HS125 VH-JFT

After the DoT&C sold surplus airways calibration Fokker F.28 VH-ATE in March 1988, the proceeds were used to purchase another Hawker Siddeley HS125 for general and VIP use (the first HS125, VH-CAO, had been sold in 1978). The replacement was this 1979 Series 700B (cn 25-7064), which became VH-JFT. This more modern version of the HS125 was powered by two Garrett TFE 731-3 turbofans, which made it significantly less noisy and more fuel-efficient than its predecessor.

VH-JFT had originally been registered in Saudi Arabia as HZ-NAD, then HZ-OFC(1) before going to the UK as G-BMOS. Immediately prior to purchase by the Department, it had been registered with the UK 'B Conditions' registration G-5-519, probably for some unknown flight testing by the manufacturer.

VH-JFT was based at Melbourne/Essendon, where it is seen in the photo above in the Departmental hangar. In this photo it is carrying the Civil Air Ensign, but no titles.

In the early 1990s, as a result of the then Civil Aviation Authority's 'Review of Resources', the bulk of the Departmental aircraft fleet was disposed of. After sale, VH-JFT was ferried to the UK by a contract crew but nearly came to a sticky end when they became 'navigationally challenged' and very short of fuel in cyclonic conditions in north-western Australia. The aircraft managed to land safely with minimal fuel in the tanks.

VH-JFT was eventually sold in the USA to Regal Cinemas and became N395RD (US CofA 7 March 96). The aircraft was also re-designated as a Series 700A, a paperwork exercise to reflect compliance with US type certification (a B suffix indicates UK type certification). On 20 October 2000 the aircraft was again sold, becoming N48LB with Baron & Budd Pc, Dallas TX.

(Photo: CAHS collection)

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Hawker Siddeley HS125 VH-JFT

After the DoT&C sold surplus airways calibration Fokker F.28 VH-ATE in March 1988, the proceeds were used to purchase another Hawker Siddeley HS125 for general and VIP use (the first HS125, VH-CAO, had been sold in 1978). The replacement was this 1979 Series 700B (cn 25-7064), which became VH-JFT. This more modern version of the HS125 was powered by two Garrett TFE 731-3 turbofans, which made it significantly less noisy and more fuel-efficient than its predecessor. VH-JFT had originally been registered in Saudi Arabia as HZ-NAD, then HZ-OFC(1) before going to the UK as G-BMOS. Immediately prior to purchase by the Department, it had been registered with the UK 'B Conditions' registration G-5-519, probably for some unknown flight testing by the manufacturer. VH-JFT was based at Melbourne/Essendon, where it is seen in the photo above in the Departmental hangar. In this photo it is carrying the Civil Air Ensign, but no titles. In the early 1990s, as a result of the then Civil Aviation Authority's 'Review of Resources', the bulk of the Departmental aircraft fleet was disposed of. After sale, VH-JFT was ferried to the UK by a contract crew but nearly came to a sticky end when they became 'navigationally challenged' and very short of fuel in cyclonic conditions in north-western Australia. The aircraft managed to land safely with minimal fuel in the tanks. VH-JFT was eventually sold in the USA to Regal Cinemas and became N395RD (US CofA 7 March 96). The aircraft was also re-designated as a Series 700A, a paperwork exercise to reflect compliance with US type certification (a B suffix indicates UK type certification). On 20 October 2000 the aircraft was again sold, becoming N48LB with Baron & Budd Pc, Dallas TX. (Photo: CAHS collection) Back to the main Departmental Aircraft index If this page appears without menu bars at top or left, click here