Time appears to be running out for the Belfast in Oz

[Stratofreighter]

At about 22.00 hrs in the evening local time on the 28th nothing still seemed to have happened around "Hector".


Haven't found any updates from people living near Cearns from the 1st of March or today the 2nd of March.


But the writing is on the wall for this bird, I guess.

[Herod]

Has nobody thought about the old idea of making a nice restaurant/bar? With a few railings up ('elf an safety), the wings would make lovely terraces.

[Capt Chambo]

She was still there and appeared to be in one piece on Friday 3rd March

[NutLoose]

I would imagine with the feeling around the world etc, she will be quietly scrapped without much ado, after all negative publicity isn't good for them.. shame as the owners (the airport) couldn't be more adventurous in seeking to place it elsewhere, after all it does not appear to be taking up land that has a pressing need to be cleared, and scrap wise it is worth nothing close to the debts incurred..

[asw28-866]

Still very much intact if a little sad looking, 31st March 2017

All,

Noticed this thread a while ago and grabbed a quick snap as I taxied past yesterday (31st March). As you can see, no obvious activity of any nature around the Belfast.

Kind regards

866

[airsound]

Hector at Akrotiri in his (her?) glory days. (You can just see the name under the flight deck window)

Here's a tower conversation I've related before - forgive if you've heard it....

Late 1970s, a Belfast into Chicago O’Hare. Callsign Ascot 9275.

Chicago tower, Ascot 9275.
Ascot, say your aircraft type.
Ascot 9275 is a Belfast.
Uhhh, what in heck’s a Belfast, Ascot?
It’s a big 4-turboprop freighter - bit like a pretty C133.
OK Ascot, you’re cleared to continue behind the landing 737 - do you have that visual?
Ascot 9275, affirmative, to continue.
Chicago Tower this is United 934.
Untied 934 Chicago, you’re cleared to continue behind the landing Belfast.
The landing what?????
United 934, don’t you know a Belfast when you see one?

[bingofuel]

I vaguely remember a story that a Belfast was landed back at Brize Norton one evening and the Captain received a round of applause for his efforts, on turning around he claims there were a total of 19 people on the flight deck.
Can anyone comfirm this or is it just a Belfast myth?

[airsound]

Bingo, I can certainly attest to remembering 16 on the flight deck in flight - flight crew plus 12.

[bingofuel]

Sounds feasible then. I only once managed to get onto a Belfast and recall it was pretty spacious, but that would be 45 years ago or so. If not 50!!

[Al Richey]

On one of the final delivery flights to the knackers yard I was one of 21 on the flight deck. Have to admit it a bit of a squeeze.