Nice Grumman Mallard tourism story

[AnotherFSO]

https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/ins...10-p5eb0i.html

[runway16]

But the writer described it as a German built Grumman Mallard.

R

[Capt Fathom]

German built Grumman Mallard? Didn't see that anywhere in the article.

[PiperCameron]

Saw that article this morning. I had the privilege to be involved in the first of their Kimberley Air Safaris and I don't mind saying they are superb, well maintained aircraft ideally suited to their mission and flown by extremely talented and professional pilots.

[vne165]

I crew changed on that aircraft every two weeks for years in the late eighties, between Karratha and Varanus Island, a flight of about 40 minutes. Sat in the right hand seat many times to as the pilots knew I was a keen student pilot at the time. I remember sea water trickling in around aft window seals, how it was handled backwards though the narrow channel when a wind change meant taking off from the other side of the island. Of the wind-up and down pilots and co-pilots windows. It had a mishap on takeoff one year, damaging the engine and starboard wing by memory. It was recovered and sat on the island for months whilst they found (or made) jigs for a replacement wing.

It was said that it once belonged to Elizabeth Arden, and that she kept it moored on the Hudson. But that was just a rumour, don't know if it is true.
Fabulous aircraft.

[PiperCameron]

Originally Posted by vne165

It was said that it once belonged to Elizabeth Arden, and that she kept it moored on the Hudson. But that was just a rumour, don't know if it is true.
Fabulous aircraft.

You sure it was the same one? Paspaley have three of them.. all turbine conversions. Three allows one to be out at Kuri Bay, one on the way from Darwin, plus one spare on maintenance.

[vne165]

Yes, fair enough - was aware that they have multiple....it maybe a different airframe. But was a time I'll never forget.
By memory the one we used was sold into the Whitsundays and then on to Paspaley I think.
There's not many about is there?

[lucille]

Mini thread drift… but still heartwarming. Made in Darwin, no less!


https://www.amphibaircraft.com

https://darwininnovationhub.com.au/a...ern-territory/

[Capt Fathom]

VH-PPT was originally VH-JAW which operated out of Shute Harbour with Air Whitsunday. They also had a Radial powered Mallard, but don't know where that went ex Air Whitsunday!

PS. After some more googling.....

Built 1947 as NC2966 & based in France for next 20 years. In 1952 when owned by Christian Dior, famous passengers included Aga Khan & King Farouk of Egypt. 1966 sold and based in Michigan, USA. 1972 bought by Frakes & converted to Turbo Mallard & used as a demonstrator until 1975 when it became C-GHUM. 1983 sold to Air Whitsunday (ferried as N2419X) & regd VH-JAW. 1985 sold to Vowell and seen here on delivery. Used to fly oil workers to Harriet oil field,Lowendal Island. To VH-PPT of Paspaley Pearling.

[vne165]

Ah - well done, Capt! That's it.
Not Arden, but Dior.
I'm getting old...

[Lead Balloon]

Built 1947

Turns out that if you design, construct, maintain, modify and fly an aircraft properly, it will just keep on flying.

[vne165]

Leadie - if only humans were the same!

[bw2004]

Great story!

If anybody is keen - check out @thatmallardguy on Insta. He is a Mallard Captain who has a stack of great Mallard (and general seaplane) pictures and videos on his Insta page.

[runway16]

CF,

Attention to detail.

Article. Fifth para. 'The German manufacturer Grumman only built 59 Mallards in total' . . . . . . .

R

[Capt Fathom]

Yep. When I click on the link in post #1, I see…. The US manufacturer Grumman only built 59 Mallards in total.
Maybe you have an earlier story in your cache. ??

[Global Aviator]

Originally Posted by lucille

Mini thread drift… but still heartwarming. Made in Darwin, no less!


https://www.amphibaircraft.com

https://darwininnovationhub.com.au/a...ern-territory/

How good!!!

[PiperCameron]

Originally Posted by lucille

Mini thread drift… but still heartwarming. Made in Darwin, no less!

https://www.amphibaircraft.com

https://darwininnovationhub.com.au/a...ern-territory/

I know the Paspaley people were quite excited by this announcement (to the point their Mallards were used in early AAI advertising and promos) because their aircraft are still old meaning maintenance costs will only increase with time. Hopefully AAI can assist with spares manufacture to keep the G-73T Mallards going, 'cause the G-111T Albatross is a much bigger beastie and the Mallards are perfect for Paspaley's operations..

Most non-seaplane folks don't appreciate how much work goes in to maintaining aircraft operating on the open (salt-water) ocean, making daily hose-downs and compressor washes a seriously big deal. Sometimes the airport fireys help out, which is quite a spectacle in itself.

(PS: It wasn't only PPT that transferred from Air Whitsunday.. some of the pilots did too! )