The ash cloud from the Chilean volcano has created havoc in Australia and New Zealand this week with multiple flight cancelations and delays. Thousands of passengers have been stranded. However, a veteran workhorse of the skies, has now come to the rescue of passengers who have been stranded in Christchurch and Wellington, New Zealand, by the volcanic ash. At 12:30pm, local time today, a vintage SOUTHERN DC3 flew 29 passengers from Christchurch to Wellington. The Chief Purser said the plane, which took its 1st flight in 1944, was still able to fly because it flew below 10,000 feet and had a conventional propeller engine, rather than a jet engine like a commercial aircraft. "It's the normal flight pattern for us." The plane, pictured above on departure today, is based at the Ashburton Aviation Museum and is used for sight-seeing, charters and charity work. The "museum piece" plane comes complete with real curtains on the windows and fake roses for each passenger." It's wonderful she's still flying," the Chief Purser added. While enroute, passengers were allowed to view the flight deck and even use their cellphones inflight. The one-way flight costs NZ$380 per person.
No comments:
Post a Comment