Bristow Sumburgh - End Of An Era

[S61-S92]

After a 36 year presence at Sumburgh Airport in Shetland, Bristow today gave up the lease on the hangar and handed the keys back to the airport owners.

I had the task of handing the place over and having spent a significant part of my Bristow career based there, it was a sad day.

There have been lots of good times and a few bad times, and names and some characters that we will never forget.

There can't be many Bristow guys (and ex Bristow guys!) who haven't "done time" at Sumburgh over the years, and I bet there are some good photos and stories out there, so please share your memories here.

I took a few pics today of how the place now looks... it's a bit run down (a bit like me!) but hasn't changed that much over the years.

If these pics work, I will add some more memories later.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x327/bhl_sumburgh_panoramic_01_585f0a998b0d9ad10fa973190b83869427 8bd439.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/bhl_sumburgh_northhangar_interior_04_dd5d64469c88a3705e79f3b 9521cf8a5f97a00e0.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/bhl_sumburgh_southhangar_exterior02_8064aa9ef0c933f03728abb1 155263b502000436.jpg


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/640x393/lights_out_05_03fca3403c36dddb47d83c5de58de37559a163c1.jpg

Would the last person to leave Bristow Sumburgh please switch the lights out...
Well that'll be me then... EH !

[thorpey]

Please excuse my ignorance, why have Bristow departed from there, has CHC taken over the work or some other company. Thanks, thorpey.

[S61-S92]

Bristow lost the HM Coastguard contract to CHC in 2007, and the two S61N (G-BDOC and G-BCLC) moved on to pastures new.

CHC now operate two Coastguard SAR S92 from their own hangar across the apron.

Bristow temporarily re-opened Sumburgh to support the Scatsta S92 operation whilst their new hangar was being constructed - as this is now up and running there's no requirement for the hangar at Sumburgh.

[S61-S92]

The first aircraft Bristow operated at Sumburgh was a Wessex 60 G-ATCA which operated for Mobil in April 1972 for a couple of months.

In July 72, S61N G-AZRF and Wessex G-ASWI were on site for a short period.

In March 1973 S61N G-AZDC started the continuous presence at Sumburgh.

The south hangar was constructed in 1975, and extended in 1978.

At its peak in 1978, Sumburgh was operating 6 S61N, 7 SA330J Puma and 2 S58ET.

[John Eacott]

At its peak in 1978, Sumburgh was operating 6 S61N, 7 SA330J Puma and 2 S58ET

Plus transient 212's from BEAS off the Brent, after they were bought out by Bristow in 1978 ;)

The shed doesn't look all that different to how it was then: it always impressed me the efforts of the blackhand gang to get the machines turned around overnight and back out for the morning :D

[griffothefog]

Sad day indeed...:{

I wos there in 1978 and it was brilliant craic, it has never been about the location, but the people who make the fondest memories.. and the Bristow gang was as good as you could get :ok:

I had great fun in and out of the Sumburgh club with the likes of Reuben Collins, Ian Hooker (RIP) Steve Armstrong, Magnus Bentley, occasionally putting my life on the line (S58T) with SaSless, Garth Parfitt (RIP mate) and co..:eek:

Guess all things come to an end eventually... seem to remember it wasn't long after that they tried to stop us climbing up rig legs in the fog as well :E

[S61-S92]

No Apologies For The Quality - Scanned From Old 5x3 Prints
Credit To the Original Photographer, Some Were Donated To Me Years Ago!

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x539/azdc_3a5f73bcd7ad3dd189357b0a8795be89d4d9fb67.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x539/bakc_e861dc609384af94c29fc8d8399246bce9f0d5b7.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x558/balz_6e3568ed99e0daed12c03244a484efe0bb3adeca.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x539/bbgs_bb4aa254e3c5aac55b66f4394b99c2ed52d5df12.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x539/bbhl_aa9571ec5005318e316a11f84ebca6fa7082a0b7.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x539/bbva_7b615e900bc91b60caf6f4bfb74351f15d8b72d2.jpg

[Maverick Laddie]

John Eacott :

BEAS had a presence in that shed before the end of that once Wonderful Company in the so called "Buy Out" :{ remember doing a CAA inspection on G-BBBP there 77/78

Mav

[Tail-take-off]

Truly a sad day.

There are some photos of Sumburgh on the "Bristow Photos" (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/287207-bristow-photos.html) thread as well as the skyweaver Shetland base (http://web.archive.org/web/20050116055939/209.196.171.35/bases_shetlands.htm) page which includes some interesting text.

Some of the Skyweaver photos are reproduced below.

http://web.archive.org/web/20040915163010/209.196.171.35/images/shetlands1.jpg

http://web.archive.org/web/20040916223653/209.196.171.35/images/sumbusy.jpg

http://web.archive.org/web/20050116055939/http://209.196.171.35/images/shetlands2.jpg

http://web.archive.org/web/20050116055939/http://209.196.171.35/images/sumburgh1975.jpg

http://gi97.photobucket.com/groups/l229/GIVXG4CHIZ/s58maint1.jpg

http://web.archive.org/web/20050116055939/http://209.196.171.35/images/shetlands3.jpg

http://gi97.photobucket.com/groups/l229/GIVXG4CHIZ/jod8.jpg

http://gi97.photobucket.com/groups/l229/GIVXG4CHIZ/untitled11-2.jpg

Does anyone have any photos of the S61s packed into the hangar in storage, minus their Blades, having been sold to Aerospatiale? They were dragged out on a weekly basis for a ground run.

[S61-S92]

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x539/bclb_0137feeece9b58e1f6843814ed3f40aa3222beb5.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x539/bdij_a0be13033d9cb2a314310c0e89b1e002cc2e65c0.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x581/bdoc_7133eea9119c4a1e4953bf1eb518c03c1415896b.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x517/bfeu_61d4be29be054b95f51f000fad137e25f92a657e.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x540/bfjx_a3a7fce1eeab1f402af67ec5e3da778f19fb3324.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x517/bfkz_5dda6ed32c7478fb52db65be7cfc9e33ff427316.jpg

[thorpey]

Is that the very same 'IJ' before she became a SAR bird down south?

[S61-S92]

Yep, the very same India Juliet ... which now sits dormant at Bristow Aberdeen after a few months in Gran Canaria operating in a SAR role for Inaer/Helicsa.

[Tail-take-off]

It is also the same Oscar Charlie before becoming the first LN450 equiped S61 and a Shetland celebrity in it's own right.

[S61-S92]

I have lots more pictures still to come, including of course, dear old Oscar Charlie!


Tail-Take-Off - We are working on getting pics of the 10 S61 in Storage line-up!


If anyone has pictures of Bristow Sumburgh please post them, or pass them on to me and I can scan and return them.

Send me a pm

Harky

[Fareastdriver]

The Bristow machines and the British Airways machines used to be lined up either side of the taxiway in front of their respective hangers. I remember my briefing from Dave Cramp when I first started operating there.
"If it's tight taxi closer to their line so that if you have a blade strike you take out one of theirs too."

One abiding memory.
My very first civilian pilot-in-command flight. Allocated a flight, briefed the co-pilot, was presented with and signed the tech log, went out to my S330J, climbed into the cockpit and discovered that there were NO radios or nav aids in it. Just holes in the centre pedestal.

Coming back late one evening from the basin. Usual stuff, pitch black, lousy viz, VFR at 300 feet. Had to hold because of a Trotter trying to land with the crosswind. We were circling on the coast just where Bristow rented a house. (Boddom?) and the radalt kept lighting up on the 200ft bug. Eventually the Trotter gave up and diverted somewhere. He was cleared to call Scottish and off he went. That was it. There was no answer when I called the tower or approach, nor could Bristow Ops get one. I had been forgotten about so I stumbled off towards the airfield and fortunately the cloudbase and viz perked up.
We used the north/south runway and as we were half way down finals we could see these lights going on progressively up the stairwell of Air Traffic. A breathless voice came up with our callsign, we called finals and were cleared to land.
Should have complained about it really but in those days who cared.

[nessboy]

Where is Phil Kemp when we need him?, he will have a pictures of the 10 61s.

[S61-S92]

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x526/bfmy_f6bc7d4180b4e170f33eb9aeec1d27a671f51416.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x603/bfri_b09df069cddc56e7c5facbf2cac0c119c1130c42.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x548/bgwj_441b199d3505b0c12bc0de5ea91b1f4d7cabd6a2.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x537/bgwk_865178c570cf956aa4ed1b3c70b618dd0d7088e5.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x537/bhof_0b19df24c4345d5aebdd0e7a80488db180b376f6.jpg

[Phil Kemp]

Why, I'm right here sitting in the ferry line up for Bowen Island in Vancouver reading this thread! :ok:

What a sad day, truly the end of an era - and the location where so many of us started our careers and made friendships that have lasted a lifetime. It is pretty amazing to see it come to an end. I am actually quite shocked to see this news and the pictures.

I do indeed have many pictures of the 10 S61's that we picked up there and shipped out to the States. Unfortunately I don't have any with me to scan right now - if I had read this a couple of hours ago, I would have taken them out of the office with me, as I am going to be in Sumburgh next weekend. I just saw one of them (ex G-BDKI) 2 weeks ago, flying at the Sikorsky factory with a beautiful glass cockpit installed!

Some of the best pictures that were taken of that programme were by Malcolm Bradbury who worked in the tower - he had some superb images of all the goings on at LSI.

I have so many great memories of all the people that I was so fortunate to work with over the years there - of course a large number of them are still around and I get to see them every now and then.

I'll be at Helitech next week, so do stop by the Vector booth and say hi if any of the old Sumburgh crew are there. The rest I'll see in Shetland at the weekend. I might even buy the beer.

[nessboy]

Hi Phil hope to catch you for beer next weekend.

cheers nessboy.

[Plank Cap]

Many a happy day spent as a boy hanging around Sumburgh in the late 70s. Went on to fly offshore with the opposition for ten years, now driving the B777 in the desert for my sins..........

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MFLwguG4A-g/SXclu7egThI/AAAAAAAAAf8/GQCKUmdumZ4/s512/S61N%20Bristow%201977%20Sumburgh.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MFLwguG4A-g/SXclzFwFfaI/AAAAAAAAAgM/g1xvaivyxIo/s512/Bristow%20Sumburgh%201977.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MFLwguG4A-g/SXcl3YU8e2I/AAAAAAAAAgo/he3ao3FHU6I/s512/Bristow%20SA330J%20Puma%20Sumburgh%201977.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MFLwguG4A-g/SXcl2U-2CTI/AAAAAAAAAgg/9VLweUUXgvY/s512/Sumburgh%201977.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_MFLwguG4A-g/SXclsDfQVCI/AAAAAAAAAfs/NHlwEGucISk/S61N%20BAH%201977%20Water%20Ldg.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MFLwguG4A-g/SXclz4z27EI/AAAAAAAAAgU/AdMKOitucfE/Sumburgh%20Head%201977.jpg

[S61-S92]

Great Pics Plank Cap, would love to see these a bit bigger (800 pixels across the top max).

I can just picture all the Sumburgh "old boys" with their noses pressed against the computer screen trying to read the registrations :)

Not many now without the old spectacles in the top pocket :8

[S61-S92]

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x517/s92a_01_2a5102e33ca42dd05f6ebcecb41266e4b7c49691.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x397/s92a_02_93a8324638b1523539f4e49b9fc03bdfc5c8ea11.jpg

[S61-S92]

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x534/tigj_434a14fd279e29582bdd88cf138e89a5eaab0c28.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x593/s58et_7b6558709221e957262dc611ca61a5ef5943113f.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x548/puma_sumburgh_e077e841a4f2e231f0990b98cb509025ba08c3c4.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x516/blxr_ffc588179dd48e14da861ae3a363369334144807.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x538/bkjd_759bc105b435e1d41b0482c6ac001898f9c4da7f.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x536/bfvi_4a4bfeb2276690ea6fe1e2527ea9462da70a872f.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x541/bcdf_6538a7f92138b10ff63c78acd9d2a92b9cbb34fe.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x479/bcdg_7e09766c65dbbe87f481757d9f6b9b2186809200.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x516/bdoc_03_971dacf44e0420732a53827acfbcd00bef61d0e6.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x455/bdoc_01_e43014a5c78604df8b82b72236280fdb8cadd44c.jpg

[S61-S92]

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x544/bbhl_03_9a07cc41bd3f9fcf2361e2d95727464ad254df2a.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x529/sumburgh_6_30cfd4160f46b8906dd087516e77c2328d8ae405.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x548/bdoc_02_71adc235998faa7617a8acd4d75f88d62bc24c95.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x559/bfer_1123e451a962d3bf4b0d6b006655a5dd941fdb11.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x663/sumburgh_20_0f32232f58a64832ad60ac0012b9d4b727df35d8.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x542/bbhl_02_2461c921401dc1ebb3abcb4cc5bb223fa5f2000a.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x541/sumburgh_9_af1a89921c2e3eafab1784579abbf030baed56c9.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x559/bclc_01_8de0e9adb975484e2c89b4b34a86e5b44e702011.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x604/sumburgh_19_e25cbdc235ddfe129c1992d05ebb0eb6bfd77c76.jpg

[shetlander]

All I can say is that I am Loving the Pictures.

Keep em coming.

[S61-S92]

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x547/bdil_07007a0510e89338d6ae8f1f4b0939a617580ed5.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x534/bdoc_08_aaa6964c9f3c0ac1a6b48e4fbb223ff1d7fafef3.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x550/bdoc_05_9ba6f3d8a36ae03e40327ec878440da30114e734.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x487/bfeu_02_fea859d86e725e3a5daa4dd7c57c0e1f1a20b164.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x539/bhof_02_17df84b6ce634ccddc857a752aa6110cf1d77078.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/bhl_sumburgh_northhangar_interior_03_77483e0f0920267ade79a94 5f0a549f1db1b4eae.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x516/bhog_02_ccec7c1ec9634eeda720d94ba45a3e3272f0f74a.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x534/bdoc_07_540f7ca70f9e210dda95a96554ab040e91bf0957.jpg

[Scotsheli]

G-TIGJ is still on the islands - albeit 45 miles north...just for now!

[S61-S92]

Yes, Golf Juliet is an old girl now

... in fact only last week, I saw her sitting in the hangar dribbling :)
and being tended to by a Welsh & Australian Nursing Team ;)

[uuoret]

Worked in Ops with Ian Hooker (RIP) and an Australian lady in 1978, having come up from Teesside after working with the S58's on the Ekofisk. Noticed earlier post advising Garth Parfitt is no longer with us - can someone pm me details - I did some marvellous flying with him.

Other chaps I remember are Gordon Woods, Al Streeter, Roger Fisher, Graham Davies and old Tom(forgotten his second name), last 2 being Ops. I have a few pics of Sumburgh too - will post after I've scanned them.

Most memorable flight ever was flying through the valley on Hoy, then around the Old Man in SA330 G-BFNF on my delivery flight from ABZ to LSI!

[3D CAM]

This really has brought back some memories, some sad, some happy.. some very happy.:D There are just too many names and characters to go through, Engineering, Aircrew and Ops!! Lots of people no longer with us and RIP to them.
I thought Sumburgh would go on forever but it seems not.:confused:

uuoret... The aussie lady was big Steph and Tom was maybe Tom McCarthy, a real gentleman and also now no longer with us.

