MSN 017 has worn three paint schemes over its 35 year life. Transport Canada (Aircraft Services Directorate) on January 30, 2020 announced it accepted a De Havilland Dash 8-103 MSN 017 for its National Aerial Surveillance Program fleet. The aircraft was purchased pre-owned from Calgary-based Avmax Group and, according to Transport Canada, had the lowest number of hours (and cycles) when compared to any other Dash-8-100 on the market. Its now C-FTFM.
History
C-GFSJ DHC-8 103 MSN 017 delivered to the Alberta Government in the mid 1980's. Operated by the Air Service division until early 2015. The fleet fell victim to cost cutting & good optics: “We promised we would sell the planes,” Premier Jim Prentice told reporters in Calgary. Avmax submitted a bid in 2015 & ultimately succeeded in acquiring the aircraft several months later. This aircraft delivered new as a -102, was upgraded to a -103 , but no model change was recorded on its Reg or C of A. This complication delayed delivery to Avmax into early 2016 Avmax prepared & delivered the leased aircraft late 2016 to FlyViking in a 39 seat configuration(LN-FVA). FlyViking was a Norwegian startup airline bidding on multiple state essential air service contracts. Unfortunately for FlyViking's investors, no contracts were won and there was no successful plan "B". Wideroe won back all the contracts (10 year term). The 3 delivered FlyViking leased aircraft (the 4th aircraft wasn't delivered) were returned early in 2018 to Calgary. MSN 017 waited for the next chapter in its life.....and It found the perfect home!
Age of Aircraft
35 years. Of 193 country members of ICAO, less than 50 of those have age-limitations. Those that do limit chronological age are based on the age at import. Of those countries, only a couple have absolute chronological age-limitations. Its been concluded by the Aircraft Working Group (AWG) there is no justifications for age restrictions at import, or absolute age restrictions.
Why did .gc Pick This One?
Why does .gc think this is the right aircraft? I offer the this logic;
1. Very low cycles and hours which means it’s got a long life prior to expensive 40k cyc check, no reduced interval structural inspections, avoids life extension costs at 80k =Lwr mtc costs.
2. The aircraft that flies in this role will have a complete avionics refit, so it’s current equipment is not relevant.
3. It has an APU which is an option & is required in its role.
4 It’s interior will be completely replaced so old interiors / furnishings don’t matter.
5. It has pedigree It’s background is corporate, always hangared and pampered meaning lower likelihood of hidden issues.
6. This type matches what is being operated already and which is considered a superior special mission platform for the maritime mission that PAL supports with its expertise, engineering, familiarity with technology and experts on the operations side of things.
7. There’s a STC to install long range fuel which allows for long missions. Voyageur has embodied this system in 100 aircraft so far.
8. The engines are reliable and one of the least expensive to operate of the regional turboprop engines available.
9. Longview has committed to support the type with spares and engineering and. type certificate support. It’s a core business unit unlike with Bombardier.
Future Role & Planned Modifications Program to NASP Standard
MSN 017 will be substantially modified with several National Aerial Surveillance Program (NASP) mission sensors/systems enabling the aircraft to eventually be utilized for pollution detection and whales monitoring missions. This modification process is estimated to take 24 months with completion being anticipated in late 2021. Some delays have been introduced as result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This entry into NASP service for this aircraft program involves four parallel procurement projects: (1) aircraft acquisition (completed), (2) EO/IR acquisition (completed), (3) mission system acquisition/ integration (on-going), and (4) structural/avionics aircraft integration of NASP mission kit/equipment (ongoing).
The mission system acquisition contract and the aircraft integration contract have neither been posted nor awarded. The two remaining contracts will be completed in parallel. Letter of Interest (LoI) and Request for Proposal (RFP) packages are in final development for each and will be posted by PSPC on the government of Canada buyandsell.gc.ca website (as April 12, 2020) ; contract(s) award is not anticipated until Summer 2020. Following completion of the scope of work in these two contracts, final installation of all NASP mission systems will be carried out by the Transport Canada Aircraft Services Directorate.
The Canadian NASP surveillance fleet (military runs a separate program)
A Dash-8 aircraft in Moncton, NB
A Dash-8 aircraft in Vancouver, BC
A Dash-7 aircraft in Ottawa, ON, which moves to Iqaluit, Nunavut to do northern surveillance during the Arctic shipping season (July to October)
Aircraft from Provincial Airlines Limited used in Newfoundland and Labrador
https://youtu.be/nx-Ll1kN3iA (DHC-7)
Prices Paid for MSN 017
In 1984, a new DHC-8-100 was listed at around 12.5 M USD. A multi aircraft order would attract a significant discount to the list price. Given a one aircraft order, its likely Alberta paid close to list price.
In 2016, according to the Alberta Services Surplus Sales: "A private company paid CAD $5,226,000 incl 5% GST." The private company was Avmax Aircraft Leasing Inc.
In 2019, Avmax sold the aircraft to .gc (Department of Transport) and delivered the aircraft with a new livery. On 27 Nov 2020, ".gc" awarded the sale to Avmax CA$6,678,901. (plus GST/HST) Contract estimate value was proposed by ".gc" at CA$6,500,000. in its tender. https://buyandsell.gc.ca/procurement-data/award-notice/PW-CAG-009-27368-001.
By the time the planned modifications are incorporated, the equipment will add several million dollars to the aircraft value.
Author: Kirk Watson April 16, 2020