Oldest flying C-130?

[Nathan]

I am curious what C-130 is the oldest flying?

Just curious.

Thanks,
Nathan

[Ztex]

If N131EC is still flying it would be the oldest around...An A model, delivered to the RAAF in 1959, she was last reported to be flying contract work for Uncle Sam in 2009...

[CAPFlyer]

As far as I'm aware, 131EC is still flying. Latest pictures are from December -

Photo Courtesy of FlightAware.com

[RareBear]

Here's a photo taken in 2006:

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Charlie-130-Corporation/Lockheed-C-130A-Hercules/1648507/M/

[hercules130]

I believe N117TG 54-1631 cn 182-3018 with IAR is the oldest flying C-130.

Gary

[RareBear]

N131EC - Mfg in 1958

N117TG - Mfg in 1954

[Nathan]

Thanks!


I am also just curious about the last flying Roman Nose C-130. Or did all eventually get converted with the dome nose? The last I knew there is one left in Tuscan in one of the scrap yards. Right behind a C-133 hulk.


Thx,
Nate

[CoastieJohn]

Not the oldest flying, but the oldest the CG is still flying. The CG-1504 done in the original retro colors. The other is a J model. They both fly out of Elizabeth City North Carolina I found the pic on the internet.

[JDK]

N131EC, the former RAAF A97-212 seems to have had an interesting history.

http://www.adf-serials.com/2a97.shtml

http://www.lockheed.adastron.com/hercules/a97-212.htm

Its sister aircraft A97-214 might not be flying, but still earns its keep as a key 'demo' item for (mainly) school group tours at the RAAF Museum, Point Cook. The kids (and a few select others) love to get shown over the machine, which still has the forward port cargo hatch fitted, if sealed up.