VH-IAN  (2)   de Havilland D.H.89A Dragon Rapide   (c/n  6655)

                                   

                                      Dragon Rapides were far more common in New Zealand than they were in Australia during their era,
                                      i.e. the late 40s through to the early 60s.  Probably because the Dragon had been locally produced in
                                      Australia, plus the fact that, if anything, the Dragon was a hardier breed than the Rapide and, as such,
                                      better suited to outback conditions.  This Rapide had been built to an RAF Dominie contract as HG656
                                      and delivered to the Royal New Zealand Air Force in October 1943 becoming NZ527.  Civilianized
                                      on 30 August 1946 it was registered ZK-ALB as "Tikaka".for Trans Island Airways.  After several N.Z.
                                      owners it was flown across the Tasman Sea on 15 June 1974 to become VH-IAN for C. Tracey and
                                      Co. of  East Melbourne.  Geoff Goodall took the above shot at the February 1975 Berwick, Victoria
                                      Air Show, whilst the air-to-air image below is from the CAHS collection.  In 1999 it was re-registered
                                      VH-UTV to R. Fox, of Kellyville, NSW and is still currently airworthy.