhere near it. Nothing has changed that I could see,......... cheers.

StallsandSpins

12th Mar 2017, 13:01

I wonder what it's scrap value is? .....someone should start a kickstarter fund to buy it and tow it off the field to an adjacent block of land and convert it to a bar. :)

aroa

13th Mar 2017, 00:10

Aus Engnr. How far north in Cairns.?? Whats the plan with it...restoration or 'man cave'?

cowl flaps

14th Mar 2017, 12:28

How far north in Cairns.?? Whats the plan with it...restoration or 'man cave'?
It's only 3 miles from the very centre of Cairns.
Transport wouldn't even have to go on a public road.
I'm sure it could be 'walked' by a crane, (wings off) to a barge in the Barron river where the Hovercraft to Port Douglas used to drop into the drink in the 80's. Barge into town and deck cargo on a suitable sized vessel to anywhere in the world.

Seems such a shame if it got chopped up and go to simsmetal or similar.

Cravenmorehead

14th Mar 2017, 23:43

That would be a nice and fitting end, but who's going to pay.......

Fris B. Fairing

15th Mar 2017, 02:34

How far north in Cairns.?? Whats the plan with it...restoration or 'man cave'?

Cowl Flaps
I believe this quote refers to a DC-3 which used to be parked next to the Belfast.

As for the Belfast itself, the sad fact is that there isn't a museum in Australia that can save this aeroplane. Even the cockpit section would be a very expensive wide load. Apart from creating a museum around the Belfast (Australian airports tend to discourage museums) its only chance of survival might be a ferry flight if the aeroplane is up to it. Sad I agree.

cowl flaps

15th Mar 2017, 09:32

You'd think somewhere on the planet some rich dude would would buy it.

I'd like to know how much the consortium that own Cns airport are owed in arrears parking fees. Might be quite a sizeable sum, and could be a stumbling block.

packapoo

15th Mar 2017, 21:38

I'm sure there are. Just not silly enough- how do you think they would've become rich?

Fris B. Fairing

16th Mar 2017, 03:21

I am advised that the C-47 formerly VH-SPY has been sighted today on a private property at Edmonton south of Cairns. The aircraft is currently stored in the open inside a fenced enclosure. Wings and props are not fitted. The new owner's name is unknown.

RuudLeeuw

17th Apr 2017, 12:16

Hi all,
I worked on an item for my
Page 49 - Photos by Friends and Guests (http://www.ruudleeuw.com/guestphotos-49.htm)
on Shorts SC.5 Belfast RP-C8020 at Cairns

based on
No Cookies | The Cairns Post (http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/cairns-aircraft-dispute-takes-legal-twist/news-story/759ce4b2ff85a5b1ff0e1ac559876792)
and posts on various forums (KeyPublishing, PPRune, Scramble)

Hope for the latest on this humongous bird...
Uupdates or add'l info appreciated

buzzz.lightyear

7th Apr 2018, 02:28

It’s been moved and turned around. Doors are open and ladders up to the fuselage. I saw pix of it recently surrounded by water after the rain last week or so..

aroa

7th Apr 2018, 07:47

Yep, saw that . Great to see 'something' might be happening.... to save it,???... by flying it somewhere else.???

hate to think the big bird would just be scrapped.

packapoo

7th Apr 2018, 22:10

It’s been moved and turned around. Doors are open and ladders up to the fuselage. I saw pix of it recently surrounded by water after the rain last week or so..

Thought for a moment there they'd done the right thing and dumped it in the tide...:}

cowl flaps

8th Apr 2018, 09:12

... by flying it somewhere else.???

It would be a very brave pair who would fly that thing again. :eek:

LeadSled

9th Apr 2018, 05:26

It would be a very brave pair who would fly that thing again.
Why, if it has got a "ferry" permit??
Tootle pip!!

aroa

9th Apr 2018, 06:03

Why would you want to dump it in the tide ?? , sh*ttybits.
Its a magnificent piece of aeronautical engineering and seriously uncommon/rare. On the verge of extinction ?..is this the last of the breed ?

