12 Turbodaks up for sale
Date: 14 February 1998
The SAAF is selling 12 C-47TP Dakotas rebuilt during an upgrading programme which began seven years ago. The sale comes after criticism of the airworthiness of the upgraded aircraft and their suitability for parachute troops because turboprops have been fitted and the fuselage lengthened. The SAAF last year answered criticism leveled at the upgrade programme and admitted at the time that, while there had earlier been restrictions on parachuting from the aircraft, this was no longer the case. "Extensive monitoring confirmed conclusively there had been no adverse effect on the plane" from vibrations experienced at low speeds. An in-service modification programme was "implemented to ... enhance safety operations".
Also on sale are engines, propellers and the sole PBN Islander. Tenders close on 6 March 1998.
The Cape Argus
