Auster Mk.9 [VT-DCU] and Stinson L5 Sentinel

Certainly the star among the derelicts of the flying club at Juhu is the Auster Mk9 VT-DCU which is lying in the hangar where the other derelicts are stored. VT-DCU is registered to one Capt Gajinder Singh Shahi of Delhi. The aircraft looks quite intact , though the propellor hub and blades are missing for some time. Many of the instruments are not there but a small board installed in the cockpit announces the ownership of Mr. Shahi

	Auster 9 VT-DCU lying in the Bombay Flying Club minus its propellor. The doors are stowed in the rear.
The nose view of the Auster. Note the doors lying in the right side of the frame.

This is the only other Auster surviving in India besides the aircraft at the Artillery Center museum at Deolali. It has been told to us that the Army Aviation Corps is interested in procuring this aircraft and is planning to restore it to airworthy status. WoI will keep our visitors posted on its progress.

The cockpit panel is missing almost all the instruments.

Another derelict that can boast of a history from the Second world war was the fuselage of a Stinson L-5 Sentinel. The Sentinels have been used as flying ambulances in the dense jungles of north east and Burma. Quite a few found their way into the private hands after the war. This particular example is lying in the hangar minus its wings, which have been stowed elsewhere. The fabric / skin has been torn in places, and it was only because of its Triangular shaped window panels were we able to recognise this type!

The triangular window panels are a sure-shot give away about this fuselage as that of a Stinson Sentinel

Would these two aircraft be restored someday? Chances are bleak, but as they say - Keep watching this space!