VH-KPA Cessna 185B Skywagon
(c/n 185-0549)
Kevron Photographs Pty Ltd commenced
large scale aerial photographic survey in remote areas
in WA 1961 with the wet-lease of MMA DC-3 VH-MML which was modified to
carry survey
cameras with two camera operators and a navigator. It was
capable, with oxygen, for operations
up to 28,000 feet. Kevron purchased their first
aircraft, the Cessna 185B Skywagon VH-KPA
seen above, in
May 1963. The company expanded into magnetometer mineral
survey and took
overseas
contracts as far way as Iran. Geoff Goodall's shot of -KPA
was taken at Jandakot in
February
1971. It was registered to Kevron Photographics (Pty) Ltd on 3
May 1963 and went on
to a
long survey career. Note the magnetometer "bird" stowed under
the fuselage. Its former US
registration was N2549Z. In 1964 it took part in the
Brisbane to Adelaide Ansett Air Race and
was flown by A.W.Bagster. Greg
Banfield took the shot of it below at Bankstown on 29 March
1960 wearing its race number 40.
It was still with Kevron Photographs, and carrying their titling
in September of
1988 when Danny Tanner saw it at Parafield (foot of the page).