RAF Chipmunks

[CoffmanStarter]

Dear fellow PPRuNe Members …

I’m trying to locate photographs of the following RAF Chipmunks during their service with No. 1 AEF at the various RAF Stations during the years mentioned … and wondered if any of you might be able to help ?

I know this might be a bit of a long shot for some of the early years. To help, in the early days, No. 1 AEF operated within a “pooled” fleet of aircraft shared with London UAS, RAF Biggin Hill Station Flight and No. 6 AEF. Typically, from the 60’s onwards, there were four resident aircraft at any one time on the No. 1 AEF dedicated fleet, so the additional serials shown reflect various inter fleet transfers made during the specified year.

The No. 1 AEF Fleet List reproduced below has been complied with the kind help of the UK author of “Chipmunk, The Poor Man’s Spitfire” (a recommended read for anyone interested in the history of the Chipmunk) along with some extensive aircrew log book research and cross-reference. That said there is some uncertainty around the final years at RAF Manston from 1988 to when the Flight ceased flying Chipmunks and closed in 1995.

I’m particularly keen to know if a final photograph was taken to mark the cessation of AEF Chipmunk flying at RAF Manston on the 31st March 1995. I seem to recall that RAF Manston had a semi-official Station Photographer who was a civilian working at the time with the Ground Radio Servicing Flight (GRSF) … a Mr Dave Keep … and wondered if anyone might know if he is still contactable these days ?

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I’m most keen to complete a potted history of No. 1 AEF during the Chipmunk years. A previous PPRuNe thread has helped with some useful information but I thought an ask outside the “History & Nostalgia” Forum might be more fruitful.

http://www.pprune.org/aviation-history-nostalgia/375999-raf-manston-history-no-1-aef-1967-1995-a.html

RAF Biggin Hill

1958 WP 846, WK 577, WP 837, WK 621, WZ 876

RAF White Waltham

1959 WK 577, WP 837, WP 846, WD 372 WZ 876, WK 621, WK 636, WZ 850, WP 862

RAF West Malling

1960 WK 577, WP 837, WP 846, WD 372, WZ 876, WK 621

RAF White Waltham

1961 WP 837, WP 846, WD 372, WD 391

1962 WP837, WP 846, WD 372, WP 974

RAF Manston

1963 WP 837, WP 846, WZ 850, WK 621, WK577, WD 304, WD 344

1964 WK 577, WP 837, WP 846, WD 344

1965 WK 577, WP 837, WP 846, WD 344, WD 390, WK 628

1966 WK 577, WP 846, WD 344, WP 837, WK 638, WB 627

1967 WK 577, WP 837, WP 846, WD 344, WB 627, WK 586

1968 WP 846, WD 344, WB 627, WK 586, WP 837, WB 569, WK 577

1969 WK 586, WB 627, WD 370, WB 569, WP 837, WK 642, WZ 845, WP 846, WD 344

1970 WD 370, WB 627, WK 642, WZ 845, WK 586, WB 569

1971 WK 642, WD 370, WZ 845, WB 627, WK 586, WB 569

1972 WK 642, WD 370, WZ 845, WB 627, WK 586, WB 569

1973 WK 642, WZ 845, WB 627, WB 569

1974 WK 642, WZ 845, WB 569, WB 627, WG 466, WD 370, WK 586, WK 518

1975 WK 642, WZ 845, WB 569, WG 458, WK 518, WG 466

1976 WK 642, WZ 845, WB 569, WK 518, WZG 458

1977 WK 642, WZ 845, WB 569, WK 518

1978 WK 642, WZ 845, WB 569, WK 518

1979 WK 642, WZ 845, WB 569, WK 518, WG 430

1980 WK 642, WZ 845, WG 430, WB 569, WK 518

1981 WK 642, WZ 845, WG 430, WB 569,WK 518, WZ 872

1982 WK 642, WZ 845, WG 430, WB 569, WK 518

1983 WZ 845, WG 430, WB 569, WK 518, WK 642, WP 855

1984 WZ 845, WG 430, WP 855, WB 569

1985 WZ 845, WG 430, WP 855, WB 569, WK 642

1986 WZ 845, WG 430, WP 855, WB 569, WK 642, WK 554

1987 WZ 845, WG 430, WP 855, WK 554

1988 WZ 845, WG 430, WP 855, WK 554, ?

1989 WZ 845, WG 430, WP 855, WK 554, ?

1990 WZ 845, WG 430, WP 855, WK 554, ?

1991 WZ 845, WG 430, WP 855, WK 554, ?

1992 WZ 845, WG 430, WP 855, WK 554, ?

1993 WZ 845, WG 430, WP 855, WK 554, ?

1994 WZ 845, WG 430, WP 855, WK 554, WG 458, ?

1995 WZ 845, WG 430, WP 855, WK 554, ?


Kind regards …

Coff.

[Manandboy]

Just checking my logbook, 1 AEF closed on 31 March 1996, not 95 - same aircraft as 2 years earlier. My last Chipmunk trip was in WG 430 on the very last day! Sniff!

[DrumMachine]

Wow, those tail numbers bring back some wonderful memories of the time I spent on 1AEF in the early nineties. S/L Pete Stonham RIP was the most inspiring boss I served under during my 20 years of flying for Her Majesty.

[deltahotel]

Flew most of those on a 3 month interval in my flying career, my initial training by SL Pete Stonham. All good fun.

[Flying Lawyer]

Coff

Can't help with old pics but you might want to include a contemporary pic of WK518 which went to No 1 AEF in 1974 (from the University of London Air Squadron) and from there to the BBMF in 1983 where it's still used for tail-wheel conversion.

It's been in continuous RAF service for 58 years. (Delivered to Cranwell in 1952.)


http://www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/rafcms/mediafiles/4B146F0B_1143_D71E_467751E1139433A4.jpg


http://www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/rafcms/mediafiles/4BD3B8E0_1143_D71E_46822BFDDBBA22C6.jpg


I did my first solo in WK518 in 1971.

FL

[spannersatKL]

Thanks for this thread....was a staff cadet at 617GS in the early 70's and used to 'drink' with the AEF staff....Don Ding was also on the staff at 1051 Dartford Squadron...a wonderful man, believe he flew on Bostons in the war.

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi Manandboy ...

I'm very interested to hear that 1 AEF closed 31/03/96 and not 31/03/95, especially as you were flying on the last day, as two separate sources in my research to date indicate 95 as the year of closure ... including a reference to when the Flight reformed at RAF St Athan (parented by UWAS) 01/04/95 flying Grob Tutors.

Many thanks ...

Hi DrumMachine, deltahotel ...

Great to hear from you both. I met S/L Pete Stonham just the once, a really nice guy, however I'm from the S/L John Shelton, S/L Paddy Brown era. You might like to have a look at the initial page I authored on Wikipedia to bring back a few more memories.

1 Air Experience Flight - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1_Air_Experience_Flight)

Many thanks ...

Hi Flying Lawyer ...

Thanks for the background information and pictures of WK 518. If my memory serves me correctly WK 518 was fitted with a single Bendix 360 Channel (dial up) VHF radio while, at the time, all our other aircraft were equipped with a single 12 Channel (fixed) VHF radio. When Chipmunk servicing moved to RAF Shawbury in the late 70's things became a bit tricky transit wise requiring the older VHF radios to be re-crystallised with a few NATO "common" frequencies which worked reasonably well but it wasn't an ideal solution, so every opportunity was taken to transit as a two ship formation with WK 518 as lead aircraft with the more flexible radio.

I wish we had the smart High Viz Black livery that WK 518 sports today with the BBMF !

Many thanks ...

Hi spannersatKL ...

A "Northern Grass" colleague ! Great to hear from you. I remember Don Ding very well ... I think he also flew Avro Anson's. So you'll remember Bill Williams, Bob Thompson et al ?

Many thanks ...

Best all ...

Coff.

[Manandboy]

Coff,

Don't know where the confusion has come from, but no doubt that 1 AEF Manston closed in 96. I was in MOD at the time and started flying at Manston on 8 Aug 95. Between then and 31 Mar 96 I flew just over 35 hours. After that I moved to 10 AEF at Woodvale and converted (for the first time) to the Bulldog - flew cadets there until being posted back to a flying job in 97.

If I had to trust my failing memory I might be doubtful about the year, but the logbook dates tie in with what's left of the synapses, so I'm confident of dates.

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi Manandboy ...

Thanks so much for your help. Firsthand confirmation like this from your 414 locks the closure date in my book ... 31/03/96 it is !

I thought you might like to see the following pictures of WG 430 in the USA (Indianapolis) where she currently resides (or did do c. 2005). Her civil registration in the US is N430WG. Apparently, after being sold by the RAF/MOD, she moved across the "pond" and spent a short time in Canada as C-GBNM before heading further south.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/DSC01742.jpg

In this picture you will see that the Radio Frequency Card still carries the Manston frequencies !

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/DSC01747.jpg

The pictures were kindly shared with me by the UK author of the fabulous book "Chipmunk - The Poor Man's Spitfire".

As you were flying on the final day ... did S/L Stonham mark the cessation of Chipmunk flying at Manston in any way ... and if so ... are there any pictures to your knowledge ? I'd really like to obtain copies if I can.

Many kind regards ...

Coff.

[deltahotel]

Coff. Held At Manston for 3 months in 1985 between FJ n ME. Pete Stonham was the boss, but Paddy Brown (F/L Reserves I think) still there limping heavily to and from ac. Pete S great boss - lots of dits about Canberras in the far east - lots of effort into the BoB museum at Manston. lot of fun.

DH

[BEagle]

I did my first solo in WK518 in 1971.

Good old '518! I did my second ever ULAS trip in WK518 from White Waltham on 4 Oct 1969; Fg Off Jerry Brown was the QFI. 'Ex 1-6; 12&13' all completed in 0:50, so it must have been a busy trip!

We were so lucky, FL - the UAS system of today is an utter travesty compared to the happy times you and I knew......:\

[Prawn2king4]

I trained on Chipmunks a way back and remember the neumonic I used for the start checks - sogriada.
Think the first three were switches, oil, generator - but the rest have disappeared... anyone help?

[MOSTAFA]

Didn't My Friend Fred Have Hairy Balls come into it somewhere.

Surprisingly happy days those 56 hours.

[aw ditor]

Mixture Fuel Flaps Harness Hoods Brakes! Flew 518' on AEF duties from Bicester (ATC/CCF Summer Camp?) 22nd July 1974. Also FIRA' on re-joining' and TTMFFPHH pre-take-off?

[The Helpful Stacker]

- "Jump, jump Johnny..."

- "Jump, jumping Sir!"


I spent many an hour sat around the side of the 1AEF building playing cards or kicking a ball about, awaiting my turn for a flight in a chippy.

I'll have to dig out my Desmond and see which of the above I flew in.

I would love a flight in one just for old times sake, I wonder if anyone out there offers them?

[airborne_artist]

The Senior Service had them too, don't forget, at Britannia Flight based at Roborough. My trusty steed for my first 10 minutes of aviation freedom in Betty's club is now in Oz.

[Dan Winterland]

Was an instructor at EFTS when the first girl students arrived. The downwind checks had to be changed to "My Friend Fiona Has Huge Breasts" for them.

[Double Zero]

I came across the ( to me anyway as a VERY good question ) as to how come a lot of Light aircraft and indeed trials Military aircraft were painted white or grey respectively or whatever, making acquisition by the various cameras tricky at best?

The answer was that although there are thermal engineering issues for gliders and GCA, as far as mil' aircraft go no-one sees anything but a dark object in the sky, so it might as well be black.

I'm not sure how reassuring this would have been to people flying - one way or another - in the FRS/ FA2 testbed HS125 with Blue Vixen, which was painted mostly white and often had to formate on trials Sea Harriers in cloud !

[Wizzaird]

"Fuel on Brakes on Throttle closed Switches off!"

I still say that occasionally when I jump into my Airbus, much to the astonishment and confusion of my First Officer :eek:

Ah those were the days....

[Manandboy]

Coff,

Nice piccies of WG 430 - brings to mind the smell of Avgas, leather and sweat that I associate with Chipmunks (all happy memories!).

I am embarrassed to say that I don't remember what happened to mark the closure of the AEF at Manston. I vaguely recall all the pilots who were there trooping out for a group photo by an aircraft after lunch, but can't rememberl who was taking the pictures - I haven't got any copies. I also seem to recall a function in the Mess, which I couldn't attend. There must be someone else around who flew at Manston - it's not that long ago!

I visited the little Battle of Britain museum at Manston a few years later and the chap who was looking after it knew Pete Stonham well - could that be another possible line of inquiry?

[BEagle]

"Fuel on Brakes on Throttle closed Switches off!"

You'd probably have a 'trouser moment' if the starter crew replied down the external i/c with "Breech inserted, cowling secure!".

Best aptitude test in the world is an hour in a Chipmunk plus a weekend in a wet tent in Wales! Do well at that and you'll have a guaranteed aviation career - no need for trickcyclist HR dweebs to do any further assessment!

[ACW599]

>You'd probably have a 'trouser moment' if the starter crew replied down the external i/c with "Breech inserted, cowling secure!".<

Or even "Engine primed, breech inserted, cowling secure, clear to start", which I seem to recall was the mantra on UWAS in the early 1970s.

It's often said that the Chipmunk handles very like earlier marks of Spitfire. Anyone on here lucky enough to know whether that's really the case?

[Wizzaird]

"Breech inserted, cowling secure!".

yes, next time I get a pushback I must ask "flightdeck to ground, confirm doors hatches closed, breech inserted, cowling secure"

The FO would probably mumble under his breath "the silly old git has finally lost it"

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi All ...

I thought this diagram might stir a few memories for quite a few ... especially given the reminiscences around "checks" in the last couple of replies. I have to say that this diagram comes from the 3rd Edition of the AP which was originally issued in June 1966, where I recall it was replaced in the early/mid 70's by a 4th Edition (?) ... which came in a small blue plastic ring-binder if my memory serves me correctly (which was difficult to stuff in the leg pocket of your flying suit unlike the earlier editions !) ... by which time the Carb Air setting was declared "wired hot" in the FRC's and the use of the Landing Lamp for anti-collision purposes required you to switch it on before take-off and then off after landing.


http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/AP4308.jpg

Kind regards ...

Coff.

[maxred]

If you are ever coming up to Scotland, PM me and I will give you a flight in our trusty WP860, currently based at RAF Kirknewton.
She is ex Turnhouse ATC:ok:

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi All ...

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread so far, along with the PM's and other information provided ... all very much appreciated.

