Arlington, WA HA-200 Saetas (sp?)

[Sasquatch]

Back in the late '80's, when I had a full head of hair, rather than my current wavy hair (as in: "waving goodbye" ), I would occasionally stroll Arlington airport, about 20 minutes drive north of Paine Field. I often would visit a hangar toward the north end of the field, where the guys were importing HA-200s, fixing them up, and selling them to private jet pilots. Later I think they became involved in rescuing scrapped A-4 Skyhawks, as I saw a lot of them there before I moved to a job away from Arlington in about '90.

Does anybody know the story of who that was; or what outfit? Any photos out there from that time?

Thanks if you can help fill in the details!

-Tom

[JohnB]

Last time I was at Arlington, guys were selling ex-Luftwaffe Alpha jets.

Must be a lot of kerosene fans there.

[Sasquatch]

I think they still do; I see them from time-to-time over by the old Navy hangar. Some pretty Alpha jets there on occasion. One carries faux Jolly Roger paint.

-Tom

[262crew]

I lived near the air port for a short time in the late 80' early 90', and I remember watching those HA-200's flying around. The last time I saw one was at Paine field about ten years ago, we were towing Tango Tango back from the paint shop when I noticed the HA 200 parked at the end of one of the hangar, I took a few pictures. If I can find them I'll post them.

[Sasquatch]

Cool, 262! I finally remembered the name of the other aircraft type that outfit was importing: Soko Galeb. They had about 8-10 Saetas, if I remember correctly, and at least two Galebs. And of course, the A-4 Skyhawk hulks that may or may not be flying today.

-Tom

[Warbirdnerd]

The Hispano section of Geoff Goodall's WD#6 lists several HA-200s with a company called Avstar based in Seattle, WA.