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NCA INTERNATIONAL
Amongst the aircraft being worked on, or awaiting overhaul work when Miaco ceased operations, were four DHC-4 Caribou (9J-NAB, N84893, N84897 and N84899) belonging to New-Cal Aviation, of New Jersey, US. NCA International started operations in October 1985.
MIACO 86
Meanwhile, another company would “enjoy” a brief life. Miaco ‘86 Aviation Ltd was a government controlled entity set up on 22 July 1986, to carry out engine repair work. Miaco ’86 didn’t survive for long, for in 1989, Lindhholme Ltd, operators of Air Atlantique of Coventry, UK, took over, renaming it CFS Engines on 25 January 1991. A specialist company in engine repairs, CFS also tried attracting other companies’ custom, which included Classic Air of Switzerland and Instone of the UK. But CFS wasn’t destined to survive for long, and on 27 November 1996, the company was struck off the Register of Partnerships.
MED-AVIA
Set up in 1978 as a joint venture between Malta and Libya, Med-Avia operated a fleet of four Casa 212s (9H-AAP/Q/R/S). The company operated out of an Air Malta hangar at Luqa Airport. With the imposition of sanctions by the UN against Libya for its role in the explosion in mid-air of a Pan Am B.747 over Lockerbie, the 212s were dispatched to Libya where they continued to operate. With the lifting of sanctions against Libya, Med-Avia became more active, its Casa 212s once again becoming a familiar sight at Luqa.
Between 93/94, Air Malta wanted the hangar for its use. At Safi, plans were made for the construction of a hangar for the company. The eventual move meant that aircraft, like MIACO and NCA, had to cross over from the airport into Safi. Extra hassle for the employees, but a god-send for us photographers.
Aircraft
This table will continue to be updated, both as regards past and current movements. Maltese registered aircraft (9H-) will not be listed, since they have nowhere else to go for maintenance purposes. Exceptions will be made for first time visits and/or colour scheme changes.
Information has been indexed by just aircraft and registration. This has been done to avoid placing the same aircraft at different parts of the table because of a change in ownership. Reims/Cessna aircraft are listed under Cessna.
Since Med-Avia starting operating out of Safi in 1992, it isn’t always possible to state whether an aircraft visited NCA or Med-Avia, and no attempt has been made to differentiate between the two companies. Aircraft, therefore, have been listed as entering Safi, rather than mentioning the company by name.
The arr/dep column lists the dates when the aircraft arrived/departed to/from Malta, as the aircraft sometimes was parked overnight at the airport, before entering Safi or departing Malta.
As usual, the compilation of this information wouldn’t be possible without the use of Malta Aviation Society records. I am also indebted to a fellow MAS member, Frank Scerri, who for a number of months used to compile this information for a page in Take-Off, the MAS newsletter.
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Safi history
Before moving on to the aircraft section, I would like to refer to an e-mail received from a Dutch enthusiast.
I do not fully understand the current situation surrounding Malta's Luqa and (former?) Safi Airport, and I am hoping you are willing to explain.
As far as I understand Luqa and Safi were two separate airports during WW2. But at some point in time (during the late 1970s?) the two airports merged into Luqa International Airport, and as far as I know Safi ceased to exist as a separate airport.
Yet many Malta aviation enthusiasts are still referring to Safi as if it still is an operational airport. For instance, a quote from a 2003 copy of Malta Aviation Society's publication "Take Off" mentions the arrival of B707 9L-LDU on Oct-2003, to which the magazine refers to as "the biggest aircraft destined for Safi landed on this day".
I have checked your web site, and although it carries a very nice article on Luqa International Airport, this article in no way mentions the merger of Luqa and Safi, nor Safi's current status.
For people like me, who are not from Malta, this is a confusing situation. Would you mind explaining the situation to me? Does Safi perhaps only refer to the Med-Avia/NCA facility (maybe because strictly speaking that facility is outside the boundaries of Luqa international airport?)
Your confusion is understandable, so here's a brief history of Safi, taken from the book, Military Aviation in Malta G.C. 1915-1993 by John F. Hamlin.
Work on safi strip started in January 1941, runway 32/14 and 27/09. 32/14 was completed by February 1943, RAF Safi was formed on 20 March and a parade held on 15 May, 1943. By the end of June 43, both runways had been widened, so their final measurements were 3,600ft x 240 feet, or 1,100m by 73m.
All flying ceased on 31 Oct 1943, except for the occasional aircraft making an emergency or crash landing. On 8 November, RAF Safi was disbanded, but 137 Maintenance Unit (MU) moved to Safi from Kalafrana on 27 June 1946, and remained there until eventual disbandment (date unknown).
When work started on widening and lengthening runway 32/14 AT LUQA AIRPORT, the runways at Safi practically disappeared and one cannot really tell their exact location.
Since September 1978, when the Safi was leased to the then MIACO company, a taxiway between the runway and the perimeter fence, as well as a gate, had to be constructed. Aircraft would thus taxi down runway 14/32, turn onto the taxi-way, and wait for the gate to be opened. Company personnel would then stop all vehicles, to allow the aircraft to taxi over to MIACO (or Med-Avia nowadays). The same procedure would be used for the aircraft to depart.
This is what we mean by aircraft entering Safi. The procedure has remained the same since the first MIACO aircraft moved in, except that today, there is a better gate system, and a traffic light system warns motorists before a bar is to be lowered to close off the road, which is much safer for the employees.
Although we know when MIACO ceased operations (February 1985), when NCA started operating (Oct '85), and when Med-Avia moved to Safi (approx. 1994) I'm not exactly sure what happened to NCA. To all intents and purposes, it seems to exists only on paper, and Med-Avia seems to be the sole player at Safi.
You mentioned "the arrival of B707 9L-LDU on Oct-2003”, to which the magazine refers to as "the biggest aircraft destined for Safi landed on this day". "Landed” as used here refers to Malta International Airport. The aircraft was then towed into Safi.
