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BURNETT AIRWAYS CHRONOLOGY
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| |
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Trousdell-Air
(Bundaberg) Pty Ltd
|
|
16APR68
|
|
Official date of incorporation of Trousdell-Air (Bundaberg)
Pty Ltd. See 13MAY70. (Source: 7) |
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07JUN68
|
|
Queensland Dept of Transport wrote to Trousdell Air (Bundaberg)
Pty Ltd in response to a telephone call on 03JUN68 requesting
issue of Air Licences. (Source: 7) |
|
17JUN68
|
|
Ronald James Stephenson, Chartered Accountant of 53 Woongarra
Street, Bundaberg wrote to DCA Brisbane attaching an application
(dated 14JUN68) for a Charter and Aerial Work Licence in the
name of "Trousdell-Air (Bundaberg) Pty Ltd" signing the letter
as Secretary. The letter is on the letterhead of "Trousdell-Air
(Bundaberg) Pty Ltd, Air Charter Service". The application
declares an Authorised Share Capital of $50,000. Directors
and shareholdings are R.J. Stephenson of Bundaberg ($180),
R.J. Trousdell of Toowoomba ($50), D.G. Evans of Toowoomba
($180) and F.N. Evans of Bundaberg ($180), all Australian
citizens. Operating headquarters is Bundaberg. Aircraft declared
as "Piper Cherokee Six PA-32-300. Only one at present". Aircraft
to be based in DCA hangar at Bundaberg. Operations Manual
is being prepared by Mr M. Herman of Aeroservice Pty Ltd.
(Source: 7) |
|
24JUN68
|
|
DCA advised Qld Dept of Transport that Trousdell Air (Bundaberg)
has not yet lodged an application for a Charter Licence. (Source:
7) |
|
07AUG68
|
|
DGCA Melbourne wrote to Regional Director, DCA Qld approving
application pending the issue of formal documents. (Source:
7) |
|
19AUG68
|
|
Regional Director, DCA Qld wrote to Trousdell-Air confirming
issue of licences 1456, 1457 and 1458 valid from 28AUG68 to
27AUG69. Aircraft specified: PA-32. (Source: 7) |
|
23AUG68
|
|
Neil Robson, Operations Manager, Trousdell-Air wrote to DCA
Brisbane requesting extension of licence to include a Piper
PA-23-250 Aztec. (Source: 7) |
|
29AUG68
|
|
DCA Brisbane wrote to Trousdell-Air approving use of PA-23
aircraft. (Source: 7) |
|
06SEP68
|
|
Dept of Transport Queensland wrote to Trousdell-Air acknowledging
application for an Air Licence and advising that application
must be made to DCA. (Source: 7) |
|
19SEP68
|
|
DCA Brisbane wrote to Dept of Transport Queensland confirming
that Trousdell-Air meet the requirements for the issue of
a charter licence. (Source: 7) |
|
18NOV68
|
|
DCA Brisbane license Trousdell-Air to use PA-22-108 aircraft.
(Source: 7) |
|
24JUL69
|
|
Neil Robson, Operations Manager, Trousdell-Air wrote to DCA
Brisbane requesting amendment to aerial work licence to include
dingo bait dropping. (Source: 7) |
|
11AUG69
|
|
DCA Brisbane wrote to Trousdell-Air approving use of PA-23
and PA-32 for aerial baiting. (Source: 7) |
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28AUG69
|
|
Licences reissued to Trousdell-Air valid from 28AUG69 to 27AUG70.
Aircraft specified: PA-22, PA-23 and PA-32. (Source: 7) |
|
Burnett
Airways Pty Ltd
|
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05FEB70
|
|
Official date of company change of name. See 13MAY70. (Source:
7) |
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05MAR70
|
|
Letter from Ron J. Stephenson, Secretary to DCA Eagle Farm
advising that "Trousdell-Air (Bundaberg) Pty Ltd has changed
its name to Burnett Airways Pty Ltd. There has been no other
change whatsoever in the structure of the Company or the staff."
(Source: 7) |
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02APR70
|
|
Licences reissued for Burnett Airways valid from 02APR70 to
01APR71. Aircraft types: PA-22, PA-23 and PA-32. (Source:
7) |
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23APR70
|
|
DCA Brisbane wrote to Burnett Airways attaching licences in
the name of Burnett Airways. (Source: 7) |
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13MAY70
|
|
Office of Registrar of Companies and Commercial Acts (Qld)
wrote to DCA Brisbane advising that Trousdell-Air (Bundaberg)
Pty Ltd changed its name to Burnett Airways Pty Ltd on 05FEB70.
Registered office is c/- Ron J. Stephenson, 1st Floor, "Sun
Court", 53 Woongarra Street, Bundaberg. Directors are Francis
Noel Evans of Sharon via Bundaberg, Douglas Gordon Evans of
356 Bridge Street, Toowoomba, Ronald James Stephenson (Secretary),
53 Woongarra Street, Bundaberg. The company was incorporated
under its original name on 16APR68. (Source: 7) |
|
18MAR71
|
|
DCA Brisbane wrote to Burnett Airways authorising the use
of Cessna 182 and Piper PA-28. There is no evidence in the
file of Burnett Airways having requested the addition of the
Cessna 182. (Source: 7) |
|
30MAR71
|
|
Licences reissued to Burnett Airways valid from 02APR71 to
01APR72. Aircraft types: Cessna 182, PA-22, PA-23, PA-28 and
PA-32. (Source: 7) |
|
20AUG71
|
|
DCA Brisbane authorised the addition of PA-31 to Burnett Airways
licences. The letter was handed to Mr Robson at Brisbane on
this date. (Source: 7) |
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23AUG71
|
|
Burnett
Airways Pty Limited commenced operations with the Piper Navajo
VH-PNK on services between Monto, Thangool (also serving Biloela)
and Bundaberg after Ansett withdrew from the route. On the
first day of operations, 19 passengers were uplifted to Bundaberg
on three flights. Initially the company operated under the
Ansett licence but it was announced that the company expected
to have its own licence within one week. The company intends
to operate three flights on Mondays, two on Wednesdays and
Fridays with one flight every other day except Sunday. Burnett
Airways first pilot was Neil Robson. (Source: 1) |
|
13MAR72
|
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Burnett Airways applied to DCA for renewal of their licences.
