Argentina's Aero Club Trelew (ACT), based in Patagonia, recently acquired former Argentine Navy Lockheed L-188C Electra 6-P-102 and plans to restore it for use as a ground-based training aid. The aircraft is one of five used by the Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Exploracion from 1982, and was modified for long-range patrols, primarily against illegal fishing. Sadly, its service 'life' ended on May 14,1998, when it was written off and then stored outside (without engines) at the Almirante Marcos A Zar airbase. An attempt to sell it by auction in 2008 was unsuccessful. After lengthy negotiations, ACT was able to acquire the aircraft with the intention of using it as an instructional airframe for cabin crew training. As the club is based nearby, it was possible to tow the airframe to its new home. Naturally, many years of exposure have taken their toll on the Electra, but ACT hopes to complete a full cosmetic refurbishment.
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