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Aircraft types: A - B | AIRCRAFT | OPERATOR | REGISTRATION | ARR/DEP | NOTES | HISTORY | | Agtractor | | N3162H | __.__.__/16.10.93 | Arrived in crate. Test flight on 15.10. | | | An-2 | Aeropol | SP-TBH | 23.08.92/01.10.92 | At NCA between 24 Aug-30 Sept. | | | An-12 | Motor Sich | UR-11316 | 25.10.97/28.10.97 | Entered to pick up L39 N92JJ mentioned above. | | | An-12BP | Volare Aviation Enterprise | UR-LTG | 15.04.02 | One day visit. | c/n 00347201, mfd 1970 ex RA-12986, CCCP-12986 | | Antonov 26 | Raf Avia | YL-RAC | __.__.__/03.03.08 | Departed Malta a few hours after exiting Safi. | | | An-26 | Scorpion Air | LZ-MNL | 30.08.01 | Possibly the first An-26 to enter Safi. | c/n 1309, mfd 1972, p.i. PWL-1309 | | An-26 | TRANS ATTICO | EK-13399 | 09.07.02 | One day visit. Aircraft had the titles of a Sudanese company but it is owned by Avia Urartu of Armenia. Performing a Tibesti Air Libya flight. | c/n 2606, p.i.’s RA-13399 | | An-28 | Aviation | UR-28765 | 02.03.95/14.07.95 | Test flights on 17 Mar. First An-28 to visit Malta. | | | Beech Baron | | F-GEPO | __.__.__/02.07.01 | All white. | | | Beech 58 Baron | | G-VCML | | c/n TH-1346, pi N2289R. No further details yet. | | Beech Baron 95-C55 | Sam Agro Aviation Inc. Trustee | N55AE | 16.12.92/ | Arr as OY-EBF, N55AE by 18.03.93. This aircraft has been seen on a number of occasions. 02.04.93, 07.03.98, dep Safi 13.03.98. Last seen on 29 Dec 02. Observed at Med-Avia hangar on 03.08.05. It is not known if the aircraft had departed and returned, or had been inside the hangar all this time. Taken out of old NCA hangar on 05.02.07, and taxied under its own power to Med-Avia hangar on the same day. | c/n TE-84 mfd 1966 ex OY-BBF, SE-EUT, OY-EBF. RR | | Beech Baron 58 | Tesla Airborne Geo Science | VH-DHS | 27.02.01/09.03.01 | Fitted with a boom for electro magnetic surveys. Left Safi on the 5 Mar and re-entered on the 8th. Dep the following day. | c/n TH-1386 | | Beech 200 King Air | | N857GA | | Noted at park 2 on 28.01.08, date of entry into safi unknown, but seen leaving in the late evening of 30th Jan. | | | Beech 200 King Air | | ZS-DJA | | With United Nations titles. Operated by NAC. Entered Safi for a few hours on 15.09.04. | c/n BB-1607 ex N724TA | | Beech 200 King Air | Air Express Algeria | ZS-LTE | 24.06.03/28.06.03 | | c/n BB-607 ex N6725L mfd 1979. Last registered owner was Sparg Aviation Services. | | Beech 200 King Air | Air Express Algeria | ZS-PEA | | Operated by NAC, and registered under N500PH Aviation (PTY) Ltd. Seen between 29.06.04/01.07.04, and between 03-07 Dec 04. | c/n BL-29 mfd 1981 ex N500PH, N3847H | | Beech 200C Super King Air | Libyan Department of Health | 5A-DDT | 29.10.91/__.__.__ | Arrived for maintenance when Med-Avia was still located inside the airport. Rolled out on 09.01.92 with “Air Ambulance” titles. Again seen between 11.04.00 – 28.02.01 for maintenance which included a new colour scheme and new interior. Five test flights on 15, 19, 20, 22, and 23 Feb. Returned on 17.03.08. Noted waiting for gate in airport perimeter fence to be opened to enter Safi on 04.07.09. | c/n BL-1 ex F-GBLT, N24138 mfd 1979. | | Beech 200C Super King Air | Libyan Department of Health | 5A-DDY | __.__.__/__.__.__ | Observed outside Med-Avia hangar on 09.01.92. | | | Beech 200 Super King Air | | 5B-CKJ | | Entered Safi on 27 Jan 04, dep date unknown. | c/n BB-1729 ex N728AM | | Beech 200T Super King Air | Air Express | ZS-OEB | 04.11.03/11.11.03 | Air Express titles on left side only. | c/n BT-7 mfd 1980 ex N853GA, JA8812, N2071X. Registered owner is Improvement CC, operated by Barenza Air Service This aircraft was converted from a Beech 200 Super King Air c/n BB-510 and delivered to the Japan Maritime Safety Agency for survey and maritime patrol duties. The external differences from a Beech 200 are the fuel tip tanks and a light on both wing tips used to search. A total of 38 were converted and operated by the following organizations Algeria Ministerie De La Defense Nationale, Aviacon Naval Uruguaya, France Institut Geographique National, Royal Malaysian Air Force, Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation, University of Wyoming, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and different private companies. |
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Aircraft type: Beech 1900
| OPERATOR |
REGISTRATION |
ARR/DEP |
NOTES |
HISTORY |
| Avanti Air |
D-CBSF |
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Seen between 7-9.10.04. This Beech was being operated by Medavia in Tripoli in Avanti Air colours. |
c/n UE-8 mfd 1992 ex N55778. |
| Medavia |
PH-ACY |
See notes. |
Seen at Safi on 10 Feb 02, between 26-29 Apr, on 11 May and 15 June, all 2002. Leased from Rossair Europe BV. Performed last Med-Avia flt on 29.06.04 |
c/n UE-44, mfd 1993, ex D-CBSG, OK-YES, D-CBSG, N80683 |
| Medavia |
PH-RAE |
05.09.03/06.09.03 |
Leased from Rossair Europe. Again seen between 14-17 Sept 03. |
