To replace its fleet of ageing Avro Anson wartime transports in the late 1950s, DCA ordered four brand new Aero Commander light twins: two model 560Es and two more-powerful 680Es. This photograph shows one of the first pair, Aero Commander 560E VH-CAU (c/n 726-51). The aircraft was registered new to DCA on 30 March 1959 and delivered by DCA pilots from the USA via Europe and the Middle East, arriving at Melbourne/Essendon on 17 May 1959.

Click here to see a photo of the handover of the first two Aero Commanders

Click here to read about the delivery flight

Click here to see a photo of the delivery crews

Click here to read a flight test of DCA's Aero Commander 560E

The photo above shows VH-CAU at Gatwick, UK, on its delivery flight.

Apart from the early post-war years, when war surplus equipment was de rigeur, DCA usually attempted to select aircraft types that were advanced for their day with the objective of 'proving' the type in Australia ahead of commercial orders - thus leading by example. In this spirit, VH-CAU was loaned to Connellan Airways by DCA during October 1959 to test the aircraft type for 'bush' services. It was delivered to Connellan's Alice Springs base by DCA pilot Eberbach. The aircraft was not considered suitable and was subsequently returned to DCA.

Nevertheless, Aero Commanders of various sub-types went on to a long and successful history in Australian commercial service.

Click here to see a later photo of VH-CAU and read more about its history.

(Photo: Ian D Johnson collection)