Here is a picture of our WB627 in the Grey & Dayglow livery of the late 60's. Permission to upload this image has been kindly granted by the son of the pilot (Alpha 33 - F/L Bill Downing ... now sadly deceased) upfront.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/WB627.jpg

The following picture shows a Let Down over Pegwell Bay, following an aerobatics session, for a rejoin over Richborough Power Station Cooling Towers.

Aerobatics at RAF Manston were either performed "overhead above three" (overhead the airfield to the north of the main runway) or at "Pegwell above three".

Again permission to upload this image has been kindly granted by the son of Alpha 33. At a guess this picture is mid to late 70's as Hoverlloyd packed up operations at Pegwell Bay at the turn of the 80's.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/pegwell01.jpg

Kind regards...

Coff.

[RETDPI]

I recall it was replaced in the early/mid 70's by a 4th Edition (?) ... which came in a small blue plastic ring-binder if my memory serves me correctly (which was difficult to stuff in the leg pocket of your flying suit unlike the earlier editions !) ... by which time the Carb Air setting was declared "wired hot"


"Carb Air" was certainly Wire-locked 'Hot' by end 1969. Anybody know what actually precipitated this?
(one presumes to make it "idiot proof" against carb-air icing, but was there an actual incident?)

[Wander00]

My memory is that Cranwell Chipmunks were "carb air wired hot" in 1963.

[Robert Cooper]

Ah... the nostalgia. That little seductress got me started on 50 years in aviation after the first flight:)

Bob C

[Dundiggin']

I was learning to fly the Chippie at Halton in the '90s. What a fantastic aircraft! However, it did have the odd 'quirk; namely the setting of the Brakes which I think must have been the most complicated system ever designed. Having 'set' the brakes by pulling on '5 clicks' on the handbrake you could achieve 'differential braking ' for taxiing. But if you were landing on a hard surface only, you had to pull on the '5 clicks' prior to landing in order to maintain directional control on the runway.

I remember going downwind at Benson on a sunny Sunday afternoon voicing the Pre-Landing checks and included 'Brakes - 5 clicks' . My instructor said 'Have you applied the handbrake?' I said 'Yes but only 5 clicks'. He said 'you don't need that'. I said 'My very experienced mate says that if I don't add 5 clicks we could lose control on landing'. Anyway I left the '5 clicks' on and it was lucky I had as the runway lights loomed large at one point in the procedure and I stuck in a 'bootfull' of rudder and avoided going off the side of the runway. :} My instructor said He'd never heard of it for landing. Anyone know any different?

[Dan Winterland]

Five clicks is excessive. You should prior to taxying apply full rudder and count how mant clicks were needed to feel some pressure on the handle as the cyliner pressurized. Normally two but sometimes three. Any more and maintenace was required.

The RAF FOM and Checklist mentioned use brakes as required, but in practice we never did. The risk of a groundloop after an enthusiastic application of rudder was too high.

[BEagle]

We were taught the pre-taxying 'full rudder and count the clicks' technique and the option of setting 'min diff' brakes in flight if there was a crosswind was mentioned. But I don't recall ever having set the brakes anything other than fully OFF during the pre-landing checks.

The 'wired hot' thing was, if I recall correctly, something to do with the Avgas octane grade and cylinder head material used in later (?) years and was needed to reduce the CHT. But a few QFIs mentioned that the wire restraint was really quite flimsy....:E

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi fellow PPRuNe members ...

A bit of an absence since my last post on this thread ... but happily I've come across a few pictures that I thought might be of interest ... perhaps some of you might own up to being "snapped" !

The following three pictures have been kindly shared by Dave Croucher.

Boss Pete Stonham (RIP) in the boot and Dave Croucher up front (taken in the early/mid 90's I think) .

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/Scan101700002.jpg

Possibly one of a number of group photos taken before the Flight finally closed in 1996 ... but I don't believe this was the final photo ? A couple of faces I recognise ... Dave Croucher in the centre with the "extreme" operational SD Cap ... and far right Ted Gridler (RIP - Ex Reds).

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/Scan101700007.jpg

Happy group shot ... probably taken around the early/mid 90's ... Dave Croucher sitting ... does anyone else recognise faces ?

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/Scan101700003.jpg

And finally ... after clearing out the loft ! ... yours truly up front with Boss John Shelton (RIP) in the boot (he was fiercely proud of his Cambridge UAS "Blue" Bone Dome). Taken 4th August 1977. WK518 (prior to her transfer to the BoBMF) ... Spin Check ... 6 left, 6 right ... PFL ... tea and debrief ... great fun a very long time ago.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/Scan101640001.jpg

Kind regards ...

Coff.

[Jig Peter]

I'm too young to be able to compare any Spitfires with the Chippy, but remember with pleasure doing AFS at Tarrant Rushton in the early '50s and finding that the Vampire 3 (I think - perhaps 5) handled just like a Chipmunk, with that extra "something" that made life fun for a wet-behind-the-ears junior flyboy ... So young to have TWO loves at first flight in one's life !
:8

[ian16th]

Johannesburg Rand Airport

Rand Airport is located South-East from Johannesburg 'Jan Smuts' International Airport. It’s nestled between Germiston Lake and Gosforth Park in the suburbs of Germiston.
Rand can easily be reached via the Electron Highway N24 from Jan Smuts International and then onwards on the N3 South. For the propliner enthusiast this airport is well worth a visit. It has an extremely relaxed atmosphere and ramp permission is easily obtained via the airport manager. Rand Airport offers all the facilities such as avionics, instruments, airframe, sheet metal work, welding, recovering, hangerage and fuel. It even offers scenic flights over the city. Classique Aviation offers Tiger Moth, DC-3 Dakota, Harvard, L29/L39 jets, Pitts Special and Chipmunk rides in combination with pre flight champagne or breakfast afterwards. All this can be observed from the excellent viewing area at the Harvard Café. Hot food and cool drinks can be enjoys in the shadow of Rand Airport vintage, Art deco style control tower.
The 1930's tower seems to come straight out a Hollywood movie set and has all the classic lines of the 1950s design. Rand main terminal building and control tower sets the mood for this airport. It even carries the old Speed-bird logo above the entrance. For the aviation spotters Rand is well known for the exotic props and jets residents. South African Prop and Jet Safari (http://www.michaelprophet.com/News_articles/Safari.html)

The last time I was over there it was R500 (£45-38) for a trip in a Chippy!

[ACW599]

>finding that the Vampire 3 (I think - perhaps 5) handled just like a Chipmunk, with that extra "something" that made life fun for a wet-behind-the-ears junior flyboy ... So young to have TWO loves at first flight in one's life !<

Aaaah...de Havilland (sigh).

Is it me or is the resemblance of the Chipmunk's fin shape to that of the Mosquito more than a coincidence?

[Yozzer]

Is it me or is the resemblance of the Chipmunk's fin shape to that of the Mosquito more than a coincidence?

...or the twin engined Chipmunk; otherwise known as the Hornet.

[Wander00]

#36/#37 - I think we have been here before, about a year ago!

[ACW599]

>I think we have been here before, about a year ago!<

My bad. Call it a senior moment. Or, if we're being kind, an "intellectual interlude".

[tezzer]

The highlight of many (including me) an ATC cadet's year, those precious minutes spent over Church Fenton, Finningly, or indeed Linton.
Happy happy memories.The briefing video, the fitting of the parachute, the wait, the waddle out to the aeroplane itself, the smell, oh God the smell is there a more evocotive sense than smell ?,thechit chat witha real pilot, then the time spent doing basic aerobatics, making sure one didn't succumb to motion sickness, and trying oh trying to fly by looking at withe wingtips rather than chasing the artificial horizon.
Land, climb out, waddle back across to the office and get the parachute off, then regale all assembled with tales of daring do !

Loved it then, would love it now.

[Blacksheep]

The briefing video, the fitting of the parachute, the wait, the waddle out to the aeroplane itself, the smell, oh God the smell is there a more evocotive sense than smell ?Dishforth. No video (we'd only just got Television oop north!) but otherwise its a timeless scene. Out across the A1 and away over Ripon. Aeros that seemed to go on for ever. 'Oh please, lets do another!' Then a go at it yourself and back for tales of daring do. I was hooked: then they discovered my eyeballs pointed in different directions and I ended up in Engineering. Sigh!

[BBadanov]

Seeing some of the neumonics for Chipmunk checks reminds me of the Winjeel. The vital actions pre-takeoff were:
Try Tickling Mary's Pretty Fanny For She Is Having Hairy C**t Trouble.

I remember the neumonic but not the checks!! Something like:
Throttle
Trims
Mixture
Prop
Fuel
Flaps
Switches
Instruments
Harness
Hatch
Controls
Tailwheel

[NutLoose]

Whilst awaiting my database to reload, has the original poster gone through these?
http://www.abpic.co.uk/search.php?page=0&q=De%20Havilland%20Canada%20DHC-1%20Chipmunk%20T10&u=type

[good finish]

Does any one have a link for the atc cadet briefing film from the late 70s/early 80s?
If memory serves me he was called cdt John andrews.
Who remembers 'jump jump jump' and the reply 'jumping sir'!

[Dan Winterland]

That film is a SSVC production and as a result, won't be found on You Tube as SSVC are pretty hard about copyright. There are cpies which still exist if you know where to look!

''John Andrews'' is a mate of mine. Now he's pushing 50, he looks a bit different! His dad was the boss of the AEF where it was filmed and plays the Chipmunk pilot. Paul, who plays John still has to suck up some pretty serious banter about the film!

[CoffmanStarter]

NutLoose ...

Many thanks for your reply. I've been able to source a few pics from the Air Britain site ... but I'm still trying to locate "in service" photo's if I can.

Best regards ...

Coff.

[NutLoose]

Long shot, try contacting Bill Fisher he owns the aircraft spares company I link here.......... I quote from the page shown below


In 1964 Rod Bown and I did a tour of the UK photographing Chipmunks, WB 550 was seen at the RAF College at Cranwell.


Chipmunks (http://www.fandh-aircraft.co.uk/chipmunks.htm)

might be some help.

[good finish]

dan
thats amazing - he had his 15 minutes of fame - and has no doubt paid the price with ever since with banter from mates like you!
when you say 'know where to look' any chance of a PM?
i fly a chipmunk today and had my first flight in one at shawbury in 82 so on a real nostalgia trip!

[The Helpful Stacker]

Does any one have a link for the atc cadet briefing film from the late 70s/early 80s?
If memory serves me he was called cdt John andrews.
Who remembers 'jump jump jump' and the reply 'jumping sir'!

"Pull the yellow toggle to open the flap then pull the yellow handle, allowing the canopy to slide to the first stop, before pulling the handle again and allowing the canopy to slide to the rear."

Remember to aim for the trailing edge of the wing when you jump.;)

[Clever Techy]

This is a great wee thread.....brings back lots of memories. Funny how the memory of being strapped into a Chippy for the first time never leaves you. Mine was WG363 at 12 AEF Turnhouse many moons ago.

CT

[scarecrow450]

[QUOTE]If you are ever coming up to Scotland, PM me and I will give you a flight in our trusty WP860, currently based at RAF Kirknewton.
She is ex Turnhouse ATC[QUOTE]

She was my first flight, July 1979 from Turhouse over the firth and both bridges, and it was fantastic, don't think the grin left my face all month. Its nice to see her still going strong :D:D

[The Helpful Stacker]

One of the best things about flying with 1AEF from RAF Manston was the size of the runway you were looking for when you were on your way back in. If you couldn't reply "yes" when the instructor said "can you see the runway" then a backseat in a Chipmunk was about as far as your flying career would probably go.

[ShortFatOne]

Being on the cusp of calling it a day on my RAF career, I am still amazed that I can be moved by such a simple thing as this thread. I was lucky enough to fly Chippys at No1 EFTS at RAF Swinderby in 1987. The system was changing from Flying Selection School (we all had the badge!) to EFTS, nobody knew what the hell was going on, so we just carried on flying until told to stop! Great days with the likes of Uncle Dennis Winterbottom (and his Vincent Black Shadow-or was it a Villiers?), Ted Hudson ("only one way to recover a Javelin from a spin, bang the Nav out!"), Pete Frame (APO SFO, if you were in the FAA then fraternising with the Sqn Mini Adj would be OK, but you're not, so please put her down and leave her alone! - best boll@cking I ever had!), Pete Bouch (in the Hurricane..............), Mad Mike Dutton ("Did I ever tell you about the time I was flying Chipmunks in Cyprus when the Turks invaded?"). And finally, Keith Jobling, the first non-pilot aircrew guy I ever met in the RAF (think he was a Nav?), what a gent. Even if it was him that egged me on with the Mini Adj!!

Happy days.

Going to look up tailnumbers when I get home, sad I know.......:ok:

[Llademos]

ShortFatOne ... my EFTS was a bit later, when most of what we did had been worked out. Still the great instructors though - still remember a story from another stude on my course being told by Mad Mike Dutton 'wave at the tractor driver' before recovering from a PFL. Also remember the course 'challenge' when doing a solo post-spin aeros was to do the 'ops normal' radio call pulling as many 'g' as possible.

Went to Canada a couple of years ago, and went to the aviation museum in Trentham - WB550 (I flew it solo, twice) is there, in the original red and white. :)

[chopd95]

There is something about them - possibly the smell of cordite in the morning?!
1967 RAFC North Airfield:
WP912
WB962
WB654
WK591
WB762
WZ878
WP799
Solo at Fulbeck

Flt Lt Al Thomas had me and K B...l as studes - me 5ft nothing, KB 6ft plus a lot (parade marker?)
"you my son might as well not be there, with KB I can see f all and just hope he gets it right"
Seem to recall that those with an RAF scholarship (i.e. had a civie ppl) just did 11 or so chippie hours, whilst the lucky guys had a lot more?
GCA into V Force Waddo was done to test the patience of ATC.

[flap15]

Argh....Swinderby. Terrifying Corporals, bemused airmen and the sound of a Gipsy, happy days. Watching a felow fly his first solo only to be gate crashed by 4 A-10's as he flew down wind. The wednesday parade, the practical jokes on the new intake and the dousing by your mates after you passed the FHT. All good fun but the aroma of leather and Avgas when you first sat in the Chippy will always stay with me.

Flap15
24 EFTS

[tezzer]

I'm now in my (early) 50's and can still remember 34' 4", 28' 8" and a height of 7', the chippies vital statistics, if I'm not mistaken. Odd how the human brain can recall such trivia, but ask me what I had for breakfast............

got one wrong, just checked and it was 25' 5" not 28' 8".