ex ZS-OLX, N21YV c/n UE-21 mfd 1992 |
| Rossair Europe |
PH-RAH |
27.08.03/28.08.03 |
Stopped at Malta on its way to Kuwait. Entered Safi for few hours on 28 Aug. Dep Safi on 23.02.05. Re-sprayed in Med-Avia’s new livery May 06. |
c/n UE-31 mfd 1992, ex OY-GEP and N31YV |
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PH-RAR |
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Existed from Safi on 13.05.06. Sprayed in new livery. |
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ZS-MKE |
__.__.__/05.06.06 |
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ZS-NAC |
11.11.03/15.11.03 |
At Safi between the 12-14 Nov test flight on the 14th. Again seen between 31 Jan-07 Feb 04. |
c/n UE-28 mfd 1992 ex N28YV of National Airways Corporation. During the previous months this aircraft was being operated in Afghanistan for the Afghan Wireless Communication Company. |
| Rossair |
ZS-OLW |
28.09.02/03.10.02 |
Entered Safi on 29 Sept, test flight on 03 Oct. Again seen between 20-23 Nov 02, 25-28 Aug 03, 4-6 Dec 03, March and 29 Apr 04. At Safi again, w/o titles, between 05-11 Dec 04. Arr on __.__.__?, departed for Luxor, Egypt on 15.05.06 in all white livery. |
c/n UE-33 mfd 1992 ex N33YV |
| Rossair |
ZS-OMC |
09.10.03/10.10.03 |
Visited Safi for a couple of hours on the 10th, departing on the same day. |
c/n UE-18 ex N18YV mfd 1992 |
| Air Express Algeria |
ZS-ONH |
27.01.04/__.__.__ |
Entered Safi on 28.01, dep on 03.02. Back in Malta on 08.03, entered Safi on 09, departing on 12.03. Left Safi on 29.06.04, performed a test flight, departed Malta later in the day. Arr/entered Safi on __.__.05, departed Safi on 04.11, taxied out to runway 24, and took off. |
c/n UE-310 mfd 1998 ex TR-LFE, N22873. Owner Rossair. |
| Rossair |
ZS-OOW |
__.__.__/06.12.00 |
arr on 05.12.00, visited Safi again on 03 Dec 02 to pick up engine removed from ZS-OLW. |
c/n UE-57 ex N57ZV. |
| Air Express Algeria |
ZS-ORV |
19.02.03/24.02.03 |
Leased from National Airways Corporation. Again seen between 17-22 Jun (test flight on 22), 9-12 Sept, in Malta between 03–08 Nov, & 19-23 Jan 04. |
c/n UE-42, ex ZS-OPK, N42YV. Del to Mesa Airlines on the 23.04.93. Last known operator was Rossair. Registered as ZS-ORV on 12.02.01. |
| Air Express Algeria |
ZS-OSF |
11.01.04/16.01.04 |
Entered on 12 Jan, departing on 15 Jan for a test flight. |
c/n UE35 mfd 1993 ex N35YV. |
| Rossair |
ZS-OWN |
05.05.04/16.07.04 |
Arr w/o titles. Red Cross markings and ICRC titles added. Dep Safi on 15.07. Dep for Oman. |
c/n UE-4, pi N47V, N304YV |
| Air Express Algeria |
ZS-OYC |
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Arr on 25.07.04 in all white c/s w/o titles, operated by NAC. Dep on 27.08.04 w/Air Express Algeria titles. Back again between 13-18 Dec 04. Entered Safi on 14 Aug 05. |
c/n UE-117 mfd 1994 ex VH-NTL, VH-IPB, N15527 |
| Air Express Algeria |
ZS-OYE |
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Entered Safi on the 27.01.04, departed on 30.01.04. |
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| Air Express Algeria |
ZS-OYF |
15.04.03/19.04.03 |
Also between 25 May-4 Jun (test flight on 03), between 8 – 12 Oct (left Malta) with a test flight on the 11th, & 18-19 Feb 04. Leased from National Airways Corporation. |
c/n UE-230 mfd 1996 ex VH-IMH, N3252M |
| National Airways Corporation |
ZS-OYH |
02.12.03/07.12.03 |
At Safi between 03-06 Dec, test flt on 06.12, and 14–19 Mar 04. Test flt on the 18th. |
c/n UE-250 mfd 1996 ex VH-IAY, VH-TRW, N10898. Registered owner is Skyeinvest Admin Pty. This is the 500th Beech 1900. |
| Rossair |
ZS-PIR |
27.08.04/28.08.04 |
Arr w/o titles as ROS 999. Entered Safi for a few hours on the 28, and departed Malta to Luxor on the same day. Used registration as callsign. |
c/n UE-29 mfd 1993 ex PH-RAG, OY-GMP, N29YV |
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Aircraft types: C | AIRCRAFT | OPERATOR | REGISTRATION | ARR/DEP | NOTES | HISTORY | | Casa 212-200 | Air Libya | 5A-DMJ | 28.03.91/__.__.__ | Arrived and proceeded to Med-Avia hangar at Park 2. In Med-Avia livery, minus titles. Also seen at Safi as –DMJ on 20.02.95 and 04.07.97. | pi 9H-AAT. Believed stored at Tripoli. | | Casa 212 | | HB-LKX | 14.12.90/29.04.92 | seen outside Med-Avia hangar, at park 2 on 03.05.91, test flt on 20.04.92. Came to Med-Avia, before company moved to Safi. | | | Casa 212-CD | Air Bosna/Cargo & Mail | T9-ABA | See notes. | Seen on 04 Jul 97, and at least between 26 Jun–14 Oct 00 (w/o titles), 23 Sept–04 Oct 01 with titles, 27-28 May 02, and 22 Sept 02–04 Jun 03. Test flight on 04 Jun. Dep after test flt. | | | Casa 212-300 | Dolphin Air Express | I-DZPO | 13.06.05/24.06.05 | Landed in the morning and entered Safi on the same day. Briefly exited Safi for re-fuelling on the 22nd. Exited from Safi on the 24th, and left Malta on the same day. | c/n 387, pi F-ZVMR, F-GIQQ | | Cessna 152 | Malta Flying School | N49412 | | Aircraft arrived in a container during Dec 04. Assembled and taxied to