Miami April 1980

Miami International Airport
April 1980

In April 1980, several aviation friends and I visited some parts of the USA, on a month long aviation tour. We had bought a National Airlines pass and went from Amsterdam, via London-Heathrow, on National Airlines DC-10-30, N83NA, to Miami. After spending two weeks in the Miami area, we vistited San Juan, P.R., Saint-Thomas in the Virgen Islands, the Los Angeles area and Houston International airport.

Below, I focus on our visit to Miami International Airport, FL.

Our "home" was the well-known Miami Airways Hotel on the NW 36th Street, just opposite the Eastern Airways building.

Time capsules of aviation history. Miami, April 1980.

The end was nigh for former Pan American Douglas DC-7C N7554, when I captured her at Miami, Florida, in April 1980.

Under the intense Florida sunshine, your author is hanging out of the cockpit of Aeronorte Colombia Douglas DC-7B HK-1300.

On May 1, 1973, a mechanic had removed a defective fuel boost pump in the right wing, in order to repair or replace it. Before the fuel pump could be replaced, a fuel truck arrived and proceeded to fuel the aircraft. The fuel poured out of the hole created by the absent fuel pump. When the fueler became aware of the massive pool of fuel under the plane, he decided to drive the fuel truck away, which ignited the pool of fuel under the wing. Fire trucks arrived to extinguish the fuel, but the fire had by then caused permanent damage to the wing. Subsequently, the DC-7B was sold to Gus Conner, who partly scrapped it and stored the remains in his storage yard, adjacent to the airport.

With the airline titles just visible, Curtiss C-46 HI-163 and HI-171 were operated by Aeromar of Dominica from May 1967 until stored in the late 1970's. In the background we see the Pegasus Travel Club Douglas DC-6 N90710. During November that same year, the DC-6 was broken-up for spares.

HI-161 was broken-up at Miami, and HI-171 was destroyed in an accident in 1989 when it was airlifted from Miami to a museum near Daytona Beach, FL.

Aircraft Modification Inc. Curtiss C-46 Commando N74177 is seen here glinting in the Florida sun. Miami, April 1980.

One year later, the Curtiss was exported to Bolivia and went working for Aerolinas Las Minas as CP-1680.

N1807M is a Curtiss Commando owned by Inter-Air.

In January 1982, the Curtiss was sold to Miami based Bellomy Lawson Aviation. After only two years with them she changed hands again and Aeronica became the new proud owner. She was stored at Managua during the early 90's.

Inter Air Inc. Curtiss C-46 Commando N355M is almost ready to depart her stand with another load of cargo, destined for one of the many
Carribean islands.

In March 1983 the Curtiss was sold to Aircraft Modifications. A couple of years later she went into retirement and was broken-up.

A broad-shouldered Curtiss Commando was trundling back across Miami Airport to her base, yet another mission completed. Miami, April 1980.

This anonymous Curtiss Commando belongs to Miami Air Leases Inc.

Originally this Commando has been manufactured in 1945 at the Curtiss Corp. Buffalo, New York plant as a C-46D for the USAAF. After retirement from the military, was sold on the civilian market. Between October 1949 and September 1970 she saw service with Varig Brasil. Her last owner/operator was International Flight Center Inc. On August 24, 1992, she was destroyed by hurrican 'Andrew' at Kendall-Tamiami Airport.

Parked at Miami, strongly illuminated against a storm, this anonymous Douglas DC-3(A) N18196 was registered in April 1980 to International Transfer Corp.

This aircraft left the factory in 1942 for delivery to the USAAF. After the war she served for airlines like; Eastern and North Central. Her last owner was Dodson and she is listed scrapped.

Fuerza Aerea Salvadorena Douglas C-118 '302' calmly awaits her next load.

The Liftmaster started her career with the USAF in September 1955. In 1975 she was 'donated' to the Fuerza Aerea Salvadorena. On May 1, 1986, the DC-6 reportedly suffered an engine fire just after takeoff. The aircraft then crashed and burnt on a hill. It was on its way to Panama.

Just relieved of its cargo of fruit and vegetables from the Dominican Republic, Dominicana C-118A HI-292 takes time out before reloading for the return trip.

The Liftmaster started her career with USAF in August 1954. After retirement from the military, she was sold to aircraft broker Atlas Aviation, who in their turn, sold the Douglas to Dominicana in April 1977. After many years of being stored at Santo Domingo she was finally scrapped in September 2021.

Dominicana Carga Douglas DC-6 is seen here taxiing from Miami’s northwest cargo area with 30,000 lb of industrial machinery.

Cayman Airways Cargo Douglas DC-6 N61267 opens its cavernous cargo door to swallow another load at Miami Airport, Florida.

The Douglas started her career with American Airlines in October 1957. She passed through a succession of owners, including Southern Air Transport and Rich International. Her last operator was Aerial Transit Corp. She is believed broken-up at Miami during the early 90's.

Rich International Curtiss C-46 N5370N undergoes an outdoor check in a corner of Miami International in April 1980.

The Curtiss started her career with the USAAF in 1945. She passed through a succession of owners, including Slick Airways and American Air Export and Import Company (Aaxico Airlines). Her last operator was Aeronica from Nicaragua. She was seen stored in good condition at Managua, Nicaragua in the early 90's.

Lance W. Dreyer, who traded as Air Cargo International, Lockheed L-1049H Super Constellation N6922C is seen here receiving some attention to her number 1 engine.

N6922C is seen here trundling back across the airport to her base after performing a test-flight.

This Constellation started her career with Flying Tigers and ended it with AMSA from Santo Domingo. She was abandoned and parked in a remote area of Aguadilla airport (which is situated in Western Puerto Rico) in February 1992.

Air Cargo Support Lockheed Constellation L.1049H N1007C is seen here in the Corrosion Corner on a gorgeous day in April 1980.
.

This Constellation rolled-off the Burbank production-line in 1957 and was delivered new to Seaboard & Western Airlines as N1007C. During her long career, this veteran workhorse served several cargo operators and finally ended-up with Air Cargo Support in February 1977. She ended her career in a salvage yard at Opa-Locka airport and was scrapped during November 1988.

F & B Livestock Convair 880 N880WA, still wearing her Delta Air Lines cheatline, on push-back in the Corrosion Corner.

The Convair started her career with Delta Air Lines in 1961. Her last owner was Vincent J. Faix. She was broken-up at Miami in November 1985.

Ibex International Trading Corp. Convair 340 N49579 on a sweltering Corrosion Corner tarmac in April 1980. One month later she was exported to Mexico.

The Convairliner started her career with Delta Air Lines in August 1953. She passed through a succession of owners, including Aspen Airlines. Her last operator was Aerolineas Republica. She was seen derelict at Morelia, Mexico in the mid 80's.

Air Haïti Curtiss C-46 Commando HH-AHA is seen parked in the Corrosion Corner.

This bird flew for Varig Brazilean for 17 years during the 50's and 60's. Even such iconic ships go into retirement and she was seen stored with many parts missing at Port-au-Prince during 2001.

Some memoires supplied by Greg Travis: - "I flew that Curtiss in the 80’s for a couple of weeks as a back up pilot. We took off out of Miami around 2:30 in the morning and flew to Port au Prince, Haiti. For the next week we flew between Haiti and San Juan. We then flew back to MIA.
When flying in the rain we got wet because the windows leaked a little. I got to do that on two occasions. I never landed it because I had no trail dragger time at that point".

When I photographed Air Haïti Curtiss C-46 Commando N8875, at the oil stained Corrosion Corner ramp, she was in good company of sisterships HH-AHA, HH-AHC and HH-AHD. N8875 was a former Varig bird.

In December of that same year (1980) she was exported to Bolivia. Eldorado Ltda became the proud new owner and registered her CP-1617. In 1991 she was sold to Universal from La Paz, Bolivia. Fate had struck a blow on this Curtiss as on May 14, 1991 while on a meat run the Curtiss Commando carried out a wheels-up landing at Beni Airport following failure of the no. 2 engine while climbing through 5000 feet.

Air Haïti Curtiss C-46 Commando HH-AHD is seen awaiting things to come in the Corrosion Corner.

This bird also worked for Varig for many years and was seen stored with many parts missing at Port-au-Prince during 2001.

Some memoires supplied by Jim O'Brien: - "Remember seeing/hearing these birds taking off on 9L @ MIA in the 70's, while working at Easten Airlines in Building 20 during my midnights shifts! By-the-way; - My brother flew the Commando's for a while with RICH".

Boeing 707-331C Freighter N15711 was delivered for lease to Air Haïti by Guinness Peat Aviation during our stay in Miami during April 1980 and is seen here on a rather overcast day.