Submitted by Neil Robson who shows as Chief Pilot. Aircraft
type PA-22 is no longer required on the licences and may be
deleted. No baiting operations are taking place pending a
survey of graziers. (Source: 7) |
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30MAR72
|
|
Burnett Airways licences reissued valid from 02APR72 to 01APR73.
Aircraft types: Cessna 182, Piper PA-23, PA-28, PA-31 and
PA-32. (Source: 7) |
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15NOV72
|
|
DCA Brisbane authorised addition of Cessna 402 to licences.
There is no evidence in the file of Burnett Airways having
requested the addition of the Cessna 402. (Source: 7) |
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05JAN73
|
|
DCA Brisbane authorised the use of Cessna 402 on commuter
services from 15NOV72 to 04JAN73. (Source: 7) |
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08JAN73
|
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The
undercarriage of Navajo VH-PNK collapsed while the aircraft
was parked unoccupied outside the Ansett terminal at Eagle
Farm. While VH-PNK was being repaired the company chartered
Navajo VH-CFE from Jack Brabham Aviation. (Source: JAHSA Vol
14 No 1) |
|
15FEB73
|
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Burnett Airways applied for renewal of their licences. Neil
Robson shows as Chief Pilot and Managing Director. Address
shown as Hangar 161, Bundaberg Airport and P.O. Box 906. Aircraft
specified are PA-31-310 VH-PNK and PA-32-300 VH-RJV. Non-specific
are C182, PA-23 and PA-28. Nominated maintenance organisation
is Burnett Airways in all categories except Radio which is
shared with Skycom Electronics. (Source: 7) |
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19FEB73
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|
N. Robson, Managing Director, Burnett Airways Pty Ltd wrote
to DCA, Brisbane submitting a draft of the proposed Maintenance
Inspection Schedule for PA-31 VH-PNK. (Source: 8) |
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20MAR73
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|
Burnett Airways licences reissued valid from 02APR73 to 31MAR74.
Aircraft types: Cessna 182, PA-23, PA-28, PA-31 and PA-32.
DCA draws attention to the fact that Burnett Airways does
not have insurance coverage for aerial baiting operations.
(Source: 7) |
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12APR73
|
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After discussion and amendment, DCA approved the Maintenance
Inspection Schedule. (Source: 8) |
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17MAY73
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N. Robson acknowledged the approved Maintenance Inspection
Schedule and advised "We intended by now to have two PA-31
aircraft in operation, but due to some degree of procrastination
this has not transpired as yet, but we anticipate a finalisation
shortly." (Source: 8) |
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03SEP73
|
|
DCA
Airworthiness Inspector submitted a report on engine malfunctions
on PA-32-300 VH-RJV. (Source: 8)
|
21MAR73
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Aircraft issued with new
CofA and CofR after it had been in the hangar for approximately
2 years after a landing accident. |
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21JUN73
|
Aircraft suffered a partial
engine failure into Brisbane. Over the next few days
the aircraft made two attempts to return to Bundaberg
but returned to Brisbane with abnormal engine indications. |
|
27JUN73
|
Aircraft departed for
Bundaberg but experienced an engine malfunction on taxi
at Monto. |
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19JUL73
|
Aircraft suffered another
engine malfunction. |
|
09AUG73
|
Aircraft suffered an engine
malfunction 8 miles SE of Bundaberg. |
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31AUG73
|
Aircraft is grounded at
Bundaberg awaiting parts. |
|
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12SEP73
|
|
DCA conducted a two-day survey of Burnett Airways at Bundaberg.
Company operates and maintains PA 31 VH-PNK and PA-32 VH-RJV.
