Dennis Kenyon

[Savoia]

I've strung together a couple of posts from the 'Kenyon Files' on the Nostalgia Thread to create this dedicated thread in celebration of the Maestro's big 'round number' occasion (which falls today).

I hope this thread may also serve to provide opportunity for freshman flyers (newbies) to pose any questions that may have for the Kenyon!

[Savoia]

http://www.royalaeroclubtrust.org/images/logo1.jpg


On Wednesday 11th May 2011 at the RAF Club in London,
Wing Commander Robert (Bob) Foster presented the Venerable Dennis 'Dennisimo' 'The Menace' Kenyon, with the Royal Aero Club's Diploma.


Dennis Kenyon started flying in the RAF in 1952 and has flown some 85 aircraft types from Tiger Moths to early military jets. In 1972 he joined Spooner Aviation from where he developed one of the UK's most successful helicopter sales distributorships becoming synonymous with the Enstrom brand he promoted. Dennis is qualified as a Helicopter ATPL, Instructor and Type Rating Examiner. He is also an acclaimed display pilot and evaluator.


Dennis has flown 32 differnet types of rotary aircraft and has amassed in excess of 13,000 flying hours. He has performed at more than 1,200 airshows and has appeared in several feature films. He has represented Great Britain in four World Helicopter Championships, winning the aerobatic freestyle title in 1992.


In 2005 he set up a flying scholarship to sponsor to helicopter PPL standard those with a passion for rotary-wing flight. He continues to convey his experience through writing articles on helicopter test flights, flight theory and flight safety.

.

[Savoia]

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X_MwYru2OtU/ToqHW85Z00I/AAAAAAAAFJ0/ME3nwMgwbMc/s640/Austria%252520WHC.jpg
The Maestro in Austria during the World Helicopter Championships

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2ARwSnNGCAs/ToqHXwLUJKI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/TxXVVrbAhi4/G-BYKF%252520North%252520Weald%25252023%252520May%25252004%252 520%252528Jo%252520Hunter%252529.jpg
Dennisimo displaying G-BYKF at North Weald on 23rd May 2004 (Photo: Jo Hunter)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZJ9dOI0PY8A/ToqHXJU_fsI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/HuDqDKTkVYs/DK-%252526-Georgie110121_110328.jpg
The Maestro with scholarship winner Georgie Dixon

Two Jags Dezza! http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/evil.gif

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qcZMdOfvMdY/ToqHWm0NAkI/AAAAAAAAFJw/f7PE2Npgjwo/1drk_7drk_110121_110328.jpg
Dennisimo's Jaguars

“I acquired 1 DRK through a private advert in the Sunday Telegraph in 1972,” says Dennis. “I bought it from a lovely blonde lady in Ilfracombe for £250. I always have a little smile when I think back on that special occasion!”

"The striking combination of great registration and E-Type Jaguar has even caught the eye of the boys in blue. One Sunday afternoon, I was driving past Kenley Airfield in Surrey, when a police car coming the other way stopped me. I wondered what on earth I'd done. The police driver wound down his window and called out, ‘Excuse me Sir, I just wanted to have a drool!’"

“I purchased the E-type new in 1970 as an ex-demonstrator. It is a 1969 ‘One and a Half’ convertible model, serial E2054. It is still virtually as new and absolutely original. Many are the times I've been told ‘I bet you’ve pulled some girls in that car’. My standard reply was .. ‘They’re not rust patches down the side of the bonnet: they’re conquest notches!’.”

“I have taught quite a few motoring racers in my time” Dennis recalls. “The late Barry Sheene, God bless him; the 1986 F1 world champion Alan Jones, who I was with when he won the USA Formula One Grand Prix in the car park of Ceasars Palace in Las Vegas! Also Jonathan Palmer and the rally man, Tony Pond. Even Mark Thatcher, who bought his Bell Jet Ranger from my company.”

I have to drop in this image (below) from 1977 at Biggin Hill (taken on the day I first met you) when you were flying the ubiquitous G-BENO from whence the Colonel dervied his 'Dennis the Menace' nickname.

Dennis is observed bowing his head (see below) just prior to commencing his display. Word is that he was reciting one of his pre-display prayers which went something like this: "Dear God please let me perform an outstanding display, one that will attract the attention of the most gorgeous girl in the crowd so that she will feel compelled to come and look me up when I'm done. I'll treat her right - I promise!"