Air Haïti Boeing 707-331C N15711 was operated by TWA from 1968 to 1979. She was leased to Guinness Peat Aviation in April 1979 and sub-leased to Cargolux, PIA, Air Haïti and Aerotours Dominicana. In March 1982 the 707 returned to TWA and was withdrawn from use. In October 1982, she was ferried to Davis-Monthan and used for KC-135 spares and broken up by 1992. Her cockpit was saved and seems presently preserved at the MUTEC Museum in Mexico City.

Air Haïti sole 707 is seen towed away from Miami's Corrosion corner in April 1980.

Some memoires supplied by Greg Travis: - "It was the first time I jumped seated on Air Haïti 707 to Port Au Prince. That was a great experience next to flying the C-46's".

Commercial Transport St. Kitts Douglas DC-7C N16465 is seen on a wet Corrosion Corner ramp.

Back in April 1957, this Douglas started her career with BOAC in the UK as G-AOIJ. This ship changed hands many times. A notable cargo carrier was Airlift from Maimi. During December 1992, 35 years after she rolled-off the Long Beach production line, she was finally broken-up at Miami.

Lineas Aereas Del Caribe Douglas R6D-1 HK-1203, is seen parked on the oil stained ramp of the Corrision Corner in April 1980.

In 1991 she was sold to Aerosucre and two years later to ASUR Colombia. The Douglas is currently preserved at Museo Aereo Fenix in Cali, Colombia.

A memory by Rolando Ojeda; - "The airline belonged to the Donado family, which were friends of me".

Zantop Airways G-159 Gulfstream-1 N9971F, operating for Emery Express, is seen resting under threatening Florida Skies.

The Gulfstream started her career with Dow Chemicals in November 1959. She passed through a succession of corporations and her last owner was TAG leasing. She was broken-up in 1986.

Transamerica Lockheed L.188 Electra N856U is seen resting between flights at Miami Airport in April 1980.

The Electra started her career with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in February 1962. She passed through a succession of owners, including Falcon Air Sweden and Atlantic Airlines in the UK (G-FIZU). Her present owner is Buffalo Airways who uses her for spare parts only. She is presently stored at Red Deer, Canada.

Transamerica Lockheed L.188 Electra N857U taking a break at Maimi Airport, Florida.

The Electra started her career with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in February 1962. She passed through a succession of owners, including DHL Worldwide and TPI International. Her last owner was Spearhead Productions. She was broken-up at Tucson in April 2003.

This battered looking DC-6B retains traces of its Iran Air livery a full seven years after being purchased by Conner Airlines.

N28CA was delivered to Western Air Lines as DC-6B N93125 in 1958. Seven years later she was exported to Iran and the country flagcarrier Iran Air became the operator. In 1973 the Douglas was acquired by Conner Airlines of Miami, who registered her N28CA. They also converted her to a DC-6B(F) freighter. 17 years later she left the warmth of Florida for the cold of Alaska and went working for Woods Air Fuel of Palmer Airport in 1994. While in storage, I photographed N28CA, in April 2000, in a bare metal livery, at Palmer, Alaska. The next year she was ferried to Fairbanks to be used for spares by Everts/Air Cargo Express. In 2003 she was broken-up but her nose section seems to be in use as an instructional airframe in the Everts hangar.

Rich International Douglas C-118A Liftmaster N43866 was stripped back to bear metal during restoration work at Miami Airport, in April 1980.

This Liftmaster had a pretty good history on her. After retirement from the military, she was sold on the civilian market. During the mid '70s and early '80s she saw service with Rich International from Miami. From 1986 till 1991 she was part of the Conner Airlines freighter fleet. In 1991 she was bought by Namibia Commercail Aviation and registered V5-NCC. During the late '90s she was leased to respectively Transair Cargo and Filair both from Kinshasa, Zaïre. Finally she was retired and broken-up at Kinshasa during 2004.

It was a warm and beautiful day in April 1980 when I photographed this bare metal Douglas DC-6B in the Corrosion Corner.

Indiasa Aviation Corp. Douglas DC-6B N120AC first flew in 1956 and served Western Airlines from 1956 to 1962 as N93116. She passed through the hands of several owners and even participated in the Biafrian Airlift. Several months after I took this pics, the Douglas was impounded in Colombia. Some months later she was transferred to the Fuerza Aerea Colombiana and registered FAC902. On July 24, 1985 the curtain came down for this Douglas when she crashed in the jungle near Leticia, Colombia.

Lockheed Model 18 Lodestar N51140 languish, surrounded by litter, in the a corner of the Corrosion Corner in April 1980. She was already retired at Miami Airport in October 1977.

The starboard engine of Douglas C-47 Skytrain N2111M comes under scrutiny during an overhaul.

During my visit the Douglas was owned by Oslek Inc. Some years later she was exported to Colombia and Sadelca of Villavicencio became the new operator. It seemed she was impounded at Madrid AFB, Bogotá in the early 90's.

Same aircraft port side! - Maintenance in the Corrosion Corner was carried out in the open as a matter of routine – hangarage was a luxury most operators could not afford or needed.

JPD Corp. Douglas C-54B N48216 at the Corrosion Corner in April 1980.

The last operator of the Skymaster was World Wide Air Inc. and this ship seemed stored at Mexico City during November 1989. Persumely broken-up at a later stage.

Overseas Aviation Douglas R4D-5 N45864 warms its natural metal finish in the strong Florida sunshine.

A couple of weeks after I took this pic the Skytrain was sold to a private individual, named Jerry Rule. On August 1, 1980, the DC-3 lost directional control on takeoff, struck a tree and caught fire. The pilot didn't have a type certificate and had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0,15% and attempted a flight without a co-pilot!

Aircraft Modifications Inc. Curtis C-46 N67971 basking in the Florida sun. Miami, April 1980.

Despite owned by aircraft broker Aircraft Modifications, she still wore the uniform of Caribbean Air Services. Two months after I took this photograph she was sold to Lanica as YN-BWS. The Commando was stored at Managua, Nicaragua in the early 90's.

Cargosur Inc. Canadair CL-44J N4998S getting towed to the Corrosion Corner. Miami, April 1980.

The Canadair rolled off the Montreal Cartierville production line in March 1965. One year later she started her career with Loftleidir Icelandic. She passed through a succession of operators, such as Cargolux and Aero Uruguay. Her last operator was Lineas Aereas Suramericanas.

N4998S is seen here in the Corrosion Corner, a couple of days later, with the Cargosur tail logo painted over. Miami, April 1980.

The Canadair crashed on July 6, 1988 at Baranquilla, Colombia when the number 4 engine suffered an uncontained failure on take-off, causing a fire on the right wing. The pilots attempted to return to the airport, but control was lost on final approach causing the aircraft to hit the ground.

Aerocondor Colombia Lockheed L.188 Electra HK-1845 takes on a load of cargo at Miami Airport in April 1980.

The Electra started her career with Northwest Orient in July 1959. She passed through a succession of owners, including American Flyers Airline and American Jet Industries. Her last operator was Aerocondor Colombia. She was withdrawn from use and parted-out at Barranquilla, Colombia during the early 80's.

Parked on the ramp is Remach Aircraft Leasing Douglas DC-6 N59050.

The Douglas started her career with Western Airlines in July 1954. She passed through a succession of owners, including Slick Airways and Saturn. Her last operator was Carga Express of Costa Rica. She was seen derelicht at San Jose in 1993.

Memory by Marc Hookerman; - "Remach Aircraft Leasing was partly owned by the principal of Vortex. Vortex was owned and led by Al Herreros. He was part owner of Remach, but it was quickly dissolved. Vortex was a Part 91 and later 125 operator".

Cargo Transport Leasing Douglas DC-6 N37590 is seen here between flights at her Miami base. Cargo Transport Leasing was owned by Reinaldo Machado, who also was part owner of Remach Aircraft Leasing.

The Douglas started her career with United Airlines in April 1956. She passed through a succession of owners, including Aero Costa and Seagreen Air Transport. Her last owner was Mr. L. Guidi. She was withdrawn from use at Freeport, Bahamas in 1983 and scrapped on the island a year later.

Anonymous Douglas DC-6 N2296B is seen parked at an oil stained Miami ramp enjoying lovely Florida wheater.

Douglas DC-6B N2296B was one of many DC-6's operated by Slick Airways. She made her first flight in December 1951. From 1958 she operated a brief spell for Pan Am. She was withdrawn from use by Pan Am in May 1960 and started working for more than 18 years with the Portugese Air Force. In September 1978 she quickly was bought by aircraft broker Atlas Air and eventually sold to Dalley International Air Services, for which she worked a couple of years. Via Trans-Air-Link brokerage she was she was ferried to Africa in 1987 and was spotted at Kinshasa, Zaïre with Soleski Aviation and registration 9Q-CPK. Two years later this adventeur was over and Filair became the owner. She reportedly was withdrawn from services in the mid 90's and was slowly broken-up at Kinshasa.

