Marc Koelich	March 07, 2004 at 20:07:00
Is this 44-73543? It was reportedly surplused in 1958 (from ANG?), was later purchased by Trans Florida Aviation, and went to Indonesia (after rebuild?) I'm very interested by more information.

Randy Haskin	March 10, 2004 at 05:04:52
I have 44-73543 as a Cavalier F-51 *field modification* in Indonesia, but NOT as a factory rebuild to either civil or military config. TFA may have resold the airframe to the AURI from their stock, though. That background certainly doesn't look like Sarasota!

Robbie Stuart	March 18, 2004 at 08:26:46
44-73543, P-51-25NA, 1958:N5458V, TRANS FLORIDA AVIATION TO INDONESIAN AIR FORCE 1978: RETURN USA, STEPHEN JOHNSON 1980: G-BLYW, CHRIS WARILOW, UK 1986: N800DK, DK PRECISION, WHITTINGTON BROS, FL 1992: N51SB, STEVE BOLANDER "MARY BEAR" 1998: TOM PATTEN, "SWEETIE FACE" NASHVILLE TN, STATUS: FLYING

T J Johansen	May 27, 2004 at 13:56:42
Hi Dick! Is this the photo Allen Lung mentioned(I think)on this forum some time ago? The 51 his uncle or so had bought at Norton AFB? T J Johansen Oslo, NORWAY

John L. Dienst

July 28, 2004 at 07:01:24

For your information, this aircraft was one of several stock military P-51D's exported to Indonesia while an arms embargo was in place during the late 1950's. Informed sources state that Mike Coutches was acting as a purchasing agent for Trans Florida Aviation at this time. Despite the fact that the FAA file on this aircraft was ordered destroyed by the United States government and is not available to confirm this information, Mr. Coutches is the most likely candidate for exporting this surplus Mustang to Indonesia.