ZK-AZL New Zealand Agricultural DC-3

In New Zealand, the classic DC-3 had a long and productive life as an aerial topdresser - an agricultural fertiliser spreader.
ZK-AZL was the first of 13 aircraft converted, pioneering the role of heavy Ag aircraft. She currently sits at Te Kowhai Airfield, near Hamilton, New Zealand, and needs some urgent repair work.

[@Purlee100]

I flew in AZL back in the 1960s, as a passenger with pilot Bill Petersen, flying out of Ardmore and topdressing over Whitford. It was a fantastic flight going just over the roof of a milking shed and below the level of a stand of Poplar trees, only to pop up over them at the last minute. I don't think we were much above 100 feet for the whole flight. AZL holds great memories for me!

[@jungleman4921]

I remember James Aviation useing the Fletcher's and the DC3s up in the Far North.Hokianga top dressing dueing 1960s.Most farms had an Airstrip for the Fletcher air craft to land and top up.Was really great waching them come & go.

[@goarmysleepinthemud.]

We had one top dressing out of Wairoa in the 70s. It was brilliant to watch.

[@TangodownNZ]

The NZ Air Force might be interested in this. They need a new aircraft to replace the aging fleet

[@fredpilling-ww4gy]

Was this the same plane that sat at mystery creek field days for year's? If so I remember sitting an playing on it pretending to be a pilot had the seat and instruments in it my favorite part of visiting field days every year. I'm 57 years old now I loved that plane I wish you well in looking after it well done thank you.

[@gl6141]

is it possible to get permission to use a clip from 4.07-4.20 of the DC 3s in action? My father Don Thorp was a WW2 pilot and topdressing pilot on ZKAOI, who was killed after his plane crashed on a high country sheep station 50 years ago (23/2/73). My daughter is making a 5 minute school documentary and we were hoping to include some footage of a DC 3 in action!

[@WerthFiKz]

Love the sound of the Yak 52 doing aerobatics while you're making your video 😂

[@mariojsworld]

Cool plane.

[@tip397]

We had one in Masterton in the 70s. It was known as the "Big Dakota"

[@eyespy1415]

What happened to the one that sat to the left Of James Aviation main workshop, behind Les DeLacy's machine shop??

[@RestorationAustralia]

Poor thing, loads of history indeed.

[@andysaunders3708]

Why not try crowd-funding, or selling it to someone who can save the old thing?

[@peteacher52]

Kyer orah? I thought you guys spoke English.

[@bigvee401]

you to close to the camera

[@K1W1fly]

My arm isnt any longer!

[@bryanhauschild4376]

@@K1W1fly lol