International Air Leases Boeing 720-030B N3746E, still in her Ariana Afghan Airlines livery, is seen here parked in the North-West corner of Miami International airport in April 1980.

This 720 was almost 20 years old when I captured her on film in April 1980. She had seen service with Lufthansa and Pan American, before beginning a seven year long career with Ariana Afghan Airlines as YA-HBA. As such she was a frequent visitor at both Amsterdam, Heathrow and Frankfurt airport in the late 70's. The aircraft was bought by International Air Leases and the Boeing arrived at Miami in April 1980 after a long ferry flight from Kabul, Afgahanistan. Some months later she was leased to Aerotal Colombia. When this leased ended in July 1983 she was stored at Miami. During December 1984 she was finally scrapped.

Rich International Douglas VC-118A N4989V enjoys the sunshine.

Originally this DC-6 has been manufactured, in 1954, at the Long Beach plant as a VC-118A Liftmaster. During here civil career she worked for several US and Mexican cargo operator. The last owner seemed to be Starflite Corp. and the Douglas was seen in derelict condition at New Tamiami Airport in 1996. One year later she was scrapped.

Douglas DC-8-43 N8021V is seen here temporary stored at Miami still wearing the bright Air Jamaica livery and Bahamas World titles.

The Douglas started her career with Air Canada in March 1961. She passed through a succession of owners, including Cubana and Air Jamaica. Her last operator was Capitol International Airlines. She was parted-out and scrapped at Smyma, TN.

It was a warm and beautiful April 1980 afternoon when I photographed this Gulfstream American Corp. Douglas DC-8-53 N121GA still wearing the bright color scheme of ALM Antillean Airlines.

The Douglas started her career with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in July 1960 and was registered PH-DCO. She passed through a succession of owners, including Garuda Indonesian and ALM Antillean Airlines. Her last operator was ARCA Colombia. She was withdrawn from use at Miami and finally broken-up during May 1999.

Douglas DC-8-50 N53KM on a broiling, hot Miami Airport tarmac in April 1980.

N53KM was delivered new to Northwest Orient in August 1960 as a Douglas DC-8-32. She had a busy career with Union de Transport Aeriens, Air Afrique, Air Ceylon (4R-ACQ) and a very brief spell with IAS Cargo, before ending with aircraft broker Frederick B. Ayer & Associates as N53KM in 1978. She was scrapped exactly four years after this picture was taken.

Amazing photo opportunities on the ramp of Miami International Airport during the early '80. Your, very slim, author (then 18 years old) next to nose-wheel door of former Air Ceylon Douglas DC-8-50 4R-ACQ.

Belize Airways Ltd. Boeing 720-022 VP-HCM was impounded for nefarious activitues.

Belize Airways Ltd. came into existence on October 1st 1977 and only lasted till January 11, 1980. They had a fleet of 6 passenger jet planes with names like Dangriga, Belmopan, Belize City as names on its fleet. Belize Airways Limited (BAL) put Belize on the map, serving Belizean foods on its flights. Belize Airways(BAL) offered scheduled passenger flights between Belize City and Miami, San Pedro Sula, San Salvador and La Ceiba at various times during its existence. Their headquarters was on Queen Street, Belize City.

The Boeing started her career with United Airlines in January 1961. Her last operator was Belize Airways and she was broken-up in March 1983.

A notice of lien for the owners of Boeing 720 VP-HCM.

When this photograph was taken in April 1980, this Douglas DC-8-43 N8434B, still wearing her Air Canada uniform, was in open storage at Miami Airport.

The DC-8 started her career with Air Canada in December 1960. She was acquired by International Air Leases and worked several months for operators like Saudi Arabian and Libyan Arab. She was scrapped at Miami in the 90's.

The livery of Aerovias ASA S.A. Boeing 707-344 CC-CGM looked rather lackluster back in April 1980.

The 707 started her career with South African Airways in July 1960. Her last owner was Columbia Pictures. The old Boeing was set on fire for film purposes in September 1984.

A memory by Álvaro Romero; - "The 707 was flown from SCL to the Caribbean with the short-lived ASA. Leased from Skyhawks International (Panama) by Aerovias ASA S.A. on November 10, 1978, registered in Chile as CC-CGM until December 29, 1978. She returned to the lessor on April 9, 1979, Chilean registrating was cancelled on August 14, 1979".

Proffessional Aviation Corp. Douglas DC-6B 5N-APS, is seen here during a sunny day in April 1980 at Miami Airport, still wearing Pan African titles and Bellomy Lawson 'golden' spinners.

Douglas DC-6B 5N-APS was one of many DC-6's operated by Pan American. She made her first flight in July 1953 and was registrated N6105C "Clipper Sam Houston". She was withdrawn from use by Pan Am in August 1968. She quickly was bought by an aircraft broker and eventually worked for numerous operators in the USA and the Caribbean. In March 1977 she was ferried to Africa and was spotted at Lagos, Nigeria with Pan African titles and registration 5N-APS. Two years later this adventeur was over and Proffessional Aviation Corp. became the owner, who leased this DC-6 to Inair Panama in April 1981. She reportedly was withdrawn from services in 1983 and scrapped.

A very scruffy, former National Guard Bureau, Convair T29-B is seen here parked at the Butler Aviation ramp in April 1980.

In January 1979 this Convair was registered to a company with the name of Great Circle Aviation. During the early days of April she was seized by the United States Customs Office with this very fake registration VY-LLA. A year later the T29 was sold to Florida Aircraft Leasing and ferried to Fort Lauderdale where she was broken-up for parts in 1982.

Club International prestine Douglas DC-7C is seen here on a sweltering Butler Aviation tarmac in April 1980.

Travel Club International was a part of the AeroAmerica family. As such she flew many Travel Club charters from the Seattle area to Las Vegas and Reno during the late '70s. Unforetunely, all good things must come to an end and the "Seven Seas" was impounded on Freeport Bahamas. She was presumed subsequently scrapped some years afterwards at Freeport.

International Air Lease Boeing 727-76 VH-TJB retains tell-tale signs of its last airline identity in the this photograph, taken at Miami in April 1980.

The Boeing started her career with Trans Australian Airlines in October 1964. She passed through a succession of owners, including Transbrasil and TUR European Airways. Her last owner was aviation broker Quassar. The 727 was dismantled at Opa Locka Airport during 1995.

Still bearing tell-tale signs of its former Alaskan-based life, this battered looking Boeing 720-062 retains traces of its Alaska Airlines livery a full four years after being purchased by Aviation Sales Group. N301AS was scrapped at Miami during Januari 1983.

One of the advantages of being an ancient person is that one has captured scenes like this.

Stunning looking Air Tanzania Boeing 707-331 N762TW "Ngorongoro Crater", was delivered new to Trans World Airlines in November 1959. With the help of aircraft broker Caledonian Airways the jet was acquired by Air Tanzania in April 1980 for international services. After only two years the deal felt through. Eventually the 707 was withdrawn from use at Dar-es-Salaam in 1984 and scrapped during 1994.

What a great capture. The Air Tanzania livery really stands out nicely.

While the task of keeping an old 707 flying was a financial headache, the relatively low purchase price of such aircraft had made it a viable option for airlines from developing nations.

AeroAmerica Boeing 720-022 N7207U is seen here with in the background the famous Kings Inn hotel at 5301 NW 36th St. Miami Springs.

N7207U was manufactured 1970 and delivered to United on June 29, 1960. During 1975 she was withdrawn from United Airlines services and after a brief spells with airlines as McCulloch International and Aerovias Quisqueyana, the 720 was owned by AeroAmerica. Three months after I took above pic see was sold to aircraft broker Marshall M. Landy of Miami. During June 1983 she was broken-up at Miami.

A memory by Martin Maldonado Frómeta; - "Aerovías Quisqueyana flew this aircraft on their scheduled service Miami-Santo Domingo-Madrid-Rome".

During the early 80's, time was running out for the last survivors of the jet revolution because of rising fuel prices.

Lanica Convair 880 AN-BIB started her career with Trans World Airlines in May 1960. She passed through a succession of owners, including Northeast Airlines and ofcourse Lanica. Her last owner was Gulfstream American Corporation. She was finally scrapped in the 80's.

Belize Airways Cargo Boeing 720-022(F) VP-HCN, looks like a candidate for cannibalization or the nearest dump.

The Boeing started her career with United Airlines in December 1961. Her last operator was Belize Airways. She was scrappen in March 1983.

Belize Airways (BAL), which operated as Belize’s national carrier from 1977 to 1980, was founded and driven by Belizean entrepreneurs Barry Bowen, Alexander Hunter and Yasin Shoman, with Alberto Smith identified as a key financial investor. It was established to connect Belize City with international destinations but collapsed due to financial unsustainability.

