c/n 18923 C47A-65-DL "George Bolt"

Manufactured by Douglas Aircraft Corporation at Long Beach in California and rolled off the production line on 1/10/1943. Constructed as a C-47A-65-DL. Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Army Air Force with s/n 42-100460.

Delivered to the USAAF on Oct 15, 1943, the aircraft was later sent to Australia and for a time loaned to the RAAF. Became VH-ANM with Australian National Airlines on February 6 1947. Passed through three other Australian Airlines (Queensland Airlines, February, 4 1956; Ansett-ANA, December 7, 1958 who converted it to viewmaster standard; and Airlines of New South Wales, February 14, 1961) before being sold to SPANZ in September 1961. It was registered as ZK-CAW on October 13,1961. Imported to New Zealand, the aircraft was operated by SPANZ as 'George Bolt'. After the collapse of SPANZ, the aircraft passed to NAC on February 28, 1966. 45,340 elapsed hours. Leased to Fiji airways until Aug 5, 1969, after which it was leased to Mt Cook Airlines. When surplus to requirements, the aircraft was stored in Christchurch, after which it passed to South Seas Airways sometime before it was registered on May 7, 1971. As the charter company could not get an operating license, and the aircraft required overhaul, it almost immediately (May 13) went to Fieldair. After conversion, it began ag-work on November 22, 1972 named 'Whio', and went on to complete 6,286 hours in the role. It initially was based at Dannevirke and flown by Jim Irving until 1975. Flown by Ian McPherson and Neville Worsley in shifts during 1976. Flown by Neville & Tiri Manahi 1977 from Oringi. Overhauled 25th May 1977. 52,981 elapsed hours. Back in service 28th October 1978, returning to Oringi. 1979 based at Napier with Mike Judd. Back at Oringi from 1980. Later flown by Ray Misson at Wairoa. Completed it's flying life at Gisborne flown by Bruce Thompson and Basil Martin.The aircraft's last topdressing flight was on October 29, 1984, out of Gisborne, flown by Basil Martin, having completed 56,282 hours. Sold to Richmond Harding of Wanganui Aero Work on May 13, 1985, the aircraft was towed to Wanganui where it was proposed to restore the aircraft to airworthiness in passenger configuration. Prohibitive costs meant the plan was abandoned, and in 1989 the aircraft was towed to Taupo where the aircraft was refurbished, fitted with viewmaster style windows and painted. The registration was cancelled on July 10, 1990. The aircraft was then displayed in Taupo as a feature of the Aeroplane Car