Would great if it only got to be parked at YMBA... great starting block for the NQ Aviation Heritage Centre..!! A small museum could be INSIDE !!

packapoo

9th Apr 2018, 21:44

I realised it would be most irresponsible, that's why I looked again.

As to the rest, well, a magnificent piece of UKish how not to aeronautically engineer and thankfully rare. Guess the Port Authority wish it were even rarer....

sandiego89

17th Apr 2018, 17:35

Engine runs? For the Belfast, or for another application?

Short Belfast Under Resurrection in Australia? (http://warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-news/short-belfast-under-resurrection-in-australia.html)

cowl flaps

6th May 2018, 14:58

A phone pic I took last tuesday. The old girl's not looking too shabby.
https://www.pprune.org/members/170140-cowl-flaps-albums-album-picture1210-shorts-belfast.jpg

packapoo

7th May 2018, 22:12

Phone pic?
New safety criteria? Surely not.
Always thought it was the things you couldn't see that would hurt you...

theozguru

3rd Jun 2018, 05:45

cowl flaps

3rd Jun 2018, 12:17

Has there been much movement on this plane? Has someone actually paid the parking fees? I wonder if they are going to fly it out like they did the 737-200 out of Perth to Jandakot one early Sunday morning.
It's been moved around in the last few months. Has been engine runs too. Not what you'd do if it was to be scrapped.
The 727-200 that sat with it a few years ago was chopped up for scrap. Parking fees on the Belfast would be in the millions, at a guess, after all these years.
Also it has been re-painted from the white to a military-like light grey. It must have some value,- being a one off.

packapoo

3rd Jun 2018, 22:49

Probably one of the pollies from that not-so-squeaky-clean country a little further North that like to spend all their down time in Cairns, have 'sold' it to their Defence Force.....

mattyj

4th Jun 2018, 00:30

Also it has been re-painted from the white to a military-like light grey. It must have some value,- being a one off.

are you sure it’s grey paint? From a distance, bird doo, burned rubber residue, dust and burned jet fuel residue have a similar appearance

cowl flaps

4th Jun 2018, 08:49

are you sure it’s grey paint? From a distance, bird doo, burned rubber residue, dust and burned jet fuel residue have a similar appearance

If bird **** and all the other substances are shiny, you may well be right on the money, mattyj.

aroa

23rd Sep 2019, 02:07

Major article in the cns 'Weekend Post' re the imminent demise of 'Hector' the last Belfast not in captivity, atho a paroled prisoner.
Anyone know what was the 'legal issue' with the Airstapo that grounded it.? Not that the local environment is doing it much good.
Would make a great specimen for the newly minted FNQ Aviation Museum, 10 minutes away.
HARS reckons its not relevant to Oz. So what ? its a rare bird, pulls in the spotters and tourists, and once gone ...never to be seen again. Unless you want a holiday in the UK

LeadSled

23rd Sep 2019, 07:27

So sad.
Tootle pip!!

TwoFiftyBelowTen

25th Nov 2019, 04:54

Haven’t been to CNS in a while...
It is now 2 months on from this reported “imminent” demise of Hector, can anyone please report on the situation now?

packapoo

25th Nov 2019, 20:11

Nah maaaate! Fire would've been out before the thing even got within cooee.....

FM eh? Haven't heard that name taken, rightfully IMO, in vain in years.....

Manubada

26th Nov 2019, 01:21

What's the latest with FM? Did he succeed with the $45M "compensation blong me" claim?

Alice Kiwican

26th Nov 2019, 01:49

Piper Navajo Chieftain associated with Fred Marten's the convicted child crim (apologies if the verdict has been reversed) and registered in his brothers name..

Is that the aircraft that Hinterland engineers (I think) used to do engine runs on every month or so? Something to do with the owner one day coming and flying away in it

Global Aviator

26th Nov 2019, 05:42

A quick buff and she’d be right eh......

Duck Pilot

26th Nov 2019, 08:32

A bit of wind in the tyres might help as well.

What’s the latest with FM? Anyone know?