Some irregularities noted. (Source: 8) |
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28DEC73
|
|
DCA minute paper mentions "Carriers Liability Insurance on
MBX". (Source: 7) |
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24JAN74
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|
Navajo
VH-PNK experienced difficulty with lowering the undercarriage
on approach to Gayndah. The pilot, Michael Poletto, decided
to return to Bundaberg because the undercarriage could not
be lowered manually. En route to Bundaberg the pilot managed
to lower the undercarriage and the aircraft landed uneventfully
at Bundaberg. The incident featured on the front page of the
Bundaberg News-Mail the following day. |
|
18FEB74
|
|
Burnett Airways wrote to DCA with application for renewal
of licences. The letter is signed by Ross Birdsall Argent,
General Manager. Types specified are PA-31 VH-PNK and PA-23
VH MBX. Registered owner of VH-MBX is shown as Burnett Airways
Pty Ltd. Non-specific types are PA-28, PA-32, Cessna 182 and
Cessna 402. Chief Pilot is shown as D.A. Davies. (Source:
7) |
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25MAR74
|
|
Department of Transport Air Transport Group (new Departmental
title) wrote to Burnett Airways confirming the renewal of
their licences from 01APR74 to 31MAR75. Aircraft types: Cessna
182, Cessna 402, PA-23, PA-28, PA-31 and PA-32. A note on
the file queries whether the operator meets requirements to
operate Cessna 402. Flying Operations note: "Pilots all checked
in PA-31 - a very similar type." (Source: 7) |
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19APR74
|
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The
Sydney Morning Herald announced that Burnett Airways
had changed hands but the new owners were not named. |
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28JUN74
|
|
Letter to DCA from Curley Air Maintenance Pty Ltd, Archerfield
requesting that maintenance of Burnett Airways PA-31 VH-PNK
be returned to the check system. (Source: 8) |
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08JUL74
|
|
Trislander
VH-BSG photographed at Archerfield being stripped of paint. |
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29JUL74
|
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Trislander
VH-BSG photographed at Archerfield being stripped of paint. |
|
Burnett
Airways Base Moved to Brisbane
|
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19AUG74
|
|
Burnett Airways licences were reissued to incorporate a change
in operating headquarters from Bundaberg to Brisbane. (Source:
7)
The company had an office on a mezzanine in Ansett's Hangar
10 at Eagle Farm. Aircraft were ferried to Archerfield for
maintenance. |
|
18SEP74
|
|
Burnett Airways Manager, D.A. Davies wrote to DOT requesting
an amendment to licences to permit the operation of the Britten
Norman Trislander. (Source: 7) |
|
20SEP74
|
|
DOT approved the use of BN-2A Mk III Trislander. (Source:
7) |
|
17OCT74
|
|
Burnett
Airways applied to DOT for approval to import three Avco Lycoming
O-540-E4C5 engines (serial numbers L16425-40, L16363-40 &
L16364-40) from the USA. (Source: 10) |
|
28OCT74
|
|
DOT
approved the importation of three Lycoming engines. (Source:
10) |
|
29OCT74
|
|
Trislander
VH-BSG photographed at Eagle Farm in service and fully repainted
in Burnett Airways' new livery. |
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08JAN75
|
|
Burnett Airways Manager, D.A. Davies wrote to DOT requesting
an amendment to licences to permit the operation of the Beechcraft
Baron. (Source: 7) |
|
10FEB75
|
|
DOT approved the use of the Beechcraft 55. (Source: 7) |
|
21FEB75
|
|
Trislander
VH-BSP was delivered. (Source: 7) |
|
27FEB75
|
|
Burnett Airways wrote to DOT with application for renewal
of licences. The letter is signed by Donald Andrew Davies,
Manager and Chief Pilot. The application specifies Trislanders
VH BSG & VH-BSP and PA-31-310 VH-PNK. Non-specific types are
Cessna 402, PA-23-250 and Beech Baron. Maintenance organisations
are Curley Air Maintenance Pty Ltd and Skycom Electronics.
(Source: 7) |
|
11MAR75
|
|
Letter from Stewart Wrightson (Qld) Pty Limited (Incorporated
Insurance Brokers) to DOT confirming that "B.H. Buckley/Burnett
Airways Pty Ltd have arranged Passenger Liability cover in
respect of Piper Aztec VH-MBX and Piper Navajo VH-PNK." A
hand-written note states that "Cessna 401 VH-BMV & two Trislanders"
are covered. (Source: 7)
(Note: The registration of the C401 was written as BMB with
the last letter over-written V. However, neither BMB or BMV
were Cessna 401s. VH-BMN is suspected.) |
|
12MAR75
|
|
Burnett Airways Manager, D.A. Davies wrote to DOT requesting
an amendment to licences to permit the operation of the Cessna
401A. (Source: 7) |
|
27MAR75
|
|
DOT wrote to Burnett Airways confirming the renewal of their
licences from 01APR75 to 31MAR76. Aircraft types: Beech 55,
Trislander, Cessna 182, Cessna 401, Cessna 402, PA 23, PA-28,
PA-31 and PA-32. (Source: 7) |
|
15APR75
|
|
The
company announced that they were awaiting Department of Transport
approval to commence a regular service from Brisbane to Warwick
and Stanthorpe from 02MAY75 using Trislander aircraft. (Source:
JAHSA Vol 16 No 2) |
|
06MAY75
|
|
The
service from Brisbane to Warwick and Stanthorpe commenced.
(Source: Andy Anderson who was on the aircraft) |
|
26SEP75
|
|
D.A. Davies, General Manager, Burnett Airways, Eagle Farm
wrote to Dept of Transport requesting changes to maintenance
system of PA-31 VH-PNK to bring it into line with the Trislanders.
File includes weekly utilisation figures for Trislanders VH-BSG
and VH-BSP and Navajo VH-PNK. (Source: 8) |
|
OCT75
|
|
The
company commenced operating several Ansett routes previously
operated by Nationwide Air Services. Routes flown were Rockhampton
to Longreach via Blackwater, Clermont, Emerald & Alpha
and Brisbane to Cunnamulla via Goondiwindi, St George &
Dirranbandi. (Source: JAHSA Vol 16 No 5) |
|
31OCT75
|
|
D.A. Davies, General Manager, Burnett Airways, Eagle Farm
wrote to Dept of Transport submitting Maintenance Manual for
approval. Accompanying hand-written notes refer to "Navajo
& Aztec aircraft" in addition to Trislander. (Source: 8) |
|
23FEB76
|
|
Burnett Airways ceased operations with their routes and
Trislander VH-BSP being taken over by Bush Pilots Airways.