Harky... thanks for posting the pictures, it looks really sad in that hangar, just how did we get all those aircraft in?? I'll bet there are a few "ghosts" wandering around there and on their way up to the Club!
3D

[Phil Kemp]

Never forget the Portapub! :ok:

Now that was great fun at the tower as the Silver Wings club; then at the back of the British Airways hangar. Cheap beer and you could hardly get in the door on a busy night!

[SASless]

Let's not forget the "Colditz" where the interior walls did not always reach the exterior walls.....leaving little to the imagination about what was going on in the adjoining rooms. Some interesting stories to be told I reckon!

Phil.....was there ever a "slow" night at the club???

[Tail-take-off]

uuoret

Al Streeter now lives in Cyprus. There is a of photo of him on the Bristow Photos thread here (http://www.pprune.org/5141532-post957.html) & his biog is here (http://www.flyingmarines.com/Biographies/1961-1970/Streeter.htm).

Roger Fisher left BHL to join BIA & when they wound up he moved to British Midland. He & his wife, Alva, Moved to South Africa upon his retirement a few years ago.

There are a number of Sumburgh faces on the Bristow photos Thread (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/287207-bristow-photos.html).

[Tynecastle]

Sad to hear that it is all closed down, lots of great memories of Sumburgh, plus a few hazy ones.
Don't think that getting into the Portapub was a problem, getting out of it was on a few occasions, what I liked about it, that apart from Bristow and BAH, you also got the local characters in as well so it made for a great atmosphere, don't think the new club was ever as good, offcourse there was a lot more people around then, mind you the Bristow bar in the hotel had some great nights.
Nessboy. You probably spend a fair bit of time now on standby next door, maybe you should use it to organize a reunion, think about it when you have a beer with Phil at the weekend.

[S61-S92]

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/640x425/jun14_32_a1332b4f69c14c2c9c4d6912e3148c1794f7e29f.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/640x480/pc270008_9cf7370d9e15475f957766f89604b1ba0864684e.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/640x480/pict0152_9c5bc87606e2ced6efd9afbdc33791504d37f5e3.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/640x480/pict0156_2351744275eb8a1ba5550e89d3cb3cac61a9579a.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/640x480/pict0157_bbdf3cb44835649969f8208ab13adb2824b2372c.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/640x480/pict0088_2b9f822b7136b0bcad645e9b1d17de0022715166.jpg

[Tail-take-off]

Wow, a glass cockpit. OC was purely steam driven when I flew it.

[Bath Bonnie]

How very sad to see, Shetland lost something when Oscar Charlie went, now the total closure too, it seems that everything that was Shetland is dissapearing, and there's still worse to come!
I had a fantastic flight in Oscar Charlie arranged by Norman Leask a few years ago, he and Simon Butler flew me over places I would never have seen, I will never forget that flight, Norman or O.C., infact I have a greyhound named after Oscar Charlie.
Thanks again Norman.
I'm glad I moved off a few years ago, sad to see the heart being ripped out of the isles, so much going on (wrong)
Regards to every-one,
Terry

[peeriebreeks]

Ah well... out with the old.. in with the new!:ok:

[industry insider]

Many happy days spent in Sumburgh on the old S61 in 1980-82. Normally living in Hardbreaks (no 9 was the transit itinerant house for us Aberdeen detatchees)

Lived with Eddie Ford and David Stephens on one 2 week hitch, I think I still have a headache nearly 30 years later!

I also remember flying with Michel Z to "ze Sistle" for BNOC

What was M'hat M'coat's real name, Gordon.?

Happy days

[griffothefog]

M'Hat, M'Coat.... Gordon Mitchell, must be nearly old by now :}

[ambidextrous]

I hope I spelt that correctly!
A sad day indeed. I first arrived in Sumburgh in March 1975 with B212 G-BARJ, operated by BEAS on behalf of Viking Piper, the first fully computerised laybarge in the N.Sea laying the Ninian pipeline to Unst.
I seem to recall being hangared in half a hangar shared with Loganair's Islander at the time. I also recall the Loganair Chief Pilot possessed an extremely attractive daughter or am I having a senior moment!
Far from climbing up the Brent legs we had to climb down them as the helipads were at the sea surface not having been positioned on the top at that time.
I also recall an S61 pilot, company unremembered saying that we, BEAS that is, should be booted off the airfield as we were taking the bread from their mouths! A sad statement then as now.
Nights in 'Colditz' and the largest concrete portacabin on the island are now only dimly remembered although I do recall Johny Grantham RIP being hauled out of the bar along with Ian Leslie (hotel manager) to fly a medevac mission at some late/early hour to the VP barge!
Happy days indeed,
with fraternal greetings,
ambi:ok:

[C.C.C.]

First operated out of Sumburgh in 1981 as a junior co-pilot flying G-BFEU for BNOC to the Thistle & Stena Seaspread. Will always remember the following story.

One of my Captains was the late Ron Miles. He always did the radio (FM in those days) to the Thistle radio room and ordered a packet of biscuits, and always did the helideck turnaround. Took me several days, after not getting any biscuits to eat, to work out that this was Ron's secret code for a box of 200 cigarettes. G-BFEU had the Aerospatiale VIP cabin interior (which lead to the BHL Tiger interior), and had a convenient hiding place for said box of 200.

This tradition later continued on the Tiger when I flew with Ron out of Aberdeen.

28 years later I returned to Sumburgh as a co-pilot again, although changed the SA330J for an SK92.

And the Ghost is still alive at 'Colditz'.

[industry insider]

I also used to fly with Ron on the 332 from Aberdeen to the Thistle. Ron used to make me take half his "biscuits" and put them in my pockets while he had the other 5 packs. We would rendezvous in the planning room and I would hand them over to him. The Thistle HLO was called "Tosh" and he would usually have biscuits already in the HLO shack ready to pick up.

One of the great characters was "Uncle" Ron, I learned a lot from him and remember him with great respect, he and his wife were dear friends.

[Droopy]

An afternoon session in the Craighaar Hotel bar with Ron was an educational experience. It certainly taught me a lesson :ouch:

[he1iaviator]

Wot, no tools?

Ron inbound to Sumburgh in a 330J in 1979

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z78/he1iaviator/Bristow/NoToolsRonMileshaslunchonthewayback.jpg

[griffothefog]

Can confirm an afternoon session at the Craighar bar with Ron and co was a real head spinner :eek:

Other rogues lurking with pints in hand included Eddie Ford, Dave Stevens, Steve Ford, and a few other names that escape my booze riddled grey cells now that nature has allowed me old bones to pass the 50 mark :ok:

Ron was a truly wonderful fella, and the full story of his family is a tragic one..:(

My brother dated his daughter for quite a while, so his story is close to my heart.... One of the original gentlemen pilots.....:ok:

[S61-S92]

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x564/nb_4_20f8f2228eaed9a40b0df7f76f9d153a6af89882.jpg
G-BERG - First SA330J Based at Sumburgh (Dec 77)
Peter Hutchison, Lawrie Moar, Graham Moir, Ian Nelson, Chris Jackson, Hugh Whitfield and Cliff Saffron

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x782/nb_1_282ba368ddf12d875ac020b8b37e7646fe45ad87.jpg
Peter Moar & Bob Simpson, board G-BCLC to rescue S58ET G-BCDG which made an "unscheduled fuel stop" on Fair Isle

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x814/nb_5_2dd205d6f52550de7bdd5e7baebd2172e01e1844.jpg
Dick Jones, Bob Simpson, S58ET Pilot Bob Griffiths and Peter Moar

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x631/nb_6_5681076948d2e6eab019f7bcc695960048563b6a.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x658/nb_3_bdd572cb448c3d343e7240b5a1549058d027bc1a.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x551/nb_2_204d5b1126314f8a87fff864e1a75d1be9d15e26.jpg
Wot ! No Accordion Peter !!!!

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x599/nb_8_8acdb4bae3d79812a502ea9abadf50f0ba715d73.jpg
Dave MacKay

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x534/nb_7_16644705e44fd82d890e275db3fc1feee8af3c66.jpg
Sandy Duncan, Jimmy Ridland, Geordie Munro & Martin Colvin having their 10'o'clocks

[SASless]

Griffo....I seem to recall you wearing diapers whenn I wuz in the Shetlands! But then drinking age laws were loosely enforced there as I recall!

[S61-S92]

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x493/sum_7_fe31df501626c48b102f5bd526aa7d09d2626322.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x506/sum_6_546449347ddb786b33509623a915917d49220ff5.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x491/sum_5_63b60e62844c393660d927778ad93f4a22381392.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x491/sum_3_e29f6bb2679c425f1775b51a863334fe74ed472d.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x491/sum_4_e343ff09c44c1a34104770232ae07882be0e938b.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x563/sum_2_74d4985aefb50bd7e613d7e41ef68c26f7138638.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x563/sum_1_2521edb2a3da709986245a1f81d24c76f893174d.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x525/pb_9_de049b6ffa34509bd8c37c0b2f20e96020a8fdf5.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x458/jwpc_8_6a8f7b90dcfcca7897126c3d64b00b00dc801e8d.jpg

[S61-S92]

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/640x480/pict0046_5a15f021a6c39edb32c17aab19395ba6f7dc54ef.jpgThe Final Roll Call of staff based at Sumburgh at the end of the SAR contract

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/pict0079_c81a6c092dfb13dfc25b62d0f8473b37f2c23593.jpg
Terry Mooney

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/pict0162_e75df9cb9817cc84e6f81ec95de7c5ee55504d00.jpg
Donald McDermott & Gerald Flaws

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x531/mar14_07_118a09a8125949b42b93d65388d9cb3d73dce599.jpg
John Boulton

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x531/jun14_26_7d1911926545b7043f7df25cc349a9668ab4ccf4.jpg
Peter Hutchison & Peter Manson

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x531/jun14_33_fba6f6e7b5a5026aa95f1a9f7351220a79bd3820.jpg
Mark Jackson

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/pict0129_fc9a2de885774f8f58d875956e7729d95ff42f4c.jpg
Gerald Flaws & Andy McAlister

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/pict0149_ccf2de208d3341154ec533282eac1506480f30cf.jpg
Geordie Munro & Eoin Harcus

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/pict0140_89018a82a5655e045337072089899bc14c89f99c.jpg
Gordon Rae & Jim Livett being taken forcefully from behind :eek:

[212man]

Is that Mat Lucas in the group photo? ;)

[S61-S92]

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/600x880/sumburgh_12_b8560ea89b877024aaeda97dff52b195a642bdf1.jpg
Kieran Murray

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x613/sumburgh_18_0016ad9b0dfdf308f4597e643a975d0222556208.jpg
Mike Hallums

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x534/sumburgh_party01_79ebbf4fac40d5339d883b87789bece8395d210e.jp g
Gerald Flaws, Jonathan Shelbourne and Tony Jones

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x530/sumburgh_16_43ad0678725b893a157eb445721f55d8455ab99a.jpg
Tony Jones observing typical party behaviour from Geordie Munro & Kieran Murray

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/600x898/sumburgh_17_b02e554270a543bbfbeb0bf659ab1acf3338df01.jpg
Rare picture of Geordie showing Gerald the contents of his wallet

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x534/sumburgh_party02_fe7dd0b4f644cc54a6e939060c8a0bc45edde150.jp g
Trust Binnie to get in the picture !!!

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/600x724/pilots_01_fac3749d8331e8b27325fe168ec51744c9f4a462.jpg

John Rawlings & Glennda Oldbury (seems like a nice boy!) :eek:

[212man]

I last saw John in July as he was (very kindly) flying me to Hong Kong in his Virgin Atlantic A340. As I recall, his prospective choice of bar companions for his stay there were rather more attractive that Glenda :ok:

[The 185 Radial]

A few from me

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk40002.jpg
July/August 1988

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk70026.jpg
Hoy, Coastguard famil 2nd March 1990

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk70008.jpg
Mr Murray
14th March 1990

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk70025.jpg
14th March 1990

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk70021.jpg
'Bristow Rover' 17th May 1990

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0008BookothersBristow.jpg
19th April 1989

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0009BookothersBristow.jpg
23rd April 1989

[S61-S92]

Brilliant stuff! 185 Radial ,
Welcome aboard and keep the pics coming !:ok:


I Just knew some pics of Biggly Bob would appear before too long :)

[The 185 Radial]

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0038a.jpg
On Peter Hutch's boat, April 1989


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0035Bristow.jpg
Off Boddam, April 1990

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0027Bristow.jpg
Scalloway, Lifeboat Day?

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0011Bristow.jpg
Dave Ellis 19 April 1989

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0003Bristow.jpg
Mr Murray 29 June 1987...I think

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0037Bristow.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0025Bristow.jpg
Coastguard Famil Hoy 2nd March 1990

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0030Bristow.jpg
Mr Murray, Norman Leask right hand seat


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0032Bristow.jpg
Winching onto the Claire...Fire Service Excercise 22nd April 1989

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0028Bristow.jpg
Landing on....HMS Dumbarton Castle13 February 1990

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0029Bristow.jpg
Dumbarton Castle 13 February 1990

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0004Bristow-1.jpg
Mr Murray

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0010Bristow.jpg
'Bristow Rover'...in colour. Martin I recollect?

[The 185 Radial]

Mr Murray 10 December 1990

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk90005.jpg
10 Deceember 1990

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk90004.jpg
Compass Swing on heli 24/06 11 October 1990?

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk90003.jpg
11 October 1990?

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk90002.jpg
October 1989?? As I recollect the pilot was flying VFR from Norway and basically flew west until he sighted land and then south until he saw the airfield in atrocious wx conditions.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk90001.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk80004.jpg
Scalloway Lifeboat Day 12 July 1990

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk80003.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk80002.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk80001.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk70005.jpg
13 February 1990

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk70009-1.jpg
19 April 1990

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0001.jpg
Dumbarton Castle

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0002A.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0004.jpg
Aith Lifeboat 29th June 1987

[nessboy]

Nice Pics 185, did you have a beard way back then?

[The 185 Radial]

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk90006-1.jpg
Mr Murray 10 December 1990

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0002.jpg
Dinghy Drill 19 April 1990

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0001-2.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/0006.jpg
Dave Ellis and Keiran Murray

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk80007.jpg
Dave Ellis at the Clickimin

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0007BookothersBristow-1.jpg
Peter hutch's boat

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0002BookothersBristow.jpg
I wouldn't want to be accused of slander but I think this may have been a junior co-pilots car which if memory serves me correctly confronted the corner of the abbatoir at Boddam Voe? 5 June 1988

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0001BkothersBristow.jpg
Boddam/Bristow sports day 20 June 1987

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0006.jpg
Dave Ellis November 1989

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0003.jpg
Tiger that declared an Emergency 26 June 1987

[The 185 Radial]

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0009.jpg
29 September 1986

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0010.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0012.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0013.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0015.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0016.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0019.jpg

The following taken on the 13 January 1988.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0003-1.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0006-1.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0008.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0010-1.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0009-1.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0004-1.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0001-3.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMG0002-1.jpg

[griffothefog]

SASless,

I may have been "cherry arsed and angel faced" back then, but that was part of my charm in certain quarters :E

To put your weary cells at peace and in the interest of licensees all over Shetland, I was in fact 18 in 1976 :ok:

When was your last tour in Sumburgh and who was chief pilot?