Andes Canadair CC-106 Yukon HC-AZH races-off Miami's runway into the evening light, enroute to Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Originally this Canadair has been manufactured in 1960 at the Cartierville, Quebec plant as a CC-106 Yukon for the Royal Canadian Air Force.
After retirement from the military, was sold on the civilian market. Between September 1973 and December 1985 she saw service with Aerolineas Nacionales del Ecuador (ANDES). In January 1986 she was withdrawn from use at Guayaguil airport and more than 10 years later she was scrapped.

TACA Air Cargo Lockheed L-188 Electra YS-06C taxis out for another Miami freight departure.

The Electra started her career with Trans Australian Airlines in Augustus 1960. She passed through a succession of owners and her last operator was MexJet. She was damaged at Panama-Tocumen during 2007 and remained stored at this airport.

Zantop Lockheed Electra N5522 is seen arriving from Detroit Willow-Run. Most commercially operated Electras in the early 80's owed their livelihood to the cargo business.

The Electra started her career with Eastern Airlines 1959. In December 1977 she was sold to Zantop. Her last owner was Turboprop Ventures. She was withdrawn from used at Willow-Run during 2003 and finally broken-up in 2008.

Former Belize Airways Boeing 720-022 N96469, named "Ambergris Cay", at an overcast Miami Airport, April 1980.

This 720 rolled-off the Renton production-line in November 1961 and was delivered new to United Airlines as N7220U. Thirtheen years later she was sold to Delta Air Transport of Antwerp, Belgium. She was ferried to Brussel and placed in temporary storage in basic United colors with Delta Air Transport titles. The reason for the purchase has never been clear to me but already after one year she was sold to aircraft broker Atlas Aviation. After several short term leases she was leased to Belize Airways in March 1978. Life was short with the Belizian airline and already in December the 720 was withdrawn from use and stored at Miami. In December 1980 she became an instructional airframe for the George T. Baker Aviation School near Miami Airport. She was finally broken-up in Februari 2003.

Lloyd Aereo Boliviano Boeing 727-200 CP-1367 at Miami, laying over between flights on April 11, 1980.

This Boeing has spent its entire life with Lloyd Aereo Bolivian flying passenger's services between Bolivia and Miami. I spotted her in storage at Cochabamba in 2006.

Rich International Douglas DC-8-33 N8166A at Miami in April 1980. Despite a color scheme that hints at previous operation with Delta Airlines, this was originally a Pan American bird that later flew with Delta.

This 'Stage One' jet, which was built in 1960, started her career with Pan American and ended it working for TAAG Angola. She was scrapped at Luanda, Angola in May 1988.

A memory by Bruce Paoli: - "This one was converted by Douglas in Tulsa to a 33 Freighter Modification with original Delta Aircraft Company cargo door".

Fuerza Aerea del Peru Lockheed L-100-20 Hercules FAP-383 taken at Miami Airport one day in April 1980, just after a serious downpour had passed through heading east.

On June 9, 1983, the Hercules crashed into houses while on approach to land at Puerto Maldondo, Peru. Eight occupants and one person on the ground were killed.

Port side view of Aerotal Colombia Boeing 707-331C N15710 taxying out at Miami late on April 12, 1980 in dull cloudy conditions.

The Boeing started her career with Trans World Airlines in June 1968 and wore her TWA twin globe logo proudly for eleven years. After her service with TWA, she passed through a succession of owners and operators, including Guiness Peat Aviation, Cargolux and Faucett Peru. Her last operator was the United States Air Force. In the early 90's she was converted to a TC-18E and used for AWACS training by the 552 ACW at Tinker AFB. At the end of the 90's she was withdrawn from use and slowly dismantled. By February 2002 she was broken-up.

LAN-Chile Boeing 707-320B CC-CEJ is seen here pushed-back at Miami, one day in April 1980.

CC-CEJ was a Boeing 707-321B, originally delivered to Pan Am as N491PA in 1968, which later served as a key long-haul aircraft for LAN-Chile (Línea Aérea Nacional) from 1979 to 1981. Known as "Hanga-Roa," she was used on international routes before being sold to leasing companies, subsequently serving with Faucett and Guyana Airways. Like so many other 707's she was sold to the USAF for the KC-135 parts programma.

The weather at Miami International can also be gray, wet and dark.

Polair Douglas DC-8-33 N715UA was delivered new to SAS Scandinavian Airlines in May 1960 as SE-DBA. After her service with SAS, she worked eight years with Thai Airways from Bangkok, Thailand. Thai sold the DC-8 in 1978 to aircraft broker United Air Leasing who registered her N715UA. A year later she changed hands again and Tropical Aircraft Leasing became her owner. The latter leased her to Polair Inc. Four months after I took this pic, Tropical Aircraft Leasing leased the jet to Aeronaves del Peru. Only five weeks later the old girl crashed during her approach to Iquitos Airport, Peru. The Douglas had accumulated a respectable 56.684 flying hours during her working life.

Memory by Mike Zoeller; - "Tropical Aircraft Leasing and Polair were both owned by the same person, Roberto Polit".

Aeronaves del Peru Canadair CL-44-6 Yukon OB-R-1005 is pictured under a sky filled with black rainy clouds.

The Canadair was delivered new to the Royal Canadian Air Force in March 1961 as ship "15926". She was operated by No. 437 (T) Squadron at RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario, in freight configuration and was struck off strength in September 1970. The plane was sold in 1971 to aircraft broker Beaver Enterprises and she was stored at Montreal. During June 1972, she was sold to AER (Aerotransportes Entre Rios) and became LV-JZR. Already some months later she was sold to Aeronaves del Peru and received registration OB-R-1005. She was withdrawn from use and stored at Miami, Florida by 1982. That same year, she again changed hands and was sold to Vic Air Cargo in Zaïre as 9Q-CKQ. The Canadair was withdrawn from use in the latter months of 1985 and stored at Kinshasha, Zaïre. She was used for spares and finally scrapped in 1986.

Ecuatoriana Jet Cargo Boeing 707-321C HC-BGP being pushed-back while some storm clouds brewing in the distance.

The Boeing started her career as N451PA "Clipper Union" with Pan American World Airways in May 1967 and wore the Blue Ball proudly for ten years. After her service with Pan Am, she was leased to Iran Air by aircraft broker Ronair. In May 1979 she was sold to Ecuatoriana and worked for this airline 15 years. Her last operator was the AECA Cargo Airlines from Ecuador. During 2004 she was withdrawn from use at Latacunga, Ecuador and it seems she was broken-up several years afterwards.

Memory bij Marco Balzarotti; - "I still remember it calling Miami ARTCC as "Hotel Charlie Bravo Golf Papa", no callsign and flight number".

Cika Aircraft Corp. Boeing 707-227 N3842X is seen here at Miami Airport under an overcast April sky in 1980.

Some memoires by Bruce Paoli ; - "This 1959 built 707 was powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT4A turbojet engines and was delivered new to Braniff. The series -200 Boeing 707 combined the fuselage and wings of the -100 with the more powerful JT-4A engines of the -300. That combination at the time was well suited to the high-altitude airports of Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. N3842X last owner was International Air Leases. Work for a turbojet powered 707 in the 80's was slim and consequently she was broken-up at Miami during December 1983".

Early morning arrival of Federal Express Boeing 737-200C.

Federal Express Boeing 737-200C N203FE rolled-off the Renton production-line in 1979 and was delivered to Fedex in September that same years. After working for Memphis based carrier she passed through a succession of owners, including LAN-Chile and Aloha Airlines. Her last operator was Intal Air from Kyrgyszstan. Presently she is stored in bad condition at Bishkek Manas Airport, Kyrgyzstan.

Still bearing tell-tale signs of its former European-based life, this battered looking Boeing 707-321 N725CA retains traces of its Tempair Aviation International livery a full six years after being purchased by Teton Aircraft Leases.

Pan Am started phasing out it's non-fan Boeing 707s in 1970 when the value of the aircraft would have been circa $1.5 million. Many were sold in the United Kingdom, Turkey, the Philippines, Yugoslavia and of course the US, ten years later one could be acquired for less than $500,000.

One such aircraft was Pan Am's former Jet Clipper Aurora, Boeing 707-321 N725PA, it saw service with THY - Turkish Airlines followed by 2 year stint with UK based leasing company Tempair (Templewood Aviation) before they were liquidated at the end of 1976 and it was parked at Ostend, Belgium.