Safi on 30.12.04. To be registered 9H-AES. | c/n 15283455 mfd 1979. | | Cessna 172M | Custom Aerial Photos | N73318 | 14.08.03 | This is a Maltese company specialising in taking aerial photos. | c/n 17267369 mfd 1976 | | Reims/Cessna F182Q Skylane | | OE-DOT | 12.06.02/13.06.02 | | c/n F18200143 | | Cessna 185A Skywagon | | HB-CRX | | At NCA 16.10.86 | | | Ce. U206B | Bonair | LN-DBF | 15.08.01 | Entered Safi on 16 Aug, dep Safi on 29 Jan 02. Re-registered as 9H-ADW. Current. | c/n U206-0779 mfd 1967 ex N3479L. | | Ce. 206 | | SE-KPZ | | Dep Safi on 15.05.06. | | | Cessna 208 | | C-FZLK | | Aircraft on ferry flight. Entered Safi on 22.09.09, ob at luqa on 08.10.09, reson for entering Safi unknown. | | | Cessna 210L | | 5Y-AYB | 18.10.01/22.10.01 | En route to the US. Was at Safi between 19-20 Oct, and again on 22 Oct. Departure date unknown, may be 22 or 23. | c/n 21060547 mfd 1974 ex N94222 | | Cessna T.210 Turbo Centurian | | D-EBZM | | At NCA on 14.04.91 | | | Cessna P210N | | N4585K | See notes. | At Safi between 02 Aug-01 Sept and 22 Oct-20 Nov 01, on 8 Feb and between 11-12 Feb 02, and again noted inside Medavia hangar on 1 May. Left on 30 May. | c/n P21000318 mfd 1979 | | Cessna T303 Crusader | | G-BPZN | | lsd to Excelair, Stored at NCA from 10.04.92, rr N65NC. | | | Cessna T303 Crusader | | N65NC | | See under G-BPZN. | | | Cessna C337 | | N6318F | | Entered Safi on 15.05.06. Departure date unknown. | | | Cessna 340A II | Intera | 5B-CGR | | At Safi on 26.11.90 & 23.04.91 & entering NCA on 11.04.92. | | | Cessna 340A II | Intera | 5B-CGS | | At NCA on 23.04.91, and entering NCA on 11.04.92. | | | Cessna 340A II | Intera | 5B-CGV | | Registration confirmed. In hangar, severely damaged. Probably shipped from abroad. | | | Cessna 340A II | | 5B-CGW | | Aircraft made a wheels up landing at Larissa AFB in Greece. Spilled fuel lit, damaging wings and fuselage. Ob at NCA Jun 1991, current status unknown. | c/n 0088, pi C-GDWN, N1389G | | Cessna 340A II | Intera | 5B-CGX | | Ob. At NCA on 06.04.90, entering NCA on 11.04.90, and again ob at Safi on 26.11.90, 11 & 23.04.91 & 18.10.91. | | | Cessna 340A II | | G-SAMM | See notes. | Few hours’ visit on 11 May 02. | c/n 340A-0742, ex N37TJ, N2671A | | Cessna 402 | Cloud Seeding | 5A-DJA | 07.01.04 | Entered Safi on the 08.01. Dep on 19.05, and seen again between 29.06.04 – 14.09.04. | c/n 402B1206 mfd 1976 ex N4159G. | | Cessna 402C | | 5H-ELC | See notes. | Was with Ce.210 5Y-AYB. Brief visit to Safi on 22 Oct. | c/n 402C0465 mfd 1981 ex N4282L | | Cessna 404 Titan | Geoterrex ltd. | C-CGTA | | At NCA on 09.12.87. | | | Cessna 404 Titan | | D-IEOS | | Arr 07 Apr, dep 27 Jun 92. See also under ST-AME. | c/n 0645, pi YV-448CP, N4465M, rr ST-AME, with Transattico titles. | | Cessna 404 Titan | Aero Service | N80DS | | 05.01.87 | | | Cessna 404 Titan | Transattico | ST-AME | | At Safi on 23.06.92, and entering Safi on 01.04.94. Later rr 9H-ACQ, op by Med-Avia. | | | Cessna 404 Titan | Fugro Airborne Surveys | ZS-KRG | 19.12.01/21.12.01 | Arr w/undercarriage problems. Test flights on 20 & 21 Dec. | c/n 404-0676 mfd 1980 ex N6761Y | | Reims/Cessna F406 Caravan II | Excelair | PH-ALZ | | Dep Safi on unknown date, but between 13-27.02.93. Later rr 9H-ACI. | c/n 0041 | | Reims/Cessna F406 Caravan II | | 5A-DKW | 05.02.07/ | Aircraft entered Safi on same day after customs clearance. Again in Malta on 11.03.08. | c/n F406-0058 mfd 1990 ex PH-GPX, F-OGPX, F-WZDJ | | Reims/Cessna F406 Caravan II | Rossair | ZS-OXE | 23.06.03/09.07.03 | Aircraft entered Safi on 30 Jun, dep on 9 Jul. | c/n F406-0058 mfd 1990 ex PH-GPX, F-OGPX, F-WZDJ | | Cessna 421 Golden Eagle | Air Libya Tibesti | 5A-DBM | 15.01.02/17.01.02 | | c/n 421C0142, ex 5A-DAM & N3916C | | Cessna 421 | Burindi Air Surveys | 5A-DKW | | Exited Safi in the morning for a test flight and crossed back to Med Avia early afternoon. | | | Cessna 421 Golden Eagle | | G-DEDE | | At NCA on 28.04.91 | | | Cessna 421C Golden Eagle II | | HB-LRW | 27.03.04/08.04.04 | Arrived in Malta on a ferry flight to Perth Australia. Entered Safi on 29 Mar due to a technical problem. Departed Safi on 8 Apr for Larnaca on the same day. A/c crashed after takeoff from El Questro Station Airport, Station Township, Kimberly Region, Australia, on 30.08.04, two fatalities. | c/n 421C0633 mfd1979 ex N421KK, N47WK, N511HB, N88651. | | Cessna Conquest | | C-GRJL | | At NCA on 11.04.91 | | | Cessna Conquest | | C-GRWS | | At NCA between 11-23.04.91 | | | Cessna Conquest | | C-GSRL | | Dep NCA on 14.04.90, again ob on 25.10.90. | | | Convair 340 | | N327UW | 16.06.91/22.06.91 | Returning to US from assignment of collecting air samples over Kuwait. Suffered engine problems, and entered NCA, most probably on the 17th. Dep NCA on the 21st. Test flt in the morning on 22nd, departed Malta same day, around mid-day. | |
