New Zealand Military Aircraft Serial Numbers
Saro A-17M Cutty Sark


Serialc/nFate
L3A17/3 The third of the twelve SARO Cutty Sarks to be built, this aircraft's first flight was at Cowes, Isle of Man on 03 March 1930. Final inspection approval was granted 10 March 1930. Aircraft was dismantled and packed in crates and left for New Zealand aboard "SS Mataroa" on 14 March 1930. Arrived Auckland 10 May 1930 and barged to Hobsonville. Assembled between the 16 and 28 May 1930 and taken on first flight in New Zealand by Squadron Leader Isitt at 10 a.m. on 14 June 1930. Witdrawn from service on 01 June 1934 with total flying time of 92 hours 10 minutes, for extensive overhaul. Test flown after overhaul on 13 and 14 November 1934. Final flight 23 November 1936 after which the aircraft was stripped for inspection. It was considered to be beyond repair and written off. Used as instructional airframe from 1937 and scrapped at Hobsonville in late 1930s. During it's service career L3 logged a total of 221 Hours and 5 minutes flying time.

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    Source: AHSNZ Journal August 1975. RNZAF The First Decade by C. Darby.

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    Updated 30th April 2003