In December 1977 Lieutenant General Maurice F Casey, trading as Burbank International Co. acquired the aircraft, payment negotiations were carried out in Miami, at one stage a gun appeared on the table and the buyers tried to pay with Australian Black Opals... On the 17th February 1978 it was ferried from Ostend to Luton, UK for checks wearing it’s new registration N725CA. Casey's intention was to operated livestock flights between Miami and Venezuela, something of an issue with an aircraft not equipped with a main cabin cargo door. A special flight certificate was given to ferry the aircraft from Luton to Miami via Gander, the flight took place on 8th March. Freelance navigator, David Welch, who was on the flight described the 707 as "a flying heap of s**t".

Prior to departure on the 8th, N725CA undertook a test flight out of Luton during which a hydraulic fluid cable broke loose and dumped it's load of fluid over new cars parked at the nearby Vauxhall car plant. This made the national press who referred to the aircraft as 'The Luton Carwash Bomber'. David Welch remarks "We just managed to get the 707 airborne (on the 8th March) before a bailiff arrived at Monarch Engineering's operations intending to slap a writ on it for all the damage. Vauxhall made a £1M insurance claim against Templewood, plus a large number of the population of Luton claimed that their cars were ruined too. On the way to Gander it developed the worst Dutch roll I ever experienced - twice at least. One problem was that one of the outer engines wasn't giving full power."

The aircraft never moved from Miami, although $73,000+ of repair work mainly to wing corrosion was carried out during most of 1979. A total of 3 liens were placed on the aircraft between March 1979 and October 1981 and at one stage it was nearly sold to a company in Wyoming. Finally the aircraft was sold to General Air Services in 1981, it was broken up at Miami between September 1983 and January 1984.

Port side of N725CA at an overcast Miami Airport, with faded Bangladesh Biman titles still visible.

Memory by Pat Rick; - "I remember her seeing her daily at Ostend from my housewindow. After her departure I saw her back at Miami. While on the apron I spoke with an engineer given her some attention and he asked me if Ostend was close by the sea. She was severe corroded after a years parking (as 9G-ACD).

Fuerza Aerea Mexicana Boeing 727-51 TP-02 XC-UJB is seen here at Miami strongly illuminated against a storm.

The Boeing started her career as with Northwest Airlines in April 1966. After faithful service with NWA, she was sold to Mexican Air Force in September 1977 and worked for them 13 years. Her present owner is the Palm Springs Air Museum who preserved the cockpit-section at their museum.

Tropical Aircraft Leasing Douglas DC-8-21 N8017U named "Peggy" at an overcasted Miami shows her age and must have quite a life on the clock.

The Douglas started her career with United Airlines in December 1959. In February 1978 she was sold to an aircraft broker. Her last owner was Tropical Aircraft Leasing. She was stored at Miami in January 1981. With 55.378 flying hours, she was broken-up during 1983.

Memory by Bruce Paoli: - "After its career at United, N8017U was flying hadj flights with Notombi International Hong Kong Ltd. and she later intented to fly freight without a cargo door".

Memory by Hans P. Gunther: - "DC-8-21's N8017U, N8022U, N8024U and N8029U were operating Indonesian Hadj flights by NOTOMBI Int'l HK Ltd, based at Colombo, from October until including December 1978" .

Aerolineas Nacionales Del Ecuador Douglas DC-8-32 HC-BEI receiving some TLC to it's JT4A turbo-jet engines.

The Douglas started her career with Northwest Airlines in January 1961. She passed through a succession of owners, including National Airlines, SpearAir Finland and Overseas National Airways (ONA). Her last operator was ANDES. After 54.572 hours, she was withdrawn from use at Guayaquil and finally scrapped in January 2002.

Memory by Bruce Paoli; - "HC-BEI was converted by Douglas Tulsa to DC-8-33FM status".

Anonymous Francis "Gus" A. Conner Airlines Douglas DC-8-33 N53CA, has just arrived from South America and awaits customs clearance at the Miami border control ramp in April 1980.

The Douglas started her career with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in April 1960 as PH-DCB. During her KLM career she was leased for several years to Garuda Indonesia and Viasa. In December 1975 she was sold to aircraft broker United Aircraft Leasing. Her last operator was Conner Airlines. After 59.206 hours, she was withdrawn from use at Miami in the 80's and finally scrapped in February 1996.

Anonymous Douglas DC-6 TG-COC has just arrived from Guatemala City and awaits customs clearance at the Miami border control ramp in April 1980.

The Douglas started her career with American Airlines in January 1956. After her service with American, she changed hand many times and was owned and operated among others with BIAS (Belgian International Air Service) and DAT (Delta Air Transport) of Antwerp, Belgian. During 1977 and 1984 she was operated by Aviateca in the livery as shown above. Her last owner was Qua Vadis (where are you going in Latin) who bought her in May 1984. She was seen abandoned at Nassau, Bahamas in 1984. What happend with her afterwards, is still a question?

United States Dept. of Commerce Lockheed WP-3D Orion N42RF is seen here heading purposefully towards the runway O8R.

This bird was delivered to NOAA on March 17, 1976 and is still active with this same institution! She is based at Lakeland-Linden Airport, FL.

Fuerza Aerea Mexicana Douglas DC-6 "10018" has just arrived from Base Aérea Militar Santa Lucia, Mexico and awaits customs clearance at the Miami border control ramp in April 1980.

This Douglas DC-6 was delivered new to Air Liban in 1957 as OD-ADC. Several years later she worked for the French Air Force as 42256/82-PW. She was sold in the USA as N72532 in 1978 and acquired by the Mexican Air Force in 1979. Presently she is preserved at Santa Lucia Airbase in excellent condition.

Fuerza Aerea Venezolana Lockheed Hercules FAV4951 has just arrived from Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base, Caracas, Venezuela and awaits customs clearance at the Miami border control ramp in April 1980.

Aerolineas Nacionales Del Ecuador Douglas DC-8-32 HC-BEI parked on the customs ramp at Miami International airport.

Memory by Bruce Paoli; - "HC-BEI was one of the very first DC-8's converted to cargo freighter by Douglas Tulsa. All DC-8-32 (310.000 pounds) were modified to model 33 (315.000 pounds)".

Sahsa Carga (Servicio Aéreo de Honduras) Lockheed Electra HR-SAV has just arrived from Tegucigalpa-Toncontin and awaits customs clearance at the Miami border control ramp in April 1980.

Anonymous Douglas DC-3 HP-837, has just arrived from Panama and awaits customs clearance at the Miami border control ramp in April 1980.

This frame is ex USAAF serial 43-15304 (c/n. 9920) and built in 1943. During the late 70's she was registrated N90545 and owned by private owners. In August 1978 she was registrated HP-837 and operated by Servicios Aéreos International. Some time later she was registrated N79RD to R.J. Doll and listed stored. Another source tells me; - Sold to Columbus Ventures Corp. in 1980. Registration cancelled in May 1983. It than disappeared from sight.

What happend to this Skytrain?

Look who's there!

Argo S.A. Lockheed Constellation HI-328 has just arrived from Santo Domingo and awaits customs clearance at the Miami border control ramp in April 1980.

This bird was delivered in1949 as C-121A '48-615' to the USAF. She was converted to VC-121B in 1950, and retired at MASDC in 1968. Christler Flying Service bought her in 1970 to use her as a sprayer. After being converted to freighter, Argo S.A. operated her as HI-328 in 1979. She mainly flew the Santo Domingo-Miami sector. Unfortunately, on October 26, 1981, she undershot her approach to St.Thomas, US Virgen Islands and sank in shallow water.

Monarch Convair-880 N8811E taxis out for another Miami freight departure on an overcast day in April 1980.

The Convair started her career with Delta Air Lines in August 1961 and the fuel guzzler was already withdrawn from use in 1973. Several years later she was acquired by Monarch Aviation for cargo flights to Venezuela. In June 1982 she was leased to SERCA Costa Rica. This adventure lasted three years. In December 1985 she was leased and delivered to Latin Cargo at Caracas, Venezuela. Unfortunately the Convair never started service with this airline and was abandoned at Caracas. She was finally scrapped during 2008.

Memory by Anthony Chica; - "Me, sitting in the Captain seat of N8811E! - I was a mechanic for Monarch. It was a very easy aircraft to work on from what I remember. An engine change could done in two hours".

Aeromar Boeing 720-022 N7219U is seen here, in not so typical Florida weather, in front of former and famous Pan American hangar 5.

Still featuring her original United Airlines cheatline and she looking a bit tired. Nevertheless she was still in business for several years to go. Aeromar used her till March 1986. After several years of storage at Miami she was made operational again in June 1992 and started working for Mexican cargo operator Lambda Air. Unforetunately this very last operating 720-022 was impounded in the 90's by mexican authorities at Nuevo Laredo for drug smuggling. According Google Earth she is still stored at this airport.

Some memoires by Marco Balzarotti; - The very last operating 720-022, impounded by mexican authorities at Nuevo Laredo for drug smuggling and still parked there. I remeber it in my days flying at Miami in the eraly 90's, those were great days!

