This
aerial view of the TAA apron was taken on 18 November 1971. Not only
can photographer Wal Nelowkin tell us exactly when it was taken but
he can also tell us the identity of the camera aircraft! The photo was
taken during the post-assembly test flight of Army Kiowa A17-003 which
was assembled at the nearby Bell Helicopter facility. At extreme right
is the Ansett terminal with the International Terminal towards the centre
of the image. The Boeing 727 is parked on the International apron which
was a common occurrence as the old Eagle Farm site struggled to meet
demand. At extreme left is the TAA terminal - or rather what is left
of it! The original wartime igloo (Hangar 6) which comprised the TAA
terminal was destroyed by fire on 5 September 1971. What remained of
the building was demolished in November, probably not long before this
photo was taken. The building had been situated on the vacant area to
the right of the structure marked Trans-Australia Airlines. The fire
was mentioned at the subsequent TAA staff Christmas party with one of
the TAA managers stating: "The police are looking for the person
who lit the fire. We are looking for the person who called the fire
brigade!"Photo: Wal
Nelowkin
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