[Nigel C]

And some more...
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/s...ppines/?cs=300

From the Facebook page of aircraft ferrying company Snow Goose International.

Ferry of N224HR

Snow Goose International contracted with Oregonian Aeroclub LLC, to ferry a 1971 Swearingen Merlin aircraft from the United States to the Philippines.

The aircraft was initially collected at Punta Gorda, Florida and after extensive flight testing and recency training; the aircraft flew to Tyler, Texas, where it collected a life raft, before flying to Tracy, California, via Albuquerque New Mexico for fuel. At Tracy, the interior kit was removed to reduce weight and manage the aircraft centre of gravity, and then certified and approved ferry tanks were fitted.

It was initially planned to transit from Santa Maria, California direct to Hilo, Hawaii.

After completing all the communication checks in preparation for departure, the prevailing wind made the direct crossing to Hilo marginal. It was decided to fly the more northern route via Seattle, Washington and Cold Bay, Alaska to Midway Island and then the Marshall Islands to Guam.

At Cold Bay, the pilot was advised by the United States Department of Agriculture and Fisheries that the routing through Midway Island was not possible. The flight then proceeded through Honolulu, Hawaii.

The flight continued via the Marshall Islands, Guam to Clark Field Philippines, where the aircraft arrived on 5 May 2014 and was delivered to the owner’s representative. From departing Seattle to Guam, the aircraft was monitored by United States Air Traffic and then by Philippines Air Traffic into Clarke Field.

At all times the aircraft flights were planned and approved by the appropriate authorities. Communication was always maintained by HF radio in accordance with international requirements.

Once the aircraft arrived in the Philippines, the contract between Snow Goose International and the owner was completed.

Understandably, Snow Goose International are trying to distance themselves from the contract they undertook to the final outcome being played out at YWOL. Being named in a story relating to a drug bust is hardly the publicity a company would seek!

Does anyone know what the new range of the Merlin would with ferry tanks fitted?