Auster J1, G-AJIF, Information please.

Thanks.

Roborat, thanks for the information, it is all very helpfull, and best of luck in locating and re-purchasing you aircraft.
Avrobaby67, thanks for the help, we actualy know this aircraft and it’s owner, they were both pressent at Cockpitfest 2007. A fine aircraft and a great guy who own’s it.

not the same one – but…..

http://www.austertj398.co.uk/3.html

Another auster that has been re-built and is currently living at www.neam.org.uk

Linda ( aka Avrobaby)

Auster J1 serial #2248

Hi, can add some imput as I owned this aircraft for many years in South Africa,
Built originally for the military it was never commissioned but rather moved onto the civil register in 1949 and saw service as an “air taxi”. The aircraft was apparently flown down africa into RSA about ’51 and ended up on a farm outside Bloemfontein (the Orange Free State), The farmer (unlicenced I’m told) ground looped the aircraft at Tempe airfield wherafter it was aquired by a Mr. Mike Spence (the founder member of EAA South Africa) and I bought it and another two Auster airframes and wings (unfortunately serials not known) from him in 1972.

My wife and I restored the Auster over the next 6 years and kept the aircraft until 1992 logging about 480 hours .During this period the aircraft was fitted with different powerplants to up the power (remember we fly out at 5300ft with summer temps of 30+ degrees and the little Cirrus was somewhat underpowered on a 700mt airstrip with tall trees at either end.). These included an Opel 1.8 litre Belt driven engine and a 160Hp Lycoming. These mods meant that the ZS-BWK registration had to be given up and the aircraft was re registered under the LS1 (Homebuilt & Vintage Category) document as ZS-VTR. – incidently with The Lycoming 160Hp the plane was a dream giving about 1200fpm. Unfortunately circumstances led me to sell the aircraft to a vet in Alberton ( A Mr Dave Carser I Think) and it has subsequently fallen off my radar. I am actively trying to re locate the aircraft with the aim of re-aquiring it and will keep you in the loop if you are interested – pictures are also available if wanted. I looked up the aircraft on our local CAA and it is still registered to my name …..

Hope this is of value to the thread

Best regards
Rick Cottle
South Africa

PS One of the other airframes was ZS-BWL a sister ship which was sold to gentleman by the name of Ricky Samoullian ???? for rebuild

I think she is at coventry either operated by Classic flight or owned by one of their directors, I will check on Tuesday if they have the doors open and have a peek

Rambo, AACF have G-JAYI a 5J1 ex-OY-ALU s/n 2030

Auster G-AJIF

Thanks wieeso and RamboII, the plot thickens!

Hi,
Calling all Auster experts! Can anyone supply any information or pictures of Auster J1, S/No 2248. I belive she was opperated bvy the South African Airforce as SAAF 554. Was she built as a J1, or modified? does anyone have any information about her fate? Do any photo’s exist of her at any point in her life?
Thanks in advance.

I think she is at coventry either operated by Classic flight or owned by one of their directors, I will check on Tuesday if they have the doors open and have a peek

2248 Auster J/1 Autocrat SAAF554 ZS-AUK G-AJIF ZS-BWK ZS-VTR Canc
http://www.auster.ukf.net/Auster%20prodn%20list.txt

83518 DH82A TIGER MOTH SAAF as 554 K-31 ZS-AUK ZS-BWL Canc 28.10.69
http://www.dehavilland.ukf.net/_DH%20full%20prodn%20list.txt

It’s :confused:ing … SAAF 554 and ZS-AUK ??