To replace its fleet of aging Avro Anson wartime transports in the late 1950s, DCA ordered four brand new Aero Commander light twins. This aircraft, Aero Commander 680E VH-CAY (c/n 855-76) was in the second pair delivered. The 680Es differed from the earlier pair of Aero Commander 560Es principally in having more powerful engines.

VH-CAY cost A$129,000 and was registered new to DCA on 15 February 1960. The aircraft arrived at Mascot on 1 March 1960 following delivery across Pacific by a commercial ferry company. It was formally accepted by DCA on 3 April and spent at least part of its DCA service as the Western Australian Region's aircraft based in Perth.

The photo shows VH-CAY at Mildura, Vic, on 30 September 1962 in a white with dark blue trim colour scheme with the DCA logo on forward fuselage and fin. A prop can also be seen fitted under the rear fuselage to prevent the aircraft accidentally sitting on its tail.

Click here to see a photo of the aircraft being loaded with Storepedoes for SAR work.

This aircraft was sold by DCA following replacement of the Aero Commanders with turbine-powered Merlins, however the date of disposal is not currently known. The aircraft was registered to Andrew Harris P/L, Templestowe, Vic, at August 1990.

(Photo: John M Smith collection)

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