Looking totally immaculate here with C-FPWY in the background, this Dart-powered Convair was converted from ANA CV-440 JA5055 in 12.65 and flew with Hawaiian as N45004 till sold to Pacific Western in 2.67. Wfu at Springbank, AB 12.91 and b/u 2.05

St. Thomas was notorious among pilots for its short (then 4,658 ft) runway; the B727 was the heaviest type authorised to use it, and even then only in one direction. After the fatal crash of an AA 727 there in 4.76, the airline suspended jet service to the island and introduced Convairliners. This 440 was originally Garuda's PK-GCT in 1.58 and was b/u at Carlsbad in 1993. My arrival at STT was by Eastern - 727.... but I left on a Dak!

Deilvered to Eastern as N9303 in 4.57 and to Mackey for their island services out of Miami in 3.72. Wfu at FLL and b/u

Originally 53-7804 and later used by NASA and Georgia Institute of Technology, this C-131 picked up the Honduran registration in late 1992 but remained stored. Becoming N145GT and damaged by a storm while at Gainesville, TX in 2006, she was ferried to Opa-locka in 8.08

With the former registration SE-BSO covered but just visible.

Operated by ASA from 1960. Sold as N103KA.

Unit: 34 Sqn. Sold in the US as N733E in 1968

This aircraft went on to become N44828. It was written off following an engine fire and emergency landing at Jasper AL on 16th December, 1984.

Tankers 44 and 49 were dispatched from Canada and based at Fairbanks-Ft. Wainwright to combat the Parks Highway Fire burning near Nenana, AK, which was getting out of control. Both tankers made a short stop at Fairbanks-International to settle customs affairs before going on to their temporary tanker base at Ft. Wainwright.

American used these CV440s for services between the Caribbean Islands, many of which had short runways like the one here at St Thomas