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Aircraft types DHC-2 – DHC-8 | AIRCRAFT | OPERATOR | REGISTRATION | ARR/DEP | NOTES | HISTORY | | DHC-2 Turbo Beaver | Project Air Inc | N6102Y | 07.05.01/08.05.01 | Arrived from Iraklion on its way to the States. It crossed to NCA for a very short visit due to a small technical problem. Departed for Jersey. | c/n 1687-TB55, pi 5Y-BNO, ET-AKK, C-FOEZ, CF-OEZ | | DHC-3 | Harbour Air | C-FHAH | 24.05.07 | Being used in Malta-Gozo air service. Aircraft landed at MIA. To Safi on 14.06.07 to have wings removed, then towed to Kalafrana during the night of 23-24.06.07, for assembly of wings and fitting of floats. | | | DHC-3 | | N18NC | | Crated and shipped to New Jersey, October 1993. | c/n 132 ex EA51 Ethiopian AF. | | DHC-3 | | N28NC | | Crated and shipped to New Jersey, October 1993. | c/n 349, pi 59-2211 EA52 Ethiopian AF. | | DHC-3 | | N24NC | | Crated and shipped to New Jersey, October 1993. | c/n 350, pi US ?, EA53 Ethiopian AF. | | DHC-3 | | N44NC | | Crated and shipped to New Jersey, October 1993. | c/n 347, 58-7019, EA50 Ethiopian AF. | | DHC-6-300 | Oasis Oil | 5A-DAS | 06.02.92/__.__.__ | Straight to Med-Avia hangar after landing. Departure date unknown. Again arrived on 12.11.03 for re-spray with Waha Oil Company titles. Compass swing and a test flight on 08.01.04, returned to Safi. Probably departed for Tripoli on 9 Jan. | c/n 567 mfd 1977 | | DHC-6-300 | | 5A-DAU | | Seen in full Med-Avia livery on 06.01.92. Seen with Waha Oil Company titles between 02.08 – 05.10.04. Departed with a new colour scheme. | c/n 570. | | DHC-6-300 | Veba Oil Company | 5A-DBF | 15.10.03/17.01.04 | Arrived for an avionics upgrade. Test flights on 14, 15 and 16 Jan 04, returning to Safi after landing. | c/n 705 mfd 1980 | | DHC-6-300 | ZWETINA OIL COMPANY | 5A-DBJ | 01.04.04/ | Performed a test flight on the 16.09.04, dep Malta 26.09.04. Last visit to Malta was on 08.07.99. | c/n 444 | | DHC-6-300 | Libyan Civil Aviation | 5A-DCA | 18.07.02/28.11.04 | Left Safi on 27.11.04, performed touch & go’s, dep Malta on 28.11.04 | c/n 599 mfd 1979 | | DHC-6-300 | Air Jamahariya | 5A-DCX | 16.02.01 | One day visit. | c/n 641 | | DHC-6-300 | Libya Light Air Transport | 5A-DDE | | | c/n 677 | | DHC-6-300 | Air Jamahariya | 5A-DHY | 12.01.01 | One day visit. | c/n 661, pi’s C-GELZ, 9H-AAR (ntu) | | DHC-6-300 | | 5A-DJI | March/April 1992 | Suffered an engine failure during take-off on a test flight. Pilot landed the aircraft again without any mishaps. | | | DHC-6-300 | Air Tanzania | 5H-MRB | | Already hangared by 01.10.90. Dep NCA on 21.06.91. | | | DHC-6-300 | Trans Maldivian Airways | 8Q-TMH | 10.01.01/11.01.01 | In the colours of Aerotaca of Columbia, registration hand painted on the rear of the fuselage. Previous identity HK-4194X still visible under the wing. This, and 5A-DHY, were originally ordered by Med-avia, but never take up. | c/n 668 ex HK-4194X, HK-2439, 9H-AAS mfd 1980 | | DHC-6-300 | Benavia | HB-LSP | | | | | DHC-6-300 | | HB-LQV | __.__.08/14.07.08 | Entered Safi on same day of arrival. | | | DHC-6-300 | Benavia | HB-LSU | __.__.__/27.02.99 | Observed inside hangar on 19.02 with new Tassilli Airlines titles in red. Taxied out to Airport on 24.02, dep for Hassi Mesaoud on 27.02. | | | DHC-6-300 | Benavia | HB-LSV | __.__.__/16.02.99 | Taxied out on 15.02.99 without any titles. Dep for Calviste Catherine in Corsica. Returned on the 23.02, entering NCA on the 24th. | 281 Ex. VH-TGH, N8336 | | DHC-6-300 | Benavia | HB-LSY | 26.06.98/27.06.98 | Performs flights in Algeria on behalf of Tassilli Airlines and Air Algerie. Left/re-entered Safi on 25.01.99. Left Safi on 02.02, did couple of circuits, and remained at airport. More circuits on 03, re-entered Safi. “Air Algerie” titles in red added on both sides of the fuselage on 04. Taxied out of NCA, performed some aerial work and returned to NCA. Out of Safi on 05, and remained at Luqa Airport until 10.02, performed some circuits, returned to Safi on the 12th. Left Safi on the 19th, and departed for Algeria on the 20th. | c/n 283 | | DHC-6-300 | Benavia | HI-685CA | 20.05.98/13.06.98 | Test flight on 12 Jun. Returned on 07.03.99, into Safi on 08. Benavia titles were replaced by “Air Algerie” and small “owned and operated by Benavia” added on both its engine cowlings. | c/n 600. First Twin Otter to be owned by Benavia. | | DHC-6-300 | Benavia | N17GL | | | c/n 372 lsd Air Algerie? | | DHC-6-300 | Carson Helicopters | N239Z | | Equipped with tail magnetometer. | c/n 239 | | DHC-6-300 | Benaviation | N612BA | | | c/n 600 | | DHC-6-300 | | N920R | | | | | DHC-6-300 | Agricultural Research Corporation? | ST-AHV | 25.04.02/20.07.02 | Entered Safi on 26 Apr. | c/n 765 | | DHC-6-300 | Tunisavia | TS-LIB | 12.12.00/09.01.01* | * Dates when a/c was at Safi. Departed in new Tunisavia colour scheme. | c/n 716 ex TS-DIB, C-GDLD mfd 1981 | | DHC-6-300 | Tunisavia | TS-LSF | __.__.__/22.02.08 | Out of Safi and departed Malta on same day. | | | DHC-6-300 | Tunisavia | TS-LSF | | Departed on the 19 Jun 95. | c/n 575 | | DHC-6-300 | Roassair | ZS-0EF | 29.06.03/23.07.03 | No titles visible on aircraft. Also seen at Safi between 29-30 Jan 04, and from 21.05 till __.