[SASless]

Griffo.....one should not ask trick questions of the elderly young fellow!

Last tour.....gee...must have been the trip I made land fall in the fog on the big island after doing a circuit about one of the small islands....then hover mosey'd along until I found myself perched on the end of the runway quite by luck.

I will have to check my log book to be certain....we were doing the Ninian Shuttle with the 58T's....and yer Dad wuz doing carpenter work yet on the house and we were enjoying yer Mum's cooking!

Chief Pilot..... that shall remain a mystery!

[S61-S92]

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/pc270004_211fd7743737b4ebcf69c932da1ac976103e9147.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/pict0155_7fe1d956e07ab60bc5dcad8172e48224f5e913c2.jpg


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/pict0154_e11c82d8b2bb5663b6e7a890e8f03b5ae05fc27c.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/pict0150_3816bcc1eb4bd8158ccbc1616170af3fab9230c8.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/pict0158_fc1cc304c19f779e01d3e2327ed089b1c2b17fe0.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/pict0163_bed062ba6dde4640f580c3cd09349ae897579dc4.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/pict0084_dfabe546186d88500f9f48b35986a2f781a70a60.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/pc270003_0dedc7087914886a07558320cda7ea841358923b.jpg

[griffothefog]

SAS,

I knew you had gone senile :E

I'll make sure I get my sailing ticket before I come over :ok:

[bigglesbutler]

It's amazing to see the change over the years as things mature, and not just the aircraft. I have some photos of more recent Sum SAR characters, I will try and dig them out.

Thanks to all those who have helped me along the way during my time in sunny Sumburger, and all the things they taught me too.

Fly safe.

Si

[TipCap]

Hi Simon

Nice to hear from you again.

Reading this is Haverfordwest where I will be moving to soon. Finally decided to hang up the gloves and enjoy retirement.

I remember being detached to Sumburgh in 1973. We used to live in the Scalloway Hotel up by Lerwick and drive to and from Sumburgh every day.

I also seem to remember that I did the the first BHL SAR job escorting a Bond S76A in with engine probs. Struggled to keep up. Its Captain was one Ash Llewellyn-Thomas (RIP)

I will have to read PPrune more often as my suggestion to BHL Management to keep us Retirees in the link with what is going on in the Company seems to fallen on deaf ears. The quarterly mag would be nice...........

John

[SASless]

Griffo,

No sailing ticket needed....pack yer sea bag and come on over!

[S61-S92]

TipCap

You can keep up to date as the Bristow Newsletter Magazines are available for download here

Newsletters - Bristow Group In The News - bristowgroup.com (http://www.bristowgroup.com/bristow-news/latest-news/newsletters/)

:ok:

[TipCap]

Thanks Harky :)

[soouthmoother]

One evening Ron stuck his head in the starboard cabin door, whilst I was doing a Check A on RG, I think it was. He happed to have "lost" a box of 200 down the port side of the back seat, behind the first aid kit. After couple of hours fiddling I pulled them out of the flat aerial mount, centre-rear of the fuselage bottom. On handing them back later, I stuck a note on the box, having bladetaped a smuggle hole behind the first aid kit.
[Well, better safe than sorry]. As he taxied RG up next day, Ron smirked out of the window and mouthed eight hundred.

Fast forward few years to ABZ. RG on ad-hoc. Ron driving and mainly me on spanners. The 800 hole still going strong. Then one dropped on a rig off Miri and I was off on a panic ferry flight to get RG there [was it RG ?]. End of the smuggle hole era. 1987 left ABZ. 2009 still in Devon making soap machinery and flogging it all over the place. Never will forget Ron.

[Fareastdriver]

800 holes and all that.

I don't know why people bothered. I always brought my 200 cigs in on the nav board for everybody to see. Never had a problem, Aberdeen or Sumburgh.

When I was on the S76 in the beginning, single pilot in summer, I would break the carton and and tuck five packs into each flying suit trouser pocket. Over time a hole had worn in one of them. I was walking back to the line office at Aberdeen when the old lady customs officer who was regularly on site called me over to tell me I was losing my cigarettes. I looked behind and there was this trail of Benson & Hedges across the pan. I thanked her, picked them up and carried on.

[Hedski]

Couldn't resist joining in. There are lots of photos, I couldn't decide what to leave out so I'm posting the majority. Enjoy.:}

27/12/06: Creche Commanders Grant and Whyte flying 'LC' on airtest with 'OC' ready to scramble.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudS9KBA-MI/AAAAAAAAAlc/nQ-XgioizQU/s640/SUMSAR44.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudUWOXmOrI/AAAAAAAAAlo/9Wqy-2JcmfQ/s640/SUMSAR46.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudUWPAZoHI/AAAAAAAAAls/oeHxCNDbmy0/s640/SUMSAR47.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudUWBWr4VI/AAAAAAAAAlw/L7BeM2ghZOI/s640/SUMSAR48.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudUWetqSeI/AAAAAAAAAl0/8eIIo5IlkI4/s640/SUMSAR49.JPG

Also former Bristow pilot Ian McDill airtesting G-ATFM for BIH who were using Bristow's hangar at the time.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudS9WFZc6I/AAAAAAAAAlg/OJ7a9NTL_l4/s640/SUMSAR45.JPG

07/02/07: Snowy Sumburgh
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudPYQTlG2I/AAAAAAAAAis/vYzIEu6tDnc/s720/SUMSAR2.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudPYqUVRRI/AAAAAAAAAiw/oEkoW1cIDaI/s720/SUMSAR3.JPG
Paul Whyte looking suspicious, maybe he forgot to check the weather...:p
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudPYgBEJ0I/AAAAAAAAAi0/b87lruoNTTE/s512/SUMSAR4.JPG
Welcome to my orofice.;)
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudPYwj8WsI/AAAAAAAAAi4/iA0yN-X3u6g/s512/SUMSAR5.JPG

15/05/07: John McIntyre 'running in' to the stern of the Caledonian Victory.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudPwDCfAxI/AAAAAAAAAjA/VvT8TPItrwQ/s720/SUMSAR7.JPG

[Hedski]

16/05/07: Tommy Andersson and Shiner Wright arriving for detachment to support the NW Hutton decommission project.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudPwX3sHCI/AAAAAAAAAjE/Gw4P6vdRZy4/s720/SUMSAR8.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudPwbJRGgI/AAAAAAAAAjI/LwIMltsv-dc/s720/SUMSAR9.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudPwvQAzaI/AAAAAAAAAjM/u9ZCrlbqn5Q/s720/SUMSAR10.JPG

15/06/07: MALM Turnbull (to use his preferred title) in relaxed pose (coiled spring indeed) with yours truly visible up front.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudQPhazhRI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/JuBjccpAvS0/s720/SUMSAR11.JPG
Tony looking down on Quoys, Lerwick (that'll be us orbiting Jobs Grant's new gaff....AGAIN!!!!) ***I must pay tribute to Tony who has recently battled cancer and returned to tensioning the wire all the while performing his grandfatherly duties. That's determination!:ok:***
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudQPtGbSjI/AAAAAAAAAjU/sXqW1jtD0Cs/s720/SUMSAR12.JPG
I used to wonder why people said I looked shady..........
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudQP1Q0TXI/AAAAAAAAAjY/wiDJHiSvbS8/s720/SUMSAR13.JPG

17/06/07: 'OC' on standby apres the wash with 'LC' behind and BIH's G-BFFJ providing the support to the NW Hutton decommissioning crews.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudQPwCM-bI/AAAAAAAAAjc/rF3Pddov-ZA/s720/SUMSAR14.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudQP9M_oTI/AAAAAAAAAjg/KHQb3tiDjQM/s720/SUMSAR15.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudQtGLwNgI/AAAAAAAAAjo/N3TSmeds_6o/s720/SUMSAR16.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudQtEylgjI/AAAAAAAAAjs/7pDlQYaW0Ss/s720/SUMSAR17.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudQtFJWoOI/AAAAAAAAAjw/ZIaUWBIzEcA/s720/SUMSAR18.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudQtSLzhrI/AAAAAAAAAj0/WdfJh4MbiiM/s720/SUMSAR19.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudQtRAE2DI/AAAAAAAAAj4/H-tLFCyo-Lw/s720/SUMSAR20.JPG

[Hedski]

18/06/07: Gama King Air G-SASC parked on the Air Ambulance spot outside the Bristow hangar, the crews sometimes came in for a mug'o'cha.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudRFWSr7kI/AAAAAAAAAj8/sBdP-ODtgwE/s720/SUMSAR21.JPG

19/06/07: The day of my last official SAR shift in Sumburgh.
John Mc poling 'OC' around the Saipem 7000 off Lerwick, it was an enormous piece of kit.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudRFoCpUyI/AAAAAAAAAkE/Kv2ByORrxXY/s720/SUMSAR23.JPG
The duty crew that day: back (l-r) John Thomson, Terry Mooney, front (l-r) John Mc, et Moi.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudRF-Wb6MI/AAAAAAAAAkI/cTmptkyH88w/s720/SUMSAR24.JPG
Former Bristow Sumburgh pilot Ptoly Mortimer taxiing BIH's G-BFFJ to depart for the NW Hutton.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudRFov_qZI/AAAAAAAAAkA/LYSanAyp59M/s720/SUMSAR22.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudRF_8SvlI/AAAAAAAAAkM/0wnQfGJclxQ/s720/SUMSAR25.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudRjP9qc3I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/rzfCwqBbYnM/s720/SUMSAR26.JPG

14/01/08: FFWD and it's night stops with S92's from Scatsta to facilitate building the new hangar there. G-IACD fresh from Connecticut.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudRjF2R1CI/AAAAAAAAAkU/-WlV16NbYOU/s720/SUMSAR27.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudRjZ4PN0I/AAAAAAAAAkY/kJtBOQ6_-Ok/s720/SUMSAR28.JPG

18/03/08: Ian Gault leading 'The Glove' (Alan Price if you've lived under a rock) by the hand during early morning start.:E
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudRjfpjEGI/AAAAAAAAAkc/6qI_hdEaTWI/s720/SUMSAR29.JPG

[Hedski]

25/06/08: The retirees, all of which as far as I'm aware are now firefighting in Lebanon.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudRjXxJsPI/AAAAAAAAAkg/jS4QIkbJjHs/s720/SUMSAR30.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudR7WU85YI/AAAAAAAAAko/E_0lUHPCbNc/s720/SUMSAR31.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudR7STyG_I/AAAAAAAAAks/PAFV_AqWP5U/s720/SUMSAR32.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudR7jd_t6I/AAAAAAAAAkw/PpRDM65Zjsw/s720/SUMSAR33.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudR7inpBDI/AAAAAAAAAk0/P4IpM9oie2w/s720/SUMSAR34.JPG
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudR7ow-H5I/AAAAAAAAAk4/MfQAGj0WDok/s720/SUMSAR35.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudSYh4zTHI/AAAAAAAAAk8/O9Sw5Vn1GQI/s720/SUMSAR36.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudSY_JHYxI/AAAAAAAAAlA/VbuhZGKHcHE/s720/SUMSAR37.JPG

12/02/09: Another 92 night stopper with 'Coastguard 100' departing in the background flown by former Bristow pilot Martin Naylor.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudSZNLqtfI/AAAAAAAAAlI/pGTk9smDLJ0/s720/SUMSAR39.JPG

13/02/09: A cold snowy bloody early start for the triplets.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudSZJlw-0I/AAAAAAAAAlM/AOwqU87iCO0/s720/SUMSAR40.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudS9OFJt1I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/UPkF14Q_fsA/s720/SUMSAR41.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudS9Eh-xhI/AAAAAAAAAlU/7K4eXo4EGp0/s720/SUMSAR42.JPG

31/05/09: Groundhog, I mean groundrun Sunday with CG100 on standby.:E
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w_5_4VqAnXM/SudS9P4NWvI/AAAAAAAAAlY/WCtMJsgNRnk/s720/SUMSAR43.JPG

[soouthmoother]

How many bottles of Johnny Walker can you hang from the blanking caps, inside a 61's sponsons ? Courtesy of, and in memory of, Hookey Walker.

[nessboy]

Or in the legs of a immersion suit!!

[soouthmoother]

Trouble is, if the suit is called upon to perform it's primary role, it's a long walk home along the bottom and I can't hold my breath that long. Mind you, with a couple of JW stuffed down the Y fronts, probably be past caring afore too long.

In better days I used to get flypasts from the Portland SAR 61's, routing along the clifftop above Sprey Point Sad to see CHC's pokey little beast scuttering about Lyme Bay now tho. Wot'll happen when a real job comes up ? The ghosts of Sumburgh won't rest easy.

[C.C.C.]

End of the smuggle hole era.
Not quite. As I posted earlier the cabin trim fit in G-BFEU led to a similar fit in the Tigers, and Uncle Ron had a cardboard cut-out which fitted below the first aid kit that used to be in the Tiger's rear seat left armrest originally (just like the Puma). So the biscuits tradition continued on the Tiger with Uncle Ron out of Aberdeen.
Never had a problem, Aberdeen or Sumburgh.

Then you were lucky. Flew G-BFEU with Andy Paton onto the Stena Seaspread which had been way out of limits for over 2 days. In those days you stayed onboard the helicopter and the deck crew (all wearing radio headsets) did the unloading/loading. My door window was opened and a large brown envelope with several boxes of cigars thrown in. On arrival at Sumburgh we were met by Customs who field stripped the cabin & baggage bay, but not the cockpit. I was flying down on the same Banderainte as our passengers, but Andy was kind enough to post on my share of the cigars in the company mail.

Flew a Tiger with Uncle Ron one day and he had not hidden his biscuits (cannot remember if the helicopter had the secret compartment that day). So he frantically smoked one from each packet and gave me half of the packets to stash in my immersion suit as Customs were in another field stripping mood that day.

[S61-S92]

Here's a few pics extracted from the Bristow Sumburgh Scrap Books which I salvaged ... but who got Volume One, it was missing?!
(Get in touch if you have it, lots of goodies in that which need to be posted here!)

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x657/scrpbk_05_76e358b038e6e3e0b82c771d6993c771acde5b5d.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x686/scrpbk_06_b3dfe8b314751a62963fd715f8c9367efac596c4.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x678/scrpbk_04_f030977efd54e5effefbf50e80e90161addb749b.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/224x416/scrpbk_02_2ec4abbe941be6775b7fd52d98cb713660fbe430.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x1111/scrpbk_01_7050b71ff4180ca65aee7daac3e268abc6a2a54d.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/464x570/scrpbk_03_9f254af36de9aa9a580ffa84a4d53c55cd75ffd9.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x884/scrpbk_07_6f8fe88588ac4f5516275ec979ca595ea9cd7ab9.jpg

[3D CAM]

Harky,
Keep the pictures coming, so many memories are being brought back with these.
My my, a slimmish Captain Hoare I do believe. (I'm a right one to talk?):D
3D
Also see that Terry Short, one time Sumburgh inmate, picks up his MBE today!:ok::ok::ok: Bloody brilliant!!! Well done Tel!!!
3D again.

