Buffalo Airways at work #2.
June 2023
C-FLFR warms-up in the morning sun on Yellowknife Airport, NWT.
C-FLFR. This DC-3 has been manufactured in 1944 at the Oklahoma City plant as a C-47A Skytrain for the USAAF. During the war she serviced the RAF and later the RCAF as KG563. After retirement from the military, she was sold on the civilian market. During the 70’s until the mid-90’s she saw service with St. Felicien Air Services Ltd., Survair Ltd, Bradley Air Services and Northern Air Services Ltd. In 1995 she was bought by Buffalo Airways.
C-FLFR formerly flew with the RAF and RCAF as KG563.
Following her RCAF service, C-FLFR had flown briefly for St. Felicien Air Service Ltd.
C-FLFR crying out for some cosmetic attentions.
Seen resting, in the crisp June air, is this Buffalo Airways DC-3, C-FLFR.
Despite her age, this plane continues to soldier on.
Let's go inside!
During the second world war, Royal Air Force crew occupied these seats. Now 80 years later, the air crew of Buffalo Airways commands this DC-3.
Her switches and controls, worn smooth by the touch of a thousand hands.
C-FLFR ready for work.
Rearview of Buffalo DC-3, C-FLFR, on a cloudy day during June 2023.
Framed by C-FLFR, Big Brother C-FAVO, is leaving for the MacKenzie Valley run in dull cloudy conditions.
The bright colors of Buffalo Airways DC-3 caught by the camera on a sun-drenched day at Yellowknife.
This military DC-3 variant had two 1200 HP Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92C’s engines with a MTOW of 13.600 kg.
C-FLFR briefly flew with Bradley Air Service during during due 80's.
C-FLFR patiently waiting at home base, Yellowknife, NWT.
Buffalo Airways leased this Kenn Borek Turbo Dak for a certain period.
Mostly, she flew to Resolute Bay and Cambridge Bay.
C-GJKB. This frame has been built in 1942 for the RCAF. When her military career was over, her civilian life started as N103BF with Basler Flight Service Inc. who converted her to a Turbo-Dak in 1992. Six years later she was sold to Force Aerienne de la Republique du Mali and wore the marks TZ-391. After her military career in Mali was over in 2008, she was exported to USA and worked a couple of months for Oiland LLC., before being acquired by Kenn Borek.
This Turbo-Dak had previously served with the Mali Air Force for many years as TZ-391.
Kenn Borek Turbo DC-3 C-GJKB receives undivided attention on a fuel leak from both Kenn Borek, as Buffalo Airways mechanics.
The work was completed in two days and the aircraft returned to service, flying from Yellowknife to Cambridge Bay.
Kenn Borek Turbo DC-3 receives mechanical attention in the open.
Buffalo's bustling operations room.
C-GJKB was planned for a return flight to Resolute Bay on June 6, 2023.
C-FOMF, a 1962 built Cessna 185A Skywagon, on the Buffalo Airways ramp at Yellowknife.
This is the same Cessna in which Dominique Prinet flew, on behalf Gateway Aviation, from Yellowknife to Baychimo Harbour in July 1966 and expericienced many adventures, including the partly sinking of C-FOMF at Bathurst Inlet. This adventure is described in his well written book; - Flying to extremes, chapter 7, Sinking with a Floatplane in the Artic Ocean.
Wichita hardware on her Peter Kelner (PK) beaching gear.
Buffalo Airways C-FOMF at a rather wet and miserable Yellowknife Airport.
'JKB' is one of many Turbo Daks in service with Kenn Borek Air.
Mid-day sunshine glints off the wings of this Kenn Borek Turbo DC-3.
Room with a view.
Crystal clear image on a gorgeous day in June 2023.
Meticulous maintenance keeps them flying.
Turbo DC-3 maintenance, Yellowknife, June 2023.
C-GJKB fueling-up.
Kenn Borek Turbo Dak is seen prepping for another cargo run to Cambridge Bay.
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