C-46 Commando - Wanted Current Operational Aircraft details

[Digger]

G'day

I've been googling and checking a number of online sources trying to get an accurate picture of how many C-46's survive and are still operational.

By that I mean any that are used for flying displays or are in private hands and being used for cargo etc ie Alaska.

Not interested in knowing about statics or dead ones lying around unloved but those anywhere in the world that are still active.

This is for some research on the type I am doing.

Additionally, what do wixer's think about having more on the Warbird circuit?

comments and feedback appreciated.


Peter Smythe

[Wildchild]

I had heard around 13 are still flying... I don't know how accurate that is....

[Digger]

I think that is pretty accurate too and most are in Alaska still working.

I was hoping to get a few more details on others. Several in South America that were operational in 2011 are now listed as grounded - maybe spares is an issue???


thanks


Peter

[Brenden S]

Peter, As far as I am aware there is the 3 in Canada flying for Buffalo, 2 flying for Everts Air, 1 flying for another mob in Alaska, then the 2 warbird ones flying in the states somewhere.

Last edited by Brenden S on Fri Jun 21, 2013 2:04 am, edited 1 time in total.

[kalamazookid]

Peter, As far as I am aware there is the 3 in Canada flying for Buffalo, 2 flying for Everets Air, 1 flying for another mob in Alaska, then the 2 warbird ones flying in the states somewhere.

I believe only one of the C-46 warbirds in the US is still flying and that is "Tinker Belle," which is owned by Warriors and Warbirds in Monroe, NC. I think "China Doll" with the CAF Southern California Wing in Camarillo has been grounded.

[tom d. friedman]

the caf's c-46 commando "CHINA DOLL" previously flew with ORTNER AIR SERVICE here in wakeman, ohio, at their airport not 5 minutes from my home. they were one of the largest non scheduled air freight services east of the Mississippi river from the early 1960's to the mid 1970's. I did a 2 part article about them in "AIR CLASSICS" magazine in 2002. it was entitled "THE FLYING ORTNER BROTHERS". if you google that title you'll find the article, less the photo illustrations. I can guarantee you that what ever commandos are still flying, some can be tracked back to the ortners, they had a considerable fleet of them.

Last edited by tom d. friedman on Fri Jun 21, 2013 3:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Brenden S]

Everts Air Cargo
N54514
N7848B

Everts Air Fuel
N1822M
N1837M

CAF
N78774
N53594?

Buffalo
C-FAVO
C-GXTW
C-GTPO

[mike furline]

Not sure how many are flying, but here's what's registered with the FAA.

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry ... 6&PageNo=1

[Dan K]

Everts Air Cargo
N54514
N7848B

Everts Air Fuel
N1822M
N1837M

CAF
N78774
N53594?

Buffalo
C-FAVO
C-GXTW
C-GTPO

Just to update your database, N78774 is no longer with CAF, but still flies with these folks:

http://warriorsandwarbirds.org/home/

[Russ Blow]

I know for years there were several of them flying in Bolivia. I know CP 1319 crashed last year but I think CP-973 ( 44-77545 ) and CP-1655 ( 44-77898 ) still fly or at least have flown in the last couple years.

Maybe someone else has better info

[Mike]

the caf's c-46 commando "CHINA DOLL" previously flew with ORTNER AIR SERVICE here in wakeman, ohio, at their airport not 5 minutes from my home. they were one of the largest non scheduled air freight services east of the Mississippi river from the early 1960's to the mid 1970's. I did a 2 part article about them in "AIR CLASSICS" magazine in 2002. it was entitled "THE FLYING ORTNER BROTHERS". if you google that title you'll find the article, less the photo illustrations. I can guarantee you that what ever commandos are still flying, some can be tracked back to the ortners, they had a considerable fleet of them.

China Doll has been parked for the last 4 or 5 years sadly.

[WallyB]

China Doll has been parked for the last 4 or 5 years sadly.

Also parked but nominally airworthy is C-GIBX at Gimli, Canada. Been there since the operators certificate was rescinded in 2010.

[tom d. friedman]

why was my 2nd post deleted, because I strayed off topic for a paragraph?? re: some other birds in lakes / fjords in Norway. I was just acknowledging to someone else's post, then I went back on topic. you mods better get the stick out of your butt & ease up a little. iv'e been a good boy since 2004 here, no threats of suspension / closing of my account, feuds, etc. are you training w/ the N.S.A.??

[Digger]

Thanks for the information guys.

I knew most except the FAA stuff which I seem to have trouble getting into??? not sure why.

The only flyer in Bolivia is CP-973 as CP-1655 has sat for several years now. I'm told there are some major issues with the ongoing maintenance of the

type, as per the DC-3's the C-46's also need wings removed for inspection. I would be most grateful if someone could clarify that for me as well.

It appears the only regular operators of the type are Buffalo, which given the nature of their work I can understand why they like to keep the commando's

going. Our research suggests many Commando's returned to the US after some service with the Indian Airforce and most likely this was because of the work

the C-46's did over the Hump. Its a shame the type seems to be near extinct from a regular flying / display point of view.

regards

Peter Smythe

FAA shows several as revoked and others in Question regarding registration status

[warbirdfinder]

The CAF's "China Doll" was flying with Zantop Air Transport in 1965