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Author Topic: Trafficking / Smuggling  (Read 1577 times)

JMA

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Trafficking / Smuggling
« on: August 21, 2023, 01:50:31 pm »
Sorry I know its not a terribly positive topic, but I think it has its place for Turbo Commanders.
Personally, I can remember my father receiving multiple calls from (lets say) 'foreign lands' by people looking to buy the 980 with cash throughout the 80's.
I get the appeal, heavy cargo, high speeds, short runway abilities. 
Latest 980 I saw in the news was 2014 below.  Hate to see the pilots in handcuffs in front of what appears to be a nice airplane, minus removing all the seats to add gas.
https://www.laprensa.hn/sucesos/capturan-a-dos-pilotos-mexicanos-con-una-avioneta-en-la-ceiba-MALP726578#image-1

Some questions:
Is that how most of the 980's ended up in S. American government roles after confiscation?
Venezuelan Govt 1000 overran runway below btw last year:  https://twitter.com/AsiEsNoticiasVe/status/1569477281839742976/photo/1
How do you even identify where your plane is at mechanically, i.e. engine run out etc. (surely log books aren't accurate).


« Last Edit: August 21, 2023, 02:49:22 pm by JMA »

donv

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Re: Trafficking / Smuggling
« Reply #1 on: August 28, 2023, 01:37:34 pm »
Huge topic for Commanders. They were the favorites for smuggling for all the reasons you mention.

The 980 in the article is 95052, which has been in Mexico or latin america since new. I know that Eagle Creek has done a number of Renaissance conversions for the Colombian government, not sure where those airframes came from originally. I also know that the Mexican government has seized a number of Commanders over the years, and then put them into service.

I'm sure others would know more. I hope 95052 is back in regular operation!

JMA

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Re: Trafficking / Smuggling
« Reply #2 on: September 06, 2023, 11:09:27 am »
Thanks Don for adding a comment, thought maybe I touched on a subject 'we do not speak of' for this forum.
As posted prior, think the attached picture proves the point about Commanders and trafficking.
« Last Edit: September 07, 2023, 08:05:19 am by JMA »

donv

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Re: Trafficking / Smuggling
« Reply #3 on: October 16, 2023, 03:42:09 pm »
He obviously loved his Commanders!