Things are not always as they seem. This would appear to be an Air Pacific Heron with Lycoming engines, which history tells us never happened. On closer examination, the aeroplane is clearly marked VH-KAM. Although it is tempting to imagine that Air Pacific must have leased the aeroplane back after the Lycoming conversion, what really happened is as follows. The aircraft was delivered to Connair in full Air Pacific livery as DQ-FAF on 15 May 1975. Connair performed the Lycoming conversion at Alice Springs and delivered the aircraft to Kendell Airlines as VH-KAM in late 1975. This photo was taken at Leigh Creek during the delivery flight. Evidently the aircraft was delivered, still in full Air Pacific livery, to Kendell at Wagga where the aircraft was subsequently painted in Kendell colours. Photo: Allan Walker |
QUEENSLAND AIR MUSEUM www.qam.com.au