__? | c/n 838 mfd 1988 ex N6371X, ZS-OEF, 7P-LAQ, C-GDIU. | | DHC-6-300 | Tassilli Airlines | ZS-OUJ | 03.12.02/11.12.02 | At Safi between 04-11 Dec. | c/n 334, mfd 1971, ex F-GUTH, C-FTVO, CF-TVO. | | DHC-6-300 | | ZS-OVI | 14.12.02/28.12.02 | At Safi between 15-28 Dec, between 08-19 Feb 03 (at Safi between 10-19 Feb), between 03-30 Apr (entered Safi on 4 Apr, dep on the 30th. Departure from Malta on this, or the following day. Seen again between 24 Jul – 08 Oct 03 (entered Safi on 25 Jul, dep on 07 Oct). Leased to Tassilli A/Ls, sprayed in their colours. | c/n 582 mfd 1978 ex 5H-MUG, 5Y-BIK, 5H-MRE | | DHC-7-102 | Tassilli Airlines | HB-IVW | See notes | At Safi between 24-25 May, last known visit on 26 Jul 01. A/c had Tassilli Airlines titles, green cheat lines along its fuselage, but w/o red tail. | c/n 039 mfd 1981 ex C-GLOL, N87RM, N724GW | | DHC-7 | Tassili A/Ls | HB-IVX | 25.01.01/* | Entered Safi on 09 Feb. No. 1 engine removed. *Currently at Safi. | | | DHC-7 | Tassili A/Ls | HB-IVY | 09.02.01/? | Brief visit on this day, so it may have departed Malta on this date. Other visits were on 26 Jun (at Safi on 27 Jun) and between 24 May-19 Jun 01. | | | DHC-7 | | N566CC | __.__.09/16.10.09 | Test flights on at least 5th and 15th Oct. | | | DHC-8-102 | Med-Avia Co. Ltd | 9H-AEW | 14.10.05 | Arrived on 25.10.05. | c/n 222, pi PH-SDH | | DHC-8 | Med-Avia Co. Ltd | 9H-AFD | | On lease to Athens Airways. Arrived for maintenance on 26.07.09 | | | DHC-8 | | G-BRYX | 10.02.07?__.__.07 | Basic British Airways livery. entered safi shortly after lading at MIA. | | | DHC-8 | | HB-IVK | | At Safi on 08.05.91 | | | DHC-8 | Med-Avia | TF-JMA | | Entered Safi on 18.10.06. Again towed out of/back into Safi on 20.10.06. | Leased to Med-Avia. Lease ended by early May 2007. Noted at Glasgow Airport 05.05.07. |
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Aircraft types D – Lake Seawolf | AIRCRAFT | OPERATOR | REGISTRATION | ARR/DEP | NOTES | HISTORY | | Do.328-100 | Awaig Ltd | D-COMM | 21.12.04/03.01.05 | First visit. Performed three touch and go’s, departing for Tripoli later in the afternoon. Since registered in Malta as 9H-AET, replacing King Air 9H-ADV. | | | Do.328-100 | Med-Avia | 9H-AET | 21.12.04/03.01.05 | First visit. Performed three touch and go’s, departing for Tripoli later in the afternoon. Since registered in Malta as 9H-AET, replacing King Air 9H-ADV. | | | E. Bandeirante | ENCAL | PT-GKJ | 26.01.87/20.02.87 | A/c seen at NCA on the 29th, test flight on 19.02. | | | Fokker F-27J | Guinea Afrijet | 3C-ZZE | | Overall blue colour scheme with star on fin. Re-registered 5N-FRJ in Malta, operated by 'Afrijet'. | c/n 126 N517T & F-GDXT. | | Fly Synthesis Storch | | 9H-UMK | | Arr dismantled from Sicily. At Safi since 19.09.04, but has now been flying regularly. | | | HP Jetstream | Buraq Airlines | 5A-DGR | 28.12.06/29.04.08 | Entered Safi after landing. Entered park 9 to refuel, then back to Safi for engine runs on 15.04.08. Buraq Airlines titles removed from both sides but still had Buraq Airlines motif on the right hand side of the vertical stabiliser. | | | HS Andover CC.2 | | D2-MAF | | Arr on 27 Apr 95, in RAF colours. | c/n 1566, pi XS794 | | HS Andover CC.2 | | D2-MAG | See notes. | Arr on 27 Apr 95, in RAF colours. Dep NCA on 15 May 95, returned as 9L-LBG on 17 Apr 96.'African Commuter Services Ltd' added during Feb 97. Dep Malta on 06 Mar 97. | c/n 1561, pi XS789 | | HS.748-232 | France Air St.Pierre S.A. | F-OSPM | 19.10.95/26.11.95 | Re-registered 9L-LBH. Returned to Malta on 29 Apr 96, left Safi on 25 Apr 97, performed a brief flight consisting of a touch & go, then landed. Dep Malta the following day. Rr TR-LFW, Gabon Express. Crashed 8 Jun 04. | c/n 1611 pi CF-INE, A2-ABA, CF-INE, VP-BCL | | HP Jetstream 31 | Norway Coast Air | LN-FAJ | | At Safi between 24-28 Apr 00. Carried Air Algerie titles. | c/n 621 | | Lake Seawolf | | N1402J | | Landed at Luqa on 25 Sept. Noted at NCA at least between 23 Oct – 03 Nov 85. Demonstrated to Armed Forces of Malta. | |
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Aircraft types: LET 410 | AIRCRAFT | OPERATOR | REGISTRATION | ARR/DEP | NOTES | HISTORY | | LET 410UVP | | 3C-QRH | 19.01.02/17.02.02 | Arr still wearing Russian Air Force colours, big 28 on its nose, and red star on its tail. All white colour scheme applied. Left Safi on 15 Feb for a test flight and spent the night on Park 2. Performed one circuit on runway 06 on the 16th, and returned to Safi. Departed on 17 Feb on delivery to new owner in Indonesia. | c/n 871934 ex Red 28 | | LET 410UVP | | 3D-ALC | 18.09.03/25.09.03 | Landed at Luqa due to tech. problems on delivery to Nairobi. At Safi between 19-24 Sept. | c/n 831036 mfd 1983, ex 9L-LCI, C5-LET, UR67408, CCCP-67408 | | LET 410UVP | | 9L-LBO | | See UR-67060 | c/n 810636. | | LET 410UVP | | 9L-LBL | | See UR-67061 | c/n 810637 | | LET 410UVP | | UR-67060 | 27.11.97/? | Entered Safi on the same day. Left Safi on 14.08.98. Dep date unsure, probably the following day. Rr 9L-LBO. | c/n 810636. 