Civil Register Update

Register Review

A very small register update this month covering only three weeks’ changes due to print deadlines. Of the two aircraft listed in the new allocations section the most interesting is Maule LPI. D B Maule produced the M-4 Dee Bee (named after Maule’s initials) in 1957 after manufacturing aircraft components such as ventilation systems and tailwheel assemblies for many of the more well known aircraft producers. The single engined, high wing, fabric covered taildragger’s outward appearance has not changed much since 1957 but has been refined through the M-5, M-6 and finally M-7 series to a very fast four place touring aircraft with excellent short field performance. Engine options over the years have been 145, 180, 210, 220 and 235hp models with the most popular being the 235C, the suffix indicating the fitting of a cargo door on the rear starboard side. The power/weight ratio of the Maule has always been exceptional and the model names, Lunar Rocket, Strata Rocket and Star Rocket have reflected the performance attained. LPI was delivered new to Australia in early 1985 and became MBL on 25 July of that year. It was damaged at Bankstown three months later during a crosswind landing when the propellerhit the ground and the aircraft cartwheeled. Both the pilot and passenger were unhur t but the aircraft was badly damaged. After a lengthy rebuild the aircraft is flying again, but was unable to use its former markings as the ex-NSCA Bolkow 105 is now flying as MBL, to indicate its manufacturer’s name, Messerschmitt-Bolkow.

Five aircraft have been deleted due to accident damage, ten have been sold overseas and six have been withdrawn from use. Of those withdrawn most can be expected to return to the register after varying periods of maintenance. Offshore sales of large turbine aircraft and bizjets continue with Mitsubishi MU2 MWZ, routing through Brisbane on 17 March as N4186Y and bound for the USA via Pago Pago, the Fosters BAe 125 depar ting for Italy and the third Lloyd Learjet, BIB, going to the USA after that company lost the Navy target towing contract. Once the personal transpor t

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