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Visit of Beechcraft 18 G-BKGL

"Expeditor" in Athens
LGAV / ATH
11 October 2004

G-BKGL registered Beechcraft 18 “Expeditor” came to Athens and “Air-born”, accepting the invitation kindly extended by the Hellenic Aviation Society, was there to record this historic visit.

The reason for this unique flight was the official commencement of operations for the Hellenic Aviation Society. The Society also invited other aviation institutions representatives to attend an event which took place at the Athens International Airport’s satellite terminal.

This particular aircraft belongs to Tim Darrah and John Romain, the former one of the most experienced 747 Captains for Cathay Pacific, and the later was the man who flew this aircraft to Athens from the Captain’s seat. Thanks to a job well done by the Aircraft Restoration Company of Duxford, England this Beechcraft is now available for shows, aerial photography and recreational flights.

“Air-born” was very glad to meet G-BKGL from up close but also Captain Tim Darrah and their Greek mechanic Mr. George Kollas. They both couldn’t hide their enthusiastic approach to the challenges involved in flying n aircraft of this kind especially in a world were glass cockpits are the norm.

Captain Tim Darrah (center) with Ilias Diakoumakos and
Apostolos Chatizdimou, members of "Air-Born"