Trislander VH-BSG was leased for two weeks while VH-BSP
was flown to Cairns for repainting in BPA colours. The former
Burnett Airways routes were flown by Trislander VH-BSG and
BPA's newly delivered Trislander VH-BPH. The routes Rockhampton-Blackwater-Clermont-Emerald-Alpha-Barcaldine-Longreach
and Brisbane-Goondiwindi-St George-Dirranbandi-Cunnamulla
are operated under contract to Ansett. The route Brisbane-Gayndah-Thangool-Rockhampton
was operated under Burnett Airways' own licence. (Source:
JAHSA Vol 17 No 2)
|
|
|
|
The
Bush Pilots Airways perspective:
"Two years later, in February 1976, Ansett negotiated
a contract with BPA to service, from Rockhampton, the western
towns of Alpha, Barcaldine, and Longreach, and also the coal-mining
towns of Blackwater, Emerald, and Clermont; and from Brisbane,
the towns of Gayndah, Monto and Biloela in the Central Highlands,
and Goondiwindi, St. George, Dirranbandi and Cunnamulla in
the south west. Ansett-ANA had held the licence for these
routes from its earlier takeover of Queensland Airlines Limited.
With the demise of QAL, Ansett chartered Nationwide Air Services,
then Burnett Airways, to conduct the flights in accordance
with Ansett's timetable. Ansett set the rules and the amount
it would pay for the charters. First Nationwide and then Burnett
went out of business, so Ansett brokered a deal whereby BPA
would inherit Burnett's fleet of Britten-Norman Trislanders
(BN3) to continue the service. However, only twenty months
later Ansett-ANA pulled out of the deal. They relinquished
the licence to BPA and told them they were on their own. So
Bushies were stuck with the BN3s, which, though economical,
were totally unsuited to long-haul passenger travel. They
were much too noisy and ventilation was poor."
(Source: Bushies - A History of Bush Pilots - Air Queensland
by Ron Entsch 2001, page 129). |
|
01JUL76
|
|
A DOT administrative message states: "Licence Nos 1458, 1457,
1456 for Burnett Airways Pty Ltd lapsed 31/3/76 company then
in the hands of receiver." (Source: 7) |
|
BURNETT
AIRWAYS AIRCRAFT
|
| |
|
CHEROKEE
SIX VH-RJV
|
|
|
Piper Cherokee Six VH-RJV awaiting sale at Moorabbin in
January 1974. Note that the aeroplane wears a similar
colour scheme to that carried by Navajo VH-PNK when it
entered service with Burnett Airways. In the absence of
photographic evidence, it is most likely that VH-RJV carried
Burnett Airways titles. Picture: Mike Madden
|
|
NAVAJO
VH-PNK
|
|
|
Navajo VH-PNK, began its flying career with Patair in
Papua New Guinea. It is seen here at Tapini, a sloping
one way strip, on 22 August 1968. In Patair service the
aeroplane was named Mount Giluwe. The photographer,
who travelled on the aircraft, recalls that the airline
went to great lengths to preserve the pristine interior
of the aircraft and that the seat covers were white. Freight
and awkward passenger baggage such as toolboxes were relegated
to the accompanying Piaggio P166 in the background. Nevertheless,
when the aeroplane came to Burnett Airways in 1971 it
was well worn. Picture: Roger McDonald
|
|
|
Navajo VH-PNK photographed at Brisbane Eagle Farm on 24
May 1974.
Picture: Ron Cuskelly (F166)
|
|
|
By late 1974 the aeroplane was long overdue for a repaint
which was being performed progressively at Archerfield
when the Australian Labor Party were looking for a charter
aircraft for their campaign for the forthcoming state
election which was announced on 23 October 1974 to be
held on 7 December 1974. VH-PNK was pressed into service
emblazoned with the ALP's slogan Let's Go! in bright
red paint. This photograph was taken at Brisbane Eagle
Farm on 22 November 1974. The aircraft is parked on the
Ansett apron as they were Burnett Airways' handling agents.
Picture: Ron Cuskelly (H121)
|
|
|
VH-PNK was photographed at Eagle Farm just three days
later on 25 November 1974 with the ALP slogan removed.
It is rumoured that the sitting National-Liberal coalition
government headed by Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen had pulled
strings to invoke legislation prohibiting advertising
on aircraft!
Picture: Ron Cuskelly (H183)
|
|
|
VH-PNK was photographed on the western apron at Eagle
Farm on 7 December 1974 (coincidentally the date of the
election) resplendent in the new Burnett Airways livery
as worn by the Trislander.
Picture: Ron Cuskelly (H199)
|
|
|
VH-PNK was photographed on the western apron at Eagle
Farm on 9 January 1975.
Picture: Ron Cuskelly (H212)
|
|
AZTEC
VH-MBX
|
|
|
|
Although it never carried Burnett Airways titles or livery,
Piper Aztec VH-MBX was used as a standby aircraft and crew
taxi. It was photographed on the western apron at Eagle
Farm on 3 August 1974. Picture: Ron Cuskelly (G035)
|
|
|
Aztec VH-MBX operating a Burnett Airways service from
Gayndah on 7 August 1974.
Picture: Geoff Goodall
|
|
|
Aztec VH-MBX operating a Burnett Airways service from
Biloela in April 1975.
Picture: Geoff Goodall
|
|
CESSNA
182J VH-RHO
|
|
|
Cessna
182J VH-RHO at Bankstown in March 1976. The type was added
to Burnett Airways' licence in March 1971.  Picture:
David Carter
|
|
TRISLANDER
VH-BSG
|
|
|
Britten-Norman
BN-2A Mk.III Trislander N85CA at Archerfield in July 1974.