Same spot, other airplane. Aeromar Boeng 720-022 N720CC, in dull cloudy conditions.

This 720 was also a former United Airlines ship. The Reef titles refers to the Reef Club Hotel chain. The registration N720CC refers to Cavanagh Commercial for which the 720 operated for three months during mid 1973. The Boeing still flew for Aeromar several years after my visit and was withdrawn from use at Miami in March 1984. She was finally broken-up in June 1987.

Fleming International Lockheed L.188 Electra N665F is seen in front of the company's hangar for some work.

The Electra started her career with American Airlines in October 1958. She passed through a succession of owners, including JBQ Aviation and Atlantic Airlines from the UK (G-LOFC). Her present operator is Buffalo Airways from Yellowknife, Canada. She is registrated C-GXFC and roaming through the Canadian skies every day!

The DC-8 is surely a photogenic airplane.

Due largely to its proximity to Central and South America, Miami was as much a haven for noisy stage 1 and 2 ‘geriatric jets’ like the DC-8 and 707 as it is for piston-engined veterans like the DC-6 and DC-7, some of which occupy the ramp space in the background of this shot.

This stunning photograph of this Douglas DC-8-21 help capture the essence of the lost age of the turbojets.

The Douglas started her career with United Airlines in August 1960. She was traded to Boeing in 1978, who leased the DC-8 to Transpanama (HP-826). The lease ended in January 1980 and she was put in storage at Miami. Her last owner was Tropical Aircraft Leasing. She was scrapped at Miami in 1985.

Unfortunately out of service is this former Braniff Douglas DC-8-51 N812BN, which was actually owned by ARCA Colombia during our visit in April 1980.

The Douglas started her career with Braniff in September 1973. She was sold to the aircraft consultant Hernando Gutierrez . Her last operator was ARCA Colombia. She was broken-up at Miami in January 2000.

Engines cowls removed, front door open, N820E of former Braniff undergoes an outdoor check in a corner of Miami International in April 1980.

The Douglas started her career with Delta Air Lines in January 1966. In July 1977 she was leased to Braniff. Her last operator was Mackey International who started operating her in June 1980. This, relative young DC-8-50, was parted-out and scrapped at Marana, Arizona during 1986.

Intercont Boeing 707-328 N707RZ is seen here at Miami in April 1980, in a nondescript livery.

This organ pipe silenced, JT4A, turbojet powered 707, started her career with Air France in 1962 as F-BHSU. She was scrapped at Fort Lauderdale during 1985.

Rolls Royce Conway turbojet powered, Douglas DC-8-43 HK-1855X, at Miami in April 1980. Despite a color scheme that hints at previous operation with Alitalia, she was owned and operated by ARCA Colombia.

A memory by Bruce Paoli; - "HK-1855X was operated for freight purpose only. She had no cargo door and all pax cabin items were removed. The uplift from Colombia was mainly flowers and agrumes".

HK-1855X looking rather shabby at Miami in April 1980. Below the doors and rudder, gray water streaks flowed towards the belly.

Despite being stored at Miami in June 1977, she was only scrapped twelve years later. Her total total time in the air was 37.954 hours!

A very scruffy looking Intercon Leasing Douglas DC-6A N45501 showing traces of her previous Ecuadorian registration.

N45501 began life in October 1958 as the Swissair Cargoliner HB-IBB "Uri". Only three years later she was sold to World Airways and adopted her registration N45501. In 1967 she went working for Saturn, only to be exported to Ecuador three years later. Her new proud owner became ANDES. If you look closely, her former registration HC-ATB, is just visible on the fuselage. After four years she was imported back in the USA and Skyways International became the owner before Intercon Leasing acquired her in June 1978. In August 1984 Bellomy Lawson bought her, most probably for spares only because only two years later the old Douglas was parted-out and finally scrapped in October 1986.

Concord International Airlines Douglas DC-8-21 N8024U is seen here just a second whilst the sun hid behind a high cloud at Miami in April 1980.

The elegant jetliner was delivered from Long Beach to United Airlines as ‘Mainliner Hilo’ in April 1961. During the late 70's the JT4A turbojet powered jet was acquired by Jet Traders Investment who leased her to Concord International Airlines. During our visit in April 1980 she see seemed already stored. With no one else willing to take the aircraft, she was scrapped at Miami in November 1982.

The Concord International Airlines port wing forms a fitting frame for photographing Nasco Leasing Corp. Curtiss C-46 Commando N9902F on a broiling hot Maimi ramp.

This aircraft left the factory in 1944 for delivery to the USAAF. After retirement from the military, she was sold, like so many other C-46's, on the civilian market. During her civil career she changed hands many times. The final sale was registered in August 1980 to Caribbean Traders Inc. What happend thereafter is a mystery!

Memories by Irvine Clifford; - "I flew her out of St Croix in 1978. She was in an ex Shamrock paint scheme. We gave her a black stripe".

Parked in a remote corner of Miami Airport I found Golden State Airlines Convair 340 N600GS.

The Convairliner started her career with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in September 1953 and was registered PH-CGE. She passed through a succession of owners, including Ariana Afghan Airlines and ofcourse Golden State Airlines. Her last operator was Onyx Aviation. She was withdrawn from use at El Reno, OK and finally broken-up in later years.

Douglas DC-6 AN-BFM in shiny metal, at Miami International Airport, April 1980.

This aircraft, built as a DC-6B, spent from 1958 to 1966 with Western Airlines before passing to Canadian Pacific. It then served time with several operators including Bellomy Lawson and Lanica, before being seized by DEA at Kanawha County airport carrying 20.000 lbs of Marijuana. In 1983 she was acquired by Aeronica. She is believed crashed enroute Panama to Managua on May 24, 1988.

Med-Air International Sales Fairchild F-27 HK-1493 is seen here awaiting a new customer.

HK-1493, came off the Fairchild Aircraft production-line in Hagerstown, Maryland in 1958 for delivery to West Coast Airlines. She passed through a succession of owners, including Air West and Southeast Airlines. Her last owner was Med-Air Intl. Sales. She ws broken-up at Miami in 1982.

This image conjure up an atmosphere permeated with the smell of jet fuel and the shrill whine of the early turbofans and turbojets. Miami, April 1980.

Boeing 707-321 N431M started her career with Pan Am in October 1959 as N719PA "Clipper Wingward". She passed through a succession of owners and leasing companies, including British Midland Leasing, MCA Leasing and Jet Power Inc. The latter leased her between August 1978 and December 1979 to Southeast Airlines. During the 80's she was seen stored at Sharjah, where she was broken-up in 1988.

A memory by Roland Ojeda; - "I remember they did some of the first Cuban community flights to Cuba and many of the crew were Cuban pilots in exile".

Lots of metal parked at Miami International, sad to see.

Boeing 707-321 N427M started her career with Pan Am in April 1960 as N729PA "Clipper Isabelle". She passed through a succession of owners and leasing companies, including Jet Power Inc. and MCA Leasing. In 1983 she was broken-up at Miami Airport.

Jet Power was owned by the Lebanse businessman Badr Halwany.
MCA was owner by Miguel C. Acosta. Also owned Southeast Airways who leased aircraft from MCA.
Info kindly supplied by my friend Mike Zoeller.

A very old 707, far from airworthy.

Boeing 707-331 N425M started her career with Pan Am in June 1960 as N706PA "Clipper Courier". She passed through a succession of airlines and leasing companies, including MCA Leasing and Jet Power Inc. In 1983 she was broken-up at Miami Airport.

Geriatric jet hulks were a familiar sight around Miami International Airport during the early 80's.

Groth Air Service Convair-880 N8815E started her career with Delta Air Lines in July 1962 and the fuel guzzler was already withdrawn from use in 1973. Several years later she was acquired by Groth Air Services for cargo flights from Miami. On May 25, 1978, the Convair overshoot the runway following an aborted take off, which caused the nose landing gear to collapse and the forward fuselage to crumple. On October 9, 1981, BCR Salvage scrapped the Convair at Miami.

JT4A powered Douglas DC-8-21 caught by the camera on a busy sun-drenched day at Miami in April 1980.

N580JC was, originally delivered to United AirLines as "Mainliner W. C. Mentzer" in January 1960. For eighteen years, she criss-crossed continental USA before being traded to Boeing for 727-200 replacements. During our visit to Miami Airport in April 1980, she was owned by JFC Enterprises (Jet Freight Corp.). The last owner was General Air Services. With 51.494 hours in the books the Douglas was withdrawn at Miami in January 1982 and scrapped in the following years.

N5510L wait on the cargo ramp at Miami Airport for the hectic evening rush to begin when she will be loaded up with packages and parcels and dispatched to Zantop’s hub in Detroit, Willow-Run.

