✓Original RAF service from 1945-1947 as NR750 coded 'THA-F'
✓Operated by respected vintage aircraft operator at Duxford
✓Notable TV appearance in 'South Riding' (1974) disguised as G-ADAE
This 1944 De Havilland DH-89A Dragon Rapide (G-AKIF) is a classic twin-engine aircraft with distinguished RAF service history from 1945-1947. Currently operated by a respected vintage aircraft operator at Duxford, it has an interesting civilian history including airline service and TV appearances.
Avionics
Built in late 1944, the aircraft was delivered in January 1945 to the Royal Air Force, Halton Station Flight as NR750 and was coded "THA-F".
Following retirement from military service in 1947, the aircraft was sold to 'A Hamson & Son’. Not long after, it was sold to Manx Air Charters Ltd (which later changed to Manx Airlines), on the Isle of Mann. From there it changed hands several times with various domestic airlines and operators.
The aircraft was operated in Norway between 1971 - 1973, before coming back to the UK where in 1974 it made a TV appearance in ‘South Riding’ (dressed in costume as G-ADAE)
Additional remarks
Built in late 1944, the aircraft was delivered in January 1945 to the Royal Air Force, Halton Station Flight as NR750 and was coded "THA-F".
Following retirement from military service in 1947, the aircraft was sold to 'A Hamson & Son’. Not long after, it was sold to Manx Air Charters Ltd (which later changed to Manx Airlines), on the Isle of Mann. From there it changed hands several times with various domestic airlines and operators.
The aircraft was operated in Norway between 1971 - 1973, before coming back to the UK where in 1974 it made a TV appearance in ‘South Riding’ (dressed in costume as G-ADAE)