The aircraft still carries the markings of its previous
operator Cavico of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The aircraft
subsequently entered service with Burnett Airways as VH-BSG.
Picture: Ron Cuskelly Collection (F343)
|
|
|
Britten-Norman BN-2A Mk.III Trislander N85CA being stripped
of paint at Archerfield on 8 July 1974. The aircraft subsequently
entered service with Burnett Airways as VH-BSG. Picture:
Ron Cuskelly (F323)
|
|
|
Britten-Norman BN-2A Mk.III Trislander N85CA being stripped
of paint at Archerfield on 29 July 1974. The aircraft
subsequently entered service with Burnett Airways as VH-BSG.
Picture: Roger McDonald
|
|
|
Resplendent
in its new livery, VH-BSG shares the Ansett apron at Eagle
Farm with another distinguished trimotor on 29 October
1974. Picture: Ron Cuskelly (H081)
|
|
|
Resplendent in its new livery, VH-BSG was photographed
on the western apron at Eagle Farm on 29 October 1974.
Picture: Ron Cuskelly (H084)
|
|
|
VH-BSG on the western apron at Eagle Farm on 22 March
1975 after returning from an AHSA charter to Oakey in
company with her sistership VH-BSP. Picture: Ron Cuskelly
(H287)
|
|
TRISLANDER
VH-BSP
|
|
|
VH-BSP was photographed on the western apron at Eagle
Farm on 22 February 1975, the day after it was delivered
brand new from the U.K. Picture: Ron Cuskelly (H232)
|
|
|
VH-BSP was photographed on the western apron at Eagle
Farm on 22 February 1975, the day after it was delivered
brand new from the U.K. Picture: Ron Cuskelly (H233)
|
|
|
VH-BSP photographed from sistership VH-BSG en route from
Brisbane to Oakey on 22 March 1975. Both Trislanders were
chartered by the Aviation Historical Society of Australia
for a visit to the Army Aviation base at Oakey. Picture:
Ron Cuskelly (H262)
|
|
|
Just one week after the AHSA charter, VH-BSP was photographed
at Sydney Kingsford Smith on 29 March 1975 having flown
a group of marching girls from Brisbane. Picture: Eric
Favelle
|
|
THE
BURNETT AIRWAYS FLEET
|
|
|
The entire Burnett Airways fleet was photographed together
on the western apron at Eagle Farm on 19 July 1975. The
aircraft are left to right, Trislanders VH-BSG, VH-BSP
and Navajo Chieftain VH-PNK Picture: Ron Cuskelly (I070)
|
|
BURNETT
AIRWAYS AIRCRAFT
|
|
Registration
|
Type
|
MSN
|
|
VH-RJV
|
Piper
PA-32-300 Cherokee Six |
32-40068
|
|
History
|
|
05APR68
|
Registered to Trousdell Air Pty Ltd, Toowoomba. |
|
05APR68
|
(Same
day) Registered to Burnett Airways Pty Ltd, 53 Woongarra Street,
Bundaberg, Qld. |
|
27MAR71
|
Damaged
at Beranjando, Qld and cancelled from register same day. |
|
21MAR73
|
Restored
to register – Burnett Airways Pty Ltd, Bundaberg, Qld. |
|
21MAR73
|
Aircraft
issued with new CofA and CofR after it had been in the hangar
for approximately 2 years after a landing accident. (Source:
8) |
|
21JUN73
|
DCA
Airworthiness Inspector's report on engine malfunctions on
PA-32-300 VH-RJV. Aircraft
suffered a partial engine failure into Brisbane. Over the
next few days the aircraft made two attempts to return to
Bundaberg but returned to Brisbane with abnormal engine indications.
(Source: 8) |
|
27JUN73
|
Aircraft
departed for Bundaberg but experienced an engine malfunction
on taxi at Monto. (Source: 8) |
|
19JUL73
|
Aircraft
suffered another engine malfunction. (Source: 8) |
|
09AUG73
|
Aircraft
suffered an engine malfunction 8 miles SE of Bundaberg. (Source:
8) |
|
31AUG73
|
Aircraft
is grounded at Bundaberg awaiting parts. (Source: 8) |
|
23JAN74
|
Registered
to BS Stillwell – CFS Pty Ltd, Cheltenham, Vic. |
|
06MAY74
|
Registered
to GA Baulch, Robe, SA. |
|
03AUG74
|
Damaged
33nm N Kingston, SA. |
|
31JAN79
|
Registered
to Alexander Lloyd, Ballarat, Vic. |
|
21FEB86
|
Registered
to Civil Flying Services Pty Ltd, Cheltenham, Vic. |
|
27MAR86
|
Registered
to Ronald Bartley, Glen Waverly, Vic. |
|
03NOV87
|
Registered
to Wholesale Insurance Agencies Pty Ltd, Kent Town, SA. |
|
12SEP88
|
Registered
to Island Air Pty Ltd, Frewville, SA. |
|
17SEP90
|
Registered
to Civil Aircraft Sales, Division of Civil Flying Services,
Bankstown Airport, NSW. |
|
17SEP90
|
Registered
to Barry Frederickson, Mackay, Qld. |
|
01AUG91
|
Registered
to Gammadell Pty Ltd, Trading as Osprey Aircraft Hire, Mackay,
Qld. |
|
22AUG01
|
Registered
to Aero-Professional Services Pty Ltd, Emerald, Qld. |
|
19NOV01
|
Registered to Aero-Professional Services, Emerald Pty Ltd,
Emerald, Qld. Current. |
|
Registration
|
Type
|
MSN
|
|
VH-PNK
|
Piper
PA-31 Navajo |
31-72
|
|
History
|
|
01DEC67
|
Reg to Papuan Airlines Pty Ltd, Port Moresby, PNG. |
|
08APR71
|
Registered to Ansett General Aviation Pty Ltd, Bankstown,
NSW. |
|
10APR71
|
Cancelled. Withdrawn from use for overhaul. |
|
13AUG71
|
Registered to ATI (Operations) Pty Ltd, Trading as Ansett
General Aviation, Bankstown, NSW. |
|
20AUG71