Kagamuga

26th Nov 2019, 11:40

Had the misfortune to sit next to him about 12 months ago on a PX flight from POM to CNS.
He was dressed in well worn blue slacks, crumpled white pilot shirt, with a pair of epaulettes in left hand shirt pocket, positioned so that 4 gold bars were appropriately visible through the shirt material. Longish silver grey hair.
I didn't say anything to start with until he filled out his 'incoming' card and stated his profession was an 'airline pilot'.
He openly brags about the apparent wrongful arrest and jailing with no prompting what so ever. Of course it's not his fault the Chieftain is dormant at Cairns, always other peoples fault.

Duck Pilot

26th Nov 2019, 11:54

Hope you addressed him as Captain or Skipper Kagamuga!

Manubada

28th Nov 2019, 00:50

Charlatan comes to mind. Just sayin' like........

bad_pilot

10th Dec 2019, 02:08

Still wondering exactly which backyard that DC3 is in...

Fris B. Fairing

10th Dec 2019, 07:06

Still wondering exactly which backyard that DC3 is in...

It's no longer in the yard at Edmonton. In October it was sighted at Innisfail Airport still in its dismantled state.

aroa

12th Dec 2019, 01:03

IFL air show abt a month ago... Dak in bits to be seen across the strip from the Aero Club FNQAM interested in it.
Belfast still there intact last week...will check again next week.

Duck Pilot

12th Dec 2019, 07:14

Never know, it might mysteriously disappear one night and no one will ever know where it’s gone.......

Pinky the pilot

12th Dec 2019, 09:28

Just out of curiosity; Anyone know when was the last time that Chieftain (AFW) flew?:hmm:

Kagamuga

13th Dec 2019, 01:32

Pinky,

Very long time ago when Chieftain last flew; so much so it does not even appear on FlightAware as a listed aircraft.

Fred Martens operated the aircraft in PNG on a "questionable" flying doctor service. The registered address is Fred's 'pile' in Mareeba, Qld; but the aircraft has always been registered as an operator in his brother's name since 2004 at a different address.
If you try and match up the two names; Martens was a Wheatley before the family chucked him out back in the 1970's and Fred changed his name. Fred used to hoon around Berwick in those days in an Aztec from memory. Not the smartest bunch, young brother had to go to USA to get a CPL. The Aussie systems was too challenging.

If you can get hold of a copy of the centre fold magazine that forms part of the weekend Australian, many years ago there was an article on Fred and his brother. Fred has always claimed the Government settled with him in strict secrecy and that's why there is no 'hansard' data available.... You'll piss yourself laughing if you get to read the story!

longrass

13th Dec 2019, 11:53

Sitting n the sun and aging gracefully.
In it's day probably would have made a good water tanker/fire bomber.....
Cairns airport has not go the balls to tear it up, there is a derelict C208 Caravan there from Green Island swim club, Piper Navajo Chieftain associated with Fred Marten's the convicted child crim (apologies if the verdict has been reversed) and registered in his brothers name.
There is a recent addition to the graveyard a Cessna C340. Rotten old Aero Commander and other bits and pieces.

I tried for many years to buy P2-NAZ (P68) I think it was cairns airport. They actually seized the aircraft and owned it but despite offering them money they couldn’t find the correct “process” to sell it.

Office Update

25th Jul 2022, 04:18

Engineering team working on Belfast to return to flight status.
Good progress being made.

Mach E Avelli

25th Jul 2022, 05:26

[QUOTE=Office Update;11267155]Engineering team working on Belfast to return to flight status.
Good progress being made.[/QUOTE

I smell some novel scam here.
It has no hope of ever flying legally. It has little historical value - unless lemons make for good history - so it’s not even worth the cost to ferry to a museum. And good luck with a ferry permit, even on RP rego, even with brown paper bags under the desk. It would be a very courageous official who would sign it off. Crew recency? Insurance? Payment of outstanding airport charges before release?

Engineer time would be better utilised stripping all the toxic stuff out of it so that it can be towed out to sea and used as a dive wreck.

junior.VH-LFA

25th Jul 2022, 06:10

Engineering team working on Belfast to return to flight status.
Good progress being made.

Which team? I hope they have deep pockets.

packapoo

25th Jul 2022, 22:01

Not. A. Chance.

p.s. This is my favourite topic here....

