Lance McKean. aka Cobba
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Lance McKean. aka Cobba
It is with a degree of sadness that another of aviation
characters has passed
Lance McKean, owner of Emu Airways, general rat bag, and the scourge of CASA, traded his wings this morning for more angelic ones.
characters has passed
Lance McKean, owner of Emu Airways, general rat bag, and the scourge of CASA, traded his wings this morning for more angelic ones.
Lol, are you sure they were wings - or horns! 
Yes definitely one of the characters of aviation & I knew him well. RIP Lance, I will miss you. 
DF.
Yes definitely one of the characters of aviation & I knew him well. RIP Lance, I will miss you. DF.
Sad to hear of the demise of Cobber. The boy from Broken Hill. A colourful character with a colourful career in aviation. I first met him when Emu operated DH Drovers in the 70's. Many a cold lager was downed at the old airport upstairs bar and also the 'stute. Condolences to family and friends. 
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RIP Cob
My thoughts are with Lance and his extended family. For a number of years I flew both with and alongside Lance during my time with both Whyalla and Emu. He gave so many young guys a quick start to aviation. I found him always quick with a smile or wink, just after another wry comment! I have many stories both seen and told but for another time over a beer.
See you soon old Mate, Beany.
See you soon old Mate, Beany.
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Cob
Bugger! A good bloke, they don't breed em like that anymore. No doubt at the other-world Institute bar, fighting with old Pat about who's shout it is next. RIP.
Don't reckon Emu flew Drovers. That was Islandair, and Coveair.
Don't reckon Emu flew Drovers. That was Islandair, and Coveair.
You are probably right now I reflect a little more carefully, ozaggie. Your reference to Pat made me think. They were the good old days and those guys flew those machines VFR in all kinds of weather. It was the era, I think. I do remember Lance's love for the Twin Bonanza but that was a few years later too. Some of the antics prompted a wise crack from a tower controller " In weather like this I'd rather be up here than up there!" 
Don't reckon Emu flew Drovers. That was Islandair, and Coveair.
His funeral will be held on Monday July 6 at 3011 Murbko Road Morgan, followed by a private cremation.
DF.
The most famous fuel shortage was when a Drover, piloted by Big John ran short of fuel on the return leg from Parndana to Adelaide. The aircraft landed at Port Stanvac refinery where there was a short strip prepared to allow Ag Planes to operate in case of an oil spillage. The lone male passenger hailed a cab and continued on to Adelaide. Big John rounded up a drum of fuel, topped up the Drover and flew the plane out!
I think that Big John and Lance were in partnership. Many stories will come out of the woodwork next week, I'm sure.
I think that Big John and Lance were in partnership. Many stories will come out of the woodwork next week, I'm sure.
