In the folder that is in the above post of Franks there is a DC-3 marked as 'DC3 #1 at Bankstown'



I was trying to track down ZK-AMS one of the DC-3's that Pioner had here in NZ. My interest in this one was that in 1996 one of my grandaughters, her other grandad and her dad went for a scenic flight in her. Above is a photo taken at that time at Christchurch Airport. My grandaughter is the little one in the Photo.

I found the following site... DC-3 In Australia which has a reference to it. Following the leads I reckon I have tracked the actual aircraft down.. It has already been placemarked in your file but I thought you might like to add the information to the Placemark.. Location 33 55 36.11s 150 58 58.16e

I think it is that one rather than 1 of the other 2 complete aircraft because 1 of the others is beside 2 wrecks and the other is semi buried among other aircraft. Of course it may not be anyone of them but here is some history of ZK-AMS

Some Quotes and the links.

From Classic Wings
1993 saw PWN leave Australia on export to New Zealand with Pionair Adventures as ZK-AMS where she was based initially in Queenstown before moving to Wigram. She worked there as a tour aircraft including some visits to Australia. In 2003 she moved permanently to Bankstown, NSW to operate with Pionair Australia, still as ZK-AMS. Finally, in 2006, Classic Wings purchased her and returned her to Australia as VH-CWS.

From Kiwi Aircraft Images
ZK-AMS (c/n 9286 ex 42-23424 A65-9 VH-EAM, VH-EWR, VH-EWF, VH-PWN) C-47A Was a 1943 built aircraft supplied to the RAAF, who used it as a transport in the Pacific. Sold to QANTAS in 1947, the aircraft remained in their service for six years. The aircraft was subsequently flown by a number of operators (at least five) around Australia and in New Guinea. It had accumulated over 54,000 hours prior to going to its last Australian owners in Adelaide in 1985. Sold to Pionair Adventures, the aircraft was registered on July 15 1993, and overhauled by Fieldair at Palmerston North before starting tourist operations, initially at Queenstown. Known as 'Dulcie', AMS is now based in Christchurch with Pionair.

From Pionair History
History of Dulcie ZK-AMS

DC3 ZK-AMS was re-named Dulcie when she began service with Pionair Adventures. Dulcie - originally built in Long Beach, California - served as a Qantas passenger airliner flying domestically in Australia. After a number of different owners, the airliner was purchased by Pionair Adventures and delivered to New Zealand. Her first tour of New Zealand was in 1994; six years later she was touring the Outback of Australia - the beginnings of Pionair Australia.

Now she has been 'returned home' serving for Pionair Australia - the inaugural flight May 5th 2004 - based at Bankstown Airport.
For a full detailed history, download the PDF by clicking on the link below:

From DC-3 In Australia
ZK-AMS "Dulcie" departed Christchurch for Kaitaia and Lord Howe Island on 02MAY04. The aircraft arrived in Sydney on 03MAY04 on lease to Pionair Australia Pty Ltd. ZK-AMS entered service with Pionair Australia on 05MAY04. It is expected that the aircraft will be transferred to the Australian Register, at which time the aeroplane will be moved from the NZ Census page to the Australian Census page. In late 2005, ZK-AMS was advertised for sale at NZ$550,000. The aircraft is expected to be replaced on its Australian tour operation by a Convair 580. It is reported that the aircraft has been sold to an operator in Perth, Western Australia for use on tourist flights. ZK-AMS was removed from the NZ Register on 03MAR06. The aircraft was registered VH-CWS to Classic Wings Pty. Ltd. of Midland, WA on 14MAR06. VH-CWS departed Bankstown on 25AUG06 and arrived at Jandakot, W.A. at 1345 local on 28AUG06.