The Electra started her career with Eastern Airlines 1959. In 1969 she was leased to SAM Colombia for eight years. Her last operator was Zantop. She was withdrawn from used at Willow-Run during 1994 and finally broken-up in 2006.

Air Berlin USA Boeing 737-200 N9020U getting attention from Air Florida maintenance at Miami International, April 1980.

N9020U was delivered to United Airlines on August 8, 1968. After her work with the Chicago, Illinois based carrier she passed through a succession of owners and operators, including Wien Air, Air Berlin USA, Air Florida and Pan Am. Her last owner is the FAA. She is preserved at Albuquerque, New Mexico and used by the FAA as Visual Inspection Testbed at Sandai National Laboratories.

Boeing 737-200 N9021U sits at Miami being prepared for her upcoming work with Air Florida.

This 'baby Boeing' rolled-off the Boeing field production-line in July 1968 and was delivered new to United Airlines. Between April 1980 and August 1980 she was leased to Air Florida. After work with the latter, she passed through a succession of airlines, including Pan Am and Aerocontinente. On July 7, 2001 she was grounded and impounded by authorities at Santiago de Chile Airport.

Miami Airport by MeteoGroup Time zone: Caribbean. In the early morning it will be variable with scattered showers or thunderstorms. Before noon mainly sunny weather with but a few clouds will dominate.

Boeing 737-200 N9069U was delivered new to United Airlines in Augustus 1969. Between September 1979 and November 1980 she was leased to Air Florida. The remaining years of her career she flew for United. The 737 was broken-up at Miami January 2000.

Air Florida Douglas DC-9-15 N75AF is seen here parked at the Air Florida ramp. Miami, April 1980.

She was built in 1967 for the Continental Airlines. After her work with the Houston, Texas based carrier she passed through a succession of owners and operators, including Air Canada and Lineas Aereas Sur Americanas. The last operator was CESA Cargo. The old airliner is presently stored at Panama-Tocumen Airport in bad condition.

Air Florida Douglas DC-9-15 N70AF in stunning weather conditions.

The Douglas was built in 1967 for the Continental Airlines. After her work with the Houston, Texas based carrier she passed through a succession of owners and operators, including Air Canada and Emery Worldwide Express. Her present operator is Ameristar and the old classic jet is based at Detroit, Willow-Run.

Institute Linguistico De Venano Douglas DC-3 HC-AOP "Cheif Tariri" at the Air Florida ramp receives mechanical attention in the open.

The DC-3 started her career with Pennsylvania Central Airlines in October 1940. She passed through a succession of owners and even spent several years working in Africa. The last owner seems to be Mr. Tommy Bolack and the old Douglas is listed stored at Farmington, New Mexico.

Air Florida Douglas DC-10-30 N1035F being portrayed on a sunny April morning.

This DC-10 was delivered new to ONA in 1978. She was leased to Seabord World for operation by Loftleidir, Air Florida and Spantax. In the late 80's she was sold to Fedex and registered N304FE. In 1994 she was converted to a MD-10. In September 2022 the jet was stored at Victorville.

Provincetown-Boston Airlines Martin 4-0-4 N40425 is seen here at the Sekman Aviation ramp enjoying the Florida sunshine.

N40425, came off the Martin production-line in Middle River, Maryland in June 1952 for delivery to the TWA. She passed through a succession of owners, including Piedmont Airlins and PBA. Her last operator was Aero Virgin Islands Airways. On September 18, 1987 she was damaged beyond repair by hurricane Hugo while parked at San Juan, P.R.

This anonymous Douglas DC-3 N77KW belonged to Carriba Air when a saw her at the Sekman Aviation ramp in April 1980. She still wore the basic livery of Air Sunshinewhich which went out of business in 1979.

N77KW, came off the Oklahoma production line as a C-47A-5-DK in 1942 for delivery to the RAF. After the war she flew in Cyprus with Cyprus Airways and the Bahamas with Bahamasair. During the 80's she worked for Four Star Aviation. She was heavily damaged beyond repair by hurricane Hugo while parked at Saint Thomas-Cyril E. King Airport, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Crying out for cosmetic attention this anonymous Douglas C-47 was parked among many sisterships at Sekman Aviaiton ramp in April 1980.

Info by Michael S. Prophet; - "I think this is a C-47D (15330/26775) and was taken-out of Davis Monthan. Delivered via Miami to Colombia as FAC1124 per February 1982. Later she became HK-3177 of ADES".

On May 15, 1991, HK-3177 of ADES Colombia operated on a cargo flight from La Macarena to Villavicencio and Miraflores, Colombia. The aircraft took off from Villavicencio at 09:09 hours local time, carrying 3000 kg of food and 11 additional passengers. After eight and a half minutes of flight, the flight crew reported to the control tower that engine no. 2 had failed. A turn back to Villavicencio was made. Height was lost and the airplane could not reach the runway. It crashed in a pasture.

Fuerza Aerea Venezolana Beechcraft 65 Queen Air FAV4939 is seen resting at the Sekman Aviation ramp in April 1980.

This 1960 built Queen Air is preserved at the Museo Aeronáutico de la Fuerza Aérea Venezolana, Maracay, Venezuela.

The sun has faded the colors of this former Bahamasair Douglas DC-3.

During the 80's, N23WT was one of many DC-3's flying contraband from Texas to Mexico. A couple of private owners later, in the early 90's, she owned by Loren Davies Ministries International. The Douglas was written-off on June 20, 1996 in a take-off accident at Cut-and-Shoot, Texas.

The oil-soaked itinerant ramps of Miami International Airport were home to many anonymous DC-3's engaged on a variety of operations. N2028 seen in April 1980 was owned by Layne Dredging Co. of Hallandale, Florida.

According Micheal S. Prophet she is left abandoned at Mayaguana Island, the easternmost island in the Bahamas. Check Google Earth and you will find her in the bush next to an derelict DH Heren.

Context Develpment Company Douglas DC-3 N123D showing her maximiser performance kit.

This frame is ex USAAF serial 43-15304. Sometime during her civilian career she was was converted to a DC—3C. During the 90's she was listed stored at Fort Lauderdale. Last owner was Phoenix Continental Corp. and she was scrapped at Opa-Locka on June 7, 2023.

VIP Douglas DC-3 N25661 is also provided a maximiser performance kit and is seen here at a sunny Sekman Aviation ramp in April 1980.

N25661 was built for American Airlines in 1940. Seven years later she was sold to Trans Texas Airways where she worked for more than 20-years. During our visit she was owned by Atlantic Barter Corp. but two years later ownership changed to Sekman Aviation. The Douglas seemed exported to Canada and wore registration C-GZYF.

VIP Douglas DC-3C N84KB is seen here receiving maintenance at Aero Facilities Executive Terminal in April 1980.

This DC-3C is presently part of the Basler DC-3 stock at Oshkosh, Wittman Regional Airport.

SkyFreight Douglas DC-3 N7868B, "Miss Freeport", takes a break between operations.

N7868B was delivered to the USAAF as 43-49408 in 1944. Her last owner was Hangar 10 Inc. from McAllen, Texas. It is very plausible that she was one of many DC-3's flying contraband from Texas to Mexico during the 80's. She is listed cancelled from the register in 1991 as destroyed.

Three Challenge Air Transport Douglas DC-6's are seen resting next to one another.

Convair T-29C N23024 was hanging on by its teeth back in April 1980.

This former USAF Samaritan (52-1115) was acquired by Bellomy Lawson in 1978 and scrapped at Miami during the early 1980's.

Guyana Airways Douglas DC-6 N33486F upon pushback.

Originally this DC-6 has been manufactured in 1953 as a R6D-1 for the US Navy. After retirement from the military in 1975, she was sold on the civilian market and started working for Bellomy Lawson. In March 1978 she was leased to Guyana Airways. On November 30, 1981, the Douglas crashed and caught fire when returning after an engine failure on climbout. Reportedly the aircraft lost 2 engines after takeoff. This required steep deck angle to maintain altitude, causing cargo to tear loose and slide to the tail. The aircraft became uncontrollable due to aft center of gravity limits exceeded.

Challenge Douglas DC-6A N6539C awaits a task.

The Douglas started her career with Trans Caribbean Airways in November 1957. In 1960 she was sold to the United States Department of Commerce for which she worked the next 16 years. Her last operator was Challenge Air Transoport. She was broken-up at Miami in 1993.

AESA DC-6B YS-05C is seen parked in front of one of Miami's cargo warehouses in April 1980.

On June 29, 1988 the old Douglas, which started her career in 1958 with Western Airlines, crashed during take-off from Comalapa Airport, El Salvador.

LACSA Lockheed L.188 Electra TI-LRM, prepping for another cargo run to the Costa Rica.