[NutLoose]

I'm now in my (early) 50's and can still remember 34' 4", 28' 8" and a height of 7', the chippies vital statistics, if I'm not mistaken. Odd how the human brain can recall such trivia, but ask me what I had for breakfast............

got one wrong, just checked and it was 25' 5" not 28' 8".


26WX 6773....... Wessex nose door anti icing seal lol, still remember it!
526mm 0505059 Puma one i think :)
Me too

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi all ...

Slightly off thread I know ... but I came across some video taken earlier this year at the annual Chipmeet held in Belgium. Hats off to the enthusiasts who keep the old ladies flying !

Just follow the links off the main home page ...

Chipmeet (http://www.chipmeet.com/)

If I'm not mistaken ... HRH Prince Charles' ex "special" WP903 was in attendance ?

Really must go one year ...

Best regards ...

Coff

[paulwinks]

I have just logged on to this site after finding a request for pictures of Chipmunks. I have a picture probably taken in the mid 50's from the cockpit of one chipmunk of a second Chipmunk alongside. I can just make out the number which looks like VS 285 although I am not 100% sure. i don't seem to be able to post the photo but I am happy to email it to anyone who wants it. The picture is a private one taken by my dad in his RAF days (David Winks) and has never been published.

Paul Winks

[Dan Winterland]

Some nostalgia.

RAF Chipmunks - YouTube (http://youtu.be/ZGCvonfiaR0)

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi Paul ...

Thanks for you're post and welcome to PPRuNe ... I'm sure quite a few would like to see your Dad's picture ... we might need to check that serial number, as I believe VS285 was assigned to a Percival Prentice T1.

I'll drop you a PM to help with posting the pic ...

Best regards ...

Coff.

[Wander00]

DW-No, that is NOSTALGIA

[Tupperware Pilot]

I got to fly in what was WB730, now G-AOUO.
Just a quick flight... - YouTube

She is now a Supermunk...and spends her days towing gliders!
Photo Search Results | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?id=2132165)

[CoffmanStarter]

DW ... IMHO ... the Chipmunk remains one of the finest Basic Trainers to have flown ... thanks for the post ... I sadly miss performing aeros in this wonderful little aeroplane :(

Coff.

[GGR155]

Does anyone recall a one time boss of mine Sqn Ldr Pat Carroll? He left Upavon to his last tour in 1972 as OC AEF Cambridge.

GGR

[Wander00]

GGR - did he fly the IRIS Hastings from Watton in the mid 60s?

[cornish-stormrider]

Aaaah Chippy.
My second flight - first was gliding down at Predannack.


Chippy - the bondage parachute :E
My first flight was from St, Mawgan to Bodmin, right over my parents house - I was 13 and nine months on the day of my flight. I had to wait for aeros till my second trip - my third I got to fly the aeros's.

There is nothing better to get Kids into the RAF than chucking them into the wild blue yonder - my niece is tending nicely towards the Crappy Blue uniform too....

God Bless the AEF's, Hugest thanks to all the staff and volunteers who help chuck kids airborne.

[GGR155]

GGR - did he fly the IRIS Hastings from Watton in the mid 60s?

He for sure was ex Hastings but not sure about Watton and IRIS. He was OC Flow Control in Air support Command Ops. Charming man with a razor sharp wit.

GGR

[VIProds]

Coff, Althoughit is not on your list, WK549 sat stripped down for 30 years, rotting away. My neighbour, "Tony" (CFI Rufforth) spent 10 years refurbishing her & putting her back together.

The first two photos of the cockpit show where I mounted a camera so that I could film Tony on it's inaugural flight after rebuild, but had second thoughts as it would inhibit his visibility.

http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae59/VIProds/Chipmunk%20test%20flight/2ChipmunkCockpit2.jpg

This is Tony taxiing out on WK549 for it's first flight since being rebuilt.

http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae59/VIProds/Chipmunk%20test%20flight/3TonysWK549Chipmunk.jpg

We arranged that I would fly in a Cessna & after Tony was happy with his Test, we would meet up East of York. The Cessna would fly 500' higher & South of WK549, so that I could film & take photos over York.

http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae59/VIProds/Chipmunk%20test%20flight/1York-Chipmunkmod.jpg

After we both landed, all family & friends laid on a party in the Hanger. Mrs VIProds made the cake & I built the model of WK549.

http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae59/VIProds/Chipmunk%20test%20flight/5ChipmunkCake.jpg

[Adam GoodJob]

ShortFatOne,

Thanks for the reminders about EFTS/FSS!

I was there late '86 and as far as I'm concerned, "Mad Mike" was the perfect first-ever instructor a young lad could have.

Loved his radio call for the world's smallest circuit:

"Upwind, crosswind, downwind, to land!"

Or the time he demonstrated trimming and short-field landing by having both his hands tapping my shoulders all the way down to the flare at some heinously show speed !

What a star! :ok: He made flying such a jolly affair, which is as it should be.

I remember the adjutant's assistant as some rather tasty brummie lass, too.

Wonder where they all are now?

[fire3]

Does anyone have a copy of the air cadet pre-flight safety video for the chipmunk (jump johnny jump) Would love to see it again.

[blaireau]

I'm flying a Chipmunk at Alvor on Tuesday next week. Looking back in my logbook, I note my last Chippy flights were in WL540 on 6 Dec '74. Does anyone know what became of this a/c?

[HongKongKiwi]

I haven't looked at the Military forum for ages- so was great to see the Chipmunk Manston thread and lo and behold a picture of me! (Hiding in the background 8th from left). The Boss certainly was a character to work for- one of his stories had to do with getting lost in cloud in a Meteor over London in the 50s. Only way out was to drop to low level and follow the Thames at 150'! Must have been fun! I seem to recall that 1 AEF was dined out at a Station Dining In Night, and there was a less formal P@#s up on the last Sunday of flying in the caf at the museum. I can still remember the sore head the next day. Have got WP855 in my log book from the 31st - 2xCadets, GH and Aeros. Happy Days indeed.

[Banana Boy]

One day in 1977, as a young, spotty, long-haired BB, I waddled out to a Chipmunk at Manston for my first AEF trip. 20 mins later, having had an introduction to aeros over Pegwell Bay, (with I think a chap called Flt Lt Hammond), I was hooked! I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up!

I was lucky, the planets lined up for me and the last entry in my RAF logbook is at 4947 hours.

....but it all started with a Chippy trip at Manston!

LONG LIVE THE AEFs!

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi Paul ...

Just a quick follow up on your original post #60 ... VS285 is most certainly a Prentice. Many thanks for the picture which I have posted below. You might like to start a separate thread to see if the collective PPRuNe membership can help you further with your Father's RAF Service, the Prentice or RAF Swanton Morley.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/RAFPPrentice.jpg

Good luck ...

Best regards ...

Coff.

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi VIProds ...

Many thanks for your post and pictures at #70 ! I have much admiration for those dedicated people who keep our aviation heritage alive and flying ... well done to all concerned with WK549 :D Splendid cake :ok:

Best regards ...

Coff.

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi HongKongKiwi ...

Great to hear from you !

I've also put up a potted history of 1 AEF on Wikipedia which you might find of interest ... got a couple of amendments to make at some point ;)

No. 1 Air Experience Flight RAF (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1_AEF)

I'll drop you a PM as I'd like to ID some of the other guys in that photo ... at the moment I only recognise Dave Croucher and Ted Girdler (RIP). I'm from the Boss Shelton era but also knew Boss Paddy Brown.

Best regards ...

Coff.

[VIProds]

Cheers Coff, mentioning the Prentice brings back a few memories, I joined the CCF, Air Section when I was 14 & a Brat at Windsor School, Hamm. We went to Gutersloh for Summer Camp & had some flying experience trips in a Prentice.

Years later our eldest Son who was in the RAF, was stationed at Gutersloh & then a few years later our youngest Son, who was in the Army Air Corps was also stationed there!!

So, back to Chipmunks....

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi Banana Boy ...

That would be Alec Hammond who flew you back then ... a former Master Pilot instructor on Harvard's ... I seem to recall his final service posting was as a Comms Squadron pilot in Germany before leaving the RAF in the late 60's/early 70's for a spell in the City working for a Bank ... I believe he finally retired as a village postman here in East Sussex ... but I lost touch a very long time ago with him ... a great chap and exceptional pilot who had many interesting stories to tell :ok:

Best regards ...

Coff.

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi blaireau ...

Could you please check that fuselage serial number reference again (WL540) as I don't believe there was a "WL" allocated to an RAF Chipmunk ? Also checking my records ... a 540 numeric allocation also doesn't seem to have been allocated to a Chipmunk ? There are a few odd serial allocations recorded against the UK Military Chipmunk production run ... so I'd be very interested to know if we have something new here.

Best regards ...

Coff.

[blaireau]

I agree. I cannot find any record of this registration either. My fellow pilot also records WL540 in his logbook. The flight was at RNAS Yeovilton on 6th Dec '74 and neither of us can remember whose a/c it was. (senile dementia is not a factor) We were visiting 892 NAS pilots on detachment. It could have been Station Flight, or attached to NFSF, or even visiting from Church Fenton.

Anyone got any ideas?

[CoffmanStarter]

Thanks blaireau ...

I'll drop an eMail to Rod Brown, the UK author of "Chipmunk - The Poor Man's Spitfire" (a splendid read BTW), to see if he might be able to help with WL540.

I will come back ...

Cheers ...

Coff.

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi blaireau ...

This from Rod Brown as a quick response ... he's going to do a little more digging.

Glad to hear from you ...

Nothing on record covering this one ... bit of a mystery ... as you say ... no Chipmunk in the 540 numerals and the WL range were Vampire FR 9's but there is a gap 519 - 546.

Yeovilton are known to have used WK 574 coded VL 738, WK 635 coded VL 739 & WP 906 coded 739 and three Chipmunks WG 430, WK 517 & WP 803 were used as short term loan aircraft whilst servicing etc was being carried out.

As a quick response I would say that a Chipmunk may have been coded VL or even WL on the fin or rudder and 540 on the cowling for a film or special purpose etc. and they happened to fly it whilst the markings were applied.
Alternatively I will look at the Church Fenton Fleet of Chipmunks as they did have an RN section there within 2 FTS and it might be something dreamt up by them !

I have attached a shot of two Chipmunks used at Culdrose showing the tail and cowling code system and noting that the cowling code is different than the aircraft serial number in the hope that this might help.

I will put this across to the Air Britain team to see if anyone noted it ...

Here is Rod's picture of the Culdrose Chipmunks ... with WP906 as CU 816 and WP776 as CU 817.

Will revert if more comes to light or I hear from Rod further ...

All the best ...

Coff.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/CU816WP906817WP776BF26692.jpg

[gpugh]

Hi is it more likely a mistake in the log book WK540 was a chipmunk


Gordon

[Banana Boy]

Hello Coff,

Thanks for giving me an insight into the kindly AEF pilot who gave me my first ever trip in a RAF ac. The fact that I can still remember his name (spoken over the intercom) when I only ever saw the back of his bone dome, shows how inspirational those 20 mins of GH were! I hope that he would be pleased to know that he set me off on a good course in life.

The tables were turned in the mid-90s; I flew the Chippy again as a part-timer for a couple of years, this time as a 10 AEF pilot at Woodvale. Hopefully, I managed to encourage some youngsters into the Service myself.

I have really enjoyed this thread - just goes to show how we all loved the Chippy!

Banana Boy

[chanter]

Bit of a thread drift but just had to mention my first flight in a Chippy with Bill Purchase at EMUAS. Perfect aircraft with the perfect pilot and gentleman.

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi Gordon ...

Many thanks for your post. Log Book errors are possible ... but in this instance Blaireau and a colleague RN pilot both record WL540 ... which may possibly be a cowl/tail ID combination as was the style used by the RN with their Chipmunks. Definitely worth a bit more digging to see if we can tie up the actual serial/airframe number and see if the aircraft is still flying :ok:

I'm also interested in your comment about WK540 being UK Military Chipmunk.

I now need to don my anorak ... so please forgive me :)

The WK series of UK Military Chipmunks was the fourth (of six) production batch consisting of 100 aircraft which were delivered to service between Jan 1952 and Jun 1952. The first serial allocated in that batch was WK509 to airframe C1-0545/DHB.f.430 where subsequent aircraft received sequential numerical WK serial numbers up until WK523 (C1-0561/DHB.f.448). There was then a break in the numeric sequence with the next production aircraft C1-0562/DHB.f.449 allocated WK547 ... so no WK540 ... and no current record of a subsequent out-of-order allocation of that serial number. In fact there is no current record of the numerics '540' being allocated under any of the other production batches ... WB, WD, WG, WP and WZ.

I'd be very interested to hear a little more about the WK540 you mention.

Best regards ...

Coff.

NB. Apart from a personal lifelong 'love affair' with the Chipmunk (sad I know) ... the historic information above is not my work ... so due credit to Rod Brown and Bill Fisher for their dedication through a similar 'love affair' with this wonderful little aeroplane.

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi Banana Boy ...

My pleasure :ok:

Best regards ...

Coff.

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi all ...

With a years gap since starting this thread and it's recent reserrection ... I'm both amazed and delighted by the continued interest shown by all in the Chipmunk. Many thanks to all who have contributed both on the PPRuNe Public Pages and via PM's ... long may this continue :ok:

A recent PM from Lightningboy has unearthed some 1 AEF Chipmunk pictures from the late 70's which I thought might be of interest to share. Many thanks to Lightningboy for taking the time and trouble to make contact.

I understand all four pictures were likely to have been taken on the same day ... a typical grey/wet day on the North Kent coast ! I've had a go at naming three of the pilots ... I'm reasonably confident with the names as some of their 'postures' and 'physiques' are still a giveaway even after some 30+ years !

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/WB56978-79.jpg

WB569 - Pilot - Unknown.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/WZ84578-79.jpg

WZ845 - Pilot - Ian Lienster Ex Vulcans.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/WK64278-79.jpg

WK642 - Pilot - Len Brett Ex Spitfires.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/WK51878-79.jpg

WK518 - Pilot - Arthur Standen (Deputy Flight Commander) Ex Beaufighters and Meteors (500 Squadron)

Best regards ...

Coff.

