Beech 18

When the Beechcraft Model 18 burst onto the scene at the beginning of 1937, it furnished the aviation market with one of the most capable, versatile and practical aeroplanes ever produced up until that time, packaged in that unmistakable art-deco style that just oozed out of the late 1930s. Its adaptability saw it used in numerous roles including executive transport, private tourer, multi-engine trainer, freighter, charter feederliner, parachute platform and countless other applications when used by the military arms of more than 40 countries that became customers of the famous 'Twin Beech'.

The Beech 18 remained in production for an amazing 33 years and hosted many modifications and upgrades including the installation of tricycle undercarriage, single tail, turbine engines, floats etc. Total production exceeded 8,000 aircraft. New Zealand is home to three examples however Ronan Harvey’s is the sole active specimen here at this time.

Image: Beech 18 - Photo by Andreas Zeitler

Ronan acquired his Beech in the USA in 2013 and a year later, flew it from California to Hawaii, on to Christmas Island, then to Pago Pago and Vanuatu before arriving in New Zealand. Ronan's Beech was well suited to the longer distances involved as it had been earlier modified with extra long-range tanks to allow it to serve in one of its many careers, in this instance as an illicit drug trafficking aircraft! For the trans-Pacific flight however, additional fuel was carried inside the fuselage cabin to keep the aircraft fed on those very long over-water legs. This flight is testimony to the durability and reliability of this 84-year-old design and its Pratt & Whitney R-985 'Wasp Junior' radial engines.

Based in Wanaka for a short while, Ronan and partner Vinita discovered the Omaka vintage aviation community and decided to establish themselves here in a 'hangar-house' at the eastern end of the airfield precinct. They were immediately embraced by the airfield community and have fitted in perfectly, becoming involved in many activities here. These include Ronan's buy into the Yak-3U 'Steadfast' with Mark O'Sullivan and the establishment of the Bleriot syndicate that has brought the replica of the 1909 pioneer monoplane to Omaka, further enhancing the richness and variety of the heritage aviation scene at this historic airfield.

Image: Beech 18 - Photo by Phil Taylor

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About Yealands Classic Fighters Omaka: The airshow is the main fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, located in Blenheim, Marlborough NZ.