VP-FAO DHC-6 Twin Otter and VP-FAM DHC-2 Turbo-Beaver in formation c11.69 prior to delivery from Downsview direct to the Falkland Islands for service with the BAS.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver - КанадаCanada - 1947De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter - КанадаCanada - 1965

Dealing with floating Beavers involved a deal of careful manhandling as shown in this view of VP-FAH taken in Stanley Harbour.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver - КанадаCanada - 1947

Another view of Beaver VP-FAH on the slipway. The colour scheme of the early FIGAS aircraft was silver with a blue cheat line. This aircraft was also reputed to have had all-red wings. It survives to this day in the USA as N17598.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver - КанадаCanada - 1947

Although not the best of photos of VP-FAH, it does show what can happen to a floatplane when loss of control during surface manoeuvering leads to 'shore bumping'.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver - КанадаCanada - 1947

Auster 5 floatplane VP-FAA being manoeuvred by FIGAS pilot Vic Spencer (on left) and his engineer, Dave Jones, on the shoreline of Stanley Harbour on or about 26.6.51. Just visible, on the newly painted blue fuselage, is the only recently applied winged penguin motif and the first recorded use of the FIGAS acronym.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Taylorcraft Auster - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1939

Ordered as a floatplane by FIDS for an Antarctic rescue mission, Auster 5 VP-FAC is seen at Rearsby in late 8.49 as a landplane. During 9.49 it undertook successful floatplane trials at Beaumaris before going south.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Taylorcraft Auster - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1939

All-yellow Auster 5 floatplane VP-FAC served with FIDS in Antarctica and then with FIGAS until withdrawn due to corrosion in 1953.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Taylorcraft Auster - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1939

A close up of an Auster 5 nose showing the full "Air Services" wording, but it was not until the floatplane version came into service that the acronym "F.I.G.A.S." was applied and entered Falklands vocabulary

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Taylorcraft Auster - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1939

FIGAS pilot Vic Spencer briefing a passenger at Stanley Racecourse airstrip for a flight by G-AJCI to one of the settlements. Of note is the full "Air Services" titling on the engine cowling.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Taylorcraft Auster - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1939

A rather evocative silhouetted view of Norseman 5 VP-FAD and Auster 5 VP-FAC taken from the Stanley Harbour shoreline in 1951 with the uncompleted FIGAS floatplane hangar in the background.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Noorduyn C-64 Norseman - КанадаCanada - 1935Taylorcraft Auster - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1939

On landing at San Carlos settlement on 7.4.49, G-AJCH's mainwheels sank into soft ground and it overturned. The damaged Auster 5 was shipped to Stanley and on to the UK for repair and conversion to a floatplane.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Taylorcraft Auster - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1939

Tucked into FIGAS' floatplane 'Robins Hangar' in Stanley is Norseman 5 VP-FAD which had a very successful career with FIGAS and led to the future purchase of its successor, the DHC-2 Beaver.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Noorduyn C-64 Norseman - КанадаCanada - 1935