Belfast in Cairns
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the last airworthy Belfast
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.....
After being retired from TAC HeavyLift service, several were parked at Southend Airport for a number of years, until one aircraft was refurbished and flown to Australia in 2003. This aircraft is no longer flying; it was often visible parked on the General Aviation side of Cairns International Airport in 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
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://www.pprune.org/freight-dogs/3...d-belfast.html
Last edited by TIMA9X; 21st Jan 2013 at 15:52.
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Belfast SC5, Cairns
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.
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.
Join Date: Jul 2007
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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 
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.
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.
Join Date: Jun 2008
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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.
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........ 
short flights long nights
Does anyone actually own it?
Join Date: Apr 2002
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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/...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.
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/...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.
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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...