[soouthmoother]

Great to see his picture. Remember when he joined as a labourer and used to ask if he could help out with Check A's. The world turned and there was his voice on the BBC, over the Braer in Quendale Bay. Good man. Hope he's well. Might have been EU we ferried to Miri, or AI ?
Bob Jones & Dick [Freight Only] Maloney. Gents All, a laugh and a half.

[heli1]

For all those retired in the south at least, 28th November at the Helicopter Museum in Somerset sees a Bristow get together to mark the launch of Alan B's autobigraphy with his widow,Heather and BOGS from the Redhill area.Room on the helipad for an S-92 from Sumburgh though !

[C.C.C.]

Might have been EU we ferried to Miri, or AI ?

It was G-BKAI which went to Miri in 1982 becoming 9M-SSJ. G-BFEU went to Australia in 1982 to become VH-WOD.
The new book should be on sale there,but if you can't get there the museum will take mail orders....£25.00 plus P and P.
Anymore details on this as there is nothing on the Helicopter Museum website.

[heli1]

I gather the re union/book launch details are still being finalised but will post more when I know.

[Wiretensioner]

Hedski

Thanks for the kind words.

Is it just me or is there a touch of Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy) in that photo of Friedie!

Wiretensioner

[soouthmoother]

Lynottesk ? Yeah, I'll go with that. The jar would've held poteen from the Quendale Manse. Now there was a vicar who knew what religion was really for. So did his daughter...

[jonnyloove]

Some fantastic photos on here.
Can we get back to that instead off all the old and bold wanting high fives..!

[S61-S92]

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x518/scrpbk_08_44d2a9924cae0d9b2666dcfdd074a9ca27b549a6.jpg
"... you can only come aboard if you stop calling me Phil Lynott !!!"

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x736/scrpbk_09_b83a1681dcf74bc8582b344f3a8f076c11aecbf1.jpg
Geordie used to Change Battery's In His Sleep !!!

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x945/scrpbk_10_b540044b2cb482c40632e872b393aa9af6dd5afd.jpg
"HOWZABOUTYE!!"

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x676/scrpbk_11_fec3974abbaf2e46c43dbe4f4584f3072092d9fb.jpg


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x355/scrpbk_12_c7941657b92bbeb14e54e582c0ebc995da192b78.jpg
Tony Brewster's Farewell Party

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x544/scrpbk_13_971dbeeb5cb5413820e32cd77998a775144112cb.jpg
The Lunokhods Team !
(Kenny Everett, Phil Lynott, Michael Winner & Karen Murphy)

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x1176/scrpbk_14_5f894dd442cf290e1db8dbddcdcc07fe18afc240.jpg
"Left, Left, LEFT !!!!"

[Tail-take-off]

Here is a face from the past. Garry Williams was based in Sumburgh for many years & was senior winch op when I was there. I bumped into him in the Thistle Hotel (Formerly the Skean Dhu) a few years back. He was a little greyer otherwise hadn't changed at all.

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z74/Tail-take-off/GarryWilliams.jpg

[S61-S92]

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x1140/scrpbk_20_016f011fd5561cbf80dae96cafb9a322182b9310.jpg
Garry Williams & His Burd !!!

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x451/scrpbk_18_041888c949f3f558229202e4d9c760ba48015e6b.jpg
Victor Alpha - The first SAR Machine at Sumburgh

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x372/scrpbk_16_34a27664930ba00a349f0ebba5792dd502391069.jpg


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x539/scrpbk_17_54aaa8afa0d63db2b0a6fddd15d25586e76c6cc2.jpg
Kiernan ? Likes Dressing Up !!!

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x606/scrpbk_21_166c3a1eba214b1d82fe9c0381b04b55eaf6a60c.jpg
Flawsee Da Winch Wench !

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x536/scrpbk_19_3a41d66ea37951e8ee3c59ad778c18a2a7691322.jpg
A shot of Oscar Charlie, from early in her SAR career

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x607/scrpbk_15_57ede317092bfc6656b68e4d09e5ea67368c92c2.jpg
Binnie & Murray dressed as ??!!!??? from the 3-Legged Pub Crawl

[S61-S92]

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x554/aeb_sumb_1b5fdf94723a885067071b3cc92fb1c1b25370e0.jpg
Alan Bristow , Gordon Mitchell and Mr Evil Eye :eek: !!!!

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x997/bdij_lift1_54ef23832b7078d4a7ff2b72776329c625bc67ee.jpg
G-BDIJ lifting a Loganair Islander out of a ditch in Rousay, Orkney

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x710/bdij_lift2_44e576cadb925fc408b346e4af7c0a5d5ee6af79.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x570/bdoc_lift_ea5e7e755d5eba5dd25700205e7319f846341b14.jpg


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x527/oc_inst_old_99b1f99184fb97867cfcad876d365e1c41e9e455.jpg
A Clockwork Oscar - the old Instrument Layout in Oscar Charlie

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x550/braer2_1669069f8021f1b5c369aac8f7abfb9000dad09f.jpg
Oscar Charlie over the Braer

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/992x744/oc_ag_1_1ee6f534adbdeb0cba4a1147fc637b0fc892b54f.jpg
Angus Goudie and the "turbo-shandy" Fire Extinguisher !

[HOGE]

Is that Dave Winter with Mr Bristow and Gordon Sinclair?

[Tail-take-off]

That Islander must have made an interesting underslung load with a bit of forward speed. Don't suppose they gat more that a few knots out of it.

[C.C.C.]

Is that Dave Winter with Mr Bristow and Gordon Sinclair?
Yes it is, but did Gordon 'M'hat & M'coat' Mitchell fly the Puma? Certainly he flew the SK61N.

[ifsknt]

CCC

Can't remember whether Gordon flew the Puma but wasn't he the Sumburgh Chief Pilot around that time after Betty became Aberdeen GM?

[S61-S92]

The picture of Dave Winter, Alan Bristow and Gordon Mitchell was from a company brochure... I think they were relying on some "artistic licence" when they quoted "meeting Puma aircrew" as Gordon was S61 only.

Maybe that's why Dave is looking so angry !;)

Gordon was a Chief Pilot at Sumburgh, and subsequently moved onto Unst when Sumburgh Oil Support finished, eventually returning when SAR started.

[S61-S92]

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x533/arrc_erik_3deda0f825eab09fc603c93b3e60f18f3fa3c66d.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x1067/arrc01_38f363be76743901898771f7af42b3d1650c1db7.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x1067/arrc02_0562ea5b15bc1fc586958e576ae9c2d2b4517096.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x1067/arrc03_50e2c5ce6cfc10896922dea98c0ac11fb6e7f8a7.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/arrc04_0ad5bda332ae7dd70be18e1a371142d39af99e0f.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x1067/arrc05_95dd5ad883b2a75a4ee30db129405c50b6f04902.jpg

[S61-S92]

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x464/july1976virkie_f8248ecc35ec3adfe5385301a31b52e184fe9977.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x490/sumburgh_old2_304058fd4cab04b36e1c6e13143de087d2b1b60a.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x512/1976smccallum_f8d05b78ba701dc22377adc559ec19ac1605fe3b.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x507/sumburgh_old1_206b830a315db52244598a1d60c88163f4aee8a6.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x490/aerial_shot_754543cf93224ee17b54d86c72c94557af706b3b.jpg

[HOGE]

S61-S92,

Have you got any more scans of that Bristow brochure? I got sent that years ago after asking BHL about a career as a helicopter pilot.

[S61-S92]

HOGE

I will scan the whole brochure and add it to the BRISTOW PHOTOS thread, as it does contain some good "historic" pictures.

Have lots more Bristow stuff in my archives, which I will be adding so keep your eyes peeled !:ok:

[S61-S92]

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x532/follow_that_boat_9f0ca15022c75ab52d5c1bab3839ed395a9d28b1.jp g

[S61-S92]

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x538/10x_s61_lineup_5cf3f4fb0887f83f39daba761ede3a371f1495c2.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x401/10_s61_lineup_02_ad3d75ae9c4dc01ea376902f9c38ae90ad13b8bd.jp g

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/600x679/shandy_bb8446799a0fe26da36fb9bb336aef385c59589a.jpg
Former Chief Of All The Engines Davy Shand takes the mic to crack a gag

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/600x474/shipmate_c0132f83593d052cb1792c83b78cdfcb108e0ccf.jpg
Ello Shipmate ! The Phantom Cap-Stealer Eric Greensmith cocks his titfer !
(Remember the Coastguard Cap incident ;) !!!)

[Pooks]

Some more recent pics here --> Gallery | Search (http://www.crcshetland.co.uk/index.php?p=search&searchfields=255&words=bristow)

Hope to update the website with a lot more older pics in and around Sumburgh Airport if I ever find the time to do it!

[S61-S92]

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x629/virkie_terminal_720fb424bd250444d978e74b4e6700dc17b317d2.jpg
A view from the Hangar towards the old Virkie Terminal

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x824/wotta_pair_0b3e11b1dbfb71206fd060ac04446f0a5d8d52e6.jpg
Jim Kilmartin and a Peerie Angus Goudie pose for the camera

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/860x676/heater_testers_88d00d35988b0785f9d2ce66033581849889d7f9.jpg
Showing the Hutchison Heater Exhaust Tester are
Back Row - Chris Jackson, Laurie Moar, Bart Kelly, Peter Moar
and taking up the front is a young whipper-snapper by the name of Phil Kemp

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x638/flood_02_608e83711f9b8ba3c7bf6a99a46d65af686cb6e2.jpg
During a high tide and severe gale, the Bristow hangar flooded

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x992/flood_01_f33682191a73da46b7f73b8ca7a262bc9fd24094.jpg
...the water came up to the axles on the S61's

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x586/danair_budgie01_9c89a45719baf585f157a201871cdd0b7b2eb612.jpg
Rare Birds are commonly found in Sumburgh, here is a red-tailed Budgie feeding on the airfield grass

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x629/danair_budgie02_d68473e778c77aaa3f71c74bed5a34b6d66d5502.jpg
G-AZSU suffered a nose-gear collapse on landing

[Phil Kemp]

That last lot of pictures bring back some interesting memories, I remember all those things going on, the hangar flood was particularly exciting! The reason I was involved in the heater inspection, was due to my ability to fit between the shelves in the Avionics compartment - something that would be very unlikely nowadays! :eek:

The Dan Air 748 is a rather interesting story. I had been playing squash with Victor Smith after work, and was walking home to Tolob in the dark -no car in those days. With the usual stealthy Sumburgh technique, I took the shortcut across the grass and over the end of the runway. The traffic lights started flashing and the barriers came down as I was still on the grass, so I decided to keep going toward the end of the runway as I walked across it. I could see the aircraft on finals so I sped up a little to make sure I was across the runway before any lights would be shining on me. With the aircraft on the ground and coming toward me, I was now on the road at the end of the runway.

The machine was still coming pretty fast down the runway when they decided to put her in the grass because she wasn't slowing down on that icy runway. The nose gear collapsed, there wasn't really much noise from the props hitting the deck and then it all went very quiet and very dark - it was all very abrupt and sudden. I really didn't know what to do (I mean what can you do?) as all this was going on about less than 100 yards from me. I was quite shocked (as you can probably imagine) and I thought about running to see if I could help, but thought better about it because I might get run over by the fire crew, as the last thing they would be expecting was some kid carrying his squash gear to be standing on the runway.

It seemed like ages for the fire engines to show up, I wonder today how long it actually was, no-one made any attempt to get out of the aircraft. I decided to watch from a further distance so I wouldn't get into any trouble for being on the runway. I called the tower the next day to see if they were interested in what I had observed, and they weren't - it was all rather a non event. No-one injured, the aircraft a bit bent and some real work for the firemen.

Still, it kept Jack Inkster busy at his new job for a couple of weeks!

[S61-S92]

The frequent blasts of 40 mile per hour fog at Sumburgh,
meant the odd re-positioning to Bergen

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/860x564/bergen_04_184f9dd2b01c344828c4831c63506a072d8827c6.jpg
Bill Petherick, Vince Cain, Bill Elias and Bob Simpson (Nice Wet-Weather Gear !)

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x549/bergen_03_c87727efe66bc88f6830a280c757e9874afe3b83.jpg


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x693/bergen_02_54428321c0f99b29c1d44b525b128fb39db26021.jpg
Bill Petherick and Vince Cain on Kilo Charlie

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x629/bergen_01_ffb513a386324d1bb5682589d2a563b79abbb731.jpg

[S61-S92]

Some scenes from Trumpton ???
No it's the Sumburgh boys at the Fire Training School at Stanstead.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x629/fire_school01_c3b2b6376b5c8ee080537cdd5b5367dac7551076.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x629/fire_school02_958cea89552333681f91834b5d84ca596eeaa05f.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x617/fire_school03_cf09ba6007470dfdbf1d17717934db543b88d16d.jpg
... it was very tiring work (or was that the drink, Gerald !?!)

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x586/fire_school04_3dd585371bbaba7c63ca016f4ca4ac2c56bb8e7c.jpg

[S61-S92]

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x549/sumburghairport001_347e988f119889f1066b3b65779e5c1cade3037b. jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x542/sumburghairport002_9e22abb8abfa1497e158903d2c962865dcb65f60. jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x547/sumburghairport003_44f8c8cf57ac2667d3f86b6b93bb30776118d5e1. jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x489/sumb_6_7791022e2332d6af10d002470d566d8333c42f03.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x424/sumb_5_549f513dab380522ef1c81657bd6404d2348096a.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x536/sumb_4_672c9c611355fe52efa5d06faa9deec99af0fbbc.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x542/sumb_3_37737c7e5c4c03564b5e0c921d12f1a3dead15b8.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x541/sumb_2_1d0441c60462a758277373356474b5839733776f.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x550/sumb_1_2d528ec4b952b896a707530e719c2d41c1fb5dac.jpg

[Coriolis]

Sad time indeed.

My first 'proper' job was in Redhill on those 58T conversions in '74 - only lasted 8 months, still wet behind the ears. Mr Denel was kind enough to allow me to resign rather than sack me.

Ended up with the other red, white & blue fleet who nursed me into some sort of competence, so didn't seem right to jump back to BHL when I met Mr D. 5yrs later during my 61 course and asked if I'd like to come back!

These pictures raising many memories of times detached to LSI (including building the Skerries lighthouse with G-BAFN and the Sumburgh culture shock (or was it the excess of 'heavy'?)

May I raise a glass to salute all Shetland aviators past, of every colour scheme, airborne and ground, and to wish you clear skies and just enough wind... 'tain't the same fun now, somehow...... hated it at the time, but glad I was there....

