Transavia was formed in 1964 as a division of Transfield (NSW) Pty. Ltd. one of Australia’s largest construction companies. The PL-12 was derived from the PL-7 Tanker which had been designed by Luigi Pellarini and which first flew in 1956. The PL-7 had been revised and built by Bennett Aviation of New Zealand as the PL-11 (2 built). The PL-12 entered production in 1965 and was subsequently built in several versions including the PL-12U (9 built) which was a six seat general purpose utility version and which made its first flight in 1970. The PL-12-T320 (7 built) was first flown in 1975 powered by a 320hp(238kW) Continental and the PL-12-T300 made its first flight in 1978 powered by a 300hp Lycoming. The PL-12-T300A Skyfarmer was introduced in 1981 and featured a larger cockpit and other improvements. The PL-12-T400 Skyfarmer (4* built) first flew in 1986 powered by a 400hp(298kW) Lycoming and had a maximum take-off weight of 4910lb(2229kg). Examples of the PL-12 remain active in Australia and New Zealand. One example remains active in Serbia where it is known as the PL-12 Kangur.

N12PL                  c/n G575                     Australia

3 seat agricultural aircraft first flown in 1965