FAIRCHILD HILLER FH-227 (VH-FNB)

Back in simpler times when photographing at the airport was just a matter of stepping out of the terminal (or before my time with a camera, up on the observation deck).

No engines were running on either aircraft but note the young girl in the foreground covering her ears - no, she wasn’t holding a mobile/cell phone - they were more than 20 years into the future! Can’t imagine what she did when those Darts got up and running - probably back into the terminal.

Interesting shot. I've flown MMO, although that was a decade after this shot was taken in the early 70's. In fact, come to think of it, I actually did my F27 type rating in MMO at YBCS Cairns. (There were NO simulators available for the F27).

The people movers gate area are awesome. There had to be another jet or something nearby - this is a great period shot worthy of 5***** each Fokker. Too cool.

Nice photo and history! Yes those days aircraft spotting and photography would be so much easier :)

Hi Chris, assume you have pics of MMO. I have one of it taxiing out, probably the same day - record keeping was non-existent in those days but only one more, taken in Melbourne in Ansett white in December 1985.

Hello Tom...I have another photo of the rear one in this pic (VH-MMO) as it taxied past the TAA apron which from this pic is to the left and on the other side of the terminal. No other aircraft visible in that pic and in those days, unlike in the US, there were periods here where there wasn't a jet on the ground.

I don't know if you are aware, but in those days there was a strict two-airline policy in Australia, Ansett and TAA, and if one had a service on the ground here, the other was also here, SUGGESTING there may not have been a jet. Sydney and Melbourne may not have been so strictly affected by the policy but elsewhere if one was at the terminal, the other was. Terrible policy, thankfully consigned to history.

Hello Darryl, thank you and don't we wish...

Thanks Gavin. I actually don't have a photo of MMO. I'll look forward to seeing that taxiing out shot and the one in the later livery from '85!

Well Chris, that will be arranged.

Sorry, this is a Fokker F.27-200 series not a Fairchild Hiller FH-227.