[S61-S92]

Sumburgh circa 1975

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x342/sumburgh_fi_14_aug_75_d8f24516f1312894cda0cc0dcaeba8a7a70186 64.jpg

[S61-S92]

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x545/sumburgh_building_site_4f4a3ab7a655ef71bcd5e9415d34b25ab6014 814.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x545/wilsness_building_site_39327e02b15b5c41948ccbd6aa5eeff50fbd4 54d.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x483/virkie_apron_20c6aa88ee1a88fff69c9049f52417170dbd4dc0.jpg

[S61-S92]

... remember these bad boys at Sumburgh too
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x363/norscot03_8c1f83193a7166e4b24208f30349fc21cd1d9bd3.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x545/norscot04_25a6db75cfd1a2c3d9644154f6ea2807d5d394c9.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x538/norscot01_f1d3e3d259dbc55ddba577e3deccf292cbe0c7e6.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x545/norscot05_43b741ba83480c8f31317fd3aace9f2185f629a7.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x393/norscot02_45221fed3df758fe067a3a7945c64c54b8509aa8.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x561/g_bdes_25704bc11f23fb7d2f50b07fd1917e6fa07e3eaf.jpg
and finally British Airways Helicopters from Sumburgh Airshow Day ... nice colour scheme ... now why does that look familiar ;)

[212man]

G-BIM- on an S-61! Someone had a sense of humour!

[S61-S92]

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x531/xmas_party_f565541d038f67b852d72372884e0bea23c7a0bc.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x455/xmas_party03_59b201d71853b7e6b39bd4a25ba7121693675774.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x621/xmas_party02_c25622aadc1b7ae66207da459cd0c016b450b40b.jpg
Spot the Shandy !

[S61-S92]

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x901/baby_binnie_03c9bd1537ecff264b101f9067cfa6d0d26fc3a3.jpg
Knob !

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x545/bristow_hangar_phase1_22f4a124beb3dc9e2467223376e52fdcc02629 67.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x545/bristow_sumburgh_apron_f88cc2524c4373c4f1022e1f14c2942d9dcb1 511.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x540/g_baun_9410551a6b461f71938c39fcf9d62e38d20293ee.jpg

[S61-S92]

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x499/oscar_winching_d915d68091f24c3b94ace606d547b2a43bf02874.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x1167/kieran_del_d72fb5bb70e7d63f01ce2cdcf6849d796c0e84ed.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x499/g_bhog_taxy_bbbc0ee917a43524e03030cfa91fd980d48e2b5f.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x526/islander_debfd3d703de812a641ddcd8560970ab4d2145d8.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x398/oscars_new_coat_b59539372f7aa464d0d705cc4d99c94465dea2e2.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x442/g_bclc_taxy_7373b553fa8848b485cf3854d5b76dbd6ebd50a1.jpg

[Droopy]

Dave Ellis [?] going down the wire?

[Bob Griffiths]

My son Shaun directed me to this forum by asking if I had flown the S61N on the TV search and rescue program (BDIJ). A quick look at my logbook revealed well over 100 hours between 1976 and 1986 and we were doing SAR flights with IJ long before it took on its present title. Natural curiosity forced me to read on revealing such details as dear old Gordon Mitchell who took over from me as Chief Pilot. He must positively squirm at that reference to Mahatma Coat but I will spare him further embarassment by not revealing the day that 'epithet' was born. It was a pleasure to revisit so many memories of people and places I knew through the 11 years I spent there. My apologies to the young gentleman who would consign us oldies to the bin in favour of more pictures (leaves himself wide open there. When he gets to our age, he will welcome past memories so if anyone wants any info on the Sumburgh operation between 1974 and 1988, I may be able to help. I wonder if my hotel in Quendale is still standing?

[shetlander]

Great Pictures.. Would be good to see more.

[Phil Kemp]

Hi Bob, great to hear from another of the original Sumburgh crew. The old Quendale school is still standing, in fact looking very nice - I drove by a couple of weeks ago when I was home. Hope everything is going well for you.

[The Plumber]

I've been following this and the main Bristow thread for a while. Time to jump on board. Fantastic to see so many old (very old) faces and reminders of amazing and crazy times, especially the 70's. A no-go area for modern health and safety! :eek: Some of the Skyweaver shots are mine but I'll scan what I have and get them up.

[S61-S92]

... as you were asking Bob, here's a shot taken 10 mins ago !

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/img_0400_305b26b5d08cde2718d3d51805e742a6b18314be.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x519/img_0399_6191743564e24c68b4bfd240b6a5677107168e53.jpg

[S61-S92]

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/img_0203_62c57926751e0f812ffdb3b27c2429131dd20d7c.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/600x800/img_0220_adcad40a5454cb150f9da5f0319042f440302f68.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/img_0248_68680a12e0b6cde9dfc55a20028d1737e5f02dc5.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/img_0245_6877d9b439953b80afd1592c470573d7555d7b7b.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/img_0251_16207b0549ee9847f5f746876a7acf8dc9033ce2.jpg

[S61-S92]

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/img_0282_931786d4cd3e353d548663e15381b6ff1b28c39c.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/img_0286_45dc0a13000377f2b930b4037fb06f413765ff77.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/img_0307_3f8d0e9c242c5ce2354a5bfd0ec920f6d83ca0ee.jpg

[S61-S92]

Here's a few pictures shot in Aberdeen recently, pictures of G-BDOC in storage in the old Heavy Hangar on the day that she was sold to Carson.
Looks like the old girl will hopefully have a new life (a full Carson refit is just what she deserves !), would be nice if someone can keep us updated with pictures of S/N 61765 wherever she ends up.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/15062010172oc_2f9bf109593786ed380fc25ec30d499776eb5a65.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/15062010170oc_7e4f25feb4856e0bbbd160ebf8909e77842311e7.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/15062010171oc_65fc1fa8e9af46f4b019ae1b36b6cd50649f87ff.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/15062010168oc_fec428f94fc3b1dc5cfcad74d3672b8bee0246ef.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/15062010173oc_5f8259fb283310241fa0b9328b6092ada732c1fe.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/15062010169oc_6f2477604e4109f506babb49f3eec2ee42fe17b6.jpg

[thorpey]

Looks like 'IJ' has been taken off the books at Bristow, anyone know where she's going or gone?

[S61-S92]

IJ and OC are both bound for Carson's

[S61-S92]

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/dsc02541_8aacae1990b2478df06f3a5c8b529508ac2bc8e5.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/dsc02546_0340c2e94919039190967b7b22a9612268611d01.jpg
Pictured at Seaforth Docks 3rd September 2010 (Pics by Mr Airbus)

The last sighting of G-BDOC, now removed from the British Register. Someone caused havoc amongst the spotting fraternity by altering the registration on the side (but we know what it REALLY was :ok:)
Bye Bye Oscar Charlie and good luck in your new "life"

[S61-S92]

Scrap Book Volume One has finally turned up, so I can now add some pictures from the very first days of SAR at Sumburgh, which commenced on Thursday 1st December 1983.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x1023/sumfirstaircrew_1_530b33c2cd685cb0f064acc9fad6eba50ed820c8.j pg
The launch of the Civilian SAR Helicopter Unit at Sumburgh
The aircrew were Gordon Mitchell, John Whale, Adrian Murray, Paul Martin,Ross Martin, Garry Williams, Mike Birley, Chris Bond, Adrian Jeffs, Kieran Murray.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x520/sumfirstengineers_2_d79e653b30e528601c4cd0c42ca3ed2bcec91a76 .jpg
The Engineers were Peter Moar, Peter Hutchison, Alan Moar, Chris Jackson & Alan Taylor.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x532/sumfirstcallout_4_7e6e6e4c542c2e316633be7cea0981e639454c91.j pg
The First Mission was to escort North Scottish S76 Flight 91V which declared it was ditching 30nm SE of Sumburgh with 14 P.O.B. Rescue 17 escorted the helicopter in to Sumburgh and it landed safely at 0910Hrs on Wed 07 Dec 1983.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x1526/sumfirstcallout_3_94413ecac71a3b7f0090150dc185978c46f3307c.j pg
The First Sumburgh SAR Report from Capt John Whale.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x589/xmasday1983_5_0b9e8a843f3049f4a8cad68e1b1ebb4f113f9019.jpg
Christmas Dinner 1983 for the Duty Crew and Friends.
Ian Gliddon, Alan Elphinstone, Chris Bond, Ross Martin, Chris & Anne Jackson, Jerry Connelly, Graham Davis.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x621/kballs_10_4c30388a98508564ad8893f3a4d2d9a1e976ca85.jpg
Sleepy Balls !

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/553x800/rasbey_6_034bb5c3613289fb337c4e4f8ea1d208131b9ac4.jpg
A young Roger Asbey at the controls

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x574/cameracall_7_0e1ab79176da5ac556ec01164dcf9767920aa466.jpg
Camera Call for the new service

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x1140/bbva_cgm_8_cb289e9a66ce9876a096d4fb27ce9323d431014a.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x1050/bbva_cgm_9_60de67924a84afcddf3299e813e922cf03ec720b.jpg

[Wiretensioner]

Interesting seeing Ian Gliddon in one of those photo's. Flew with him on 230 Sqn Puma days 1978-80. Anyone any idea where he is now?

Wiretensioner

[Tail-take-off]

Ian Gliddon has been with bmi (British Midland) for the last 23 years. He's currently flying the A320 out of Heathrow.

[Wiretensioner]

Cheers for that

Wiretensioner

[XA290]

Some fantastic pics there.

But do you know why Alan Elphinstone is wearing his goon suit to the Christmas lunch?

XA

[Mushroom_2]

But do you know why Alan Elphinstone is wearing his goon suit to the Christmas lunch?

He was a very messy eater.

[S61-S92]

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x559/sumhelis1980_2_ba2db7a7e6e825b44b45cb370434a6378c52ac5e.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x500/sumfixedwing1980_97a2e86a4cda8ba14d2719535308e9a05a3f4432.jp g

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x571/sumfixedwing1980_2_bbba5d9c954443e0b935abcfd112cfac64d61551. jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x525/sumfixedwing1980_3_fb79efdde363aa9ad43119aa13282a95936b5da1. jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x526/sumhelis1980_aa9a11e41f86bd63cf5696f076bc3619cbd57c44.jpg

[TipCap]

Great photos bringing back memories.

I remember being detached there in 1973 and living in Scalloway with an interesting car ride to and from Sumburgh Airport.

Do you remember the Viscounts? - or even the DC3's? Was it Skyways?

Looking at my first SAR report, I remember the Captain of the NS S76 was Ashley Llewellyn-Thomas (RIP) who tragically lost his life in CFIT in China

John

[griffothefog]

John,

I flew 91V with Ash Thomas on many occasions to the Heather Alpha and he was great company to be with for the 4 and a half hours it took to trot up there and back to ABZ. He is still sadly missed by many who had the pleasure of flying with him, RIP.

[TipCap]

Yes a true gent and as you said missed by many

John

[S61-S92]

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x1104/gbbva_01_9f3f89e3201e0d50eda17acae7d2004d68d1649a.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x1121/terryshort_bbva_fee63df11684e457c54e0a9b40ddd63220a83ec2.jpg
Terry Short guiding Laurie Carmalt in "fur sum fash!"

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1000x1451/cgmag_article_1_1984_10ee07898bdac9bec37b5402b10f43c91dba437 7.jpg
Peter Hutchison was always hypnotized by the guts of the FLIR 1000 - Must have been the Argon!!! whilst Trevor Steel gave the Coasties a good talking to !

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1000x1352/cgmag_article_2_5adf13900ab36414700d6a8314f7fc5792cc408f.jpg
Article from Coastguard Magazine 1984

[S61-S92]

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x1035/bbva_winching_840f64ea7b9806a9c2bc87ea48825176aeb382ed.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/700x1017/laurie_carmalt_43a4a591500042a8d61d173497c7f88e82429ff0.jpg
Laurie Carmalt at the controls of G-BBVA

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x687/loading_sykes_pump_2aa782045cc0972c1a4284aaebb1f3aca086a5f3. jpg
Loading a Sykes Pump into G-BBVA

[S61-S92]

A couple of shots of how Sumburgh looked way back in the days of Chris Jackson as a boy :)

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x811/sumburgh_airport_sc_04_458739_d79a14bab20d94e458d5021b88a1d7 1459097a73.jpg


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x676/sumburgh_airport_sc_06_682684_7f4213c4502680edf08e4c2dbde25d c470e39bd7.jpg


Looks a bit different these days!

[S61-S92]

Speaking of Chris Jackson, look who it is !!!:)
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x692/ronmoore1_4e2dc814e271a341cfc80c56e368c4604812381f.jpg


and there's a few ex Sumburgh types here too!!
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x589/332enginecourse_f9fdcf777e52bb76900ed728144c81a90b82dc30.jpg


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x515/puma_big_38f54e560b9f6de03e9cc96bd6ed880fbfa2c025.jpg

Pics from the classic Skyweaver Site (RIP)

[TipCap]

Gosh S61-S92

Those pictures really brings back memories. I knew nearly all of them. Funnily I was thinking of Dixie Newton today on a totally unrelated matter.

Notice the RN Wessex 5 in background in the picture with the Puma.

Ah memories. Although I never flew the Puma (well I went on a test flight with Bill Pollard once in ABZ) I did a lot of time in its successor, the AS332L (even flew the L1 in Norway LN-OBA).

John Hoskins, Steve Forde, Ron Miles (RIP), Eddie Ford, Throbbin Robin but to name a few of the Sumburgh faithfuls.

JohnW

[shetlander]

I have to say, I am fairly enjoying the pictures!

[Fareastdriver]

I joined the company in August 1978. After I had done my base checks at Aberdeen (I was already licenced on the 330) the Aberdeen aircraft disappeared off to Teeside to replace the S58s. A couple of very pleasant detachments to Teeside followed and then I was shipped off to Sumburgh for a fortnight.

"We want you to do 2/1 at Sumburgh."
"How do you spell British Airways Helicopters?"
"OK, carry on with Teeside."

[S61-S92]

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x610/shetlands1_1506cecac21a0250270ded23943b33b4860f3ce2.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x388/sumbusy_42c8d589c6252b31efcd3cbe5baa04b533a9c4dc.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x534/jod8_80be74c7a106148a456dcdd3f230990f869f6986.jpg

[Fareastdriver]

During my fortnight at Sumburgh I was being line trained by one D Cr, whom I knew from my Borneo days. As we threaded our way between the Bristow and Brand X machines on the way out I was told that if it got tight then I was to gravitate towards the British Airways machines so that if there was a massive rotor mix then it would take out one of their aircraft as well as one of ours.

[industry insider]

I used to enjoy doing 2 and 1 in Sumburgh. Bed and breakfast + 11 quid per day, spend 5 quid at the pub and go home with 84 quid in your pocket having used no utilities or petrol at home.

You could live it up on your week off with the extra 84 quid and you had hardly touched your salary. As a single bloke you could almost save a bit of money!

[S61-S92]

Someone said they were enjoying the pictures of the old Sumburgh Relics...
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x707/sumburgh_tower_1940_s_a26f1c0d7c559494fdaa8e0ef9b509f08f4096 0a.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x492/murray_2f058d51b27a0c579481323b2d4e91328814871b.jpg
;) Couldn't resist it

Winchman celebrates 40 years of rescues | Aberdeen and North | STV News (http://news.stv.tv/scotland/north/121336-winchman-celebrates-40-years-of-rescues/)

[Wiretensioner]

I like it. Can think of a few other relics up there as well!

