So here we go again on the missing serial numbers on AMC aircraft. The above photo of an AMC C-295 © Ian Woodcock was taken on the 14th May at Prestwick, checking a number of sites shows that the serial was a maybe its……. What few of the sites show is that there were two AMC C295’s that day, so which one did you see and although there’s a maybe serial number – which one does it apply to?
One of the reasons for revisiting this, other than the I’m really pissed about it reason. Is that some nice and very knowledgeable spotters have produced a great resource, which negates the need for you to see a serial number – or see a visible hexcode it covers the C-32’s operated by AMC. The web post can be found here and it is a real good read, with seven or eight photographs with a guide to the identifying physical features of each of the C-32’s.
Obviously this change, where the serial numbers are removed from AMC aircraft and the fact that many of them are not broadcasting an ADSB code. Will cause issues for spotters who depend on either of these attributes, they will be missing an aircraft either because there is no way of identifying it or there will be no warning of its arrival or departure. It is a bit like spotting in the 1960’s or 70’s, you are going to have to be there to see it!
Air Mobility Command operate many types of aircraft, the C-5M, C-17, KC-135R, KC-46A, C-295W, C-40A, C-32A/B and C-130H/J probably quite a few others. These are operated by other parts of the USAF, who for the most part seem to be keeping the serial numbers visible – there are no guarantees though. It is likely that people will produce cheat sheets for other types used by AMC, if I find any more I’ll be posting here.