9XR-RB | | LET 410UVP | | UR-67061 | 26.11.97/18.12.97 | Entered Safi on 27.11.97, titles & reg removed on 28.11.97. Left Safi on 17.12.97 as 9L-LBL. | c/n 810637 | | LET 410UVP-E13 | Vera Air Transport | OK-UDS | | Visited Safi for a couple of hours on 28.10.04. Brought an engine for ZS-OSE. | c/n 892321 mfd 1989 | | Let 410 UVP-E20 | A/C Systems South Africa | ZS-OOF | | In Malta between 01-05.09.04. | c/n 871920 mfd 1987 ex 5H-PAJ, ZS-OOF, 5H-HSB, ZS-OOF, OK-SDB, 1920/44. | | LET 410 | | ZS-OXR | 09.12.03 | At Safi between the 10-14 Dec 03. | UVP-E20 c/n 972730 mfd 1993 ex OK-CDB of Aircraft System South Africa and operated by Orsmond Aviation. | | LET 420 | Orsmond Aerial Spray | ZS-OSE | 13.04.04 | Leased to Air Express Algeria. Entered Safi on the 14th. Left on 18th April. Again seen between 18-29.10.04. | c/n 922729A, mfd 1992. | | LET 420 | Air Express Algeria | ZS-OUE | 04.02.04/09.02.04 | At Safi between 05-08 Feb. Landed MIA on 10.08, entered Safi on the 11th. | c/n 012735A mfd 2001 ex OK-GDM | | Let L-610G | | OK-CZD | | Demonstrated to Medavia. | c/n 970301 |
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Aircraft types: M - Pilatus | AIRCRAFT | OPERATOR | REGISTRATION | ARR/DEP | NOTES | HISTORY | | Maule | | N109RJ | __.02.01/08.07.02 | Arrived at Safi in a container during the second week of Feb 01 after NCA personnel dissembled it at Tunis Carthage during Jan. The Maule, which was Tunis-based used to visit NCA during the nineties for routine maintenance, but during the last years it was left stored outside i0n Tunis and was not certified to fly any more. It was reassembled again, and was noted outside the Medavia hangar on 22 Feb. After a new paint job, the Maule was taxied to the compass bay for a compass swing on the 23 May, and performed a test flight during June 01. Was to be fitted with a hook for glider towing operations. Dep for Ethiopia via Benghazi. | c/n 11094C | | Mooney Ranger | Eagle Aviation | G-BFXC | | Later Rr 9H-ABD | | | Partenavia P.68TC | | I-AGSD | See notes. | At Safi between 20–22 May 02. This, and the following P.68s, were based in Malta during the annual tuna-spotting season. | c/n 248-10-TC | | Partenvia P.68 Observer | | I-OBSR | See notes. | Couple of hours on 28 May 02. | c/n 236-01-OB | | Partenavia P68 | | I-PARJ | See notes. | Visited Safi on 10 May & 28 Jun 01. | c/n 06 | | Partenavia P.68 Observer | | I-OBSW | See notes. | Brief visit on 2 Jul 02. | c/n 331-21-OB | | P. PC-6 | Zimex Aviation | HB-FLB | | Seen entering Safi on 18.08.08. Departure date unknown, but again seen on 20.05.09 entering Safi after landing and custom clearance. | | | P. PC-6 | Zimex Aviation | HB-FLE | | Re-registered as 5A-FLE, departed Malta on 13.10.09. | | | P. PC-6 | Zimex Aviation | HB-FHZ | 18.05.09/22.05.09 | | | | P. PC-6 | | ST-AGR | | | c/n 552, rr N184L | | P. PC-6 | Taxi | N285L | 17.09.89/ | Ob at NCA on 19.09.89. Delivered to clients but crashed at unknown location, Returned to NCA, and noted at Safi during Jan 93. | c/n 565, PI HB-FBN, N285L, ST-AHE | | P. PC-6 | | N340N | | | c/n 340, pi HB-FAR | | P. PC-6 | | N394R | | Dep for US Aug 92 | c/n 599 | | P. PC-6 | | ST-AGX | | | pi HB-FBD, rr N9444. |
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Aircraft types: Piper | AIRCRAFT | OPERATOR | REGISTRATION | ARR/DEP | NOTES | HISTORY | | P. PA-23 Aztec | | G-BDAV | | See under N64NC | | | P. PA-23-250E Aztec | Excelair | G-BFII | | Arr Malta 20 Aug. Entered nca on 01.09.88. Later re-registered 9H-ABM. | | | P. PA-23 Aztec | | N64NC | 23.02.93/07.04.93 | Fitted with spraying gear, test flt on 6 Apr. | c/n 27-2763, pi G-BDAV, 5B-CAH, N5648Y, | | P. PA-28-160 Cherokee | | HB-OVK | | At NCA on 28.03.90, dep on 30.03. Again seen at NCA on 06.04.90. Reg visible underneath wing only. Later rr 9H-ABW. | | | P. PA-28R-180 Cherokee Arrow | | HB-OVK | | Seen at Safi on 28 Feb and 06 Apr 90. Later Rr 9H-ABW. | | | P. PA-28R-180 Cherokee Arrow | | HB-OYW | | At Safi between 04-22.06.04. | C/n 28R-30100 ex N3787T. | | P. PA-28 Cherokee Arrow | Silvair | G-BCSZ | 10.05.88/ | Entered Safi to have reg changed to 9H-ABK. | C/n 28R-7535006, pi N9584N. | | P. PA-28 Cherokee | Island Air International | N180LK | 03.04.97/23.02.03 | Based in Malta, but never registered here. First visit to Safi on 04 Apr 97. At Safi before final departure, but dates unconfirmed. Left Malta for Coventry via Cannes, Troyes and East Midlands. | | | Piper Twin Comanche | | I-FIAM | | At Safi on 14 Jul 88. Departed on unknown date, but returned on 31.08.88 | | | P. PA-31-325 Navajo | | 5A-DKB | See notes. | Arr at Safi on 21 April 03. Used for cloud seeding, and has small modification under its aft part of its fuselage. It also had a small badge with titles of cloud seeding near the door. Two test flights on 5, 6 & 17 Aug. Departed for Tripoli a couple of days later. Entered Safi again on 18.07.06. Entered Safi on __.