The plane was built during the Second World War and was “re-manufactured” by Beechcraft in 1951 for delivery to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and assigned the registration number of CA164. The Beech was assigned to the Air Defense Command in Chatam, New Brunswick on April 29th 1952 where it remained in service until 1958 when it was transferred to the 104th Communications Flight in St Hubert, Quebec and later the Canadian Armed Forces Mobile Command, also in St Hubert.
In 1966, the plane was reallocated to the number 3 Flight Training School at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba and the number 5 Air Navigation School in Winnipeg. Its military career came to a close in 1971 when the plane was flown to Saskatoon for disposal by the government, acquired by the Giltaur Space Research Corporation, and registered as C-FQPD. In 1972, the Beech was sold on to Capital Air Surveys which held the plane until the company went bankrupt in the mid-eighties, leaving it now owned by creditors and stranded at Prestwick Airport in Scotland.
After extensive negotiations with the creditors, the plane was purchased by Graeme Warner, along with another Beech 18 that also was part of the defunct Capital Air Surveys Fleet. The Beech was re-registered as G-BKGL and was ferried to Duxford, England for restoration.
The 18 was stripped down to the bare metal and the entire airframe and the engines were overhauled, civilian equipment including the auto-pilot and de-icing systems were removed as was the cabin heating system. The cabin was refurbished and the plane was treated to a 1943 US Navy color and marking scheme.
The 18 again went in for an overhaul in 1989 and was refinished this time with a United States Army Air Corps all-silver scheme.
The plane was offered for sale again in the late 90’s when it was purchased by its current owner who is a 747 pilot for Cathay Pacific and who lets the plane for hire through Radial Revelation.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Hi
I am one of the directors of beech restorations mentioned above
Could I just point out the picture above is not actually G-BKGL. It is G-BKRN and was taken when we were re painting here at the back end of 2011
G -BKGL is all but completed in a refreshed silver scheme
I have many pics if you want some for an update
Rgds
Philip
Doh!
We strive for accuracy, but sometimes make msikates make it threw. 🙂
Would love to get the correct picture(s). I’ll be sending you an email.
Roger
Hi
i notice this picture has not been changed
it is G-BKRN not GL
philip