Ex-N1036P, VH-TFD, PH-FAK. Later OB-1644

Resting on an empty tarmac area prior to the installation of weather radar.

Seen at the conclusion of her pre-entry into service and renaming ceremony at Brisbane Eagle Farm.

On short final for 33 at DCA.

An early Fokker Friendship first operated by Trans Australian Airlines, registered VH-TFD May 4, 1959. Last service with TAA was October 26, 1980 when the aircraft went to the USA as N1036P for Wheeler Airlines, but the sale fell through. Pilgrim Airlines bought it May 20, 1981, later re-registered N141PM. Merged into Business Express in 1986, the last service for the F-27 was 1990. Mostly stored in following years, it was sold to Air Dabia in 1996 for parts, but the airline ceased operations in 1998 and the aircraft remained at Banjul Airport, The Gambia.

VH-TFD was sold to Australian Aircraft Sales in 1979. In November 1980 it was registered in the US as N1036P. A planned sale did not eventuate and it remained in Australia. Pilgrim Airlines bought it May 1981 and would later reregister it as N141PM.

This was only the 12th Friendship to be built, first flying as long ago as 4.59 and delivered to TAA as VH-TFC next month. In 8.81 bought by Pilgrim Airlines, which merged into Business Express shortly before this photo. Wfu at Hartford, CT then stored at Hernando, FL in 1990. Registered OB-1644 in 8.96 but ferried to Banjul, Gambia for Air Dabia in 1997 where the aircraft remained in store, becoming increasingly dusty, noted 2013