Old aeroplane geek

11th Feb 2023, 04:32

Visting Cairns yesterday from down south.
Saw the Belfast, magnificent aircraft.
Engineer working on aircraft said almost ready for engine runs, looked to have new tyres, brakes, oleo struts etc

herostratus

8th Mar 2023, 08:40

Anyone have an update on Hector?

packapoo

8th Mar 2023, 19:45

Just mildly curious.
Does the DC-3 fly?

aroa

8th Mar 2023, 21:41

Dak @ IFL. In bits. Black with mold. Seriously doubt it will ever fly again.
Spotted the Belfast from the highway a week or so ago. Pleased to see still in one piece.
would be good to get it airworthy and get it out of there

packapoo

9th Mar 2023, 20:06

aroa

Get it out. Even in bales would work.

aroa

9th Mar 2023, 20:21

That’s good news regarding the IFL. Dak. They have obviously been putting much time money and effort into it.
Looking fwd to seeing and hearing a flyover

The Pirate

21st May 2023, 00:17

I was in Cairns last week and saw that the Belfast had at least a couple of people working on it. They appeared to be working on No.3 engine or that part of the wing.
Anybody know more about this?

Capt Jack.

pilotms

3rd Sep 2023, 11:13

According to Skyliner Aviation News the Belfast has been registered to Bank of Utah as N1819S on 30 August

packapoo

3rd Sep 2023, 22:08

Wonder what the scam is....?

CAVOK92

3rd Sep 2023, 22:37

I heard a whisper McDermott Aviation had bought it to transport their Helicopters around the world.

slice

4th Sep 2023, 00:06

Where can I get an Type rating ?:8

aroa

4th Sep 2023, 00:48

That is good news on two fronts. Dak to be saved and used. Belfast to be put to good use.
Bravo to those with the vision and money to make it happen and save a couple of aeronautical icons.

Mach E Avelli

4th Sep 2023, 00:57

That is good news on two fronts. Dak to be saved and used. Belfast to be put to good use.
Bravo to those with the vision and money to make it happen and save a couple of aeronautical icons.
Unless the Belfast goes on the Sierrra Leone registry, tell 'em they're dreaming. Then, where in the world will they be able to fly?

Old aeroplane geek

4th Sep 2023, 03:52

Mach ..

The FAA civil register updated last night .

The Belfast has been registered to Bank of Utah as N1819S on 30 August..

chimbu warrior

4th Sep 2023, 05:19

Certificate of Registration - largely a paperwork exercise, comparatively easy.
Certificate of Airworthiness - not so much. Lets wait and see.

Mach E Avelli

4th Sep 2023, 10:10

Before it can move it will require an Export C of A issued by the current country of registry, stating it’s airworthy. Then FAA may issue a ferry permit, pending their own C of A when (if?) it makes it to an approved maintenance facility and any outstanding issues are addressed.
But neither export certificates nor ferry permits are as easy to get as they once were. Then, insurance before it can move. Insurers are also a lot more aviation savvy than they once were.
While nothing is impossible given enough millions and time, I still think they are dreaming.

Petropavlovsk

4th Sep 2023, 11:12

The owner is FAA licenced.
He has every ticket, engine and airframe from Tiger Moth through to B747 inc. Belfast.
The guy knows his stuff; I've known him for 40 + years

SWBKCB

4th Sep 2023, 11:14

When did it last move?

nonsense

5th Sep 2023, 04:36

https://www.flightaware.com/resources/registration/N1819S

packapoo

5th Sep 2023, 19:07

Looks like a game of pass the parcel...

StallsandSpins

20th Sep 2023, 12:59

Traffic_Is_Er_Was

20th Sep 2023, 13:22

Looks like a game of pass the parcel...
That's just that rego, not the aircraft itself.
This is the aircraft history:
N1819S Bank of Utah Short SC.5 Belfast (planespotters.net) (https://www.planespotters.net/airframe/short-sc5-belfast-n1819s-bank-of-utah/3v6v6v)

Duck Pilot

20th Sep 2023, 20:07

its not inconceivable that the aircraft has some value. with the war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia the continued operations of the Antonovs in the west for outsize cargo is probably over....if HARS got that Constellation going (im pretty sure it doesn't have a full C of A either ) i don't see why the Belfast couldn't be made flyable ....its not like it would be being used for flying pax. The RR tynes are probably simpler and more reliable than the turbo compound Wrights on the Connie too. good luck to them ! If the owner is who i think it is im sure he could do it

Think your dreaming.