[gpugh]

Hi Coffman I just googled the serial and came up with this page

http://ciapoldiescorner.********.co.uk/2009/01/logs-for-26th-january.html

you will see a rfe to WK540 half way bown the page


Gordon

[gpugh]

link doesn't work try South Wales Aviation Group history website


Gordon

[gpugh]

Hi again there is also a ref to it being at the Southampton Hall of Aviation


Gordon

Southampton Hall of Aviation, Southampton,
Southampton Hall of Aviation, Southampton, GB
DeHavilland Canada DHC 1 Chipmunk T 10, WK540
GB
DeHavilland Canada DHC 1 Chipmunk T 10, WK540

[CoffmanStarter]

Thanks Gordon ...

I'll try and do a bit of follow-up with the SHoA on the WK540 serial ... The Construction/Fuselage number will be the definitive tie-up with MOD records.

Will come back when I have more ... intriguing :ok:

Best regards ...

Coff.

[Oldlae]

Whilst on 22 Sqdn 1964 to 1969 at St Mawgan with Whirlwind Mk 10's we had a Chipmunk, I had a few trips in it as I serviced it. Has anyone got the tail no and where it ended up? Interestingly whenever the ATC visited they were all over the Chipmunk and not really concerned with the helicopters.

[John Blakeley]

I found some pictures of Chipmunks based at the RAF TC from May 1963 and posted them on the Fighter Control "Nostalgia" thread. The link is:
Chipmunks at Henlow &bull; FighterControl &bull; Military Aviation Forum (http://www.fightercontrol.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=46078&p=392196&hilit=Chipmunks#p392196)

WK562 is still operating with a private owner in France - details are on the comments.

JB

[lauriebe]

Oldlae, the station flight at St Mawgan had Chipmunk T10 WB586 on charge at some time. Not sure of dates though.

Could it have been that one?

Great thread this on a wonderful aeroplane.:ok:

[Hummingfrog]

Many happy memories of the Chipmunk on NUAS 1971-74, especially WP845 in which I did my 1st Solo. The others on charge in that period were WG474, WG465, WK573, WK627, WK633, WP799, WP804.


http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk68/squadron72/WP799-1.jpg

WP 799 forming up

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk68/squadron72/WP799-2.jpg

WP 799 breaking away

HF

[CoffmanStarter]

Oldlae, Lauriebe ...

Sorry I can't help confirm the specific dates WB586 was on the RAF St Mawgan Station Flight ... but if she was there during 64/69 under Oldlae's tender care ... you both might be pleased to know that the old girl still appears to be airworth and based in Norway under a Civvy Registration of LN-DHC.

WB586 Norway (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70364571@N05/7375685442/)

It would seem that the current "custodian" of WB586 has kept her in her 6AEF scheme ... which I understand was her last operational tour. Really great to see one of the 1st Production Batch (WB series) Chipmunks still going strong. The WB series numbered 200 aircraft 100 out of Hatfield and the other 100 out of Chester. WB586 (C1-0038/DHH.f.43) was 38th off the Hatfield Production Line back in 1950 !

Hope this is of interest ...

It's just possible that someone out there within the PPRuNe Membership might be able to confirm the St Mawgan dates mentioned by Oldlae :ok:

Best regards ...

Coff.

Again ... Due credit to Rod Brown and Bill Fisher's labour of love for the historic detail above :D

[Oldlae]

Coff,

Thanks, it could be WB586 it's good to know she is still flying. When I left St Mawgan for Manston I am sure they didn't have a station flight and I don't know when 22 Sqdn finished there so it is possible that station flight was formed then and took over the Chipmunk. My last flight in the aircraft was with the CO S/Ldr David Todman, we took off and turned and climbed and immediately a sea mist appeared and we almost lost sight of the runway, we landed and the was the end of my shortest flight ever.

[lauriebe]

Coff,

Thanks for that update. Good to hear that this is one of the Chippys still flying. Like others, fond memories of the type from ATC days.

Regarding Blaireau's mystery "WL540". Air-Britain's book 'Fleet Air Arm Fixed-wing Aircraft Since 1946' has a listing/history of all the Chipmunks that were transferred to the FAA. There were 19 in all. As you pointed out earlier, WL540 was a Vampire FB9 serial. Further, the serial WK540 does not feature in that listing and there is no mention of a cowling number "540" being allocated to a Chipmunk.

In another Air-Britain publication, 'The Squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm', there is a listing of code numbers allocated to aircraft of different FAA units from 1965 onwards. This listing shows that "540" would have been in a series (540 - 552) allocated to the Hiller HT2s of 705 NAS at Culdrose during the period 1965 - 1975.

I am still puzzling over where the serial WK540 came from. The serial block WK506 - WK643 was allocated to Chipmunk T10s. However, all the references that I have so far seen show a gap in serials between WK523 and WK547. I can find no record of WK540 being allocated.

Regards,

Laurie.

[CoffmanStarter]

Oldlae, Lauriebe ...

Glad to have been some help with WB586.

Lauriebe ...

The '540' enigma continues ... I'm sure someone will add more to the unfolding picture :ok:

Best regards ...

Coff.

[dermedicus]

Nice thread. I have fond memories of the Chipmunk, a fine aeroplane.

[exrivofrigido]

What a fascinating thread (to which, admittedly, I have come rather late). A perfectly content infantryman these days, I'm normally content to lurk In the dim past, however, I enjoyed several years as a a cadet, the highlights of which were many flights in the 1 AEF Chipmunks. What a privilege - that vast runway, Pegwell Bay and the estuary, heading inland to Canterbury - all great but, let's face it, it was all about aerobatics. One particularly merciless pilot 'encouraged' me to repeat the stall turn 16 times in succession. The only time I was ever actually sick in a Chipmunk, but not before I got it right!

According to the log I recently discovered in the attic, my last flight was in WP860 on 21st March '96. We knew it was all coming to an end but couldn't quite imagine cadet flying without the full parachute / lifejacket / video and cordite experience! I'm not sure who the pilot was, but from the scrawl in my log his initials might have been 'BFL' or 'BW'.

I also recall a day on which I was the last ride. We taxied back to the hangar to discover within the RR Mosquito, which had apparently suffered an engine failure returning from a display (Shepway perhaps?) and was awaiting repairs. The pilot and I spent some considerable time admiring it from every angle before finally heading back over to the poor chaps waiting patiently for me to hand over my parachute so they could go home.

Great times indeed - a wonderful aeroplane, invariably flown by the most interesting people.


Clearly, if questioned at work, I shall admit to none of this. Bloody crabs...:E

[ericferret]

Another list

8 RFS Woodley 1952
WB720, 685, 635, 622

4 BFTS Sywell 1952/1953
WG419,467,552,466,550,472,474,462,419,469,427,457, 420, 429, 464, 460, 467
WB728, 566, 562, 566
WK552, 551,550

[Dan Winterland]

Amazing to see the Chipmunk threads keep coming back. Shows how popular the old girl is.

I flew the 1 AEF aircraft at Coltishall in the late 80s/early 90s - we used to borrow them for the summer camps. My logbook records I flew WD373, WK630, WP840 and WP920.

I had to collect one once and got a lift to Manston in a Jaguar T2. As the radio sets didn't have the correct crystals for Norwich/Colt, I had a pre determined time to do a no radio join. We were a bit late on arrival due a start snag on the Jag, so I got straight out of the Jag and into the Chippy. Must have been about the only time a Chippy had been flown by someone wearing a g suit. When I put the flaps down, I got the Personal Equipment Connector jammed in the flap mechanism and landed flapless. It may have been a better idea to take it off!

I have a copy of the "Jump John, Jump" film. It's on a DVD payer with a hard drive and I've promised a copy for Paul, the "star" of the film who doesn't have it. I'm having problems making a good copy of it as the DVD player has some odd codec and the image is very jittery. I'm going to have to play it into a A/D converter which won't do the image many favours. I will put it on You Tube or a drop file when done. Failing that, I can do some copies and post them out to those who have requested it.

BTW - this demonstrates that the correct spelling of the stater system should be "Coughman!"

C2ZCmWeQTQE

[CoffmanStarter]

Dan ... Pure perfume :ok:

[ericferret]

Plessey S7 was I believe the actual make used on the chippy. Had to be assembled with loads of black grease. Pointless exercise to wash overalls, just scrape the grease off once a week.

[idle stop]

Now now, BEagle, you'll get me all wound up too about the state of UAS today.....
One of the aircraft that was contemporary with our time together on ULAS was the one on which HRH DoE had learned to fly. Was that not WK518?

[idle stop]

Dan:
Similar story. My last RAF Chipmunk flight...just checked...was on 17 Aug 90, a couple of weeks before starting re-settlement leave. From Brawdy to Shawbury for maintenance, WP900.
A very early start, beautiful morning through the Welsh countryside, time at SY just long enough to sign and hand over F700, zip on G equipment, and climb into the weather-ship Hawk that had come to collect me for the return trip to Brawdy. A slightly faster journey!

[CoffmanStarter]

http://www.assetstorage.co.uk/AssetStorageService.svc/GetImageFriendly/721253510/700/700/0/0/1/80/ResizeBestFit/0/PressAssociation/7478B69AC9DA813CC7B94CA712DA92B2/royalty-duke-of-edinburgh-learning-to-fly-white-waltham.jpg

Duke of Edinburgh Learning to Fly - White Waltham 1952

The picture above shows The Duke of Edinburgh inspecting the cockpit of his Chipmunk aircraft at White Waltham, in which he learnt to fly, with his instructor Flight Lieutenant Caryl Ramsey Gordon.

Although I know WK518 reasonably well ... I can't confirm that the above pic is the old girl or if TDoE learnt to fly on her :ok:

[petermcleland]

As an ATC cadet in 1949, I managed to get 10 hours flying training at No. 1 Reserve Flying Training School, Panshangar. This was not a "Flying Scholarship" which was a much bigger thing with a solo flight at the end of it. There was no solo at the end of my 10 hours but the interesting thing was that I started my training on Tiger Moths and then halfway through, the School re-equipped with Chipmunks which I was told had just been fitted with their "Anti-Spin Strakes" to fix a problem that they had with spin recovery.

So I enjoyed the rest of my training on this new type with a proper canopy instead of open cockpits. Sadly, I have lost my old record of service book that would have the registrations of the Chipmunks that I flew in that time.

I joined the RAF soon after this and trained on Prentices then Harvards and the Vampire 5.

Years later when in BEA, I joined a syndicate to run G-APSB...I have a soft spot for the Chipmunk :)

[smujsmith]

My first ever experience of real flying was in a Chippie from Shawbury in the early 70s, as a member of 1122 (Marmion) Squadron ATC. I joined the RAF as an apprentice at Halton and enjoyed further " flight experience". It was my privelige to be part of the ground crew that looked after 6AEF at Abingdon (1979/81). You flyers can proffer "fuel on, brakes on, throttle closed, switches off", I offer "breech in, engine primed, cowling secured and rear switches on, Sir", I always had, and always will have the greatest respect for the men, particularly the VR(T) guys, who turned up week in week out to give that little tickle of flying to a young lad, that might give him some ambition. Respect to you all guys, and thank you.

Smudge

[clicker]

Having found this thread I went thru my slide collection of Chippies.

Not checked your original list but did note that I have WK518 in three different schemes.

Red/White no codes
Silver with blue band just before the tail
Current BBMF colours.

Not sure where the Red/White one was taken as the slides dated 1999 so not at Manston where I was a pax in her in 1977. Silver one not dated but may be Coningsby before getting the black colours as a load of RAF vehicles in the background but again would have been after the Manston days.

[CoffmanStarter]

Clicker ... Any chance you could post even a scan of the slides. If 1999 then WK518 was with BoBMF by then :ok:

Cheers ...

Coff.

[skua]

Coff et al

I was always told it was 'my' Chippie on which DoE learned to fly, which would have been WP912 or possibly WK624.

When I bumped into DoE about 5 years ago, and mentioned by way of introduction that I had learned to fly on 'his' trusty steed, his eyes glazed over. I'm still not sure whether it was:
a) boredom with encountering another peasant
b) incomprehension
c) the onset of dementia
or a mixture of the above.

I doubt it was c) as he retains a keen wit......

[CoffmanStarter]

Cheers Skua :ok:

[clicker]

Wilco Coff,

May take a while as I'm have to rebuild my system to Win7 and not yet connected the slide scanner and also trying to get a new database to replace my dbase that was only worked on Win XP.

[CoffmanStarter]

Splendid Fellow Clicker :ok:

Sounds like you need to invest in a Mac :cool:

Best ...

Coff.

[Ex FSO GRIFFO]

AH!! The 'Chippy' Community.... Thank God for the Internet..!!

Some good news and some not so good news....

Chippy WB728 mentioned earlier is alive and well. 'Tis currently VH-RWI, owned by moi and No 1 son, and flies from Jandakot, (YPJT) the secondary airport for Perth, WA.

WB728, ex EI-AHP, ex G-AOZU, ex 5N-AGP, ex G-AOZU (again) then
VH-RWI in OZ.
To see current photos simply 'google' VH-RWI, and you will see it when it was still owned by the Royal Aero Club of WA. These photos are only a couple of years old.
A little bit of OZ history here - RWI is the last Chippy to be operated by an 'Aero Club' in Australia.... When I learned to fly back in the early 60's, there were literally dozens of them, until they were 'overtaken' by the more modern American trainers, Cessnas and the like.
Now there is but 1...!!

And....she still flies LUVLY!!!

WP804, ex N804WP, ex VH-QOZ is 'fatally injured' I'm sorry to say.
She was involved in an unfortunate accident, EFATO, in Jan 2012.
I bought the badly damaged remains to see if it was possible to re-build. But, alas, the economics and the work / parts required, are just too much.
However, parts of her will still 'live on'.
I have had the engine repaired and installed in our Tiger Moth, to replace that aircraft's engine 'catastrophic failure' - in that it broke a con rod and severed the crankcase, making that engine good for a few parts only.

The remainder of the airframe will be further inspected to ascertain any long term plan, or parted for spares, - to be advised.

Hoping that this info will keep those of you who have an interest in such things...'up to date'.

Happy Landings to All..!!!
And a SPECIAL 'CHEERS' to Rod Brown, UK, Author, if you get around to reading this.

:ok::ok:

[clicker]

A few chippie pictures of mine which I hope may bring back a memory or two for you all.

Sorry about the dust etc but just updating my system so little time available but at least it prompted me to reinstall the slide scanner this afternoon.

http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RVK1.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RVK2.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RVK3.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RVK4.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RVK5.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RVK6.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RVK7.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RVK8.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RVK9.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RVK10.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RVK11.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RVK12.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RVK13.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RVK14.JPG

[CoffmanStarter]

Wonderful pics Clicker old chap ! The Raspberryripple WK518 and WZ845 pics are most certainly taken at RAF Manston when they served with No 1 AEF. I even recognise the Austin Alegro in the car park :eek:. It's quite possible the other pic of WK518 was taken at RAF Coningsby ... someone might be a able to positively ID the location. My quess is that the Blue Band scheme was mid 90's (94 ?)