|
DCA
Brisbane authorised the addition of PA-31 to Burnett Airways
licences. The letter was handed to Mr Robson at Brisbane on
this date. (Source: 7) |
|
23AUG71
|
Burnett
Airways Pty Limited commenced operations with the Piper Navajo
VH-PNK on services between Monto, Thangool (also serving Biloela)
and Bundaberg after Ansett withdrew from the route. On the
first day of operations, 19 passengers were uplifted to Bundaberg
on three flights. Initially the company operated under the
Ansett licence but it was announced that the company expected
to have its own licence within one week. The company intends
to operate three flights on Mondays, two on Wednesdays and
Fridays with one flight every other day except Sunday. Burnett
Airways first pilot was Neil Robson. (Source: 1) |
|
03SEP71
|
Registered to Burnett Airways Pty Ltd, Bundaberg, Qld. |
|
17NOV76
|
Registered to ATI (Operations) Pty Ltd, Trading as Ansett
General Aviation, Bankstown, NSW. |
|
18JUL77
|
Registered to CG Smith Properties Pty Ltd, Coffs Harbour,
NSW. |
|
01MAY81
|
Registered to Smith Air Pty Ltd, Coffs Harbour, NSW. |
|
03DEC82
|
Damaged by arsonist at Coffs Harbour, NSW. Cancelled from
Register same date. |
|
Registration
|
Type
|
MSN
|
|
VH-MBX
|
Piper
PA-23-250 Aztec B |
27-2007
|
|
History
|
|
09JUL65
|
Reg
N5007Y to Capitol Aviation Inc, Springfield, IL. |
|
12DEC67
|
Cancelled from the U.S. Register as exported to Australia. |
|
14DEC67
|
Registered VH-MBX to Australian Air Charterers Pty Ltd, First
Avenue, Moorabbin, Vic. |
|
23AUG68
|
Neil
Robson, Operations Manager, Trousdell-Air (Bundaberg) Pty
Ltd wrote to DCA Brisbane requesting extension of their licence
to include a Piper PA-23-250 Aztec. (Source: 7) |
|
29AUG68
|
DCA
Brisbane wrote to Trousdell-Air approving use of PA-23 aircraft.
(Source: 7) |
|
17MAY72
|
Registered to B.S. Stillwell/Civil Flying Services Pty Ltd,
142 Cotham Road, Kew, Vic. |
|
30MAY73
|
Registered to B.H. Buckley, P O Box 115, Coffs Harbour, NSW.
Bruce Buckley had an interest in Burnett Airways and VH-MBX
was used as a backup aircraft for Navajo VH-PNK but the Aztec
never carried Burnett Airways titles. |
|
28DEC73
|
DCA
minute paper in Burnett Airways' file mentions "Carriers Liability
Insurance on MBX". (Source: 7) |
|
18FEB74
|
Burnett
Airways wrote to DCA with an application for renewal of their
licences. The letter is signed by Ross Birdsall Argent, General
Manager. Types specified are PA-31 VH-PNK and PA-23 VH MBX.
Registered owner of VH-MBX is shown as Burnett Airways Pty
Ltd. Non-specific types are PA-28, PA-32, Cessna 182 and Cessna
402. (Source: 7) |
|
11MAR75
|
Letter
from Stewart Wrightson (Qld) Pty Limited (Incorporated Insurance
Brokers) to DOT confirming that "B.H. Buckley/Burnett Airways
Pty Ltd have arranged Passenger Liability cover in respect
of Piper Aztec VH-MBX and Piper Navajo VH-PNK." (Source: 7) |
|
01NOV76
|
Registered to Hard-Facing Alloys (Sales) Pty Ltd, P O Box
16, Woodridge, Qld. |
|
17JAN83
|
Registered to P. Kelly, 6 Bugden Street, Brighton, Qld. |
|
08JUN84
|
Registered to Ronald S. Kuch trading as Kuch Aviation, Hangar
56, Cairns Airport. |
|
06DEC92
|
Report in The Sunday-Mail that the aircraft has been
seized by Cairns Port Authority in lieu of unpaid parking
fees due Kuch Aviation in receivership. |
|
21JAN93
|
Cairns Port Authority accepted a bid from the Queensland Air
Museum. |
|
15APR93
|
Struck off Register. |
|
16APR93
|
Ownership passed to QAM. |
|
24APR93
|
Aircraft arrived at QAM, Caloundra by road. Source: QAM
website |
|
Registration
|
Type
|
MSN
|
|
VH-RHO
|
Cessna
182J Skylane |
18256694
|
|
History
|
|
14OCT65
|
Registered
N8594S. |
|
04NOV65
|
Cancelled
as exported to Australia. |
|
06JUN66
|
Registered
VH-RHO to Rex Aviation, Archerfield Qld. |
|
JUL67
|
Registered
owner Lease & Industrial Finance Pty Ltd, 30 Herschell
Street, Brisbane. |
|
18MAR71
|
DCA
approved the addition of Cessna 182 to Burnett Airways licences. |
|
12NOV74
|
Flown
Bundaberg-Monto-Bundaberg by Don Davies and Andy Anderson. |
|
04FEB75
|
Flown
Bundaberg-Monto-Bundaberg by Don Davies and Andy Anderson. |
|
MAR76
|
Photographed
at Bankstown wearing titles Lease Industrial Finance Limited
Brisbane. |
|
17MAY94
|
Registered
P2-RHO. |
|
-
|
Withdrawn
from use. |
|
Registration
|
Type
|
MSN
|
|
VH-BSG
|
Britten
Norman BN-2A MkIII-1 Trislander |
279
|
|
History
|
|
-
|
Issued
with Class B markings G-51-279. (Source: 4) |
|
03JUN71
|
Registered
G-AYZR. (Source: 5) |
|
24JUN71
|
First
flown. (Source: 4) |
|
30JUN71
|
Delivered
to ISC/Cavico, Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
|
1-7JUL71
|
Competed
in the London-Victoria Air Race flown by Hon. H. W. Astor,
Sir William Dugdale and Captain Joe Blyth. Race #61. Placed
22nd overall. This was the first Atlantic crossing by a Trislander.