The engines wouldn’t be the main problem as they could be overhauled, whereas removing the intergranular corrosion in the airframe might present some structural problems, together with a lot of other problems such as old hoses, wiring and seals.

It would be great to see it be dismantled and moved to an aviation museum.

Old aeroplane geek

20th Sep 2023, 20:57

The owner has the ability and tickets to get the aircraft flying.
The owner has a huge supply of spare engines and props.
The airframe is in remarkable condition and airworthy
The aircraft sits on a new undercarriage, brakes, tyres, hydraulics, the lot.
The aircraft is FMS equipped for serious IFR flight
The aircraft has a triple redundant full auto land capability

Stalls and Spins ... Yes you do know him very well as did your grandfather!

Mach E Avelli

20th Sep 2023, 21:45

A huge supply of spare engines and props would be great if they had useful calendar life remaining. Otherwise, even if they are unused, it’s back to an approved overhaul shop.

packapoo

20th Sep 2023, 22:08

its not inconceivable that the aircraft has some value. with the war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia the continued operations of the Antonovs in the west for outsize cargo is probably over....if HARS got that Constellation going (im pretty sure it doesn't have a full C of A either ) i don't see why the Belfast couldn't be made flyable ....its not like it would be being used for flying pax. The RR tynes are probably simpler and more reliable than the turbo compound Wrights on the Connie too. good luck to them ! If the owner is who i think it is im sure he could do it

Would it get there in time.....It wasn't known as the Belslow for no reason.....

Duck Pilot

20th Sep 2023, 22:32

The owner has the ability and tickets to get the aircraft flying.
The owner has a huge supply of spare engines and props.
The airframe is in remarkable condition and airworthy
The aircraft sits on a new undercarriage, brakes, tyres, hydraulics, the lot.
The aircraft is FMS equipped for serious IFR flight
The aircraft has a triple redundant full auto land capability

No mention of a Part 121 AOC.

I can just imagine the fun in getting the AOC to operate it commercially, in any country let alone Australia.

Petropavlovsk

21st Sep 2023, 00:29

Post # 89 ... the "poster" is suggesting a Helicopter operator maybe a part owner of the Belfast. Given the world wide nature of their operation, the Belfast would be a good choice.
A quick Wiki look at the aircraft would suggest a purpose built military aircraft with a floor designed to take Tanks.
I'm guessing this would be ideal for a bunch of fire fighting Bell 214's ??? and Refuelling vehicles, spare parts and a service vehicle.
This to me would suggest a PRIVATE operation with no AOC required.

One thing is certain; the aircraft will fly again and I believe it will be very successful for the owners/operator.

Duck Pilot

21st Sep 2023, 10:29

StallsandSpins

21st Sep 2023, 12:11

a positive cheerful and proactive lot to be found here !
Would it get there in time.....It wasn't known as the Belslow for no reason....
the slowest aircraft is still an order of magnitude faster than a boat
Think your dreaming.

The engines wouldn’t be the main problem as they could be overhauled, whereas removing the intergranular corrosion in the airframe might present some structural problems, together with a lot of other problems such as old hoses, wiring and seals.

It would be great to see it be dismantled and moved to an aviation museum

how did HARS manage the intragranular corrosion on the constellation?....that had decades worth of corrosive bird crap in it when they recovered it ....corrosion is always a possibility in any aircraft but its not an inevitability.
anyway the Belfast was only buillt in 1964 so its only midlife by Australian GA standards ....being a such a specialized aircraft it probably doesn't have that many hours on it either.
What could possibly go wrong?

Fully loaded with choppers, ground support equipment and all the rest of it and it goes U/S in a foreign country!

The owner will require extremely deep pockets!

