THE ASSOCIATION

The diversity of '44' operators meant that pilots, flight engineers, loadmasters, cabin crew, operations officers and flight attendants were scattered across the five continents. Such was the success of the Association in the early days that word of mouth quickly spread-from Peru to The Philippines from Iceland to South Africa.

The CL-44 Association was formed in 1998 and remains dedicated to the memory of the 39 aircraft manufactured in Montreal by Canadair Ltd. The CL-44 remains the largest aircraft produced by the company and the military version, universally known as the Yukon, served unblemished for a decade in the 1960's. Pioneering the global expansion of air freight in the early 1970's, the unique swingtail of the CL-44 provided its launch customers, The Flying Tiger Line, Seaboard World Airlines, and Slick Airways with instant growth.

A 'stretched' version was ordered by Icelandic carrier Loftleidir was built as a specialist passenger carrier and this operation, affectionately known as 'The Hippie Airline' plied the route between New York and Europe. This was possibly the very first 'low cost' alternative to established carriers.

The CL-44 eventually became best known as a specialist freighter. Under the ownership of such airlines as Cargolux, Transglobe, Tradewinds Airways, Transmeridian Air Cargo, Transvalair, United African Airlines, Wrangler (Blue Bell) and Aerotransportes Entre Rios, the aircraft became a familiar sight at airports in all corners of the world.

Other, lesser-known users included Aerolineas del Ecuador (ANDES), Aeronaves del Peru, Aeron, Virunga Air Cargo, Aero Uruguay, TRAMACO, Affretair, Air Calypso, Bayu Indonesia, TMA of Lebanon and many others.

Former aircrew members, cabin crew, ground engineers and airline staff from many of these airlines have been re-united by the CL-44 Association which also welcomes applications from aircraft enthusiasts and aviation photographers.
Members enjoy an annual re-union, regular newsletters and discounts on CL-44 videos and books.

NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN - MALCOLM PORTER

Malcolm Porter set up the Association in 1998 with the aim of bringing together the global family of CL-44 and Yukon crew members, engineers and airline staff.

Malcolm's first association with the aircraft was whilst he was serving with the Royal Air Force in Nicosia Cyprus during that Islands troubled times in the 60's. Yukons from 437T Squadron regularly staged through 'RAF Nic' on UN missions to the Congo.

Following service as the Rhodesian Air Force's only Loadmaster on a solitary DC-7CF, Malcolm joined the infamous Sanction Busters and flew as Loadie on Affretair's CL-44-TR-LVO. There then followed a spell of service with Libyan Airline United African Airlines at Tripoli.

As time progressed Malcolm moved on to the Hercules of the Red Cross and 146's of BAe but in 1997 he was re-united with the 44 when he was asked to join the Guppy crew of Azerbaijan Airlines. Since then he has been continuously associated with the aircraft.

"One aim left" says Malcolm, " is to ensure the Guppy secures a permanent Museum slot somewhere as a tribute to the foresight and resolve of Jack Conroy"

CAPTAIN KEVIN KEEGAN - PRESIDENT UK AND EUROPE

Kevin flew DC-4's, DC-6's and DC-7's for Transmeridian. He made many of the delivery flights of the former Tigers CL44s, including the Guppy, and flew with the airline for many years. He was Operations Director for Afretair in Salisbury, Rhodesia before retiring. He now lives on a boat much of the year.

CAPTAIN MARVIN BEIER - PRESIDENT, THE AMERICAS

Marvin flew a Navajo in El Paso having followed a career in Radio Broadcasting. His company had connections to Blue Bell so when BB elected to buy a Connie, Marvin was offered a position. He flew both Connies on the Greensboro-P. Rico route until BB bought the ex TAC 44's and eventually became Chief Pilot and General Manager until BB was bought our by Vanity Fair.

He joined Buffalo Airways at Kansas City and flew the Guppy before moving on to become Chief Pilot of Azerbaijan Airlines when the Guppy was brought to Southend in 1997. He retired last year as Ghana Check Airman and now lives in Ocala, Florida.