Originally intended for the Rhodesian (Zimbabwe) air force until stopped by an arms embargo. Sold to the RAAF instead. Came on to the civil register in 1997.

Registered in November 1999

Developed from the civilian Victa Airtourer, the first of 50 Airtrainers built in New Zealand for the RAAF, delivered in January 1975. Operated by ARDU then 1 FTS and last flown in October 1992. After the withdrawal of the Airtrainer, the RAAF relied on contracting out its ab initial pilot training to BAe Systems, and such was the suitability of the type that production was re-commenced in 1991. BAe received 12 new-built aircraft, followed by 14 ex-RNZAF machines in 1999 and finally four bought from private owners in 2011, two of which ironically were from the original batch of RAAF CT-4As.

Crashed 28km west of Saint Helens, Tasmania, on June 19, 2000 due to engine failure. Mike Madden photo.

Awaiting delivery. Bob Kerr photo

Awaiting delivery to the RAAF. This is one of 14 aircraft sold to a Swiss buyer who was acting for Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) which was subject to an arms embargo. The NZ government stopped the sale and the 14 aircraft were eventually sold to the RAAF. Bob Kerr photo

On delivery to the RAAF. Mike Madden photo

This aircraft one of 14 built against an order from Switzerland that turned out to be an attempt to beat an arms embargo on Rhodesia (Zimbabawe). After six years in storage they were bought by the RAAF at a bargain price. In 1991, A19-065 returned to NZ as ZK-EUN, which had been its ferry registration in 1981. Mike Madden photo

Awaiting delivery to Australia. Bob Kerr photo

Awaiting delivery to Australia. Bob Kerr photo

Wearing a ferry registration for its delivery flight to Australia. Bob Kerr photo

Became a training aid when retired from flying. Mike Madden photo

Sold in the civil market as VH-TRF in 1993. Mike Madden photo

Became a training aid when retired. Mike Madden photo

Sold in the civil market as VH-YVV in 1993. Mike Madden photo.

The crest on the tail is 1 FTS, RAAF.