Wiretensioner

[S61-S92]

A series of fascinating images of Sumburgh circa 1974 (pictures by RCL)
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x520/502311008_2a2912a883e66d7f31ee7670c222ed0221ab99ff.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x548/502329958_a182fd7437f54fa507c5ee4c997ed72dff427cd3.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x546/502310824_db3c4d2a3a6d41b1fcc7766797511d9862656a7d.jpg

[S61-S92]

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x537/502368065_34be74609ded2a6ef6a31c9b75f61575325a1cd1.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x525/502330070_4028981be75cd9c1d50e0fd484cd39cd121126b2.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x558/502330144_9ffa41b4d627e0d12e2dd7b326a0e33db4352500.jpg

[S61-S92]

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x536/502331116_9d2a834f3cd2f01de8ffb1aec2701b2aeebb885b.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x533/502330920_c01724bd4860e21badcac94a0632b9a93f8d5498.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x527/502348015_9561fdb60f5763053d4f4bd782d8e42d3bd04ca7.jpg

[industry insider]

61-92

Any idea what year the BEA S-61 and Viscount pictures were taken? Just absolutely classic pictures from the early days on the rock.

[S61-S92]

This series were all taken in 1974, right back at the start of helicopters ops in Shetland ... some fascinating images from the good old days.

Note that G-ASNL has no radome, likely used a sextant and a paraffin lamp for navigation in them days :)

[S61-S92]

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x507/502348209_36d59eb085e736a122a6976aea9b71a09cdf77cc.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x540/502330598_72a4186bbb500d0113118d7d500c2c6f000b3663.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x514/502367953_c0397d63a39d657098a1bfd5735002d289803daf.jpg

[S61-S92]

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x490/g_azcf_sumburgh_94fa0027a46db2ebe02d2b8f38f21ab38b5bf8b1.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x490/ba_s61s_3773777292e28c5707d331d9a0243e7510b92795.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x490/ba_s76_bd6a0bb6e666afbebcb357b005ed58c5bbafe8c8.jpg

[Wiretensioner]

Have to say this thread is getting better and better as the days go on.

Wiretensioner

[S61-S92]

:ok: Thanks for the comment, WT, I am trying my best.

As you will have noticed, I have somewhat widened the thread to incorporate Sumburgh as a whole (who said hole !:=)

If anyone out there has any old Sumburgh pics, then please post or get in touch and I will gladly scan and host them before returning them.

You can find me up in Scatsta these days, just head for the crew room, I will be in for a cuppa tea before too long :8:ok:

Harky

[S61-S92]

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x529/502367461_32912c756d5d74e7149651e9d8bc7a205408fb74.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x529/502367555_2777b9cd0cdb6747d456dec708b87cda9948b381.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x530/502330510_5aaf1eac5601e2ed29fe1016753a64f770be8b52.jpg

The old Decca MK19 took up one helluva space with all its bits and pieces !

[S61-S92]

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x490/air_ecosse_twin_otter_473035532dc03fcd6077ba5a263b16c058b607 5a.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x490/air_ecosse_bandeirante_37e63a0c2fe06284d59eea0f443b027929cf7 f18.jpg
I wonder which oil company this Bandy was on contract to ???? ;)

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x490/maersk_737_sumburgh_1981_7258bece930ec352350c5c9ba5827105d93 40b8e.jpg

and finally, Sumburgh's biggest visitor. I recall getting a phone call at the Bristow Hangar back in 1981 from Mike Hallums who was over at the Wilsness Line Office... "Have you got your camera, a Boeing 737 has just landed!". I didn't believe a word of it as we never heard it landing, over at the hangar... but we certainly heard it take off - and it used every last inch of runway 15/33 !!!!! (Maersk 737 diverted because of fog at Faeroe's.)

[S61-S92]

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x560/lunokhods_presentation_75a0e493eed9a4012f435d151549cd4a038fc f8b.jpg
Coastguard Presentation after the Lunokhods Rescue
(Kieran Murray, Paul Bentley,Glenn Oldbury, Garry Williams, Tony Brewster, Mr Coastguard, Friedie Manson, Norman Leask)

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x593/freewheel_replacements_4f5b73219ee0d74842929d36b26c31c10734a b07.jpg
A rare look up the front inside of an S61 Gearbox as the Skeff replaced the Freewheel Units

[industry insider]

Gosh, G-ASNL looks like a tatty old thing. Although the BHL S-61s were sparse and "working" aircraft, I don't remember them being as ragged as the old BEA machine.

[Upland Goose]

Nationalisation - a euphemism for bottom drawer.

Only the mediocre are at their best - just like British Rail.

UG:p

[S61-S92]

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x559/northscottish002_acb80fb760852f047827ea1d09e6f57722628750.jp g

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x554/northscottish_g_bimv_e2549f508e0fb10c9038fc6b3255620670c710e c.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x555/northscottish001_0881caf6642a65f452e0dedf21180d6e06229898.jp g

[S61-S92]

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x533/bbva_st_934f6b1266476a03090348f02990cd8c5b8d5a3d.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x1407/bbva_st1_d700b72c1192bed6fc4da3de6fcd1a55dd7c4954.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/188x404/bbva_st2_be3e576690c679394d448ea0be466e857da57dae.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x296/bbva_scramble_b4571d3e6bd9e0b0d05b41ab8480cdfbe4ec4fa3.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x572/elf_on_forklift_2c1a95fc0fa00f664d80936ea248d93a6fefbad4.jpg
Alan Elphinstone at the Controls again !

[GCMOIR]

I managed to find some old pictures in my parents house earlier this year and have uploaded some below. This would have been around 78 or 79.


Bell 212
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp98/gcmoir/B212G-BFVE-1.jpg

Hawker Hunter which was based there for a few days during a NATO exercise. Many interesting aircraft visited at that time.
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp98/gcmoir/HawkerHunter.jpg

My Triumph motor cycle, sold to Alan Blampied when I left.
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp98/gcmoir/Triumph500Speedtwin.jpg


A very tragic day in the history of Sumburgh. There were some Bristow employees on board but escaped okay. I believe Vince Cain was one.
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp98/gcmoir/G-BEKFMishap.jpg

[S61-S92]

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x504/g_bfer_sumb_73bf01618ca0dc5668d56bc9f44a707ccae8d0d1.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x545/g_bdrc_d5eaa2892c7baddd3e4f1523ce2dd8480c864171.jpg

Before starting with Bristow, I did a couple of months working for Alidair as a baggage handler. Alidair owned and operated subsidiary "Guernsey Airlines" and G-BDRC frequently stood in for the Alidair Fleet when required. Alidair Station Manager Willie Leask always referred to RC as the "Green Goddess" :)

[212man]

A very tragic day in the history of Sumburgh.

I believe one of the Cabin Crew was posthumously awarded the George Medal for her valiant efforts helping to save pax. Sadly not the only GM to be awarded posthumously to a member of rear-crew on Sumburgh's coast (RIP BD) :(

On a lighter note, seeing the photo of 'Echo Roll-over' - I saw her at Helitech the other week. Now with FBH based at Middle Wallop, in green and grey paint!

[stacey_s]

212 do you remember why she was called 'Echo-Rollover'? Leo Devine etc?

Stace

[Pull what]

The stewardess survived
Air Accidents Investigation: 1/1981 G-BEKF (http://www.aaib.gov.uk/publications/formal_reports/1_1981_g_bekf.cfm)

[S61-S92]

Sumburgh air disaster remembered | Aberdeen and North | STV News (http://news.stv.tv/scotland/north/113109-sumburgh-air-disaster-remembered/)

A sad day in Sumburgh's history, several Bristow people involved in both the incident and the rescue.

[S61-S92]

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x540/heli_hangars_sumburgh_33cac12f0772949c7dfd9a6482bff21394b645 f2.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x577/maersk_737_sumburgh_1981_002_0f3d6377652097622c4d5382c56f0de cb20ed1ac.jpg

[AS332L1]

I think I remember this incident as I was laying horizontal in the net at the side of the rig ( the wildcat) after ER was re-positioned and got the rear of the skid tube caught in the hydraulic controls.

Resulting in it rolling over sending bits and pieces around the deck with a portion of one main rotor blade embedding itself in the hangar wall

Happy days

[212man]

The stewardess survived

Thanks for the correction. I see I'm not going completely mad though, as further searching shows she was awarded the MBE for bravery!

[soggyboxers]

Just to further explain the accident to ER, the hydraulic controls mentioned by 332L1 were the hydraulic controls for the landing trolley which was used to move the aircraft into the hangar. Leo couldn't get the door open from inside and was rescued by the marshaller.

[John Eacott]

Re ER's little rollover, there was a bit more to it!

The Noggy crew had installed a hydraulic system for getting the trolley in and out of the hangar, but the control levers were something from a derrick crane and stuck up well above the platform, and there was a strong chance of them being sideswiped by an errant skid during landing. We badgered the skipper for ages to lower them for safety, but he advised that he would put a guard on them instead. I toddled off on leave, and came back to the result :eek:

The guard turned out to be a half inch diameter steel tube bent over the top of the levers, which neatly caught the heel of the 212 skid with inevitable results :ugh:

One other result was the issue of getting occupants out of a 212 on its side, as mentioned by AS332. The modification to paint the legs of the pax seats as a ladder was a direct result, encouraging trapped pax to use them to climb out; not that it helped in the front, where the 'top' door was/is impossible to push open from inside unless you are a 7' giant with a reach of another 5 feet!!

I thought it was the Nordraug, not the Wildcat? We also got massive firefighting monitors on the helideck as the previous hose points wouldn't reach, ISTR.

[212man]

One other result was the issue of getting occupants out of a 212 on its side, as mentioned by AS332. The modification to paint the legs of the pax seats as a ladder was a direct result, encouraging trapped pax to use them to climb out; not that it helped in the front, where the 'top' door was/is impossible to push open from inside unless you are a 7' giant with a reach of another 5 feet!!

The same problem resulted in the death of several (8-10?) skiers in an accident in Canada a few years ago whilst heli-skiing. The aircraft rolled over and caught fire and there was no way the occupants could get to the door which was now the roof - no seats. I think they all have ladders on the ceiling now.

[S61-S92]

This is what G-BFER is now... ZK067 at FBH :eek:

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x600/bell212hp_zk067_gbfer_10f4398cbffb82178749b0667eb20617b411ef 58.jpg

[S61-S92]

So, it looks like I will have to go and switch the lights back on :ok:
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/640x393/lights_out_05_68406fd9542c35d0f688450ca373c07ca458ccf9.jpg


As Bristow win back the Search and Rescue contract at Stornoway and Sumburgh, it re-establishes the company's place in UK SAR which has been running since the early 70's

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x700/g_aynp_manston_1972_58b094a5648bab16d42ea56ccb379042f318ae7c .jpg



https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/885x1185/g_aytk_manston_4784bb2957e9feea8320db51f6a7e915ab5d5b9e.jpg







https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x590/g_bbhm_forties_cdd13ac1eaa7c9306e91df9b6bb7e2cca6346090.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x519/g_bfer_winching_e9e5b41e02ff0de12d593595fbd677d48b0cfa6a.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x590/g_bfer_treasure_finder_5729e9e2294ee92aab8f277718f7da6973825 933.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x531/g_bdoc_take_off_0c31fb83846479f23a8f52edc98d814929a717d2.jpg

More pictures to come, along with updates on the new contract / aircraft as it happens... and to those of you (you know who you are!!) who promised to add your old Sumburgh shots - GET THEM POSTED NOW !!! :8

[shetlander]

Bye Bye CHC Sumburgh - Give us a wave :ok::

http://s18.postimage.org/t6xgg0f55/5869244332_d3090feeab_o.jpg

:cool:

[6th Gear]

Forgive the slight off topic but just finished reading Alan Bristow's autobiography. Without doubt one of the most rivetting books I've read in years. Superb.

[S61-S92]

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x529/planes_sumburgh_4_471b275375fb45647a95e9d49279e0ca597ed7ae.j pg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x518/planes_sumburgh_6_ee54492dcdbb9a2bd4c42d81f7465332735ae53b.j pg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x547/planes_sumburgh_5_32a5f263a8d46ea83e8fbc34ff32e0012d26593e.j pg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x566/planes_sumburgh_2_c3ff2406294fd230437e6ce1f0b6205a150f484a.j pg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x532/planes_sumburgh_1_4744b314b77c6c35f63088f0903313e7292791cf.j pg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x519/planes_sumburgh_7_3bebc3dc07f18ff2c8463cb39f4ecd766a96ed3d.j pg

[S61-S92]

Sumburgh 1980 - YouTube

[Variable Load]

Very impressive take-off and rate of climb by that Maersk B732 :eek:

[Inverted81]

Would Bristow ever consider purchasing the S92's from CHC? Would make sense given the maintenance base up the road and that the crews are already "on line" given that the crews move companies as well..... Or is that a dont go there area as its the competition etc? Would also be a shame leaving the CHC hangar as its a very nice modern setup compared to the Bristow (if they are indeed still owned by BHL) hangers..... :hmm:

[pasptoo]

92s are bound for Irish SAR next summer. New machines on order? Hope so!

[Variable Load]

New machines on order? Hope so!

This is going to be very interesting to watch as the deadline for removal of the CHC S92s approaches.

I can almost hear the excuses being practised by Bristow' management from here!

[S61-S92]

Two pictures of S61N 61718, N364FH which was once G-BBVA, the machine which launched SAR at Sumburgh, now serving in Afghanistan.



https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x533/n364fh_61718_ex_g_bbva_da797862eaa516218cfce5d091bd7fe9e1f32 af2.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x470/n364fh_61718_ex_g_bbva_02_ebd087299de9f5da6a59c8178c588639c2 f2cd59.jpg

[Scotsheli]

Variable Load - I believe Bristow gambled and ordered aircraft for this some time ago. They are due out of the factory this year and so in plenty of time. Might be interesting to ask the others where they were getting aircraft though...as I don't believe that anyone else had secured supply. Then you might hear some of the excuses that you're looking for!

[S61-S92]

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x646/g_bakb_lifts_sumburgh_radome_20a569507189b4af3edeebc84481676 1c28f6aaf.jpg
G-BAKB Lifting the Radome into place at Sumburgh Airport

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x531/g_bitr_sumburgh_f5daf932756af14a575ecd04ba994a022657bcec.jpg
G-BITR S76A about to depart for Aberdeen after short term contract at Sumburgh in August 1981

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x504/g_bibg_sumburgh_ea548a620204497a1872682891e5b1fdcdb6b233.jpg
BCalH S76A G-BIBG at Sumburgh - 1981

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x504/g_beic_sumburgh_8c7ff6ca878b3d6d6a118853a69454e6fdd5dff4.jpg
BAH G-BEIC on the Apron

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x539/g_bcea_take_off_036ae1870b2516cb1fb61163e8d33f9ed86797e7.jpg
G-BCEA lifts off runway 09

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x531/oil_support_fixed_wing_aberdeen_44407f547818edce655237d2fafd 757e319feafb.jpg
Safely tucked up for the night, the Fixed Wing Fleet that fed the passengers from Aberdeen to Sumburgh. Dan Air HS748's, Alidair Viscount and a pod of Twin Otters across the way.

