VH-BPA (3)  Cessna 182A Skylane                                (c/n  34470)

                                  

                                       In the later 1950s, when currency restrictions were lifted, Bush Pilots Airways began upgrading
                                       its single engine fleet from Auster Autocars to Wichita Span Cans.   The first of these was the
                                       Skylane (ex N3770D) seen above in this nice shot from the Maurice Austin collection.  Bushies
                                       aircraft were named " .something......Star", after, I believe, outback bush stations.  This one was
                                       "Lucky Downs Star".    When a new Skywagon was acquired in 1962 to usurp its registration,
                                       the Skylane was sold off and became VH-PTJ.