|
|
|
|
     |
 |
|
|
ZK-CTZ
The Fletcher has been referred to as the ‘mainstay’ of agricultural aviation in New Zealand, and during the 1960s it was the most used aircraft in the country.
Taken from a James Aviation booklet published in the 1960s, this photo shows MOTAT’s Fletcher, the first ‘Fletcher prop jet.’ Walsh Memorial Library collection, MOTAT.
The Fletcher, which was originally designed as a ground attack aircraft in the United States, went on to become one of the most iconic agricultural aircraft in New Zealand. In 1965, when production ceased in the United States, James Aviation purchased the production rights and the entire production line. It was installed in Hamilton, and 286 Fletchers were manufactured. Fletchers are still produced by Pacific Aerospace Corporation Ltd., also based in Hamilton.
Fletchers, in various versions, have been exported to countries such as Australia, Iraq, Malaysia, and Turkey. Unlike many of the aircraft in MOTAT’s collection, which had to be brought to New Zealand, the Fletcher represents aircraft that were exported from New Zealand to other countries. Cliff Tait, whose Airtourer is in MOTAT’s collection, worked for Aerospace Industries and made several pioneering long distance flights ferrying Fletchers to their final destinations.
MOTAT’s Fletcher was owned and operated by James Aviation and was the first Fletcher converted from piston to turbine engine. It was donated to MOTAT by Waikato Museum of Art & History in 2006.
Date: 1966 Manufacturer: Air Parts (New Zealand) Ltd, Hamilton Type: Low wing monoplane agricultural aircraft Wing span: 12.2 m Length: 9.7 m Engine: One Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20 turbine engine Accommodation: Pilot and one passenger
Back to Aviation Collection Main Page
|
|
For
more information, including current events and exhibitions, call the MOTAT
Info line 0800 MOTAT NZ (0800 668286)! |
|