[S61-S92]

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x757/ba_s61_lucas_hoist_bc64143d0f8116dedc12df2e1631e1374881ed63. jpg
A Lucas Aerospace Hoist fitted to a British Airways S61. This simple hoist could be fitted in about 10 minutes, and was the first breed of winch used in Civilian SAR at Sumburgh. How things have changed ! :)


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x591/beryl_spm_polar_901_rescue_crew_91a5466fb4dbfac29a3a2806f4c9 377a81158678.jpg
Aircrewman Gerald Flaws, Capt Peter Donaldson, Capt Terry Wolfe-Milner and Aircrewman Alistair Handley who carried out a hazardous night-time evacuation from the Oil Supply Vessel "Polar 901" in January 1973.
Gerald Flaws and Terry Wolfe-Milner were also involved in the Beryl SPM rescue on 5 December 1975, along with crewmen Phil Johns and Peter Moar and First Officer Charles Beilbey.

[PlymouthPixie]

Most pics aren't showing? :ugh:

[S61-S92]

No problems here PP, all photos visible in two browsers...
check your Browser settings aren't blocking images :ok:

[bellboy]

mine is fine too!

[S61-S92]

The Scatsta S92's were working out of Sumburgh yesterday, and just happened to be refuelling right next to our chums at Bond.
Turns out we woke them up and Percy Edwards even spilt his Horlicks :)
Anyway, they contacted us to tell us to be quiet, and then sent us a wee video telling us they had sorted the din out themselves .
Gave us a good laugh, cheers lads :ok:

Bristow S92A at Sumburgh - YouTube


PS No Pilots or Aircraft were harmed in the making of this film, but several people asked if Alan Price was on-board at the time ;););)

[S61-S92]

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x548/g_bdoc_hover_824b57785d8276fc3f9fed924217af5e3a96fcf7.jpg
G-BDOC prepares to winch us back on board

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x531/g_bdil_early_start_1780c6ac7795d1b8d20980ff0c0bf0c2d012bd93. jpg
Bell 212 G-BDIL on an early start at Wilsness

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x531/g_bfeu_hangar_1d8c33fde773b0378f142100ef448a96932fe46f.jpg

G-BFEU (an EC225 Popular Plus ;) ) undergoing hangar maintenance

[Fareastdriver]

S61-S92. Being a bit pedantic but I think that picture of GTIGR was taken in June 1981. It was a BNOC or Britoil contract to the Discoverer 534, a drilling ship. The direct route took us directly over the island of Foula and there was a Godawful row when we did it on a Sunday.

On August 18th I took GTIGR down to Yarmouth to do the Southern North Sea as the Wessexs had been grounded following their fatal crash.

[S61-S92]

Fareast: I assume you mean the pic of G-BITR, the S76. The pic was taken the day the contract ended,thats Engineer Bob Taylor loading his toolbox and gear into the back.
As the aircraft used to fly single pilot, I had been promised a trip in the Copilots seat... hung around all morning waiting for the word to go, and eventually it came... "Contract Over return to Aberdeen immediately". :(
I was detached to Sumburgh during July, August 1981 so I would guess the pic was likely July in that case.

[S61-S92]

Been given this picture from VC, who advises it was a "Tea Party, following HMS Albion 848 Squadron's celebrations after winning the Rugby and the Football Cups at HMS Terror, Singapore circa 1968"
Sumburgh regulars will immediately spot our "gone but not forgotten" chum, Billy Deacon (who hardly changed a bit over the years), but we think there is another old Sumburgh hand, lurking in the background, can you spot him?? :ok:

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x615/vc_848squad1968_cb58a7dd5a9b81af07f7d25b8e5ebdb560e26f79.jpg

http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/nerd.gif Edit - Well, did you spot a very youthful Pete Mesney, skulking farthest left, pint in hand ?

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/451x675/pete_mesney_b4c2d97a8dad59b9439d891a145db35619381d08.jpg

[3D CAM]

Is that your donor? When did he wear glasses??? The only glasses I saw him with were pint ones!:D
3D

[S61-S92]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8405531600_697a95fc23_b.jpg
Picture by prestwick001

Pictured after unloading from the AN-124 at Prestwick, 22 Jan 2013 - The start of a New Era at Sumburgh begins... and if I am not mistaken, is that Chris fast asleep in the back (as usual) :)

[S61-S92]

New rescue helicopters arrive at Sumburgh

May 11th, 2013 by Shetland Times (http://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2013/05/11/new-rescue-helicopters-arrive-at-sumburgh)


Three state of the art helicopters arrived at Sumburgh airport today in preparation for Bristow Helicopters taking over the search and rescue contract.
Bristow will take over the responsibility for Northern Scotland in June on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Two of its Sikorsky S-92 aircraft will be permanently based at Sumburgh while two will be based at Stornoway.
The arrival of the helicopters in Shetland this afternoon follows three months of training which were carried out at Inverness airport where they have been training for a variety of potential scenarios and operating in a number of areas away from the airport.
Bristow Helicopter’s European business director Mike Imlach, said: “With training complete we are fully prepared to begin operations of the Gap search and rescue service in Northern Scotland, and we look forward to operations commencing on 1 June from Sumburgh.”
Sumburgh Airport manager Nigel Flaws said: “Sumburgh Airport is proud to be part of the UK’s Search and Rescue network and we are delighted to welcome the Bristow team to Shetland. We wish them well as they prepare to embark on a new phase of operations from Sumburgh. Their work is of vital importance to communities across the Northern Isles.”
More information and photographs in next week’s Shetland Times.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x528/img_2077sd_been_0a0d0ef53e21630054b77b9f9f976a85f0b2537c.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x509/img_2110sd_been_c6e33086c1ec40a02698a5ce2047d77c17bf6fbd.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x531/img_2125sd_been_6a8a974dec64a74f8a1bbeff736c34dbbddeaad7.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x536/img_2135sd_been_54125e8e27ccef92bb56034d0638132a94a876b4.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x413/img_2142sd_been_984bc1b5f79b06d6899af80211d40fa681572802.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x505/sdrescuechoppersimg_3377_been_618b6ec597e136732cde77d88e2d2b a433f2812f.jpg

Pictures by Beenister

[Fareastdriver]

Scrappy formation flying in but excellent tail rotor synchronisation just before shutdown.

[212man]

Scrappy formation flying in but excellent tail rotor synchronisation just before shutdown.

Callsign "Gaggle Formation"......

Good to see BHL back in Sumburgh!

[sooth14]

Can anyone remember a Jack Pundie?

[ropedope]

Yes, Jack still going strong and living in Bigton.:ok:

[tascats]

The 185 Radial
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i286/mbaviationpix/IMGBk70021.jpg
'Bristow Rover' 17th May 1990


nae chocks, nae fire extinguisher, nae high vis - how did we cope??!!

Think that's me putting the fuel cap back on the rear tank - one week after I started at Sumburgh (trained by Jack 'Pundie' ) still there now:eek: Bristow Rover still there too..

Daily visits from 72A, 40A, 74A, 51A, 75A... good old days:)

[S61-S92]

Few More Vintage Pics by an ex-Sumburgh Good Egg ;)
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x568/g_bftv_sumburgh_in_c440cc4db57ea2a84be7083394cb4156cf0d02ae. jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x534/g_berf_sumburgh_in_3d1b59010444198bcbfb8b46ea229cc23ab7f760. jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x529/g_bfjy_sumburgh_in_17f8a3bae75eaef8210ab1bb041764ac1eddfa7e. jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x491/g_bbbp_sumburgh_in_7cd26f3eebb3910fdcd1d93aa4e90617364198a3. jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x545/g_bfpn_sumburgh_in_774fe921b9be9a0f686c38182b5286e74f916c2d. jpg

[farsouth]

Amazing how small those Puma passenger windows look compared with what they have now - must have been very unpleasant in the back. And I guess they were not pop-outs either :eek:

[S61-S92]

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x437/bdocfairisle25may1987_05e106fad6d92ec606e742bdd83219294b2786 ef.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x531/theoldbdoc_53a1ab23dd61a3792f478485ad596659eecb7eff.jpg

December 2013 sees the 30th Anniversary of the formation of the full time civilian Search and Rescue Contract at Sumburgh ... 30 YEARS :eek:

Now operating with new aircraft, new faces (some old, some VERY old) and in a "new" hangar, if you have any pictures from days gone by at Sumburgh SAR, please post them here.

[shetlander]

Love the pictures.. Fond memories and faces.

Keep them coming!! :cool::ok:

[Savoia]

Bristow celebrates 30 years of SAR from Sumburgh

HeliHub: 1st December, 2013

On Saturday, November 30, Bristow celebrates its contribution to achieving a significant milestone -30 years of delivering search and rescue (SAR) services from Sumburgh on behalf of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). Bristow crew members past and present, the MCA, Sikorsky and representatives of local search and rescue operational partner organizations will gather at the SAR base at Sumburgh Airport to mark the anniversary.

Richard Parkes, Director of Maritime Operations at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), will present a Coastguard Meritorious Award to the base. A letter of commendation from Sergei Sikorsky and an award will be presented by Sikorsky. Bristow will present individual Operational Excellence Awards. Member of Parliament Stephen Hammond has sent a videotaped message, as has Bristow Group President and CEO Bill Chiles and Bristow Helicopters Managing Director Mike Imlach.

Chris Bond, now with Bristow Q&S Global Standards, was at Sumburgh at the beginning when Bristow began delivering SAR, going back 37 years. As chief crewman, in fact, Bond helped set up SAR operations in Sumburgh in 1983. He commented on the history of Bristow in delivering SAR services in Bristow.

“There is no better way to help our fellow man. I can’t emphasize enough the enthusiasm and commitment of the people that work in the SAR community. There are people at Sumburgh and Stornoway that have been there since the beginning. There was one young fellow I remember at Sumburgh -it was Kieran Murray Junior -- that I was pushing on swings with my kids when he was five years old, and he is now a SAR commander. These are dedicated people who have created an amazing unit and their whole lives revolve around their work."

HeliHub: 30 Years of SAR at Sumburgh (http://helihub.com/2013/12/01/bristow-celebrates-30-years-of-sar-from-sumburgh/)

Bristow World: UK SAR Special Edition (http://prod-app-01.bristowgroup.com/_assets/filer/2013/11/26/bristowworld-sar-specialedition-v5_1_1.pdf)

[Hedski]

December 83 - September 07 and June 13 - Present. My maths out or is 24 the new 30?

Journo's can't add?

[Gaspode the Dog]

I thought that the SAR spent a number of years in a different hanger with a little Humming bird on it?

[Helitemp]

more like 37 years if you count BAH and it's provision of SAR service to the Coastguard with the Sikorsky product .:rolleyes:

[heli1]

Bristow began MCA SAR operations in 1974? At Manston.......that's how the 30 years adds up.No one said it was continuous and Bristow themselves didn't say it was all at Sumburgh.

[The Plumber]

Two Whirlwinds were based at RAF Manston from June 1971, G-AYTK and AYNP. Kicked off by Tony Bates and Lee Smith they provided Dover Straits cover for about 3 years. :ok:

[Tail-take-off]

If you include the Forties, Brent & Den Helder SAR contracts the Bristow record is nearer to 40 years than 30.

[shetlander]

Bristow secures long term contract with BP (http://www.aberdeenbusinessnews.co.uk/item/3061-bristow-secures-long-term-contract-with-bp)

Good news for Sumburgh!! :ok:

Bristows activity in Shetland is booming. S92 bases for oil and gas at Scatsta and Sumburgh and a S92 SAR base at Sumburgh.

[S61-S92]

Welcome back ?Oscar Charlie? | Shetland News (http://www.shetnews.co.uk/news/8331-welcome-back-oscar-charlie)

http://www.shetnews.co.uk/cache.img/images/stories/1404/131030_new_chopper_pix-742x493.jpg

On Friday Bristow Helicopters announced they would be holding a naming ceremony at the coastguard’s Sumburgh base on 25 April.
The name Oscar Charlie became synonymous with the coastguard chopper every time it was seen in the skies around the isles since it first came into service almost 30 years ago.
The name came with the call sign GBD-OC on the original Sikorsky S-61N that started operating out of Sumburgh in 1985, having already served the North Sea oil industry for some years.
When Canadian firm CHC took over the coastguard contract in 2007 it brought in new Sikorsky S92 aircraft with new call signs, but continued using the name Oscar Charlie informally.
However since Bristow won the contract back last year the name has fallen into disuse, the coastguard service using the operating name Rescue 102 when reporting incidents.
On Friday Bristow said they intended to “honour the legacy of Shetland’s much-loved search and rescue helicopter Oscar Charlie by naming their new state-of-the-art Sikorsky S-92 SAR aircraft after it”.
The coastguard’s two Shetland helicopters will retain their existing call signs MCGC and MCGB, but the main chopper will now carry the name Oscar Charlie in the same way a boat has its own name as well as its registration number.
The naming ceremony will include local MP Alistair Carmichael, who worked hard to retain the Lerwick coastguard station when the UK government threatened it with closure in 2010.
He will be joined by Maritime & Coastguard Agency chief executive Sir Alan Massey and Bristow’s director of UK search and rescue Samantha Willenbacher.
The first pilot to fly Oscar Charlie for Shetland coastguard was Gordon Mitchell, who welcomed the decision to bring back her old name.
“I think it’s great because everyone knew Oscar Charlie and having another aircraft flying around for the coastguard just doesn’t seem right somehow,” he said.
The original Oscar Charlie started flying in 1976 for the British National Oil Company (BNOC) on the North Sea’s Thistle field, before coming to Shetland in 1985 after being modified for coastguard work.
Mitchell flew it on many missions, including the 1986 Chinook crash off Sumburgh, the Piper Alpha disaster in 1988 and the Braer oil spill in 1993, along with innumerable incidents off the Shetland coast for which its crew gained national recognition.

[heli1]

Hmmm....not that much "honouring the legacy " when the American owners consider the cash from a sale more important than preserving this historic S-61N.
How's about the new CEO demonstrating a change of faith and donating her to The Helicopter Museum...after all he could write it off against tax!

[S61-S92]

Some Sad News from the Bristow Web


David Miller Passes Away

01 December 2015

​David Miller passed away in the early hours of Friday 27th November 2015, after a short illness. He leaves behind his wife Pat and his two daughters Kirsty and Nina.


David joined Bristow Helicopters Ltd in 1977 after a commission in the Royal Artillery/Army Air Corps. He was first posted to Dubai but quickly progressed to the S61 fleet in Aberdeen. After several postings on the S61, he transitioned to the world of SAR in Sumburgh in 1983.


David rose through the ranks and held the role of Chief Pilot at Sumburgh SAR from 1988 to 1991, during which time he was instrumental in many notable rescues.


Eventually returning to Aberdeen, he continued to progress to management and became Head of Flight Operations – Europe and most recently worked as Head of Flight Operations – International.


David retired from Bristow in 2009 and moved to his beloved Oban on the west coast of Scotland.


David will be greatly missed and we extend our deepest condolences to David's family at this sad time.

[Tail-take-off]

Very sad to hear of Dave's passing. I flew with him many times during my time at BHL. He was always a very fair and pragmatic Chief Pilot while maintaining a can do approach to flying.

When asked who I wanted to fly with on my very last day with BHL in 1996 "Dave Miller" was my immediate response!

Fond memories of good times.

[Ennio]

Very sad news indeed. Got on well with Dave.
My most heartfelt condolences to Dave's loved ones.

[ec155]

I too would like to pay my respects to Dave. One of the old school, he was a character as well as a great manager who backed you 100%
Condolences to his family. RIP Dave.

