At the time, both aircraft were cross-hired to Townsville based flying training and charter company, Aviation College, to provide regular passenger transfers between Townsville and Palm Island as well as general charter operations. It appears the Pipers have since returned to Cairns.
Manufactured in 1974, Piper Chieftain VH-TXK is powered by a pair of Textron-Lycoming TIO-540-J2BD, 6 cylinder piston engines, and while not necessarily specific to TXK, the Piper PA-31-350 is capable of cruising at 210 knots (390 km/h), obtain a service ceiling of 24000 ft (7315 m) and achieve an approximate range of 1630 km.
Manufactured in 1972, Piper Navajo VH-WZS is powered by a pair of Textron-Lycoming TIO-540-E, turbocharged 6 cylinder piston engines, and while not necessarily specific to WZS, the Piper PA-31-310 Navajo B is capable of cruising at 194 knots (359 km/h ), obtain a service ceiling of 24000 ft (7315 m) and achieve an approximate range of 1787 km.
Piper PA-31-350 Chieftain VH-TXK.
Piper PA-31-310 Navajo B VH-WZS.