Not sure if you know ... But WK518 is now displaying this scheme ...

http://www.abpic.co.uk/images/images/1361286F.jpg

Here she is in the former High Viz Black ...

http://www.simplyplanes.co.uk/images/pages_images/classic_aircraft/bbmf/photos_used_on_main_page/chipmunk_wk518_smaller.jpg


:D:D:D:D

Best ...

Coff.

PS. One rainy day I helped the Engineers fabricate those Rudder Locks ... Nice bit of pop riveting ... contact adhesive applied to the rubber on the inside of the lock ... dayglo tape and "Remove Before Flight" ribbons ... Great fun a very long time ago :(

[clicker]

Yes I'm certain the Red/Whites were at Manston as I was a CI for a few years with London Wing (409 Sqdn).

WK18 features in my pax log book for 16th Jan 77 as very likely that day and I noted the callsign Alpha 46 as well.

Another date would be 2nd Jun 79 when I note a Wessex (XS675) flight over Pegwell Bay.

I'm almost certain that the silver WK518 is at Coningsby, given your update, date on the slide etc. The background suggests its on the western side of the BBMF hanger looking towards what is now the Typhoon pan.

Wasnt aware re the new paint job, will have to pop back there sometime.

Talking about colours, I always referred to the ETPS red/white/blue as the raspberry ripple but the scheme on WK518/WZ845 as just red/white. I'm I wrong?

[CoffmanStarter]

Clicker ... Alpha 46 ... I think (it's a long time ago and I could be wrong) that callsign belonged to a John Powell a former Lightning guy ... a really nice softly spoken chap ... loved his aeros :ok:

[CoffmanStarter]

The Raspberry Ripple scheme was a standard Training Command scheme that replaced the earlier Grey & Day-Glo scheme ... The Chipmunk did have an earlier RR variation in that the entire wing leading edge was painted red (the metal section of the wing) ... replaced with just the wing tips outboard of the ailerons painted red. ETPS adopted the RR scheme adding the blue as you say ...

Best ...

Coff.

[CoffmanStarter]

Idle Stop ... Just had a dig into the history books :ok:

TDoE (as MRAF) did his basic flying training on, then, a brand new Chipmunk WP861 at WW but he did his 1st solo in WP912 20/12/1952 ...

BEagle ...

Were either of these two Chipmunks on the ULAS fleet ?

WP861 went to New Zealand whilst WP912 is at Cosford

[Shaggy Sheep Driver]

A couple of gratuitous Chippy pictures. WG474, AKA G-BCSL which I flew and part -owned from 1979 until a year or so ago. Fabulous times!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/GZK6NK/SLVL0410res.jpg (http://s18.photobucket.com/user/GZK6NK/media/SLVL0410res.jpg.html)
Landing on Southport beach for the airshow (copyright Steve Le Vien)

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/GZK6NK/VinceinG-BCSLres.jpg (http://s18.photobucket.com/user/GZK6NK/media/VinceinG-BCSLres.jpg.html)
Take off from Kenyon Hall Farm strip

[CoffmanStarter]

SSD many thanks for sharing :ok:

[zetec2]

Wasn't ALWB the Chipmunk that had the Rover gas turbine (APU as in Argosy ?) fitted, & belonged to Dave Bonner at Shoreham many years ago ? rgds, Paul H, Bicester.

[skua]

Coff
WP912 was on the MASUAS fleet, I am sure is was the DoE's dandruff which floated down as I unwittingly unloaded at the top of a loop !



Skua

[lightbluefootprint]

I concurwith clicker that 1 AEF had WZ845 at Manston as I had my first flight there sometime in early '77. At the time there were a handful of Belfasts standing/stored on the hangared side of the airfield presumably recently demobbed and waiting for private purchase.

[CoffmanStarter]

LBF ... Bang on regarding the Belfasts at Manston ... they were parked on what was the Blue Steel taxiway just off the main runway :ok:

[clicker]

And a few more from my collection to keep Coff happy.

Oh and when I thought I didnt have WK518 in the new scheme I find I have one taken at Fairford last year. Might still go to Coningsby though se if I can get some decent shots.

http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RK001.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RK002.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RK003.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RK004.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RK005.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RK006.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RK007.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RK008.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RK009.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RK0010.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RK0011.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RK0012.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RK0013.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RK0014.JPG
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/58091/RK0015.JPG

[NutLoose]

Is it not at Duxford at the moment? The other is at East Mids, but should be going back to Coningsby in the next day or so.

[fireflybob]

Did my first solo in GAORW at EMA in 1968 - look like it's still flying:-

DH Chippie

[Dora-9]

Gents:

I've only just discovered this thread! I'm not ex-military, but an enthusiastic Chipmunk owner and a bit of an amateur historian of the breed. Readers may be interested to know that there are several surviving ex-RAF Chipmunks here in SE Queensland:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/VH-KMFatBundaberg20082011Motty_zps35f903a9.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Blithering/media/VH-KMFatBundaberg20082011Motty_zps35f903a9.jpg.html)
WK550, now VH-KMF (C1-0565). Flew with 4 BFTS Sywell, 5 RFS Castle Bromwich, Birmingham UAS, Liverpool UAS, Manchester UAS, 22 MU Siloth, Queens Belfast UAS Sydenham, University of London AS, 1 FTS Linton-on-Ouse, PFS Church Fenton, Yorkshire UAS, 5 MU Kemble, FSS Swinderby, EFTS Swinderby, 8 AEF Shawbury. Sold in 1997, re-painted in FSS markings.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/VH-SSJ-DHC-1-2008-05-04InFl.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Blithering/media/VH-SSJ-DHC-1-2008-05-04InFl.jpg.html)
WK507, now VH-SSJ (C1-0543). With 5 FTS Desford, 9 RFS Doncaster, Home Command Major Servicing Unit Leconfield, Durham UAS, 22 MU Siloth, Edinburgh UAS Turnhouse, Hull UAS Brough, 6 FTS Turnhill, 10 MU Hullavington, Glascow UAS Perth, Manchester UAS Woodvale, 229 OCU Chivenor, 2 FTS Church Fenton, Birmingham UAS Shawbury, 5 MU Kemble. Sold in 1974, repainted in Birmingham UAS markings.


http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/VH-MMSatBundaberg20082011Motty_zps659a4f2c.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Blithering/media/VH-MMSatBundaberg20082011Motty_zps659a4f2c.jpg.html)
WG478, now VH-MMS (C1-0528). With 11 RFS Perth, 5 BFTS Desford, 10 MU Hullavington, Cambridge UAS Teversham, Southampton UAS Hamble, 20 MU Aston Down, Leeds UAS Yeadon, 22 MU Siloth, Durham UAS Usworth, Benson Station Flight, Lyneham Station Flight, 27 MU Shawbury, Leeds UAS Church Fenton, 9 AEF Church Fenton, 2 FTS Church Fenton, 5 MU Kemble, FSS Swinderby, 6 AEF Abingdon, EFTS Swinderby, Gatow Station Flight, sold in 1995. Painted in 2 FTS markings.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/VH-SHXoverBribie2_zps9cb17a49.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Blithering/media/VH-SHXoverBribie2_zps9cb17a49.jpg.html)
WP981, now VH-SHX (C1-0847). 9 MU Cosford for Coronation Review, Manchester UAS Woodford, Cambridge UAS Teversham, 61 Group Comm Flight Kenley, Flying Training Command Comm Flight White Waltham, Biggin Hill Station Flight, Binbrook Station Flight, 6 AEF White Waltham, University of London AS White Waltham, 2 FTS Church Fenton, 5 MU Kemble, 5 AEF Cambridge, sold 1997. Painted in Cambridge UAS markings.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/VH-ZCMDHC-12006-08-26WattsBridge06BvDrunick0608RAFWG480.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Blithering/media/VH-ZCMDHC-12006-08-26WattsBridge06BvDrunick0608RAFWG480.jpg.html)
WG480, now VH-ZCM (C1-0530). 5 BFTS Desford, 5 RFS Castle Bromwich, CFS Little Rissington, Birmingham UAS Castle Bromwich, Bristol UAS Filton, 10 MU Hullavington, Leeds UAS Church Fenton, Hemswell Station Flight, St Andrews UAS Leuchars, Leeds UAS Yeadon, Manchester UAS Woodvale, RAFC Cranwell, PFS Church Fenton, 2 FTS Church Fenton, 5 MU Kemble, FSS Swinderby, 9 AEF Finningley, BBMF Conningsby, 7 AEF Newton, 4 AEF Exeter, sold 1996.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/VH-JHN-at-Amberley-Qld-2.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Blithering/media/VH-JHN-at-Amberley-Qld-2.jpg.html)
WB567, now VH-JHN (C1-0019). 22 RFS Teversham, 9 MU Cosford, Abingdon Station Flight, 27 MU Shawbury, ITS South Cerney, St Andrews UAS Leuchars, 1 FTS Linton on Ouse, Oxford UAS Bicester, Manchester UAS Woodvale, Bristol UAS Filton, 12 AEF Turnhouse, Glasgow UAS Perth, stored at Newton, sold 1997.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/VH-ATHseenasG-BZXE_zpse5218636.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Blithering/media/VH-ATHseenasG-BZXE_zpse5218636.jpg.html)
WP839, now VH-ATH (C1-0722). 10 AFTS Pershore, 22 MU Siloth, Birmingham UAS Castle Bromwich, 231 OCU Bassingbourne, 10 MU Hullavington, St Andrews UAS Leuchars, PFS Church Fenton, 2 FTS Church Fenton, 8 AEF Shawbury, stored at Newton, sold in 1996 and registered (but not flown) in UK as G-BZXE. This one is lurking in a shed in suburban Brisbane, undergoing restoration, and is very elusive...

Do any of these feature in any PPruners logbooks?

For completeness, there are 6 further Chipmunks in the area, but these were either very early RAF retirees or always civil aircraft - I doubt they would appear in your logbooks. Is there any interest in me posting photos/details of these as well?

[clicker]

Some nice flying pics there dora-9, thanks.

[Courtney Mil]

Clicker,

In your picture of WK585 at Shoreham with Lancing College in the background, is the pilot praying or crying? :ok:

Superb photographs all round!

Courtney

[clicker]

Courtney,

Funny but I only noticed that myself as I was reducing the size for the post.

Prob saw me and tried to hide. :E

[idle stop]

Coffman:
I'll look in my logbook re the others when I get a mo, but am pretty sure that 861 was at WW/ULAS during the time that BEags and I were there.

[BEagle]

BEagle ...

Were either of these two Chipmunks on the ULAS fleet ?

WP861 went to New Zealand whilst WP912 is at Cosford

Neither feature in my logbook (1969-74).

Dora-9, yes, WP981 certainly does. I flew it many times in my ULAS time - in fact it's the first RAF aeroplane I ever flew solo. White Waltham, 6 Feb 1969 for 1 circuit after 0:35 dual with Jerry Brown, the professional Fg Off!

[idle stop]

OK....not got full W_ tail numbers for all of these (and obviously never got picked up by CFI for being lazy when he signed the Monthly Summaries!), but, ULAS '69-'71 from my logbook:
WK518, WP974, WD361, WP861, 810, 876, 778, WZ873, 981, 872, 781, 697, WD345.

I have more from my time with 8 AEF Shawbury, 2(?) at Hurn and a number of summer camps whilst at AAEE.

PS> BEagle....my first solo also launched by Jerry Brown, but WP974!

[Ex FSO GRIFFO]

Nice work Dora.....as per usual.....

Cheers:ok:

[CoffmanStarter]

All ...

Pardon my lack of manners in not providing an earlier reply to some of the posts to my thread here ... Mrs Coff has had me landscaping the garden by hand last week !

First of all I would thoroughly recommend the book DHC-1 Chipmunk "The Poor Man's Spitfire" ... it is the veritable King James Bible for this wonderful little aeroplane ... all 440 pages of it ... along with a considerable number of B&W/colour photos. The UK Military Chapters are particularly good :ok:

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/65144_lrg_zps114b2c8f.jpg

Ex FSO GRIFFO

Many thanks for your post ... great to hear WB728/VH-RWI is still flying. Deep respect and appreciation to you and chaps like you that have the commitment and resources to keep the old girls flying.

I was last in touch with Rod before Christmas ... he pops up here occasionally on PPRuNe.

Please do keep us posted on WB728

http://www.aviationwa.org.au/ACPhotos/Photos-David_Eyre/20120630_VH-RWI_David_Eyre-1.jpg

Clicker

Thanks again for more stunning pictures ! Still working through a lookup of the serials in the aforementioned Bible :ok:

WG308 seemingly "Armed" makes an interesting image ... I'd love to have knocked up a couple of 1/2 scale sidewinders/pylons and done a temporary under wing mount job way back when ... it would have made a few heads turn :cool:

BTW ... I think I'm right in saying that WK585, based a Shoreham, has now one of the lowest time airframes following an extensive/costly rebuild.

Dora-9

Thanks for sharing your stunning pictures from down-under ... again deep respect to everyone involved in keep them airworthy :ok:

Zetec2

I understand that G-ATTS (Ex WP895) was used as the test airframe for the turbine conversion. During testing it was found that the turbine had too much throttle lag ... and possibly underpowered. The project was abandoned when BL took over Rover in 1967. The airframe was sold to the USA in 1969 and subsequently fitted with a 200 hp Ranger engine.

The Rover turbine, as you say, was an Argosy APU.

The Bonner conversion you refer to was, I understand, G-ARWB fitted with a Ford Bonner Super Sapphire V6 Aero Engine ... water cooled by an under wing rad similar to the P51 Mustang. I believe the airframe still remains airworth as WK611 but has been reverted to a standard Chipmunk "look" and engine i.e. minus the air scoop and rounded nose cowl ... quite a stunner in the Bonner modded state.

BEagle, Idle Stop, Skua and FireFlyBob

Thanks guys for the Log Book lookups :ok:

For us here in the Northern Hemisphere there are quite a few Chipmunk events ... but sadly there doesn't appear to be a Chipmeet this year ... usually held in Belgium.

Chipmeet (http://www.chipmeet.com)

Best regards ...

Coff.

PS. Bu99er it's stopped raining ... now where is the Ibuprofen for my back :eek:

[Dora-9]

Coff, so your wife drags you out to work in the garden too?

