Curious on the backstory behind the photos? This is the place. You'll find not only write ups on local outings, but also reviews of major events I’ve attended.
Jetstar Country
Deep into Southern Oregon can some of the last of the Jetstars be found..
Last year, I had the opportunity to visit the Klamath Falls region of Southern Oregon and stumbled across a truly unique find. Driving down the highway, I came across a rare derelict DeHavilland Heron fuselage on the side of the road - quite the shock. Of course, I stopped and grabbed a few photos to share with you all on Facebook. Little did I know, this would lead to yet another exciting discovery..
After posting the photos online, I received a message from someone asking if I was still in the area. To my surprise, within 30 minutes I had arrived at a nearby airport and was surrounded by three beautiful and rare Lockheed JetStars IIs! The aviation community never ceases to amaze.
Now, you may be wondering what these Jetstars were doing parked in Klamath Falls. Well, back in 2021, there was quite a stir in the classic business jet enthusiast community when it was reported that a Klamath Falls-based company had purchased four Lockheed Jetstars, including two that had been impounded in Conroe, Texas for a number of years. Eventually, the aircraft were flown to the southern Oregon city and parked in a remote corner of the airport.
Initially, speculation was rife among aviation fans that these aircraft would be restored to their former glory and once again take to the skies. Unfortunately, as is often the case, the reality of the aviation market is that engines hold the most value on retired airframes. It was soon discovered that the Jetstars had actually been purchased for their valuable Garrett TFE731 turbofan engines. With four engines on each Jetstar, that is potentially 16 sought-after engines now in the company's possession!
While this may be disappointing news to die-hard enthusiasts, it is important to remember that these aircraft will help other planes fly on for many more years to come. This is just the reality of the aviation business, where cost-savings and financial decision-making are key to thriving.
On my visit to Klamath Falls, I was lucky enough to see three of the four Jetstars parked up:
1976 Lockheed L-1329-25 JetStar II (Reg N72GW/Serial 5205)
1978 Lockheed L-1329-25 Jetstar II (Reg N700RM/Serial 5224)
1977 Lockheed L-1329-25 Jetstar II (Reg N710RM/Serial 5213).
Of the four Jetstars purchased so far, only one, N900DB, has been cut up. It is likely that at least a couple more of these planes will meet the same fate. While it may be sad to see such iconic aircraft destroyed, this is just a normal part of the aviation progression and ensures that others will continue to fly safely.
