Local cargo operators in the early 1980s operated a mixture of old props, reconfigured passenger aircraft and surprisingly corporate jets. Most of these photographs were taken at Essendon, which became more of a GA, Charter and Cargo airport after Tullamarine opened. It seemed strange that the Lear 35A was so popular for cargo as the cargo capacity was limited. I guess they were used for priority cargo to make it pay. Back then you could check in with Airport Management, sign a form or two, and you were free to walk around the aprons and photograph - wonderful access. The then Department Of Transport operated out of Essendon back then, with a fleet of Fokker F28-100 (3 aircraft at one stage used for calibration), BAe125-700B, Rockwell Commander 680E, Merlin IIB SA26At and Beech Bonanza 36. The next upload will include these DOT aircraft in their own departmental livery, with one shot of the new livery on an F28-100 when they became the Civil Aviation Authority.
Air Express Bristol 170 VH-ADL at Essendon in January 1980. I remember making an Airfix kit model of this aircraft as a child.
Cargo DC3 VH-MMF at Essendon - always the workhorse.
Ipec Argosy AW650 VH-IPB at Essendon in November 1980 - an unusual but interesting aircraft. The front double doors opened to
allow front on loading of cargo pallets.
Ipec DC9-33F VH-IPF at Essendon in December 1983. I think this aircraft was one of the Ex TAA or Ansett DC9s.
TNT Learjet 35A VH-AJS at Sydney in February 1982. TNT operated from the hanger near the hanger that was demolished for A380
operation in Sydney.
TNT Learjet 35A VH-AJV at Sydney in July 1981
Wards Express Falcon 50 VH-BRR at Essendon in January 1980 - note the full cargo door fitted to this Falcon.
Wards Express Learjet 35 VH-SLJ at Essendon in the early 1980s.
Wards Learjet 35A VH-WFJ at Essendon in January 1980 with the Bristol 170 in the background.
Pel Air Westwind 1 VH-AJJ at Essendon in January 1987 and still operating with Pel Air today.