(Source: 4) |
|
27AUG71
|
Cancelled
from UK Register on sale to USA. (Source: 5) |
|
27AUG71
|
Registered
N85CA to Cavico/Alamo, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Source:
4 & 6) |
|
08JUL74
|
Photographed
at Archerfield being stripped of paint. |
|
29JUL74
|
Photographed
at Archerfield being stripped of paint. |
|
23AUG74
|
Registered to Burnett Airways Pty Ltd, Hamilton, Qld. |
|
18SEP74
|
Burnett
Airways Manager, D.A. Davies wrote to DOT requesting an amendment
to licences to permit the operation of the Britten Norman
Trislander. (Source: 7) |
|
20SEP74
|
DOT
approve the addition of the Trislander to Burnett Airways
licences. (Source: 7) |
|
17OCT74
|
Burnett
Airways applied to DOT for approval to import three Avco Lycoming
O-540-E4C5 engines (serial numbers L16425-40, L16363-40 &
L16364-40) from the USA. (Source: 10) |
|
28OCT74
|
DOT
approved the importation of three Lycoming engines. (Source:
10) |
|
29OCT74
|
Photographed
at Eagle Farm fully repainted and in service with Burnett
Airways. |
|
10NOV76
|
Registered to Island Air Pty Ltd, Toowoomba North, Qld. |
|
09NOV79
|
Registered to Falcon and Sopac Transport Pty Ltd, Sydney,
NSW. |
|
17NOV80
|
Crashed at Annanberg, PNG Take-off was rejected, overran the
strip and ended up in the river. The pilot survived but four
local passengers perished. The engines and some instruments
were salvaged and sold to Douglas Airways. The airframe was
abandoned in the river. |
|
17JUN81
|
Cancelled from the Australian Register. |
|
Registration
|
Type
|
MSN
|
|
VH-BSP
|
Britten
Norman BN-2A MkIII-1 Trislander |
372
|
|
History
|
|
-
|
Issued with Class B markings G-51-372. (Source: 4) |
|
06MAY74
|
Registered
G-BCEG. (Source: 5) |
|
23JUL74
|
First
flown. (Source: 4) |
|
06DEC74
|
Delivered
to Islander Aircraft Sales Pty Ltd, Lakemba, NSW. (Source:
4) |
|
10FEB75
|
Cancelled
from UK Register. (Source: 5) |
|
12FEB75
|
Registered to Burnett Airway Pty Ltd, Hamilton, Qld. |
|
21FEB75
|
Arrived
at Brisbane, Eagle Farm on delivery to Burnett Airways. |
|
08JUL76
|
Registered to Bush Pilots Airways Ltd, Cairns, Qld. |
|
08JAN82
|
Registered to Air Queensland Ltd, Cairns, Qld. |
|
06APR83
|
Cancelled on sale to US. N38535 was not taken up. |
|
06SEP83
|
Registered P2-DNP to Douglas Airways. |
|
14OCT91
|
Cancelled from PNG Register on return to VH-BSP. |
|
01NOV91
|
Registered to Janlin Pty Ltd, Trading as Cape York Air Services,
North Sydney, NSW. |
|
16JAN96
|
Registered to Steven Cooper, Cheltenham, Vic. |
|
04OCT96
|
Registered
to Yengrain Pty Ltd, Trading as Bumblebee Air, Belgian Gardens,
Qld. |
|
22DEC97
|
Registered
to Marine Air Services Pty Ltd, Fairfield, Vic. |
|
25MAR99
|
Registered
to Gee Bee Air Pty Ltd, Double Bay, NSW. |
|
20DEC02
|
Cancelled on sale to New Zealand as ZK-LGR. |
|
23DEC02
|
Registered to Great Barrier Airlines Flight Operations Ltd,
Auckland. |
|
05AUG13
|
Registration cancelled. Withdrawn from use and stored at North
Shore, NZ. |
With
the exception of the Cherokee Six and the Cessna 182, these
aircraft were in service when Burnett Airways ceased operations
on 23FEB76.