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_26yYeLqoMc/ToqK-oj8WCI/AAAAAAAAFKg/znR6yVW1l-o/s720/Biggin%252520Hill%25252014%252520May%25252077%252520%252528P eter%252520Nicholson%252529.jpg
The Menace about to commence his trademark performance at Biggin Hill on 14 May 1977 (Photo: Peter Nicholson) ps: In those days the Kenyon used to pick-up a bucket of water with the left skid prior to performing his pirouettes!

And finally, the Maestro in action in September 2010:

_SGnJQB2XEw

Question: The Menace would have been 48 (or a number which rhymes with 48) when performing the above display. How many people do you imagine are delivering such performances at this age? Precious few one imagines. Bravo Dennis! http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gif

[Savoia]

Denissimo wrote: "Just a 'titbit' to add to the aerial shot of Dunsborough Park at Ripley. I especially recall the events, since at the time I frequerntly opened the batting for the Ripley Village cricket team. The pitch and clubhouse, which are still very much there, sat in the open space just over the wall to the south east. The steady stream of choppers arriving didn't help ones batting concentration for sure. At the time I was a fixed wing flyer and didn't convert to rotary til 1972."

Savoia responded:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WShYyYMyPAo/Ty9pXle13xI/AAAAAAAAHq4/NomQcbCB1dQ/s273/CWK%25201.png


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1Ckd1wfqys4/Ty9tBepxoyI/AAAAAAAAHr8/xWn0n7kmlN8/s457/CWK%2520b%2520iii.png
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ttFTt6dExIM/Ty9pcDolPUI/AAAAAAAAHq4/Yh23G8kX6Wk/s512/CWK%2520a.png

http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/wink2.gif

[Savoia]

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jgK49Ugw9OI/UGvcKq_7CnI/AAAAAAAAJxU/AeqWD3took4/s693/BD%2520Banner.png

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dg-iQMSFzoM/UGvcKvchXpI/AAAAAAAAJxc/tIqH8j4TTnk/s100/80%2520Today%2520s.jpg


Denissimo! You've made it! Bravo Amico! :D

Ah well friend, I know you were disappointed not to participate in the WHC this year but .. your achievements over what is quite literally a life-time of aviation remain deeply impressive!

My kindest regards to you and every best wish for the coming year.

Sav

[wokkaboy]

Congratulations DK!

One of the original old school gents.

Our paths have crossed several times in 'the bazaars' and you've always had a smile on your face - keep up the good work!

Cheers
:ok:

[ShyTorque]

Many congratulations, Dennis! :D

[rotorboater]

Happy Birthday Dennis :D

[flight beyond sight]

Very happy returns from your friends at Wycombe

[toptobottom]

Many congratulation Dennis - your remarkable achievements remain an inspiration to many :ok:

[John R81]

Happy Birthday, Sir

I hope to still be as mobile when I reach middle age too!

[Dennis at Enstrom]

Dennis,

Congratulations from all of us here at the Enstrom factory! You are the stuff of legends around here. :) It's always fun to watch new employees google Enstrom, run across one of your videos, and ask, "Can you really do that?" Thank you for being our Champion all these years, and we look forward to many more.

Sincerely,
Dennis Martin
International Sales/Program Manager
Enstrom Helicopter Corp.

[Savoia]

I received a message from the Kenyon this morning and he says he's not being rude .. just finishing off some important business in a place called Corfu. ;)

He should be with us by next week.

[timprice]

Happy Birthday Dennis
Wishing you all the best.
Tim:ok:

[500e]

What a good ambassador for the helicopter industry
Phoned him up regarding buying a machine I felt the information was just good first hand advice.
No pressure to buy from him, it left a feeling that you were dealing with a man of integrity.

[Dennis Kenyon]

Ah ... dear gentlemen out there. My apologies for not being able to acknowledge Savoia's birthday tribute having decided to spend my 'eightieth' in the sun. Some deity in Corfu felt he should also mark the occasion by arranging for my 737 to receive a pretty hefty lightning strike on take off which delayed my return and the writing of these words. Fellow pruners, I don't quite know how to respond to your posts ... but perhaps just to say I became a little emotional and hung my head with something of a tear when reading your super comments. I don't deserve them all.

