Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Photo of the Day / Project Orbis International DC-10-10 N220AU

(Photo by Allan Huse)

Project Orbis International operates this gorgeous DC-10-10 N220AU (46501/2) as a flying eye hospital helping save the sight of thousands of underprivledged people around the world.

Originally delivered to Laker Airways as G-BELO "Southern Belle" on June 3, 1977 the aircraft began life with McDonnell Douglas as a prototype, N101AA later registered as N10DC. After serving with Laker Airways for six years the DC-10-10 was sold to American Trans Air (ATA) as N183AT "City of Indianapolis." The aircraft stayed with ATA until being sold to Omni International Jet Trading on December 13th, 1985 for onward lease to Air Hawaii but was not taken up. In February 1986 the aircraft was bought Cal-Air International as G-GCAL which was later renamed Novair International Airways in December 7, 1988.

In early 1990 the aircraft was WFU and stored at Prestwick, Scotland then later at Waco, Texas until being bought by Project Orbis Inc. on November 27th, 1991. After some obvious modifications and upgrades the aircraft has been in service with the group since its purchase.

2 comments:

ORBIS International said...

Great post! It's fun to hear the history of our great DC-10, it's been in operation with us for quite some time and we are actually gearing up for the next generation Flying Eye Hospital which will be an MD-10!

Stay tuned!

Michael Carter said...

ORBIS International glad you liked the post and thank you for your comment. When do you expect to receive the MD-10? Will it be a -10 or -30? Just curious if you have any type of memoribilia related to your aircraft available? I live in Long Beach in fact I was born and raised here and Douglas aircraft are favorites and I collect anything I can related to DAC.

Thanks again for your comment.

Sincerely
Michael Carter
www.lgbguy@charter.net