[Droopy]

I too was a young P2 in the early 80s, there were some people you looked forward to flying with and some you didn't. Dave was one of the good guys.

[Democritus]

Very sad to hear the news about Dave. I never flew with him but I shall be always grateful for the help and support he gave me when I was suddenly taken quite ill whilst on detachment to Sumburgh in the late 80's whilst he was the Chief Pilot there. I have never forgotten his sympathetic handling of the situation and his efforts to get me quickly back to Aberdeen. A true gentleman and a great manager. My deepest condolences to his family.

[exlatccatsa]

"So says Phil Johns, the retired helicopter engineer and winchman who has dedicated most of his working life to search and rescue operations."

Praise for winch operator 40 years after Beryl Alpha heroics | The Shetland Times Ltd (http://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2015/12/04/praise-for-winch-operator-40-years-after-beryl-alpha-heroics)

Tomorrow marks the 40th anniversary of the Beryl Alpha incident which saw storm force winds cause near-catastrophe to an offshore installation. Phil Johns, who was involved in the helicopter rescue of four stranded men, remembers the exercise well. But he insists winch operator, local man Gerald Flaws, never received the recognition he deserved for keeping them all alive on that frightful night. Ryan Taylor takes up the story.

“I must admit on 5th December I always remember it, and I raise a glass of whisky to Gerald, and the crew.”

So says Phil Johns, the retired helicopter engineer and winchman who has dedicated most of his working life to search and rescue operations.

Now living in Gloucestershire, the 71-year-old recalls that night in 1975 as if it happened yesterday.
Four men were stranded on a Mobil-operated oil loading tower, or buoy, which had come adrift after being hit by a 21 metre-wave in pitch dark conditions. The incident happened 100 miles east of Sumburgh.

The whole structure was at risk of toppling over into the boiling sea, raging in a wintry Force 10, which would undoubtedly have sent its occupants to an early, watery grave.

However, Phil was winched down to the bobbing structure, measuring 400 feet in length and 25 feet across, on 12 occasions as the helicopter crew persevered in their attempts to rescue the men.

Captain of the S-61 Bristow aircraft, Terry Wolf Milner would later receive the Gallantry Medal for his part in the operation, which was highlighted in The Shetland Times in July 1976. Also in the aircraft was first-aid attendant, Peter Moar.

Phil received the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Services in The Air.

But while Phil is glad the captain was given recognition – “he was a very cool customer, that captain” – it has always irked him that winch-operator, Gerald Flaws, never gained similar recognition. He is convinced he owes his life to his one-time colleague.
Phil 2 (1)
“Gerald is the winchman, who winches me down at the door. But he’s also the doorman, he’s looking at everything around him, and he’s talking to the captain of the aircraft, who can’t see anything.

“The captain is looking out the front in pitch blackness, and it’s Gerald that’s giving, if you like, the steering commands. Everyone is totally in Gerald’s hands.”

And everyone was saved, despite the captain resorting to some “unusual flying techniques”.

The position was made all the more precarious because of the drifting structure, which Phil insists was at risk of toppling over.

“Flying out we heard on the intercom about the problem. It was a single-point mooring that broke.

“Because the single point mooring was new, there was what was called commissioning technicians on board.

So obviously, they were stranded. There was a very real risk of this thing tipping over. If you can imagine a bottle tipping over in water. It was bobbing all over the place – very erratic. You couldn’t predict where it was going to end up.

“The buoy had a crane at the back. It was very close to our tail rotor. Gerald had to protect the helicopter. That’s why I say I owe him my life.”

The wild conditions made the operation even more difficult.

“Gerald opened the door and there was a lot of sea-spray coming in because the wind was so great. We could see the white caps of the sea. The sea was literally boiling, or tumbling over. It was a really rough night.”

Gerald’s memory is so vivid he even recalls unusual events – like the rubbish that had been left lying around on the platform, including a number of acetylene bottles “which had me worried”.

Then, of course, there’s the man who brought his luggage.

“We made 12 attempts to get these guys off,” said Gerald. “We just couldn’t position the helicopter, because of the wind and the erratic nature of the rig underneath.

“It was rather interesting because one of the guys had a case with him – like a suitcase. It was in the dark, there were no lights, I didn’t have a torch. I thought, ‘this is not a normal day’. I actually kicked it out of his hand. I got a rescue strap over him [a strap that goes round the person’s back and under his arms], and as I did that he’d reached to his side and got hold of his suitcase.”

Since then, Phil has travelled the world, leading something of “a Nomad existence” in a career that has taken him to Burma, Nigeria, Borneo and Australia. He has since been a technical director of a company looking after police helicopters and air ambulances. As he says, “time flies when you’re having fun”.

As for Gerald, he has spent more than 40 years as an engineer at Sumburgh. Seemingly quiet and reserved, he said he did not know what to say about the call for his achievements on that night to be recognised.
“It just seemed to be normal. You were asked to do it, and you went.”

But Phil insisted: “Gerald still lives in Shetland and I owe him my life to him with his skill and ability to act in a cool and professional manner. I still regret that Gerald Flaws was not recognised as he was key to all our safety on that awful night.”

Speaking in 1976, Captain Wolfe-Milner, a Canadian who was then 33, said Gerald had done a great job.
“The winch operator’s job is not spectacular, but he really has to run the show. The whole operation is dependent on his judgment and skill.”

[3D CAM]

Very sad to hear about Dave Miller passing away. Whenever we came down from Unst to Sumburgh to do maintenance, Dave always made sure we were well looked after, even making sure the beer was O.K. in the hotel!:D Pleasure to know and later work with him on SAR at Portland. My condolences and best wishes to his family.
3D

[3D CAM]

Gerald should get a medal backdated. :ok:
3D

[S61-S92]

Award For Rescue Helicopter Pilot.
5th December 1975.

From The Shetland Times.

The Queen's Award for Gallantry is to be made to Capt.Terence Wolfe-Milner, Bristow Helicopters' chief pilot at Sumburgh. He was in command of the operation which, in a Force 11 northwesterly gale on 5th December last, snatched to safety four men marooned on a drifting oil installation in the North Sea. Mr Philip Keith Johns, who was the winchman of the rescue team, receives the Queen's Commendation.

The four technicians to be rescued had been working on Mobil's Beryl "A" tanker mooring and loading buoy, when it broke away from its location about 100 miles east of Sumburgh and was drifting and tossing in mountainous seas. The movement of the structure made a landing impossible and the position of its loading arm, downwind of the flightdeck, ruled out the normal approach for a helicopter.

"After the first two or three attempts to get into a hover position, I had serious doubts about being able to get the men off," Captain Wolfe-Milner said. "However, we eventually found the best way of getting in and hovering long enough for Phil Johns to be winched down on to the heaving deck and bring up one man at a time in a double harness. We came in about a dozen times altogether, and in quarter of an hour were landing the men on the mother platform." The other members of the crew who took part in the rescue were 1st Officer Charles Beilby, Mr Gerald Flaws, winch operator, and Mr Pete Moar, first-aid attendant.


The following is Captain Wolfe-Milner's debrief report on the above rescue.

Casevac - Beryl SPM, 5th December 1975.

Details of Incident:

1655
I received a request from Mobil Aberdeen to carry out the Beryl A-704-Dyvi A inter-rig shuttle as the wind was above operating limits for the 704-based S58T at 45 to 60 knots. Although Mobil had that day cancelled the 0700 and 1900 shuttle from Sumburgh with G-BDII, and we had reduced the crewing accordingly, F/O Charles Beilby undertook to do the flight with me, although he was rostered to go back to Aberdeen. We had both done an earlier flight for another client.

1800
Departed Sumburgh for the Beryl A.

1813
Sedco 704 was advising us of the crew numbers for the shuttle when he broke his transmission and told us that the Beryl SPM had broken free and that we were requested to return to Sumburgh to get a winching crew to evacuate the SPM. I asked the 704 to confirm the night winching requirement by Telex. This was never done. We turned back to Sumburgh, and Ops were advised and told to call out Phil Johns, Gerald Flaws and to get emergency gear ready.

1833
Landed Sumburgh, refuelled, and took on winching gear, the liferaft out of S61N G-BBHM, blankets, pillows, both winchmen and Peter Moar as winchman assistant.

1849
Departed Sumburgh again for the Beryl Field.

1923
http://www.helitavia.com/Skyweaver/images/berylspm_tn.jpg (http://www.helitavia.com/Skyweaver/images/berylspm.jpg)Arrived Beryl Field. The Beryl A advised us that the SPM had flashing ident lights, and that they were in communication with them. The SPM was located easily, and an approach made to hover alongside to assess the deck movement and location of obstructions. The loading arm was directly downwind and as it rises above flight deck level an out-of-wind hover to the right was necessary to ensure adequate tail and rotor clearance. Movement of the SPM was considerable though not rapid. As it moves about a balljoint on the sea bed the motion is unusual in that as the SPM rolls it also travels in a horizontal direction for quite a distance. The first few attempts by Gerald Flaws to winch Phil Johns down to the deck were unsuccessful due to difficulty in maintaining the hover in position for long enough to get him onto the deck. Hover height was then increased from approximately 10 feet to 20-30 feet, to increase the marginal tail and rotor clearance, but at this height the deck wasn't visible. The attempt was abandoned and an alternate method of getting the men off was looked for unsuccessfully.

Hover height was then reduced again and yaw to the right increased to fifty to sixty degrees out of wind - this gave a better view of the deck, increased tail clearance, but made the attitude of the aircraft a bit unusual. Johns was then winched down and started double-lifting the men up. Several more aborts were made but everyone got up - including one bright soul who insisted on carrying up his suitcase in spite of being kicked away by Johns!

The aircraft assumed unusual attitudes on many occasions, which induced quite severe swinging oscillations of Johns on the winch. He said later he saw the port side of the aircraft on several occasions. Throughout the exercise the Master Warning light was flashing.

The wind on the deck was indicating from 55 to 65 knots, and torque only momentarily exceeded 60% in spite of the yaw, so safe single-engine performance was assured at all times.

Illumination of the deck was satisfactory with the landing lights. One of the SPM deck floodlights was pointing up and was blinding in one hover position, but over the deck it didn't cause a problem. The loading arm was peripherally visible from the cockpit but depth perception was poor. Gerald Flaws kept me well informed of the clearance from the tail.

1945
Winching complete.

1950
Landed Beryl platform. The four men plus Johns and Flaws disembarked, Johns to see the medic to treat badly banged shins which he hit on the cargo door lip on one winching lift. Moar stayed onboard and we carried on with the inter-rig shuttle.

2030
Departed Beryl for Sumburgh after refuelling.

2200
Landed Sumburgh and were greeted by well-trained Ops Staff with welcome cans of beer.

Comments:

1. The performance of Johns, Flaws and Beilby was excellent. The conditions were less than ideal, but there was no hesitation in getting on with a difficult and at times very dangerous task. Response by Bristow staff at Sumburgh was very quick, with crews readied and gear ready for loading with only twenty minutes notice.

2. The training given to the men on the SPM the previous weekend paid off. Johns had instructed them to kneel when on the deck to receive the double-lift harness strop, and this made the actual time on deck only seconds.

3. Only two of the men had lifejackets on, which is bordering on stupidity. There were two that didn't have hard-hats on and one who did lost it on the way up due to an insecure chin-strap. The training we gave them made it quite clear that both articles must be worn when winching.

4. The deck of the SPM had become increasingly cluttered with equipment and a Telex had been sent off on the morning of 5th. asking Mobil to get it cleared. The area from which the winching was done was relatively clear, and fortunately the cable didn't snag at all.

5. One final compliment must be paid to Sikorsky. Control movements were extreme, approaching the stops at times and hydraulic pressures were dropping to zero at times. No binding of the controls was noted and the AFCS didn't drop off line. The winch operated successfully and though the motor stopped a couple of times momentarily, the circuit breaker didn't 'pop' even though there was a lot of 'inching'.

End.

Extract from Skyweaver

[TipCap]

Sad to hear the news about David. I knew him very well and even did some of his line training. We often put the world to rights over an ale or three.

I agree with the others. You always knew where you were with Dave not like other HoFO I worked with

RIP Dave and condolences to his family

TC

[Phil Kemp]

I was saddened to hear about Dave, I always found him to be a very pleasant and entertaining individual when I worked with him in Aberdeen, and later when I got to know him much better when I was in Sumburgh picking up a bunch of S61's we had just bought. My thoughts are with all the family.

Also, it is nice to see recognition for my cousin, Gerald Flaws during the Beryl rescue. There were two Shetlanders (and neighbours from Hestingott) on that flight - Peter Moar was also there on that flight.

There were some pretty amazing missions undertaken by the crews in Shetland in the early days, (both BAH and Bristow} before the inception of the dedicated SAR capability there. When you consider that they were locally trained and the limited resources for maintaining currency, some of those early missions were quite amazing in the success of their outcomes.

Peter Hutchinson, Henry Burgess and myself were at the point of Garthsness one day watching another Bristow rescue when they successfully pulled the crew from a burning tug (with a barge undertow), I remeber that Alan Taylor was on the hook for that one, but can't remember the rest of the crew.

Great days, with great people. Very fond memories.

[skridlov]

I'm not sure whether or not this is the appropriate thread but here goes.
Down here on the South Coast of England - well, Worthing to be precise - I sometimes encounter an old gentleman taking the air with whom I spend a pleasant hour chatting about his remarkable career in aviation. His name is Bill R. He's now well into his 90s and has limited vision and mobility but still exhibits a very acute mind. His RAF career commenced in early 1939 (he was trained at the Trenchard./Rothschild school I understand) and for at least part of the war he flew Hurricanes. Subsequently he was involved in the helicopter world in all sorts of capacities including the Scilly Isles ferry operation after which he moved to Aberdeen to work in the burgeoning North Sea oil industry. I believe he was an engineering operations manager however after many hours of conversation the sheer breadth of his experience has overloaded me somewhat - I'm no spring chicken myself.

What prompted this reply was that he recently told me about the Chinook 1986 crash which occurred under his watch. He's no fan of Chinooks and although he seems to have been responsible for a wide range of helicopters his main experience in this role was with S96s. Interestingly at one point last year he mentioned briefly in passing that he'd actually once met Igor Sikorsky.

I've been trying to get him to record his life story but he's at an age where he doesn't care one way or another about posterity. He's a remarkable man and one of the few remaining examples of a vanishingly small breed. It's a privilege to know him a little.

Anyway I thought that someone reading or contributing to this thread may possibly know or know of Bill. His vision and mobility are so poor that it's difficult for me to show him the photos on this thread which may be of interest - although I don't think he ever worked for Bristow.

[Tail-take-off]

Skridlov

I don’t know whether you or the gentleman concerned have a Facebook account but there are plenty of British Airways Helicopters former employees on this Facebook group who may be able to help you:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/446413662191722/

[skridlov]

Thanks for the suggestion. Personally I abhor Facebook and "social media" in general and Bill's vision is too limited for screens of any sort. But maybe someone will encounter this thread in due course.
Roy

[S61-S92]

skridlov

If you haven't already done so, check out William Ashpole's site which has loads of stories and pictures from his British Airways Helicopters days in Gatwick, Aberdeen and Sumburgh.

https://www.ashpole.org.uk/