Commercial risk? Obviously nothing!
guess who ultimately pays for all these contract fire fighting helicopters?
its probably the only civilian aircraft capable of doing this...there would be extra $$$ for the operators in being able to get from one fire season to the next ASAP

PiperCameron

21st Sep 2023, 23:17

It must be cleaned up at least a little if the owner is showing folks like Dave Soderstrom around:

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/north-qld-drive/hector-the-short-belfast-plane-to-fly-again-at-cairns-airport/102881228

aroa

22nd Sep 2023, 01:17

All hats off to those who have the business foresight and $ to go with it to refurb and put Hector to good use.
Better for it to be worn out with use than to be reduced to scrap.
I look fwd to some pix of it back in the air soon and read about it’s chopper shifting travels.
Go well, Hector !!

G-CLAW

23rd Sep 2023, 14:15

Very long time ago when Chieftain last flew; so much so it does not even appear on FlightAware as a listed aircraft.

Is that Chieftain ‘AFW still there?

Flew it a long time ago and am passing through Cairns next month…

Kagamuga

23rd Sep 2023, 20:55

G-CLAW, yes it is, although hardly recognised as an aircraft. Still registered in Fred Marten's brothers name.
Rotted out, holes from corrosion, head towards to Belfast, the Chieftain is in the rubbish dump.

G-CLAW

23rd Sep 2023, 21:41

Thanks Kagamuga.

Flew her when she was brand-new, many happy memories…

Hopefully I’ll get to see both of them one last time 🤞

CLAW

NutLoose

3rd Oct 2023, 15:56

Think your dreaming.

The engines wouldn’t be the main problem as they could be overhauled, whereas removing the intergranular corrosion in the airframe might present some structural problems, together with a lot of other problems such as old hoses, wiring and seals.

It would be great to see it be dismantled and moved to an aviation museum.

Posted on the flypast forums..

I wonder if this is linked to the sale of 3 ex German C-160's, and a large number of spares to Australia? Of course both share the same engines, could be completeley unconnected of course.

Herod

3rd Oct 2023, 17:08

There is one in a museum in UK. I reckon the chances of getting that airborne are better than Hector. After all, the UK one has spent some 15 years in a hangar, and possibly more before that.

monkeybussiness

2nd Dec 2023, 11:05

Having noticed activity in CNS boneyard 29/11/23 went back to see how close one could get - will post photos as soon as possible

Fris B. Fairing

17th Dec 2023, 19:52

With Cairns Airport underwater, the Belfast is now imitating her ancestors.

PiperCameron

17th Dec 2023, 21:38

With Cairns Airport underwater, the Belfast is now imitating her ancestors.

Unlike the lighties nearby, it looks quite okay to me:

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/987x582/untitled_f17e9676aa3d4fbc21a8852600cacfc31a8d0fdb.jpg

That Belfast sure would make a good flying boat!

packapoo

18th Dec 2023, 20:27

And Shorts know a thing or two about them....

PiperCameron

18th Dec 2023, 21:25

And Shorts know a thing or two about them....

The owner should maybe consider installing a bilge pump.. for the next time it rains in Cairns. There's probably a spot for one on the airframe someplace. :E

helispotter

4th Jan 2024, 23:52

This article popped up in my news feeds. Seems to report more progress on 'Hector' than I had read here:

Heavy Lift Turboprop Freighter: 60 Years Of The Short Belfast
https://simpleflying.com/short-belfast-60-years-guide/

These days, I wonder whether some of these items are generated using AI, given a paragraph like:

"All four of the aircraft's engines have been examined and thoroughly tested, alongside the plane's four Rolls-Royce Tyne engines and control surfaces".

PiperCameron

15th Jan 2024, 00:59

I was in Cairns last Thursday: Other than reduced tourist numbers, there's no sign of cyclone damage anywhere and Hector is looking just fine (from across the runway at least):

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1504/pxl_20240111_043021706_46ffc91f9c4dabb1146fbc1d0d4fe6fbf08ec 268.jpg

Apologies for the crappy pic - it seems my phone struggles to focus properly in liquid sunshine.

ausflyer

1st Mar 2024, 02:39

Any updates on Hector? Movement(s)

Just curious.

