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Elegant, imposing and
confidence-inspiring, the three engine JU-52 was VARIG’s "jumbo" by
the end of 30’s and beginning of 40’s. It flew only when the number
of passengers was sufficient and just some of company’s oldest crew
members were able to pilot it. Named “Mauá” and registered as
PP-VAL, it was a metallic aircraft, covered by wavy duralumin plates.
At the time, PP-VAL was one of the speedy aircraft in the fleet and
with it VARIG covered its longer lines, still restricted to Rio
Grande do Sul.
Its cabin had enough space for allocate passengers luggage, who sit
in chairs distributed one by one from each side. The JU-52 also had
its own stairway to passengers embarking and disembarking. Before
VARIG, the JU-52 was operated by South African Airways with an
internal configuration of 17 passengers. VARIG adapted the aircraft
with four more seats, increasing the capacity for 21 passengers.
Only three people piloted the "Mauá": Harald Stunde, Franz Xavier
Greiss and Carlos Ruhl.
After an accident close to Porto Alegre, the aircraft was retired
from service.
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