June 1959 to February 1971
Trans-Australia Airlines (TAA)
VH-TVQ - c/n 434 - a V.816 series Viscount
Australia registered
22 June 1954
Registration to Australian National Airlines Commission trading as Trans-Australia Airlines (TAA) reserved on the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-TVP.
1956
This was the second of four Type 816 Viscount ordered by Trans-Australia Airlines (TAA).
The third aircraft VH-TVR (C/N 435) and fourth aircraft VH-TVS (C/N 436) were not completed for TAA.
The registration VH-TVR was eventually allocated to C/N 318.
8 June 1959
First flight from Hurn Airport, Bournemouth, Hampshire, England.
Also noted at Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England, which is likely to have been the delivery departure location.
17 June 1959
Noted at Gatwick Airport, Surrey, England carrying out a single ILS approach and overshoot.
It then departed on delivery to Trans-Australia Airlines (TAA) named as 'McDouall Stuart'.
It was fitted with Rolls-Royce Dart RDa7 Mark 525 engines, a weather radar system and integral front 'airsteps'.
The crew consisted of Captains Baker, Browne and James and Navigator Stone.
An 'occasional use' lounge at the rear of the cabin with small side windows resulted in a reduction in rear luggage capacity.
This situation often required the use of a Douglas DC-3 following behind with the excess baggage, which was delivered well after the passengers arrived and went to their onward address.
24 June 1959
Arrived at Essendon Airport, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
A three aircraft flypast was arranged as Lockheed 188 Electra VH-TLA and Fokker F27 Friendship VH-TFA had also arrived on delivery on the same day.
29 June 1959
Entered revenue service.
Viscount illustrations by David Carter
circa 1962
Painted in the TAA 'orange tail' Jetline livery.
circa 1963
Painted in the TAA 'white tail' Jetline livery.
circa 1968
'THE NATION'S JETLINE' titles removed
7 July 1970
Operated a final service from West Beach Airport, Adelaide, South Australia to Essendon Airport, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and then withdrawn from service and stored.
Total time 26,463 hours and 20,535 total landings.
A sale to Colney Aircraft Sales was not completed.
A sale to Arkia - Israel Inland Airlines was not completed as the sale was not sanctioned by the Australian Government.
February 1971
Sold to Consolidated Aviation Holding Pty Ltd.
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