CAF C-131 stats

[Nathan]

Just curious what are the current stats or news on the CAF's C-131?

Thx,
Nate

[CAPFlyer]

No longer the CAF's. Was "returned" to the original owners after only a few years of operation. It was an interesting airplane, but the Convair isn't an inexpensive aircraft to operate and there wasn't a lot of airshow interest in the airplane (i.e. paid appearances). Last I heard it's not run/flown in several years.

[DC3R4DC47]

I was afraid of that, you have to fly her to appreciate her,my favorite CV340 was a converted C131,you have to love the sound of two ADI injected R2800s,pulling 59.5" on a wet takeoff, it was simply overwhelming,and lovely at the same time, but the CV doesnt have the mystique ,or the history of the C47,and that is that. Those of us who flew them loved them but the general public could care less.

[JohnB]

The Convair will feature a fate similar to most airlines. For a long time they're ubiquitous and we take them for granted.

The next day they're all gone.

I'd like to see some preserved somewhere...

[C VEICH]

I'd like to see some preserved somewhere...

Maybe the world needs an airliner museum. Never really thought about it much, not being a big fan of the civil types, but it's an idea with some merit and potential I would think.

[Marauderman26]

I'd like to see some preserved somewhere...

Maybe the world needs an airliner museum. Never really thought about it much, not being a big fan of the civil types, but it's an idea with some merit and potential I would think.

Love the Martin!

http://www.airlinehistory.org/?page=home

[navion91104]

I was the Finance Officer for the SoCal wing during the later half of the operations of the C-131. The big issue with the plane was the enormous cost of operations. If an airframe cost(s) $100,000 a year to operate and brings in $60,000 a year in income you have an issue. The "Warbirds" have an emotional attachment, or response that leads to financial backing. How willing are you to advance $300,000 to get an airliner flying for a season? That C-131 was a beautiful airplane. She worked well with crowds and looked stunning in the air. The reality is that the wing at that time just couldn't afford it.

Best,

Jason

[CoastieJohn]

For the C-131 folks. This is the Colorado Coasties C-131 project from not too long ago. Decent pics of it before starting

http://www.coloradocoasties.org/projects.htm


The finished airframe.

http://www.coloradocoasties.org/news.htm

[flightsimer]

I was the Finance Officer for the SoCal wing during the later half of the operations of the C-131. The big issue with the plane was the enormous cost of operations. If an airframe cost(s) $100,000 a year to operate and brings in $60,000 a year in income you have an issue. The "Warbirds" have an emotional attachment, or response that leads to financial backing. How willing are you to advance $300,000 to get an airliner flying for a season? That C-131 was a beautiful airplane. She worked well with crowds and looked stunning in the air. The reality is that the wing at that time just couldn't afford it.

Best,

Jason

I am a little curious as to what made it cost $100,000 a year to operate? That seems awfully high.

[Nathan]

Would a ride program be viable to keep something like that making money? What could have been done was put it in some day glo scheme. That might have made it more appealing?