THE SKY DIVE Reef, alias the Coral Reef Squadron, is being readied now to drop to the ocean floor off Phuket.

Phuketwan photographed final preparations today at the Ao Makham deep sea port.

Four aircraft rested up on concrete blocks, their wings held down with rope. Helicopters were being shifted by a crane onto a semi-trailer to join them.

The aircraft faced a darkening sky, among the last clouds these veterans will see. Storms could possibly delay their final sortie.

They were readied for the trip to the bottom of the ocean early this year, then the monsoon swept in to cause a long delay.

Legends are likely to be created about this squadron of the lost.

The Thai Diving Association is playing a leading role in the creation of the artificial reef. One volunteer at the docks today told us a remarkable story.

She said that two days ago, a man came down from Bangkok and talked his way past security to reach the docks.

In front of one of the helicopters, the man stood at attention, and sobbed.

When asked what was wrong, he said: ''I was the pilot of this helicopter when it crashed,'' he said. ''The eleven others on board died. I survived.''

There is nothing one can add.

These obsolete fighting machines have been in the sky for decades, and it's said that some were among the first military aircraft used by HM The King.

On the day when the final aircraft goes to the bottom, more stories will be told about the Sky Dive Reef, aka the Coral Reef Squadron.

Former pilots and passengers are expected to come to Phuket for the ceremony.

Today we watched the darkening horizon above the tied-down wings and could not help thinking about the number of hours, days and weeks that these aircraft must have spent up in the clouds, and beyond them.

Their last landing is coming soon. It will not be easy. A lot of planning and effort has gone into the project.

But once they are on the ocean bottom off Bang Tao, tourists will come, the stories of the aircraft will be recounted, and the pressure on Phuket's natural reefs will be lifted a little.

The Sky Dive Reef is a flight of fancy that has excited other destinations: every Phuket beach now wants one.

A timetable for the project was revealed today when Vice Governor Worapot Rattasima met the media.

November 15 A good luck ceremony for Buddhists and Muslims is held at Ao Makham deep sea port

November 16-17 Aircraft moved by crane to the edge of the pier

November 18-22 Preparation and final balance check of the aircraft at the Phuket deep sea port

November 23 Aircraft to be lifted onto work boat then embark for artificial reef site in Bang Tao Bay.

November 24-28 The sinking of three aircraft and six helicopters to the sea bottom

November 29 The final aircraft will be sunk to mark the grand opening of the artificial reef project.

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