I fully agree that Chipmunk - the Poor Man's Spitfire is the definitive Chipmunk reference. However, you were supposed to say that the best written part was the "Australian Chipmunks" chapter! I confess, at the risk of "outing" myself, that I'm the second Rod on the cover. No, I didn't choose the book's title!

Keeping a Chipmunk airworthy certainly isn't easy or cheap, but it's very rewarding too.

Regarding low time Chipmunks, I think the honours must go to VH-DHX (C1-0944). Built as a Mk.21, this one was initially G-ANAG, went to Japan as both JA3090 and JA3060, then to Honk Kong as VR-HFQ. It was badly damaged there in Typhoon "Wanda" in 1962, was used as a HAECO apprentice training aid for many years (aaargh!) before being rescued by Brian Kelley, after an extensive/expensive restoration by Tim Becroft, well known Australian Chipmunk guru, it flew again in 2008. It's currently for sale and advertised as having a mere 370 hours TT.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/VH-DHXatGroongalNovember2004-3RAB_zps0c0c1ef0.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Blithering/media/VH-DHXatGroongalNovember2004-3RAB_zps0c0c1ef0.jpg.html)

Cheers,

Rod.

[Dan Winterland]

He's done a good job. Here's a picture of her when she was VR-HFQ belonging to the Far East FLying Training School in 1960

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb73/dbchippy/hfq1001_zps5b9f6032.jpg

And this is what she looked like after Typhoon Wanda struck in 1962

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb73/dbchippy/hfq2001_zps9d1b0546.jpg

Seems she retains the original wide chord rudder, but had aquired spin strakes.

[Dan Winterland]

My mate Gary prefighting one of the Chippys borrowed for the ATC summer camp at Coltishall, 1989.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb73/dbchippy/Ludlow89-031_zps66b3f50d.jpg

The SERCO groundcrew trying to find the reason for my mag drop. A plug change by the look of it. the boss, Sqn Ldr Terry Lloyd supervises and provided the essential tea, without which they don't function - note mugs on ground!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb73/dbchippy/Ludlow89-032_zps169b75d8.jpg

[CoffmanStarter]

Thanks Rod and Dan ...

Simply wonderful :ok:

[CoffmanStarter]

Clicker ...

One for you ... WZ845 Front Cockpit taken in the late 70's ...

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/Scan101640002.jpg

[clicker]

Thanks Coff,

Simple but sweet.

Mind you that also applies to a few lasses I knew in the past!

[CoffmanStarter]

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/BonnerChip-1_zps35ed38db.jpg
(Photographer : Bill Bushell : CTPMS)

Now let's speculate for a moment ...

Apparently it was hoped that the Bonner conversion might have been of interest to the MOD. Essentially a 3.0 litre Ford V6 engine fitted with a turbocharger. Bill Bonner won the Kings Cup in 1973 at a speed of 142.7 mph (124 kts) in the above machine.

Had the MOD progressed with the Bonner conversion then RAF Training Flight Lines could have been graced with a really mean looking machine ... just add Sharks Teeth and possibly a bubble canopy :ok:

[Megaton]

I wonder if the Terry Lloyd above is he who features more often than most in the Telegraph Letters Columns?


Possibly, but Terry never struck me a particularly controversial character. An absolute gentleman but not really prone to opinionated outbursts.

[fireflybob]

CoffmanStarter, GARWB belonged to the Sherwood Flying Club at Tollerton (Nottingham) for quite a few years (in the late 1960s/early 1970s) Will have to check but think I did my first night solo in her amongst quite a few other flights.

Recall one of our instructors who fell in love with a French lady and one of the instructors flew GARWB to Marseilles for the wedding! The major task was sorting all the crystals for the radio frequencies on the way and having to change same at each stop.

[zetec2]

Coffman Starter, thanks for the info re Bonners Chipmunk, he was a customer of mine when he was powerboat racing & had his workshop at Shoreham back late 80's (supplied him with Aeroducting, hardware etc) seem to remember his workshop was at the rear of John & Jenny Pothecary's hangar ?, his Chipmunk had gone by then but he was always telling tales of his exploits & made a rotten cup of coffee !, nice to see the photo with acknowledgement to the late Bill Bushell, a friend of mine from Bicester & colleague from CSE. thanks again, B Rgds, PH.

[CoffmanStarter]

FFB ...

Very limiting with 10 Channels VHF at 25 Khz spacing ... I can't remember the formula now (perhaps Dan can ?) ... but quite easy to re-tune if you have an aerial coax connector with a low voltage bulb soldered across the contacts ... then tune the set with a new crystal indicated by the bulb glowing the brightest !

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/1986-03-1.jpg

Of course that was for the Radio Tech to do :E

Coff.

[Haraka]

ULAS 69-72
I can confirm WP861 as being on ULAS in '69. To Idle Stop's compendium I can also add WP833 and WD 785.
Chris Booth risked his career by sending me solo in WZ 876.

[grollie]

Chris Booth Didn`t he Fly for 6AEF in mid 80s 85-86 (i was Field aviation ground crew then at RAF Abingdon) and another Character Gordon Clack who i think flew RRs Spitfire?
Fonmd days after i left RAF. Plenty of flights as well when ran out of cadets and we`d go off and taxy back to hangar afterwards

When i was on VASS at RAF Lossiemouth in 84, there was a Private Tiger Moth and Chippy based there got plentyof flying in both of them for washing down after flying. I wonder if they`re still airworthy?

[Haraka]

ULAS's ( and subsequently RAFC's) Chris Booth was a well known Shackleton 2 exponent over many years, including latterly being O.C. 8sqn. IIRC.
On another subject, there are some very experienced QFI's on this thread.
Can I raise the issue of tandem (e.g Chipmunk, Tucano) v Side by side seating( e.g. Bulldog and J.P. ) in the instructional environment on elementary and basic flying training?
I am familiar with the traditional arguments for and against but would like to hear some informed comment, if anybody would care to add their opinions.

[grollie]

My mistake over Chris booth must be from my 8sqn days that i knew the name? 30+ years ago

[Dan Winterland]

''Very limiting with 10 Channels VHF at 25 Khz spacing ... I can't remember the formula now (perhaps Dan can ?) ... ''

Not a sccoby! I was flew them and the only interaction I had with that radio was turning the knob and hoping the frequency came up. I don't even have a physicis O level!


Meanwhile, here's some footage of Hamble's Chippys in the 60s.

AIRLINE PILOT - BOAC , 40790 - YouTube (http://youtu.be/03ppjh8lg_8)

[Dave Clarke Fife]

Seeing this thread reminded me of some fun flying when I was a bit younger......any guesses on the mess and at which airfield?

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb219/A330Skygod/Chipmunk008.jpg

Great fun.......

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb219/A330Skygod/Chipmunk005.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb219/A330Skygod/Chipmunk003.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb219/A330Skygod/Chipmunk002.jpg

[smujsmith]

Looks reminiscent of RAF Halton, if so would that be the old Maitland Gym bottom right ?

Smudge

[Dave Clarke Fife]

Looks reminiscent of RAF Halton, if so would that be told Maitland Gym bottom right ?

Smudge

Halton it is Smudge with the airfield and hangars centre picture above starboard mainplane and Mr Rothschilds small pad (one of three in the area) looking very grandiose.

[The Helpful Stacker]

Aghh, Maitland Gym! {Shudder}

"With a jump, feet together, PLACE..."

I never managed to get a flight in the Chipmunk at Halton but soared gracefully above Cardiac Hill a few times.

[Mandator]

Finlay Gym.

[smujsmith]

Mandator

Thanks for that, Finlay may have been the place my entry photo was taken. If you did the appo thing you can't get the place out of your mind.

Smudge

[smujsmith]

Having done a tour, as a Corporal Airframe fitter on Oxford UAS at Abingdon, we joined forces with ULAS ground crew to share responsibility for ground crew of 6 AEF. I'm talking 1979-82. As they were definitely Chippie operators, I flew with them on every opportunity I had, are there any ex 6 AEF drivers airframe who have memories of those days, and maybe a Cpl Teckie who was always ready to join a flight as "ballast" ?

[The B Word]

I can even date the picture for you:

1. No dog section on the airfield so pre 2003.
2. WP840/G-BXDM was sold to Halton Aero Club by the artist Michael Turner in 1999.
3. Also no other Apprentice airframes on the airfield so definately after 1993.
4. No A41 dual carriageway so pre-2002

So I deduce the picture was taken in 1999, 2000 or 2001 - how did I do?

The B Word

PS - it is definately the Finlay Gym. Named after Gp Capt Don Finlay - Battle of Britain Pilot, silver/bronze winning Olympian and a Halton Apprentice (or 'brat').

[longer ron]

Smujsmith...

PM sent :)

[Dave Clarke Fife]

I can even date the picture for you:

1. No dog section on the airfield so pre 2003.
2. WP840/G-BXDM was sold to Halton Aero Club by the artist Michael Turner in 1999.
3. Also no other Apprentice airframes on the airfield so definately after 1993.
4. No A41 dual carriageway so pre-2002

So I deduce the picture was taken in 1999, 2000 or 2001 - how did I do?

Close but no cigar.....picture was taken during its first few months of operation at Halton when Norman Tench was OC

[The B Word]

2002 then? Second attempt...

...yes, God bless Norman. A real gent for a kipper mate :ok:

[sky51]

Hello everyone,

I am the lucky owner of the DHC-1 F-AZLO, former RAF WG479.
I am trying to get the full history of this aircraft. I am missing much of the maintenance and flight logs.
Unfortunately, as you can imagine, not much data in France on this matter.
Internet is my only chance !
Here is what I found so far :

DHC Chipmunk T10
WG479
C1-0529/DHB.f414
d/d 01/01/1952, sold 30/05/1996, to F-AZLO, Le Touquet, to Berck, France

1966 1 FTS “O” – RAF LINTON-ON-OUSE
1970 CFS – RAF LITTLE RISSINGTON
1974 6 AEF – RAF ABINGDON
1980-1989 EFTS “K” – RAF SWINDERBY
1993 12 AEF “K” – COLERNE or TURNHOUSE?
1994 3 AEF “F” – COLERNE

Any chance anyone could help me correct those data and fill the (huge) gaps ?

I am sure I can count on you, "Chipmunk masters" out there to give me a hand.

Best regards,

Christophe.

[Speedbird48]

sky51,

Try a post on the Caledonian Chipmunks site as there is a David Harmsworth on there who has most of the histories especially the European ones.

Speedbird 48.

[CoffmanStarter]

Sky51 ... Welcome to PPRuNe ... and thanks for keeping one of the old girls flying :D:D:D:D:D

I'm afraid I can't add much about this particular aircraft ... but I'm sure a few of the guys here who have flown her will respond idc.

Love to see a few pics at some point :)

Best regards ...

Coff.

[sky51]

Thanks for the info !

Taken last saturday, copyright Jean-Pierre Touzeau :

http://francewarbirds.free.fr/divers/f-azlo.jpg

Christophe.

[Wander00]

Sky 51 - where does that Chipmunk fly from. Wondered if it might be anywhere near the Vendee (I am between La Roche sur Yon and La Rochelle). Be nice to drive and see it flying. looks great

[CoffmanStarter]

Many thanks Sky51 ... Beautiful :ok:

[Courtney Mil]

Do you need dip clearance to fly a foreign mil aircraft in French airspace? I guess the little French numberplate gets you round that?

[Wander00]

WG479 eh, Two trips at Cranwell with John Shelton on 10 Mar and 5 May 1964, practising for the end of course Spot Landing Competition.

[smujsmith]

Sky 51

What a great shot, and an ex 6 AEF bird at that. There's not many "proper aircraft" left.:sad:

[CoffmanStarter]

Wander00 ... John Shelton :eek:

A great pilot and very good personal friend ... very sad he is no longer with us ...

Here is John in the rear with me up front ... A very long time ago :(

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/Scan101640001.jpg

Spin Check 6 left and 6 right ... PFL ... tea and debrief.

Taken 4th August 1977. WK518 (prior to her transfer to the BoBMF)

John was an ex Bristol Brigand pilot before he joined Training Command and instructed within the UAS scheme. Very handy with a shotgun in the field come the game season :ok:

[Courtney Mil]

Frankly, it looks like you'd put him to sleep with your war stories before they'd even pulled the chocks.

[CoffmanStarter]

Courtney ... I'd like to think he was confident in my abilities such as they were :cool:

By the way ... before he retired he was the Boss of the F4 Sim at Wattisham ...

[Lima Juliet]

Courtney

The chap in the back is bracing himself for a nose-over because Coff has left the chocks in! :ok:

LJ

[CoffmanStarter]

You guys :rolleyes:

[Dan Winterland]

WG479 as she was in 1985. Yours truly on his first formation solo.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb73/dbchippy/Simon80-85115_zps1e2ce5f2.jpg

It was a wide angle lens - honest!

[sky51]

Hello Wander00,

Unfortunately, F-AZLO (WG479) is based at Troyes-Barberey. (the picture was taken in the south of Paris, off Moret-Episy airfield)
I guess the closest one for you would be the DHC-1 F-AZUR (former WK562).
You can see her at La Baule airport .

Christophe.

[xtp]

I flew WG479 at CFS Little Rissington on 24 October 1972 if that helps fill your timeline.

[Wander00]

Sky 51 - I go to Pornic about twice a year so I feel a "diversion" coming on. If you want a copy of my logbook pages for your archive please let me know

W

[sky51]

Hey Courtney,

WG479 is now fully registered in France.
We just want to keep the original RAF paint scheme.

Christophe.

[octavian]

WB760

Just wondering if any fellow PPRuners have this airframe in their logbook. Built in 1950 at Hawarden, she went to No14 and No 9 Reserve Flying Schools. It saw service in Cyprus as a spotter aircraft with 114 Squadron and then the RAF Nicosia Station Flight as well as various UAS, ITS, The AAC, RAFC and 1FTS. It was sold at auction from 5MU RAF Kemble on 9 Oct 1974.

Now based, appropriately, at Hawarden, and registered G-BCOO, she is being prepared for flight after a few years of inactivity.

Any info appreciated

[Wander00]

Octavian -WB760. Flew her at Cranwell


Twice September 63

Three times October 63

[rab-k]

What a great thread.:ok:

Sorting through a box in the loft I found my rather dog-eared old ROS book, featuring...

WB567
WB739
WB845
WD373
WK585
WP860
WP929
WP967

Plus a Beagle Basset (XS770), Wessex (XR519), Herc (XV206) and Scout (XT631).