Registration details kindly supplied by Tony Arbon, AustAirData
|
|
AIRCRAFT
TYPES ON BURNETT AIRWAYS LICENCES
(Listed in order of licensing)
|
|
Type
|
Licensed
|
Remarks
|
| Piper
PA-32-300 Cherokee Six |
19AUG68
|
VH-RJV |
| Piper
PA-23-250 Aztec |
29AUG68
|
VH-MBX |
| Piper
PA-22-108 Colt |
18NOV68
|
No
specific aircraft identified. (Note: 1)
Type removed from licence 30MAR72. |
| Cessna
182J Skylane |
18MAR71
|
VH-RHO |
| Piper
PA-28 Cherokee |
18MAR71
|
No
specific aircraft identified.
It is known that the Bundaberg Aero Club did at least one
charter flight to Thangool and Monto on behalf of Burnett
Airways in Piper PA-28-180D VH-CVM on 21DEC71 but it is not
known if this was the aircraft covered by Burnett Airways'
licence. (Source: 2) |
| Piper
PA-31-310 Navajo |
20AUG71
|
VH-PNK |
| Cessna
402 |
15NOV72
|
No
specific aircraft identified. (Note: 1)
Nationwide Air Services Cessna 402A VH-ELT was photographed
in Bundaberg around this time but it is not known if its presence
was related to Burnett Airways. (Source: 2) |
| Britten
Norman BN-2A Mk III Trislander |
20SEP74
|
VH-BSG,
VH-BSP |
| Beech
55 Baron |
10FEB75
|
No
specific aircraft identified. (Note: 1) |
| Cessna
401A |
27MAR75
|
A
hand-written notation on a letter regarding insurance mentions
VH-BMB with the last letter overwritten V. However VH-BMB
and VH-BMV were not Cessna 401s. One possibility is VH-BMN
which was active in the Brisbane area at the time. |
| Note
1: It is not known if this type was actually operated. |
|
BURNETT
AIRWAYS STAFF
|
|
Anderson, Andy |
Co-Pilot/Radio
Operator (Trislander). Started as General Hand September 1974.
Left June 1975. |
| Argent,
Ross Birdsall |
General
Manager 1974. |
| Buckley,
Bruce H. |
Managing
Director 1975. Owner of Aztec VH-MBX. |
|
Clothier, Kev |
Pilot,
Brisbane. Started early 1975. |
|
Crittenden, Don |
Pilot,
Bundaberg and Brisbane. Left circa late 1975. |
|
Davies, Donald Andrew |
General
Manager and Chief Pilot, Brisbane. |
|
DeVries, John |
Pilot,
Brisbane. Started circa September 1974. |
|
Enklemann, Barry |
Pilot,
Brisbane. Started early 1975. |
| Evans,
Douglas Gordon |
Director
and Shareholder, Toowoomba 1968. |
| Evans,
Francis Noel |
Director
and Shareholder, Bundaberg 1968. |
|
Poletto, Mike |
Pilot,
Bundaberg and Brisbane. Left December 1974. |
| Rhaman,
N. (?) |
Pilot,
Bundaberg 1973. |
|
Robson, Neil |
Managing
Director and Chief Pilot, Bundaberg 1968. |
| Stephenson,
Ronald James |
Chartered
Accountant, Secretary and Shareholder, Bundaberg 1968. |
| Trousdell,
R.J. |
Director
and Shareholder, Toowoomba 1968. |
| (?)
Maria |
Office
staff |
| (?)
Pam |
Office
staff |
Please contact the Webmaster
with any additions or corrections.
|
|
|
Click
on the image to read more
|
|
SOURCES
|
|
1
|
Roger
McDonald |
|
2
|
Andy
Anderson |
|
3
|
Tony
Arbon - AustAirData |
|
4
|
BN
Historians, The First 500, 1974 |
|
5
|
G-INFO |
|
6
|
Freebird
Aviation Database |
|
7
|
NAA:
J23, 1970/5223 PART 1 Air Transport - Burnett Airways Pty
Ltd - charter and aerial work licence |
|
8
|
NAA:
J23, 1973/13 PART 1 Airworthiness - approved organisation
- Burnett Airways Pty Ltd - maintenance systems |
|
9
|
JAHSA
= Journal of the Aviation Historical Society of Australia |
|
10
|
NAA:
J23, 1974/1625 PART 1 Burnett Airways - Applications for Import
of Aircraft and Spares |
|
Issue
|
Date
|
Remarks
|
|
11
|
19OCT21
|
Flight
International of 13FEB75 shows Bruce H. Buckley as Managing
Director. Staff list amended accordingly. |
|
10
|
04JUL21
|
Added
a reference to the importation of three Lycoming engines in
OCT74 from Source 10. |
|
9
|
03JUL21
|
Expanded
aircraft histories from Sources 7 and 8. |
|
8
|
02JUL21
|
Chronology
and staff list greatly expanded from sources 7 & 8 (NAA)
thanks to Roger McDonald. Added a table of licensed aircraft
types.
Added an image of Cessna 182 VH-RHO thanks to David Carter. |
|
7
|
18JUN21
|
Layout
of aircraft history table completely revised. |
|
6
|
12JUN21
|
Added
another image of Trislander VH-BSG thanks to Roger McDonald. |
|
5
|
11JUN21
|
Added
Cherokee Six VH-RJV to the fleet. Thanks to Tony Arbon for
its full history. |
|
4
|
08JUN21
|
Added
the Bush Pilots Airways perspective at FEB76. |
|
3
|
04JUN21
|
Added
detailed histories of each aircraft. Thanks to Tony Arbon,
AustAirData.
Added an account of operating the Trislander thanks to Andy
Anderson. |
|
2
|
02JUN21
|
Added
an image of VH-PNK in Patair livery. Thanks to Roger McDonald. |
|
1
|
01JUN21
|
Original
issue. |
Contact
the Webmaster
|
|