The Electra started her career with Qantas in October 1959. She passed through a succession of owners, including STAF - Servicios de Transporte Aereos Fueginos (F-OGST) and Air Bridge Carriers. Her last operator was Atlantic Airlines (G-LOFA). Broken-up at Coventry in 2002.

A memory by Rolando Ojeda: - "Probably being handled there by my dads company Heavy Lift Handling company at the old building 100".

Transportes Aéreos Mercantiles Panamericanos S.A. Boeing 707-321 N2276X loads late in the afternoon.

A ventral fin was fixed beneath the tail of many 707's after early flight test revealed directional stability problems. The fin also helped prevent pilots from over-rotating the aircraft on take-off.

The Boeing started her career with Pan American in July 1960. She passed through a succession of owners, including Donaldson International and British Midland Leasing. Her last operator was ACS Charter Service from Kinshasa, DRC. She seems scrapped at Kisangani during 1997.

Late afternoon sunlight glints off Fuerza Aerea Guatemalteca Douglas DC-6B '926' at Miami International during the spring of 1980.

This Douglas was delivered new to Olympic Airways as SX-DAD in July 1958 and sold to Aircraft broker Concare Leasing as N111AD in 1972. A couple of months later she was sold to the Guatemalan Air Force as '926' and became as such a familiar sight at Miami for many years. She was re-registrated as TG-WOP in 1986 and withdrawn from use and stored in 1995. She seems still present in very bad condition at the Air Force base of Guatemala City Airport.

Tampa Colombia Douglas DC-6A HK-1776 is seen working hard.

The Douglas started her career with Canadian Pacific Airlines in July 1958. She passed through a succession of owners, including Northwest Orient and World Airways. Her last operator was LANC Colombia. On July 4, 1999, she crashed during an emergency landing at Villavicencio Colombia.

I photographed this Belize Airways Ltd. Boeing 720-022 tail VP-HCO at Miami Airport, in April 1980. Still in one piece but obviously already robbed of many parts, engines most visible.

The Boeing started her career with United Airlines in December 1960. Her last operator was Belize Airways. She was scrapped at Miami during the first month of 1983.

Varig Brasil Douglas DC-10-30 PP-VMA on push-back at Miami.

This beautiful Three-holer was delivered new to Varig on May 1974. 25 years later she was sold to Avensa, Venezuela. In May 2003 she moved to Santa Barbara Airllines and withdrawn from use in December 2005 at Roswell, New Mexico. She was broken-up in 2007.

Fuerza Aerea Argentina Boeing HC-47C Chinook "H-93" is seen at Miami in April 1980, during her very long ferry flight to Argentina.

This very expensive helicopter spent all her working life with the Fuerza Aera Argentina. When her flying career was over, she was withdrawn from use and donated to the Museo Nacional de Aeronáutica at Morón Airport.

Varig Brasil Boeing 707-320C PP-VLK is seen basking in the Florida sun.

This Boeing was delivered new to Continental Airlines as Boeing 707-324C N47332 and later served VARIG as PP-VLK. In March 1987 she was transferred to the Brazil Air Force and has serial FAB 2404. She is serving 2 / 2 GT and equipped for in-flight refuelling.

HK-2401X is seen here getting some TLC at the International Air Leases (IAL) ramp, before her lease to Tampa Colombia commenced in mid April 1980. Photoshop credit to: Carl Ford.

Most commercially operated 707's in the late 1970's and early 1980's owed their livelihood to the cargo business, this veteran Boeing 707 freighter being photographed between flights at Miami in April 1980.

Aerotal Colombia Boeing 707-321(F) N70798 at the International Air Leases (IAL) ramp in April 1980. Despite a color scheme that hints at previous operation with Kuwait Airways, this was originally a Pan American bird. International Air Leases converted her to freighter and leased her Aerotal Colombia in 1979. On December 20, 1980, the Boeing was approaching Bogota's runway 12 when it entered a zone of heavy rain and dense fog. The aircraft descended into the ground, crash-landed and caught fire.

Monarch Aviaiton Convair 880 N8813E is seen taxying, with her pax door still open, at Miami International Airport in April 1980.

N8813E entered into service with Delta Airlines on October 25, 1961. In August 1977 she was bought by Monarch Aviation. Her last operator was INAIR Panama. The Convairliner was withdrawn from service and stored at Panama Tocumen in September 1984.

Douglas DC-8-21 XA-LSA of AEROLEON Cargo is seen on one of Miami Airport taxiways after landing on runway 9.

Pictured in April 1980, this Douglas DC-8 was built for United Airlines as N8027U and was delivered to the airline company on May 25, 1960. Nineteen years later she was acquired by aircraft broker United Air Leasing Corp. On July 17, 1979 the DC-8 was leased to Southern Air Transport, who sub-leased her to AEROLEON Carga on the same day. In January 1981 the lease ended and finally owned by Aero Leasing Export Corp. the airframe was scrapped at Miami during January 1984 with 56.802 flying hours on the clock.

Aeronaves del Peru Cargo Douglas DC-8-43 OB-R-1143 is seen taxiing past.

OB-R-1143 entered into service with Alitalia in April 1960 as I-DIWA. In October 1977 she was bought by International Air Leases who leased her to Aeronaves del Peru in November 1978. On August 1, 1980, with a total of 49.071 flying hours on the clock, she crashed into a fog-shrouded Cerro Lilio during her approach to Mexico-City Airport.

Most commercially operated turbo-jet DC-8's in the late 70's and early 80's owed their livelihood to the cargo business, this veteran Douglas DC-8 freighter being photographed taxiing out for departures.

Polair Inc. Douglas DC-8-21 N8022U started her career with United Airlines in February 1960. In July 1979 she was acquired by Polair Inc. Her last owner was Jet Trades Investment. She was scrapped in 1985 at Fort Lauderdale.

A memory by Bruce Paoli; - "This model 21 never got a real cargo door, but flew at this time as freighter".

Transportes Aéreos Mercantiles Panamericanos S.A. Boeing 707-373C has just arrived at Miami International. Despite a color scheme that hints at previous operation with British Caledonian, this was originally a World Airways bird.

In the morning of December 14, 1983, the TAMPA Boeing 707 freighter departed Medellin on a cargo flight to Miami. During departure the no. 4 engine suffered FOD damage. The flight returned to Medellin. It was decided to ferry the aircraft to Miami for repairs. That afternoon the airplane took off again with the no. 4 engine operating at idle power. During takeoff the no. 3 engine failed. The 707 banked steeply, struck powerlines and crashed into some factories.

Lansa (Lineas Aéreas Nacionales S.A. Fairchild F-27J HR-LAP is seen here at the AirTech Service ramp in April 1980.

The Fairchild started-out with Allegheny as N2705J in November 1965. Later she worked for LANSA as HR-LAP and with Horizon Air as N275PH. She was exported to Uruguay in January 1988 and flew several years for Aérolineas Urugauyas. She was withdrawn from use at Montevideo in December 1995, quickly becoming derelict with many missing parts; later scrapped.

Chalk's International Grumman G.73 Mallard-T N2974 just after touch-down in the main channel at Miami's seaplane-base. April 1980.

Chalk's International Grumman G.73 Mallard-T N2974 is seen arriving at Maimi's Watson-Island on an overcast day in April 1980.

Chalk's International Grumman G.73 Mallard-T N2974 was the prototype for the turbo conversion at Frakes Angwin,CA in 1968.

Chalk's International Grumman G.73 Mallard N73556 at Chalks International Airline's seaplane terminal at Miami, Florida in April 1980. After many years with Chalks, this aircraft went to Virgin Island Seaplane Shuttle where it was wrecked when blown on to its back by a hurricane at St Croix.

Chalk's International Grumman G.73 Mallard N123DF. The Ammalrd was sold to Virgin Island Seaplane Shuttle. Last owner was Caribbena Airline Service. During 1994, she was badly damaged in Venezuala.

An anonymous Mallard G.73 is seen her during outdoor restoration at the Miami Watson-Island sea-plane base.

This anonymous Mallard G.73 seems uneconomical to repair. During our visit she was already stripped of many parts.

Chalk's International Grumman G.73 Mallard-T N2974 is seen here departing from Miami's sea-plane base.

Chalk's International Grumman G.73 Mallard-T N2974 was withdrawn from use in the 1990's and dismantled for parts at Chalk's Fort Lauderdale International base.

Chalk's International Grumman G.73 Mallard N7306 is seen awaiting customers at Miami's sea-plane base. Her last owner was Dean H. Franklin Aviation Enterprises Inc. She was eventually scrapped in the late 80's at Fort Lauderdale.

Skylarks Hiller H-23D UH Raven N9299Z was used to do sight-seeing tours over Miami.

- The End -

Miami International AirportApril 1980​

Miami International Airport
April 1980