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.
The Elusive Starship
A spontaneous sighting of the iconic Rutan design!
Ever had a spontaneous moment that turned into something highly memorable? Well, that's exactly what happened to me during a quick stop at Addison Airport yesterday evening while testing some camera gear.
While pulling up to the airport, I was exhilarated to hear "Starship 1" call for taxi to runway 16. Moments later, the iconic Burt Rutan-designed executive transport came into view as it taxied out for runway 16.
After a quick run up, the 1994-built Beech 2000A Starship took to the skies with its recognizable popping sound, a byproduct of the rear mounted propellers cutting through the airflow coming off the exhaust and nacelles ahead. This particular airframe, number 51 of 53 ever built, is based in Aspen, Colorado, but appears to be getting some kind of work done in Addison, which is home to two of the incredibly rare Starships itself.
After a short time flying east of the DFW area, N514RS headed back for Addison and I was able to catch its arrival and taxi in, which showcase the aircrafts incredibly unique design features including the large nose mounted canard and push props.
A brief history on this fan favorite.. The Beechcraft Starship is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft built by Beechcraft in the 1980s and 90s. It was one of the first aircraft to use composite materials extensively, with its entire airframe made of carbon fiber. This construction technique allowed for a sleek and aerodynamic design, which contributed to the Starship's high speed and fuel efficiency. However, due to its high cost and limited market demand, production of the Starship was discontinued after only 53 aircraft were built. Today, the four remaining airworthy Starships are highly sought after by enthusiasts around the world and always turn heads.
Highway Heron
It’s not every day you see an ex-Royal Navy aircraft resting beside a rural Southern Oregon highway…
Last summer, I was driving down U.S. Route 97 heading for Klamath Falls, Oregon, when I stumbled upon a shocking sight. There in the grass next to a motel lay an ex-Royal Navy DeHavilland Heron. What made it even more shocking was that this Heron was very familiar to me as I grew up near the small Oregon town it was based in for many years.
One day, some eagle-eyed enthusiasts noticed the Heron was no longer seen in Albany, Oregon, and most of us assumed it had unfortunately been scrapped or hangared away. However, that was discovered to be not the case. So, when I saw the Heron, I knew I had to stop and check it out. A few things stood out, including the absence of the four Gipsy Queen engines, a wing, and amusingly, somehow the right wing was seemingly partially installed upside down on the left side. Instructions unclear I guess!
This De Havilland DH-114 Sea Heron C.1 has a very interesting history. The aircraft, initially delivered as a Heron Srs. 2B to Jersey Airlines with the registration G-AORH in May 1956, was subsequently sold to the Royal Navy and entered service as XR442 with the Yeovilton Station Flight on April 17, 1961. After being retired from service in 1989, the Sea Heron C.1 was registered as G-HRON with St Helena Airways on April 4, 1991, and later passed on to Michael Ewart Revans Goghlan in Blandford Forum on May 11, 1993.
Following its cancellation by the CAA on April 10, 2002, the aircraft was stored at Gloucestershire Airport, Staverton, in its Royal Navy colours until it was sold to Happy Miles of Albany, Oregon, USA. It was shipped in a container to Portland, Oregon, on January 20, 2006, where it was partially restored by Mr Miles, but later put up for sale.
The big mystery remains how it ended up laying 250.02 km / 155.35 mi away from Albany in a grass field. While it's a sad sight to see, it's my hope that since it still survives, someone will eventually purchase it and restore it to its former glory.
Thanks to Aerial Visuals for their wonderful history database:
