Pics of Tanker 01 being scrapped

[aseanaero]

What kills me is the fact that these planes would have continued to be used in there already current and very successful role.

I think this is the real issue , the current operator doesn't want to compete against these aircraft if they were operated by another company , supply and demand.

[Cessna172RG]

Tanker 03 was sold to a company in Chile in the late 90's.. I wonder where it is now..

As far as I know, the Tanker 03/CC-CHU still exists at Carriel Sur airport of Concepción City, Chile. I asked a friend for photographs and confirmation of the existence of that airframe.
Regards.

[Dewayne Doud]

Thanks for the info on Tanker 03 Alvaro!

[RareBear]

Looking on Google Maps, the aerial of the airport at Concepcion City shows a P2 airframe on the ground. I don't know the age of these photos, but I don't believe they're too old.

Walt

[Cessna172RG]

Yes, the Firestar has remained at the same position unchanged over the last five years or so. My friend saw it yesterday and is to provide a photo during the week.

Regards,

[Cessna172RG]

Hi Dewayne:

two pictures taken today Sunday February 7 2010 by Osvaldo Martínez at Carriel Sur airport of Concepción, showing that Tanker 03 still exists:




The rudder is missing. Best regards.

[Dewayne Doud]

Thanks for posting the pictures Alvaro!

[Warbird Kid]

I think what we need here is a team willing to do the unthinkable. Get in behind enemy lines, work outside the law, and rescue this bird asap. Who's willing to steal a Neptune?!

[mustangdriver]

I think what we need here is a team willing to do the unthinkable. Get in behind enemy lines, work outside the law, and rescue this bird asap. Who's willing to steal a Neptune?!

Why do I hear the A-team theme song?

[CAPFlyer]

Depends,

Do you want the Modern or the Classic?

Modern
http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi686621721/

Classic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w-oDZSL ... re=related

Although, I think we might need this guy too with that missing rudder -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w-oDZSL ... re=related

[Lt51506]

Count me in, I've got nothing better to do!

[BGourley]

Point of clarification. The aircraft scrapped are not owned by Aero Union. They were sold in 2006 to a gentleman who subsequently went bankrupt and abandoned the aircraft. The aircraft were leaching oil and hydraulic fluid into the soil - and, yes, we live in California. Aero Union was ordered to pay $13,500 to clean up the area (as we rent the property) despite not owning the aircraft. The EPA threatened to fine the Company if the aircraft were not removed within 30 days. So, unfortunately, we were left with no time or option but to dispose of these aircraft ASAP. Yes, we were approached by people who wanted parts, but, given the short time frame, part salvaging was also not an option. I would kindly request that warbird enthusiast get all the facts before jumping to conclusions and making disparaging remarks about Aero Union or its management team. We appreciate the attachment and history many of you have with these aircraft; we do too. If you have questions, we would be pleased to answer them.

Sincerely,

Britt Gourley, CEO
Aero Union Corporation
bgourley@aerounion.com

[TAdan]

Britt, thank you for shedding more light on the subject and giving us the rest of the story.

[Ztex]

Mr. Gourley, thank you for posting some real information on this subject.

Tough spot to be in for sure.
Sad to hear that the loss of these aircraft was caused by overzealous government bureaucrats with no concept of historical or personal value.


Questions. How do you reconcile this statement made on page two in this thread?

Talked to Aero Union today, and nothing is being offered for sale. Sorry guys! Still looking for wheels!

And were there other parts not on the aircraft that were scrapped as well as was also stated (second hand information) in this thread? Just curious.

[Dewayne Doud]

Hi Brit,
Thanks for taking the time to reply!
Sorry to hear how it all went down, no fair at all to get stuck with the bill for cleaning up someone else's hazmat mess.