Metro Circuits at Richmond

[Andrew Neil]

Hi all.
On Friday afternoon around 5-6pm there was a Metro flying around the Richmond control zone, did a few ILS's and a few other things..... i dont suppose anyone happened to get the rego of that thing by any chance?

It looked like IAU but couldnt be sure

Andrew

[Paul C.]

VH-IAU is a Metro II and used to be VH-KDR for Kendell Airlines throughout the 1980's and first half of the 1990's. It was the first turboprop ever for Kendell. The Metro was withdrawn in 1995, reregistered as VH-IAU and operated for Horizon Airlines, the plane is now corporate. The KDR rego was used on a Saab 340B for Kendell and REX and is still in service today.

[Adam P.]

The KDR rego was used on a Saab 340B for Kendell and REX and is still in service today.

Not on a Saab it ain't:

VH KDR

Power Driven Aeroplane with tailwheel-fixed landing gear
Single Turboprop engine

Manufacturer: AIR TRACTOR INC
Model: AT-502B
Serial number: 502B-0361
Aircraft first registered in Australia: 06 August 2004

Full Registration
Registration holder as of 14 May 2006

BUNGULLA FARMING PTY LTD

PO Box 42
CECIL PLAINS QLD 4407
AUSTRALIA

Registered operator as of 14 May 2006

CROPCAIR PTY. LTD.

PO Box 42
CECIL PLAINS QLD 4407
AUSTRALIA

[Nigel C]

Are the Air Tractors being used on 'low yield' routes Adam (Blayney to Orange perhaps)?

Is there room for David M? Or more tot he point,is there any need for David M?

[Adam P.]

Yeah you only need one pilot for an Air Tractor... Squeeze half a dozen punters into the hopper, she'll be right!

[Brenden S]

http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=6079167

[Rhys Xanthis]

Thats just awesome!

[Nigel C]

Nice plug Brenden.

My late father did a trip in the 'hopper' part of a Piper Pawnee many many many years ago. The hopper had been removed (not required for the aircrafts operations) and he squatted just forward of the rudder pedals with a view looking straight up at the pilot's crotch for the entire trip.

A bit naughty? Yes. But it sure would have been an experience to remember!

[Brenden S]

Yea no worries Nige, well its the only photo of the 'New" KDR.... I was surprised when I started working up at Northam to notice the reg and I am like hang on thats a SAAB 340 reg.... well no longer.

[Paul C.]

Originally Posted by Brenden S

Yea no worries Nige, well its the only photo of the 'New" KDR.... I was surprised when I started working up at Northam to notice the reg and I am like hang on thats a SAAB 340 reg.... well no longer.

The Saab is now registered as VH-ZLR but it was previously VH-KDR up to 2003. Yes, its still in service for REX.