Pel air jets

[Jim M]

Hi all,

I had a question put to me yesterday which I couldn't really answer,so I thought I'd put it to a panel of experts.
Can anyone tell me the best times and where to view/photograph the Pel air freight jets,particularly the Westwinds?

I was under the impression that they conducted a lot of night ops out of Sydney,but I could be wrong and I remember seeing them parked on occassions near air ambulance,but haven't seen any lately.

Any info,I'd be grateful for and will pass it on

Cheers
Jim

[Paul f.]

Westwind VH-KNU is a Air Ambulance and is in Air Ambulance Victoria livery.

[Grahame Hutchison]

The Pel Air aircraft (http://www.16right.com/GetRego.php?Rhname=PEL-AIR AVIATION PTY LIMITED)... more than I thought !

[Nigel C]

We haven't had a Westwind parked here for some time now, and in fact I can't remember the last time I saw a Pel-Air one even here for a visit.
They used to be regularly occupying spots in the Eastern Park, but certainly nothing recently.

[Jim M]

Thanks everyone for your replies and info. Nigel,I didn't think it was my imagination,the Westwinds were regularly there in the past,but I haven't seen one for ages either.

Anyone know what's changed,or where are they now and what are they doing if not coming to YSSY at all? :confused:

Jim

[Nigel C]

I think it was the GFC that changed it all up. The freighter Metros stopped coming here when that all started and the Westwinds stopped running freight from here at about the same time.

I can't help you with their current location or activities, sorry.

[Jim M]

Thanks Nigel,appreciate your info.
I guess we do know that the aircraft are still doing something here in Australia,maybe someone on here may know what...
I note that Paul said one was in Air Ambulance Vic colours and have heard some may be operating for Careflight.

Cheers
Jim

[Mick F]

I hear they're using them for boat cruises in the Pacific these days, ;)

[Rob R]

One is now a reef near Norfolk Island.

[Grahame Hutchison]

Noticed Pel-air Westwind 1124 VH-KNU (317) 1981 model on ADS-B this morning at 10:08

[Jim M]

One is now a reef near Norfolk Island.

I believe that is VH-NGA.

Thanks everyone for your info. IF,anyone has any further info I'd appreciate them posting it too. I am getting this info for someone else,but given all the changes that have happened over recent times re the ops of these aircraft,I must admit to becoming a little curious myself,especially given they used to be regulars at YSSY.

Cheers
Jim

[Bob C]

Hi Jim

We've had two in W A in recent times ; VH-KNS on 25/6 and -KNR on 10/6 ; the latter at RAAF Pearce probably involved in an ADF execise. I'm not sure if -KNS went to Perth or RAAF Pearce. And -KNU was noted at RAAF Pearce on 13/12/10.

I think that several of the Pel Air Westwinds MAY be based at Nowra and operate with the RAN as low flying, high speed targets. They seem to appear in the West when major exercises are held off the coast.

Cheers

Bob

[Jim M]

Cheers Bob,that I was not aware of. It just proves that you learn something new every day! Thanks for the info.
I have also had some further info that AJJ may be operating aeromedical for Careflight,with at least Careflight decals on the side. May be in full livery,but no confirmation of that.

Cheers
Jim

[Bob C]

Hi Jim

VH-KNS was based in Perth from 1 June 2008 to operate for Careflight but the service was discontinued in June 2009 after the present Liberal Government came into power.

The RFDS introduced its Hawker 800XP jet, VH-RIO, in October 2009.

Cheers

Bob

[Paul f.]

VH-KNU in its new livery at Essendon

[Brian Wilkes]

Shot Paul, taken down at the Ambo car park?

[Jim M]

Anyone know the where abouts of AJJ these days?

Had heard it may be at Essenden too....

Jim

[Paul f.]

Shot Paul, taken down at the Ambo car park?Yes its based there now.

[Paul f.]

Anyone know the where abouts of AJJ these days?

Had heard it may be at Essenden too....

JimNot at Essendon.

[Jim M]

Thanks Paul,and so the mystery deepens.... :confused:

Jim

[Dave Parer]

VH-AJJ and VH-KNS were based in Townsville through June when the F18's were up here on military exercise.

I took these photos one afternoon when they returned back to TSV along with the F18's -

http://i50.tinypic.com/1yty0x.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/1eutdf.jpg

[Jim M]

Thanks for that Dave,that's great info. At least we know where some of them have been recently.

By the way,nice photos,thanks for posting.

Cheers
Jim