What is it about the C180/185

[Oakape]

That's more than a little sad!

She was dad's 'aeroplane' when he was at Mt Cook in '66. Brand spanking new then & was red & white - an arguably safer colour when operating in the snow than the pale blue & white used later & shown in the photo. The red 'safety' strips are a consession to that. She arrived with CKP, which became the Chief Pilot's plane.

It sure would be nice to have the money to buy her & do her up.

[Weheka]

Not sure if these have been on Prune before, anyway BJY "parked" at Gorge River, and take off at Barn Bay, much better strip than it is today!

[baron_beeza]

The photo of a forlorn CKT brings back memories.
I was asked to do an ARA on it when it was only a slightly better state. It had been flying so I guess the wheels, eng and prop may have been in place back then.

It had a few days to go, - so I suggested it should carry on to a more suitable location, one where the repairs could be carried out. I doubt it has moved much since that time.
I am afraid to say I have not seen many aircraft more tired than this was,- a shame but I am sure it will bounce back.
After all it is only money.

[c100driver]

BJY in her working clothes. My old girl used to be a sister ship with her in the deep south for many years

Good shot of the longer Barn Bay, the strip is very much shorter now.

[frothy]

fun and games No.2 is what happens waiting for bloody jumpers
Photo No.1 was down at Corowa in the '80's that was a blast.


Frothy

[frothy]

Forgot to mention first photo above was one 180 and 5 185's. unusual to have that many together so we took the opportunity, never let a chance go by

frothy

[gkja]

Is that VH-DGL?

[frothy]

Sure is. Harry S and I have heaps of time sitting in her. Used to be the best 185 on the jump circuit. When just us two were flying it we had no major trouble. Got flipped on t/o but is in Scone last I saw(rebuilt) and lookin' shmick. DGL is in the formation as well

frothy

[gkja]

DGL (Did Ground Loop).That was a sad day.If you're who I think you are,you'd moved on by the time I came along but you dropped in and flew the old girl again about the mid 90's for a few loads one day.Is Harry still kicking?We left there about 10 years ago and I often wonder about my old mate Harry.

[frothy]

gkja, and all that know Harry,I was talking to a well known Aerobatic Operator from MND about a fortnight ago and yes he's kicking on. I should get top his age
He wound up at the age of about 75 flying KPF after starting with flying the Dragon(AGC) then 180(CYJ) then DGL. Over 10k hrs for the Newcastle Parachute Club(NSPC). Sterling dedication. He started flying them when I started Jumping. When I was able to learn to fly and got qualified I got smart and had the pleasure to fly with GHS starting with CYJ. Hope to get down to MND before the end of the year for a beer or three with Gerald Henry.

frothy

[aseanaero]

one 180 and 5 185's. unusual to have that many together

I thought it was a flyby of frontline RNZAF aircraft ...

[frothy]

Did NZ have that many ????

Frothy

[Stationair8]

I printed this off and gave it to a retired Lame to have a read off. He spent a few years in the 60's and 70's working on C180/185's in PNG, Hazelton's and then for Schutt's.

He has a couple of questions,

1. Can anyone recall who imported the last C180 and C185 into Australia and the callsign's? He thought it might have been brought in my Arthur Schutt

2. Did the last of the C180/185 retain the manual flaps?

Regards
S8

[185skywagon]

Last 180 ever made is in oz MQQ.
Last 185 ended up in china via OZ(allegedly) on an agricultural aid program.
Manual flaps till the end.

[Rodda]

My "onney" experience.
Awsome machine.


180

180

180

180

185

[skywagondriver]

Keep the photos coming...

My love affair with the 180/185 started one day as an eleven year old in 1960 when my father gave me five hard earned bob to have a flight in the Wellington Aero Club's BUS...


Photo credit WAC

Little did I know then that I would be type rated on them in 1966 [at Hastings AC as they were the only club operating them then] and hauling them around earning a living in 1969...great load carriers.



Many years later in 2009 it's still a pleasure to fly one...

[frothy]

rodda
That's her, did my t/wheel endorsement in it at Cudal with Nigel Johnson. He didn't bother about taking the seed pod off because he reckoned I was going back to fly a 180 with a few human bodies hanging out one side anyway. Cudal in the middle of Winter as a few of you will know a bit icy in the mornings!!. He gave me a blo*dy good workout ,for which I've always been thankful.
Thanks for posting those photos

Frothy

[185skywagon]

Frothy, would that be Nigel who flew for RFDS n Cairns for a few years??

[Rodda]

no worries, KVW was in Hervey Bay for skydiving when I flew her, and DFO lives at Latrobe Valley and does a bit of everything, charter, photos, dropping, towing, training. Provided me with some invaluable experience building.

skywagondriver that bottom photo is a cracker, what a great strip!

[frothy]

Sky Wagon
Dunno I met him at Cudal early to mid '70s. worked for Hazo boulder hopping. A blo*dy good bloke too. Forced landings were" I can make it back to the Strip." The reply " Pick youself another paddock"
He must have known every inch of that area 'cause I had to plonk it in.
I've got an idea he fired an anti spin drogue in anger, could be wrong, has been known
He seemed a pretty fair age when I met him, but I was only a young buck then.
Sorry I can't help you on the RFDS thing

Frothy