Chapter 12

So ... Mr. Aviation inspector paid for a SNJ and a F-8F for just a little less than cost ... and he got 4 × 20 mm ( .79 in)AN/M3 cannon as boot ... an American copy of a British copy of a modified Swiss Oerlikon French/Spanish re-designed Auto Cannon.

The SNJ came ... strike that ... the SNJ’s were delivered to the Naval Air Arm sans armament ... the military added firepower as needed.

The impetus to shop the aircraft was, as always, to rid the Navy of propellors. Third world countries were always in need of ‘protection,’ and thus a ready market.

These were ‘insurgent suppression’ aircraft second and trainers first. Provision was made for two cowl and a single wing mounted COLT AC MG”/”30 CAL machineguns. The armament was installed by the Navy several months after the surrender of Japan. The aircraft would have made an excellent addition as an air arm aboard an aircraft carrier. Too bad that sale fell through.

I had a great deal of fun chasing spiders ... until the job became a job. I already had one ... the mine.

Although, with Daddy back ... however temporary ... I was insistent that he assume control. Watching him sweat when I told him ... yeah ... priceless.

I began advertising in “Trade-a-Plane”.

FOR SALE
Post War SNJ
Chilean Naval Trainer
Part of Bulk Purchase
BATHURST AIRFIELD. BATHURST, AUSTRALIA
Lessons Offered
Aircraft in Shipping Container.

Familiarization flights came at the testee’s fuel cost ... I’m an nice girl ... but I’m not stupid.

Lo and behold ... I sold seven SNJ’s at the current price of Ninety thousand dollars. 630,000.

The tax man was ecstatic ... until he asked the reason for the windfall.

“I bought a bunch of airplanes ... donated five to the RANR, Donated five more to the RNZNR.” I said, “One of the government flying instructors bought two. I was having a lot of fun restoring ‘em until it wasn’t fun ... it was work. I have a job ... I don’t need another.”

“Where?”

“Did I get them?”

A nod.

“Chilean Navy reduction in force.”

“Yuo must have spent a fortune getting them here.”

“Free Delivery.”

“Free?”

“Naval Exercise,” I grinned, “the admiral begged me.”