Aus'

TBM-Legend

1st Mar 2024, 05:35

Our friends at McDermott’s have lots of RR Tyne engine with their C160 Transall purchase. Same engine type in the Belslow.

Norn Iron Guy

3rd Apr 2024, 05:12

Fris B. Fairing

4th Apr 2024, 05:03

Posted on behalf of Norn Iron Guy Post #126

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x406/belfast_cns_28mar24_130533_800_0f32682ed93fbe024ca10b46d6b20 797a98111de.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x480/belfast_cns_28mar24_130617_800_b2a0f0367e076a0d57d337b1ebf4a 3bcb3fdcbfa.jpg

PiperCameron

4th Apr 2024, 05:50

I watched the maiden flight of the type when I was a 14yr old living at Sydenham, Belfast. Saw the Cairns aircraft last Thursday , 28th March when I was in Cairns. Looked to be still in good condition but I was just a tad worried as there were some guys with a ute removing things out of it.

Could just be (a) stuff/spares/etc that got soaked in the recent flooding, (b) stuff that is stopping a proper inspection of the hold after the recent flooding or (c) something else entirely.

Ground power working is a good sign all is ok. I wouldn't panic at least until you find the engines missing..

Duck Pilot

4th Apr 2024, 05:59

Anyone who thinks that it’s going to fly out of Cairns under it’s own power without any major maintenance is in la la land.

It would be great to see it fly again, however in reality it won’t. Look at the mould on the top of the wing box sections, the corrosion underneath the panels/skins would render it un airworthy with some serious structural repairs required, repairs that certainly could not be done in the Cairns outdoor hangar.

Pinky the pilot

4th Apr 2024, 07:28

A question; I know nothing about the Belfast but can anyone post here on just how good an A/C it was, compared to the C130 Hercules?

I have a vague recollection of once reading somewhere that it was, in almost all aspects, somewhat inferior to the C130.

Can someone elucidate?

Re Packapoo's comment that Shorts knew a thing or two about Flying Boats; I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that my late Father, 39814 Baum; Ronald Wilhelm, W/O1 Pilot 461 SQN RAAF would agree with you.:ok::D

Office Update

4th Apr 2024, 10:22

Interesting comments by DP (#129)
Been working on the aircraft for some time now. No sign of any corrosion, upper or lower mainplanes, systems checks carried out, all OK
New paint job, high on list of priorities
FAA inspection was originally scheduled for this week, but deferred until next week.
Time will tell ...
Let's just wait and see ! please !

Webby737

18th Apr 2024, 10:37

tail wheel

18th Apr 2024, 21:29

Pinky

Similar job, very different balus. Whilst the Belfast should be compared against the C130A of the same period, compared to the current C130H (according to Wikipedia):

SHORT BELFAST C Mk 1

Capacity: 150 troops (250 with removable upper floor installed) / 78,000 lb (35,380 kg) payload
Empty weight: 127,000 lb (57,606 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 230,000 lb (104,326 kg)
Maximum speed: 352 mph (567 km/h, 306 kn)
Cruise speed: 336 mph (541 km/h, 292 kn) at 24,000 ft (7,315 m)
Ferry range: 6,100 mi (9,800 km, 5,300 nmi)
Powerplant: 4 × Rolls-Royce turboprop engines, 5,730 shp
Number built: 10

LOCKHEED C130H

92 passengers (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passengers) or 64 airborne troops (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airborne_troops)
Empty weight: 75,800 lb (34,382 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 155,000 lb (70,307 kg)
Maximum speed: 320 kn (370 mph, 590 km/h) at 20,000 ft (6,100 m)
Cruise speed: 292 kn (336 mph, 541 km/h)
Ferry range: 3,995 nmi (4,597 mi, 7,399 km)
Powerplant: 4 × Allison turboprop engines, 4,590 shp
Number built: 2,600 +

Interestingly the Belfast only had 17% more power, significantly greater payload for what is claimed the same the same cruise speed of 292 knots. The Belfast had far greater ferry range, although at full range I suspect the payload would have been minimal.

I wonder who is paying what must now be very significant airport charges to the Cairns Port Authority???

Transposed re-engining now reverted to original engine configuration....... :}