__.06. Exited Safi on 20.12.06 for a test flight. Additional test flights on 22.12. Departed on 23.12.06. | c/n 31-8112054 ex N40930 | | P. PA-32R-300 Lance | | N38277 | | Landed at Luqa on 03 Nov 89. Entered NCA on the 21st, later rr 9H-ABU. | | | P. Pa-34-200T Seneca II | Falcon Aviation Co Ltd | HB-LKT | 26.03.02/__.__.02 | At Safi between 28 Mar-20 Apr. Left w/European Flight Academy logo on its tail. Re-registered 9H-AEA. | c/n 34-7970193 mfd 1979 ex N2135Y | | P. Pa-34-200T Seneca II | | D-GCVP | 19.04.02/__.__02 | At Safi between 19 Apr-25 May, Left w/European Flight Academy logo on its tail. Re-registered 9H-AEB. | c/n 34-7870066, mfd 1977, ex SP-FPP, D-GARA, D-IARA, N2127M | | Piper PA-42-720 Cheyenne IIIA | Cirrus Aviation | D-ICGB | | Seen between 11-13 Oct 03, but cannot confirm if this is when aircraft was in Malta or at Safi. | C/n 42-5501007 mfd 1984 ex N834CM, N142TW, N142PC |
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Aircraft types: P - V
| AIRCRAFT |
OPERATOR |
REGISTRATION |
ARR/DEP |
NOTES |
HISTORY |
| PZL-104 Wilga 35A |
European Flight Academy |
D-ETVS |
02.06.01/ |
At Safi on 20 Jun, Towing practice circuits. Participated during 2001 Malta Airshow towing banner. At Safi again from 07 Oct. First noted back at Luqa Airport on 23 May 02. Left Malta in a container during first week of August, 2004. |
c/n 74205 ex SP-FVW. |
| Robin DR.400/160 Major |
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F-GUXH |
See notes. |
Aborted take-off and proceeded to Safi on 30 May 02. Left on the same day. |
c/n 2483 |
| Rockwell Commander 112B |
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N629CC |
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Privately owned, and based in Malta since 23.03.04. At Safi between the 29.12.04 and 05.01.05. |
c/n 544 mfd 1977 |
| SA Bulldog |
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G-BHXA |
04.05.91 |
Dep on 17 Sept 94. |
c/n BH.120-407 ex. Botswana DF 0D1 (Botswana Defence Force), registered to Air Plan Flight Equipment Ltd, Manchester |
| SA Bulldog |
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G-BHXB |
06.05.91 |
Dep on 17 Sept 94. |
c/n BH.120-408 ex. Botswana DF 0D2, re-registered G-JWCM 19 Oct 99. |
| SA Bulldog |
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G-BHZS |
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Arr Oct 91. |
c/n BH.120-408 ex. Botswana DF 0D5 |
| SA Bulldog |
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G-BHZT |
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Arr Oct 91. |
c/n BH.120-412 ex. Botswana DF 0D6 |
| SA.227 Metroliners |
Royal Airlines |
AP-BHK |
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Arr on 06.12.08 with AP-BHL. Re-registered N780AL. Departed on 17.01.09. |
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| SA.227 Metroliners |
Royal Airlines |
AP-BHL |
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Arr on 06.12.08 with AP-BHK. Crossed to Med-Avia on 17.12.08 using N773US as callsign. Re-registered as N773US at Safi. Departed Malta on 02.01.09, but had to return due to undercarriage malfunction. Departure from Safi/Malta unknown. |
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| Shorts SC7 Skyvan |
Fugro |
VH-WGT |
26.07.06 |
Possibly a one day visit. Performed local flights the following day. Aircraft outfitted for aerial survey work. |
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| Socata TB.9 |
Leisure Flight Services |
G-BIZE |
26.03.88/__.__.__. |
Entered Safi (date unknown) for reg 9H-ABJ to be applied. Left on 18 May. |
c/n 209 |
| Socata TB.9 |
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N123XX |
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| Socata TB.20 Trinidad |
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D-EGAG |
28.10.05 |
Taxied to Safi without engine cowlings. Left Safi, and Malta, on the same day. |
c/n 1675 |
| Socata TB.20 Trinidad |
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G-BPAS |
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At Safi between 27-29.10.04. |
c/n 283 mfd 1982 ex A2-ADR, F-GDBO |
| Socata TB.20 Trinidad |
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SX-ATG |
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Participating in 2001 Malta International Air Rally, discovered with a flat tire after landing. One day visit on 02 Jul. |
c/n 1799 ex F-OHUR |
| V. Viscount Srs 802 |
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G-AOHM |
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Finished in red livery of Parcel Post. At Safi between 21 May-29 Aug 99 |
c/n 162, Re-registered as 3D-OHM on 28.08.99. |
| V. Viscount Srs 802 |
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G-OPFI |
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Finished in red livery of Parcel Post. |
170 ex. Parcel Force G-AOHV & G-BLNB, re-registered as 3D-PFI on 28.08.99 |
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