Continental Air Service's Pilatus Turbo Porter Landing Up Country in Laos, 1969

Keith Woodcock.Oil on Canvas, 2010.Donated Courtesy of Owen Lee Gossett.Continental Air Service, Inc. (CASI) provided essential contract flying during the war in Southeast Asia in support of the CIA and other US Government organizations. Included in CASI’s fleet was the Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter depicted in the painting. This single-engine turboprop aircraft was known for its unique STOL (short takeoff and landing) capability, making it ideal for “up country” missions operated from primitive dirt landing sites, often flying in poor weather, with few navigational aids, under the constant threat of enemy fire, and in the midst of towering mountains and unforgiving karst formations. CASI played a vital role during the war, delivering food, medicine, and other essential supplies to isolated outposts as well as rescuing downed airmen throughout the war-torn Lao Kingdom. CASI pilot Lee Gossett flew his trusty PC-6 Turbo (shown in the painting with Lao registration XW-PCI) during the late 1960s and early 1970s, fondly recalling, “The old girl brought me home every night.” The painting is a tribute to this historic aircraft and CASI’s support to CIA operations in Southeast Asia.....For more information on CIA history and this painting please visit www.cia.gov ( http://www.cia.gov )