Happy days spent at Shawbury, Boscombe Down, Coltishall and (for the most part) Turnhouse... :)

Not such a happy end for some however...:(

http://www.rob.clubkawasaki.com/jas5596.jpg

Nothing to do with my flying skills, I hasten to add...:}

Edit: Seems WK585 lived to fly another day, huzzah!

[Hueymeister]

John Shelton, used to fly me occasionally at 5 AEF. Very nice chap!

[rab-k]

Just noted the paint job on WP833 in the background of the image in my previous post. Anyone know the reason for the departure from bog-standard raspberry ripple? Don't recall seeing others like it - unique to the 'Boss' perhaps?

[Mandator]

It was the scheme applied to the 'Round the World' aircraft just before the Chippie went out of service. This aircraft is now owned by an ex-pat Brit and is in the States.

[rab-k]

Cheers for that Mandator.:ok:

(For anyone interested, Google "Exercise Northern Venture")

[CoffmanStarter]

rab-k ...

Hope you find this of some interest in relation to the Chipmunk serials you have mentioned above :ok:

WB567 Now VH-JHN Queensland Australia

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/VH-JHN-at-Amberley-Qld-2.jpg

WB739 Now F-AZVA St. Rambert d'Albion France

http://img.over-blog-kiwi.com/0/12/64/36/201208/ob_2f9db60d90973180f7274151af24cb1b_f-azva.JPG

WB845 Check Serial - No 845 in WB Range could be WP845 or WZ845. However if WP845 this Chipmunk was W/O :( But WZ845 is still flying in France.


WD373 Now G-BXDI Duxford Cambridge England

http://www.abpic.co.uk/images/images/1111833M.jpg

WK585 Now G-BZGA Shoreham Sussex

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8439414172_5fe00e16ce_z.jpg

And if you would like to fly in her again ...

The Real Flying Company Shoreham (http://www.realflyingcompany.com/aircraft_info.htm)

WP860 Now G-BXDA Edinburgh Scotland

http://worldairimages.com/gallery3/var/albums/Photos-by-Ian-H/DHC-1%20Chipmunk%2022%20G-BXDA%20Kilkerran%20300510.jpg?m=1287841381

WP929 Now G-BXCV Hong Kong (the image here is from 2008 but no later pic seems to exist)

http://www.abpic.co.uk/images/images/1310654M.jpg

WP967 Now F-AZJQ Creon France

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/28440097.jpg

Best regards ...

Coff.

All images are linked from various internet sites and therefore the copyright belongs to the original photographer where indicated.

[rab-k]

Coff - Outstanding! :D

Delighted that (nearly) all those listed are still going strong and giving hours of fun to their owners and others who can still experience what a fantastic aircraft the Chippy is.

Checked the ROS book, not the neatest of scribes whoever updated the flying log, but it's definitely not a Z, so must've been WP845.

Brother-in-law lives less than 2 hours from Shoreham, so guess what's going on the Christmas list this year. :E

Cheers for the reply (and PM). :ok:

(I wonder if the current driver of WK585 would book us out as "PAPPA27" for sake of authenticity :8)

[bevanid]

Yes WP861 is in NZ I am the current owner :) seems really difficult to fine out the full history of the aircraft :ugh:

[octavian]

Wander00:

Thank you for the info on your time in 'OO. How appropriate.. Will aim to PM you over the weekend.

Regards

O

[CoffmanStarter]

Welcome bevanid ... You are very lucky to own a Chipmunk ... Well done for keeping one of the old girls flying :ok:

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/Chipmunk-WP861_zps9bcbc130.jpg

WP861 seen here at Abingdon.


I'll see what information I have ... But your best bet might be to see if the RAF Museum could help you with info from this aircrafts Movement Card ...

I take it you know that the Duke of Edinburgh (as MRAF) did his basic flying training on, then, a brand new Chipmunk WP861 at White Waltham but he did his 1st solo in WP912 20/12/1952 ...

RAF Museum Research (http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/research-enquiries.aspx)

Could you post some current pics please ?

Best ...

Coff.

[Dora-9]

bevanid - PM sent....

[CoffmanStarter]

Good to see you again D9 :ok:

Coff.

[bevanid]

Coff,

Thanks for that like I will enquire to see what I can find,

Yes, from what I have heard the Duke of Edinburgh did aprox 20hrs in WP861

Would be interesting to write to home to see if I can get any information from him about his experiences?

Can't work out how to upload pictures, must be simple but by young brain can't work it out..

Bevan

[CoffmanStarter]

Bevan ...

Good luck writing to the DoE !

You need to host your pics first (PhotoBucket.com is as good as any and free). Once uploaded then use the PPRuNe Photo Insert Tool to link the Direct Pic URL from your host ... Simples. Keep the pic width to about 700 pix to keep our friendly MODs happy :ok:

Coff.

[longer ron]

If you use photobucket,all you need to do is double click on the image code...then once it is 'blue' - just right click on the 'blue' and copy/paste directly to the reply on here - it should be auto sized !

I have never had a problem with size :)

[bevanid]

Some success Finally,


I have jumped through many, many hoops and was lucky enough to get from the royal household copies of Prince Philips logbook from when he flew my chipmunk WP861 and also the RAF museum WP912,


Unfortunately I cant share them on this forum as I am under strict instruction no to post them in any public places ad understandably they are his private property.


I am writing to the duke so never know what may come from it!,

[CoffmanStarter]

Great news Bevanid !

You are a very lucky man to own WP861 with such Royal provenance. Completely understand that you can't share the logbook entries ... but a few current pics of WP861 would be great :ok:

Best regards ...

Coff.

[bevanid]

my attempt to upload a photo or 2 of WP861http://s868.photobucket.com/user/Bevan_Dewes/media/WP861/C27F8669_zps4f3d3b98.jpg.html?sort=2&o=13

[CoffmanStarter]

Thanks Flying Lawyer for helping Bevanid with his pics ... some other cracking shots too :ok:

Bevanid ... just helping out :ok:

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/C27F8354_zpsd4bde6bf.jpg

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/CHIPMUNK1018_zpsd3057462.jpg

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/C27F8471_zpsb93f1fdc.jpg

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/CHIPMUNK1054_zps4a56dc5c.jpg

Bevanid ... Many thanks for taking the trouble to post these fine images :D:D:D:D

[PPRuNe Pop]

I have PM'd Coff to make the pics 850x850 the 'PPRuNe size' - to avoid page spread.

If you other gentlemen would please do the same it would be appreciated by those who have different page size settings.

PPP

[CoffmanStarter]

PPRuNe Pop ...

All done :ok:

Bevanid ...

I've just re-hosted your images on my PhotoBucket account and rescaled them to 750x499 to remain compliant with PPRuNe SOP.

[Heliport]

Just for info -


The Rotorheads forum allows pics up to 1024 width.


H.

[The B Word]

PPrune Pop

One for you to take away is if you post from an iphone or ipad then you cannot resize....

The B Word

[CoffmanStarter]

UK Mil Chipmunk Comms Discussion transferred from here to prevent Thread Drift ...

http://www.pprune.org/military-aviation/558366-airfield-recognition-2.html

Hi Dora-9 ... good to hear from you again

I'm pretty certain that no RAF Chipmunks were fitted with both Vhf and Uhf radios (they were either Vhf or Uhf equipped) ... with respect to Mil Vhf aerial installation, this was under the starboard wing. See the yellow quarter wave inverted ground plane rod here on WK518. I've seen some Civilian (ex Mill) Chipmunks with Vhf aerials located as you describe, but such installations are non-mil-standard. In fact ... WK518 was one of the first RAF Chipmunks to be fitted with a Bendix 360/380 Channel Vhf radio which replaced the older 'Steam Driven' 10 Channel XTL controlled 1988 sets.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/CAe4r82WwAAWM2-.jpg-large_zps1udkrftx.jpg

Image Credit : RAF BBMF

I'm also certain that the Chivenor Chipmunk pic wasn't a 1 AEF aircraft as they were exclusively Vhf equipped from Biggin Hill, White Waltham, West Malling days through to their close at Manston in the mid 90's. As an aside WK518 was on the 1 AEF fleet between 1973 and 1983.

I'll post a few of the other pics I mentioned over the weekend

Hi Huntaluvva ...

I think you may have something there ... many thanks

Best ...

Coff.

I thought the Chipmunks were fitted with PTR175's in the end i.e. VHF and UHF. Don't know anything about their aerials though. Mod H337 in April 1980 although this was for PTR 1751 which may not have been VHF/UHF.

ACW.

Quote:
I'm pretty certain that no RAF Chipmunks were fitted with both Vhf and Uhf radios (they were either Vhf or Uhf equipped) ... with respect to Mil Vhf aerial installation, this was under the starboard wing.
Unthinkable I know, but I suspect that I was (generally) wrong and that therefore you were correct about this. I've just trawled through my RAF Chipmunk photos, normally a lovely thing to do but this time rather marred by that sinking feeling that I'd erred - big time! It seems that, with very very few exceptions (I only found three), RAF Chipmunks had either a UHF radio (the two fuselage "blade" antennae) or a VHF radio ("whip" antenna under the RH wing).

The first exception to the rule seems to have been Birmingham UAS' WG307 which carried both aerial styles as noted above, which is not to say that both radios were actually fitted. Further to my earlier comment about the layout of WG98?'s Day-Glo fuselage stripes, note the two variations apparent here (the cowling stripes on WP790 have rounded leading edges too):

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/WG307-Birmingham-UAS-Shawbu_zpsw8rp4ltl.jpg

Also, I had it firmly fixed in my brain that the VHF antenna was always the swept white "rod" style fitted to the upper tail cone. I'm not sure where this notion came from. Again looking at the evidence provided only two examples, if nothing else validating my favorite adage that "assumption is the mother of all cock-ups".

WG480, possibly with 4 AEF, which would date this in the late 1980's (note both UHF and VHF antennae carried here):

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/WG480-poss-4-AEF_zpskgjswskz.jpg

WD310, I don't know when & where, but since this one was noted at EFTS wearing a "hydbrid" scheme (a combination of the first and second R/W/LG schemes) in August 1987 it's apparently after that (only a VHF radio here?):

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/WD310_zpsmotwxvnx.jpg

Cheers,
D9

H.337 dated 18.4.1980 is entitled: Radio: "To Introduce Plessey PTR 1751 ARI 23301/26 UHF in Lieu of PTR 170 ARI 18197/1 UHF", so I don't think this covers fitting a VHF radio.

I have a complete modification list (available to download on the DHSL website), and I can't find anything about fitting a VHF to RAF Chipmunks after 1965 (but it obviously happened; look at the above photos)!

Any ideas, Coff?

WRT Chipmunk radios:

I never saw a Chipmunk with a PTR175. I still have my Chipmunk Pilot's Notes, amended up to 1994, which lists in a diagram the following fits:

RAF: choice of PTR170 UHF; PTR1751PP (also UHF); or a Marconi AD120 720-channel VHF.
Army: PTR1751BB, either alone or "with standby UHF".

All the above had their control boxes mounted on top of the coaming, unlike the original 10-channel VHF which had the control mounted near the starter pull-ring.

Also, in the text, additional info:
1. RAF aircraft could have a 720-chan VHF plus the PTR1751; .
2. RN aircraft had a Bendix RT221 380-chan VHF plus either a PTR170 or the Marconi AD120 720-chan VHF;
3. The Army standby UHF set is not identified.


For RAF aircraft, a Dittel ATR720B 720-chan VHF is also mentioned, which used a whip aerial on the tailcone (see WG480 & WD310 in post #25 above). It's unclear from the Pilot's Notes whether it could be fitted in conjunction with a PTR1751, though the photo of WG480 perhaps shows it could.

What a lot of options for a simple aircraft!

Kenparry:

Quote:
It's unclear from the Pilot's Notes whether it could be fitted in conjunction with a PTR1751, though the photo of WG480 perhaps shows it could.
Well, both sets of antennae at least! I'll chase up my contacts at DHSL and see if they know more, although this will take time...

Summary follows on UK Mil Chipmunk Comms History :ok:

[Wander00]

Last autumn I briefly met a Belgian, Alex, living in France and restoring an ex- RAF Chipmunk at La Rochelle airport. I am trying to make contact through the 75% Mosquito replica group at Fontenay le Comte. When I get a serial and more info I will post it here, unless (as is usual) someone beats me to it!

[CoffmanStarter]

The primary source of information used to compile this summary comes from 'DH Support' in the form of the following 'Index of Modifications'. However, this document doesn't appear to be under any formal Document Management Control and shows some inconsistencies.

http://www.dhsupport.com/archives/Chipmunk_Index_of_Modifications.pdf

The references provided from the RAF Pilots Notes (Amended to 1994) along with other information sources have been used in an attempt to catalogue the historic changes as they relate to the coms fit of the UK Mil Chipmunk. UK Civilian Chipmunk MOD history has been ignored.

OK chaps ... preamble out the way ;)

Firstly, I will confirm that at no time was the combined V/Uhf PTR175 comms equipment ever fitted to the UK Mil Chipmunk.

The original 'production' coms specification was for a very basic (solitary) Vhf radio. This was in the form of either the TR1520 or TR1920 (10 Channel XTL controlled). These sets were designed and built very much based on post WWII (1947) technology. They were unreliable and were soon replaced. There is some evidence to suggest that a 'version' of the TR1520 (with only 4 Channel XTL controlled) was also installed. However, on the 170th and subsequent aircraft the slightly more reliable TR1934 (ARI15491) and TR1936 (ARI5489) radios were specified/installed.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/tr1934_zps8oz6ehe6.jpg

TR1934

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/tr1936_zpsjqyuym1i.jpg

TR1936

The TR1936 was a 10 Channel (50 Khz Spacing) XTL controlled radio covering 115 Mhz to 145 Mhz producing about 8 Watts AM output.

The Vhf radio installation was then progressively upgraded over time with the TR198x series of equipment namely TR1985/6/7/8/9. These were far superior radios although physically similar to the early radios in terms of external appearance. Again 10 Channel (50 Khz Spacing) XTL controlled covering 100 Mhz to 156 Mhz (later Mks) producing about 10 Watts AM output.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/1986-03_zpsgi4fdcbr.jpg

TR1986 (Front Cover Removed)

More to follow ...

[CoffmanStarter]

Continued ...

