QF 744 retirement. Where is it at?

[Fred C]

Basically the aircraft is cleaned. ie landing gear and fuselage. Everything is lubricated in preparation for long term storage. Leasing data plates are removed components are swapped for ones that are shorter on life than others including the engines.

As it is performing a commercial flight prior to retirement the markings are not removed from the aircraft.

VH-OJA will shortly go to AVV for a 'C' check. Looks like it will be the last one to go!

[Nigel C]

Originally Posted by Fred C

As it is performing a commercial flight prior to retirement the markings are not removed from the aircraft.

So is there someone waiting at the other end with a big can of red paint and a long ladder?

[Connor S]

It isn't painted over, otherwise you'd be seeing "blobby" poorly done red kangaroos on the QF 747 tails in Victorville and Marana. The logos are masked with red and white vinyl decals so they can be peeled off if need be. There are photos of ex QF planes with the decals peeling off revealing their QF markings.

Sorry for going slightly off topic, btw.. first post

[Mark Grima]

Swapping out parts makes sense. Thanks guys.

And welcome Connor.

Cheers

M

[Dave Dale]

Originally Posted by Fred C

Basically the aircraft is cleaned. ie landing gear and fuselage. Everything is lubricated in preparation for long term storage. Leasing data plates are removed components are swapped for ones that are shorter on life than others including the engines.

As it is performing a commercial flight prior to retirement the markings are not removed from the aircraft.

VH-OJA will shortly go to AVV for a 'C' check. Looks like it will be the last one to go!

Long live OJA. I do hope she gets to go to Longreach instead.

Dave

[Fred C]

Originally Posted by Nigel C

So is there someone waiting at the other end with a big can of red paint and a long ladder?

There certainly is.

[Alex T]

Video of VH-OJE on her final departure from Syd as QF6013 to Victorville via Brisbane this morning (Credits to Youtube user luxman13w for the video) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMsppX5_EVc

[Tom PER]

Fred C, did OJE manage to make it to 100,000 hrs before retirement?

[Fred C]

Missed out by about 260 hours.

[David Heath]

I hope OJA is around for the 25th anniversary of the non-stop flight. Surely there'll be something done to mark that occasion. Perhaps storage at the Alice Springs air park if it's open yet(?)