In 1965 a MOD was issued to introduce a solitary light weight Plessey PTR170 (ARI18197) Uhf radio in lieu of the existing 198x series Vhf radios. However this wasn't a UK fleet wide conversion and although the exact number of aircraft converted to Uhf remains unknown (including the split between RAF, RN and Army aircraft), a significant number of aircraft remained Vhf equipped retaining the 198x equipment. The 'Decision Criteria' for selecting airframes for conversion to Uhf remains unknown at this time.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/FullSizeRender%208_zpszrshop3e.jpg

Plessey PTR170 (AR118197)

With the installation of the PTR170 radios, associated Uhf Upper (Off Centre Port) and Lower (Off Centre Starboard) Blade aerials began to appear on the rear fuselage and the removal of the inverted ground plane Quarter Wave Rod aerial under the starboard wing. There is some evidence to suggest that a small number of airframes retained the obsolete Vhf aerial once converted to Uhf, then being removed at a later date, possibly due to a lack of available blanking plates.

The PTR170 control boxes were mounted on top of the front cockpit coaming.

In early 1976 a MOD was issued to introduce a Bendix RT221 Vhf 360/380 Channel radio. The DH Support IoM states that the existing TR1936 was to be retained (this is an unexplained anomaly in the MOD history). It's unknown how many Vhf equipped Chipmunks received the Bendix RT221 MOD, however WK518 is known to have benefited from this modification but again this was a solitary Vhf installation.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/bendixrt221_zps70uwomua.jpg

Bendix RT221

In late 1976 a MOD was issued to introduce a solitary Marconi AD120 (WR800) Vhf 720 Channel radio in lieu of the existing TR198x series equipment.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/FullSizeRender%205_zpszzf7necf.jpg

Marconi AD120 (WR800)

In mid 1978 a MOD was issued to introduce a D403 (ARI23159) Stand-By Uhf radio to the Army Air Corps fleet. This MOD was for Uhf equipped airframes, but not all.

In early 1980 a MOD was issued to replace the RAF PTR170 (ARI18197) Uhf radios with PTR1751/PP (ARI23301) Uhf radios. The Army Air Corps implemented a similar replacement in early 1984 using the PTR1751/BB (ARI23291).

In mid 1985 the RAF converted their PTR1751/PP's to 25 Khz with the Army Air Corps doing the same conversion to their PTR1751/BB's in mid 1988.

Interestingly, according to the DH Services IoM, the RN in mid 1987, introduced the Marconi AD120 (WR800) Vhf 720 Channel radio in lieu of the PTR170 Uhf and Stand-By Bendix RT221 Vhf radios (this is an unexplained anomaly in the MOD history).

In 1991 a Dittel ATR720B 720 Channel Vhf radio was installed in addition to a PTR1751 Uhf radio to all aircraft forming the then FSS (Flying Selection Squadron, renamed EFTS idc) fleet. This was some 15 airframes. The aerial installation was a Whip extending vertically from the tail cone to the rear of the rudder. The dual radio installation was a necessity given the intensity of flying training operations with the need to penetrate/operate above cloud/in IMC by EFTS.

http://balloons4sale.eu/article_photos/2291/article.jpg

Dittel ATR720B

The above summary now ties back to the Pilots Notes referenced by Kenparry ...

RAF: Choice of PTR170 Uhf; PTR1751PP (also Uhf); or a Marconi AD120 720 Channel Vhf.
Army: PTR1751BB, either alone or "with standby Uhf" D403 (ARI23159).

Also, in the text, additional info:
1. RAF aircraft could have a 720 Channel Vhf (likely to have been the Dittel ATR720B) plus the PTR1751; .
2. RN aircraft had a Bendix RT221 380-chan Vhf plus either a PTR170 Uhf or the Marconi AD120 720-chan Vhf;
3. The Army standby Uhf radio D403 (ARI23159).

I therefore stand corrected in saying "No RAF Chipmunks were fitted with both Vhf and Uhf radios (they were either Vhf or Uhf equipped)" ... the Dittel/Plessy 15 at EFTS being the exception :ok:

The RN also had a mix of comms kit :ooh:

[CoffmanStarter]

Wander00 ... Here you go old chap :ok:

Chipmunk WZ877 (F-AZLI)

Looks like fun ... Abbeville May 2015

Chipmunk (http://www.bullchipmeet.eu/bullchipmeet/index.php/chip-bull/chipmunk)

Best ...

Coff

[Dora-9]

Coff:

Thanks, it's getting clearer now - how can such a simple little aeroplane get so complex?

DHSL have acknowledged my query and will get back to me "later" - however my Air-Britain source came up with the following (which more or less supports what's already been said):

Yes you are correct the RAF Chipmunks "progressed" from VHF to UHF radios for greater range and frequency coverage. But as always there were exceptions. The key one being where RAF Chipmunks operated from airfields where the control tower operated on VHF. Two that spring to mind were 12 AEF operating from RAF Turnhouse which was/is also Edinburgh Airport and 4 AEF that operated from Exeter Airport. These towers operated on VHF for the airline traffic and the civilian GA aircraft and the Chipmunks had to fit in.


Dealing with your photos.


WG307 was used for radio trials [SLIM 3519] at the AAEE Boscombe Down in 1969 and was with Birmingham UAS later that year.


WG480 served with 4 AEF Exeter for a short period at the turn of 1993/4 and would have required a VHF radio installation.


WD310- this is not what it seems at first glance-a RAF Chipmunk next to a single seat Hunter and what could be a RAF Puma helicopter at an active RAF station with the RAF flag flying.
But it is not. In its RAF service life it did not acquire a code B until late 1994, when its code with 3 AEF changed from H. It was stored from March 1996 and sold at auction in late May that year and placed on the UK civil register as G-BWUN in July 1996 with its first certificate of airworthiness being issued in the November. The owner applied for and was granted the right for the Chipmunk to fly in its former military marks and colour scheme and continue the B code. In such cases the UK the authorities do not require the civilian registration to be marked on the aircraft-so it still looks as if it is still with the RAF. As a civilian aircraft it would be and was based at airfields with VHF communications and hence would require a VHF radio fit.
The Hunter would have been retired from RAF service years before WD310 was coded B and will also have been sold to the civil market and was operating in "exempt" military marks, if it was airworthy.


As well as the RAF flag, other flags can be seen, as can a tent. As this Chipmunk's owner is based in southern England, I would guess that the photo was taken at a major air show in the late 1990s or the 2000s -possibly a Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford. The aircraft has not had a c of a since 2012

I'm still eagerly awaiting your latest photos, Coff!

[ImageGear]

Stock Image so costs a bit of dosh but might be worth it

The duke of Edinburgh stands on the port wing of wp861 (http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-the-duke-of-edinburgh-stands-on-the-port-wing-of-wp-861-the-r-a-f-32569220.html)

Imagegear

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi Dora-9 ...

Glad to be of assistance :ok:

I'll post the other pics tomorrow if that's OK.

Best ...

Coff.

[LowNSlow]

The mortal remains of TMk10 WK620 which was written off at Middle Wallop on 19th May 1993 is currently for sale. It's advertised as being 95% complete if anybody fancies a retirement project :ok:

[CoffmanStarter]

Looks like you'll need a fair bit of spondulix though (wings, tail and rudder appear to be stored separately ... nose/engine ?) :(

Enstone July 2014

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/Chipmunk_zpsjmr1mghn.jpg

Image Credit : Mr David Kelly

Accident Report ...

http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=139848

[CoffmanStarter]

Dora-9 ...

Further pics as promised :ok:

http://www.pprune.org/aviation-history-nostalgia/375999-raf-manston-history-no-1-aef-1967-1995-a-3.html#post8912729

Best ...

Coff.

[India Four Two]

But as always there were exceptions. The key one being where RAF Chipmunks operated from airfields where the control tower operated on VHF.When I joined UBAS in 67, the Chipmunks still had VHF radios. Shawbury in those days was not infested with helicopters, which were still at Tern Hill.

Well over 90% of the movements were our Chipmunks plus Marshall's Vampires and Piston Provosts, which provided aircraft for the baby controllers to practice on. We all operated on VHF, so apart from the occasional practice diversion by Gnats or Hunters from Valley, everyone was fully aware of what was going on.

Then in 68, after the summer break, we came back to re-painted Chipmunks ( the light grey with white canopies scheme ) with new UHF radios and therefore our situational awareness dropped dramatically!

Coff,
I remember that the UHF switch box had a position for homing (I can't remember the exact terminology), but it was not used. Why was that there? Was there a plan for some future equipment?

[CoffmanStarter]

Hi I42 ...

I believe the PTR170 had the capability to be linked to a Plessy Homer PV141 (hence the control caption) ... But I don't believe it was fitted or was planned to be fitted to the UK Mil Chipmunk.

Homer AKA 'Violet Picture'

Best ...

Coff.

[Dora-9]

Coff:

Further pics as promised :ok:
Lovely! Thank you,

Dora

[Naali]

Just to add something. My first flight was in the backseat of a Chipmunk,at the age of 7. Strapped very loosely,and barely eye-level from anything. Even now,i remember that smell of an airplane...

[India Four Two]

Even now,i remember that smell of an airplane...

In the first Chipmunk I flew, used exclusively for spin training, the smell was leather, Avgas and vomit!

[India Four Two]

Coff,

Thanks. I hadn't heard of the PV141 before and while I was looking it up, I saw that the PTR170 UHF set was also a stand-by radio for other aircraft. I hadn't realized that.

It still amazes me that limited-channel crystal-controlled sets were still being produced in the 60s. The technology for frequency-synthesized radios had been around for a while and could have been used to produce a much more flexible radio.

I remember having a conversation with the tower at Syerston, trying the convince a very surprised Air Trafficker that even though I had a UHF radio, I could not change to her Local frequency and would have to stay on 362.3 (sad that I can remember that, I know).

[skua]

India 42
And the whiff of cordite after starting!

[rjtjrt]

Given the Dripsy Major, there must have been a smell of oil as well.
The saying I heard was the smell of oil and vomit was the typical, unmistakable Chipmunk memory.

[Dora-9]

A heady mixture of oil/sweat/leather/vomit - not sure of the ratio!

rjtrt - going to Echuca next weekend?

[Oldlae]

My first flight in a Chipmunk at Halton we looped the loop, I was so hoping not to use the sick bag, I didn't.

[CoffmanStarter]

I42 ...

Yes ... you're right about frequency synthesis over crystals ... but I guess it all came down to size and weight at the time. Which is a bit ironic given that the TX198x Vhf radio sets used a 'Dynamotor' (which weighed a figurative 'ton') to produce the required HT :eek:

The inside of a TX1985.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/1985-01_zpskfda6hso.jpg

Image Credit : Mr M Lambert

With the kind help of PPRuNe Member, Dan Winterland, here is the Dittel ATR720B 720 Channel Vhf radio set fitted in RAF EFTS Chipmunks during the late 80's/early 90's ... just shows how far technology had progressed by the 90's :ok:

http://balloons4sale.eu/article_photos/2291/article.jpg

Best ...

Coff.

[CoffmanStarter]

Good evening all ...

I understand there was a 'Fly In' at Old Warden today of Chipmunks ... Which included, I believe, an 18 ship formation :)

I hope some pics will be along soon for us to enjoy :ok:

Coff.

[Dora-9]

Coff:

Not quite Old Warden, although given the types present this could have been taken in the UK (if you ignore the colour of the grass that is).

Antique Aircraft Association fly-in at Echuca in March:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/Blithering/20150329_092956_zpszochbczw.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Blithering/media/20150329_092956_zpszochbczw.jpg.html)

[CoffmanStarter]

Good to hear from you Dora-9 :ok:

Cracking pic ... :D

[CoffmanStarter]

Many thanks to Dan Vandenberg for his permission to share his stunning pictures taken at Old Warden today :ok:

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/CFo3Li1XIAE8FPl.jpg-large_zpsmtemphwm.jpg

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/CFo2Z78WIAAVXsK_zpsaxhjkdmr.jpg

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/CFo0UIiWgAAI11F_zpsjfplvhxt.jpg

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/CFoy8GWW0AAMrKf_zpsfahpvhot.jpg

There is a cracking picture of the formation in-flight by another Photographer ... I'm seeking permission to share here.

Enjoy !

Coff.

[Wander00]

Wow, aah, and other expressions of amazement and approval

[Dora-9]

Wow, ahh etc - and the grass is so green that it hurts my eyes!

[oldmansquipper]

At Old Warden today ... Witnessed the debut of the new Aerobatic team `Aluminium Overcast` in an 18 ship flypast - Awsome!


Couldn't source wings to fly in, so we came by road...got caught up in the MK traffic Chaos and so we arrived just in time to se G-AMUF depart to the East
(-UF was the Chippy I converted to at Redhill in 80)

If the current owners of UF are on this site or there is any one here that is contact with them, please contact me as I have some pictures of her in 1980 that may be of interest. :)

[Dan Winterland]

I'm afraid I haven't been able to locate a pic of the (Postage Stamp Size by comparison) Dittel ATR720B 720 Channel Vhf radio set fitted in the late 80's/early 90's

It was this one, originally designed for gliders.

http://balloons4sale.eu/article_photos/2291/article.jpg

[CoffmanStarter]

Many thanks Dan ... I've updated my previous post accordingly :ok:

[CoffmanStarter]

Unfortunately I've not been able to contact the other two Photographers regarding the in-flight formation pics and therefore feel uncomfortable in directly posting their images.

But here are their Tw1tter URL's for the images mentioned ... marvellous ... yes and more green grass Dora-9 :ok:

https://twitter.com/_JonHiggins/status/601831238287151106

https://twitter.com/DarrenHarbar/status/601789015063396353

[CoffmanStarter]

For further interest ...

Earlier this month the Annual 'BullChipMeet' was held at Abbeville France. Whilst the pictures for 2015 have yet to be posted ... there are some cracking images for the previous years.

Bulldog & Chipmunk Meet (http://www.bullchipmeet.eu/bullchipmeet/index.php/chip-bull/chipmunk)

BullChipMeet 2014 (http://www.bullchipmeet.eu/bullchipmeet/index.php/2014)

BullChipMeet 2013 (http://www.bullchipmeet.eu/bullchipmeet/index.php/2013)

BullChipMeet 2012 (http://www.bullchipmeet.eu/bullchipmeet/index.php/2012)

Coff.

PS. Dora-9 ... Warning ! Lots of pictures !

[Wander00]

Guy in the LH seat of the Bulldog with the hood open looks familiar -feel I should know his name

[Tinribs]

I flew a camo chippy in the early 80's for a service glider tug event. Never figured out why the camo paint scheme but I suppose it had an army function. Anyone know what it was for?