I've loved my helicopter flying, and apart from the personal horror of losing my son in March 2000, I can still say the last twenty years have been the most enjoyable of my flying career. Much of this is due to many of you guys (and a few gals) out there who I have met, worked and flown with over the years and whose company has given me so much pleasure. I can even take pleasure from Savoia's friendly jibes and indeed feel privileged to be his target. Ours is a wonderful industry ... so many professionals, great personalities, characters and general fun guys. In the nicest way, I love you all and close by saying 'thanks' ... As some of you will know, I am still flying and displaying for that matter and if the good Lord allows may even be doing the same when my 'Big 90' arrives.

God bless you all and safe flying for ever. Dennis Kenyon.

[HowlingMad Murdock]

Many happy returns to Mr Dennis Kenyon.:)

[nigelh]

Well done Dennis ....... Great achievement . Now if I could do just 10% of what you have done I will be chuffed to bits :D

[Thomas coupling]

Dennis - didn't you put the D in display?:D
80 yrs young and firing on all cylinders - A real aviator, through and through.
Very many happy returns BIG GUY.:ok:

[Dennis Kenyon]

Don't know about that TC, maybe the second D in DD! Thanks for the birthday wishes tho'. So now I've passed the 80 bit, I think I'll turn back and head for 21 again. Take care all. Dennis K

[helispeediii]

a bit late den ive been away, many happy returns, god bless , heres to the next eighty yrs heli speed iii

[Savoia]

Denissimo .. I thought you might like to read this:

Returning to the skies, the oldest jet fighter in the world: British built Meteor to fly again 70 years after its maiden flight (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2288111/Returning-skies-oldest-jet-fighter-world-British-built-Meteor-fly-70-years-maiden-flight.html)

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/03/04/article-2288111-0B55C714000005DC-746_634x451.jpg
Refuelling Gloster Meteors aircraft at Druffield in Yorkshire

[Dennis Kenyon]

Ah my dear friend Savoia ... you have that lovely knack of bringing a tear to my eye with your wonderful pics of pure 'nostalgia.' ... I find it difficult to recall there was a time as a teenager at 209 AFS Weston Zoyland when I was actually I/C one of those great flying machines. Just think lads ... the sheer joy of having a 600mph fighter jet strapped to a 19 year old's bum!

But it wasn't always fun ... I also recall the night when, as a student, I found myself held overhead the Weston Zoyland circuit at 20,000 feet ... short of fuel too ... when both engines promptly flamed out! Someone up there loved me though!

For the 'reggie buffs' on here, my log book tells me I trained on the single seat Mk4 versions being the VT series alongside the dual Mk 7 of the WA & WN series. Halcyon days indeed ... Pass me a hanky! Dennis K

[oleary]

Congratulations on your 80th birthday, Dennis, you are a great credit to our industry.:D

Jerry Cutler
Canada

[Dennis Kenyon]

Thanks for the kind words Jerry ... I'd have to say and as I've said on here before, it is very much due to my friends and the pilots on here that encourage me to keep flying. When the big retirement day does finally arrive, I promise you all a real big bash. Somewhere like the 02 dome sounds about right. But don't hold yer breath out there! Regards to all. DRK.

PS. And I celebrated last Monday with an engine failure while on an air test. Just shows it pays to keep a practicing!j

[Savoia]

Denissimo !!

You seem to have had more than your fair share of real life failures of various kinds over the years - glad you are okay. :ok:

[Dynasty375]

Still got it Dennis!!! :E

Keeps you young and on your toes I guess! Glad to hear you're safe and well! :D

Thanks for all the inspiration, past, present and future!

375

[Savoia]

Another one of Denissimo's displays to add to the collection.

9xTqPm6w_nc

[Savoia]

Denissimo: If you are out walking your dog today then turn your eyes skywards .. because .. in a few hours time a 'Brit Chook' will be slinging an interesting piece of kit around your neck of the woods:

At 14:30 on Monday 22nd April, the museum’s latest acquisition, a Gloster Meteor T.7 jet trainer, will be making the short journey from Imjin Barracks to Gloucestershire Airport. Don’t expect to see any wide loads, road closures or Police escorts though; the aircraft will be arriving underneath a Chinook helicopter!

Jet flies in - by helicopter (From Cotswold Journal) (http://www.cotswoldjournal.co.uk/news/10367102.Jet_flies_in___by_helicopter/?ref=rss)

[FLY 7]

BBC Film

BBC News - Gloster Meteor lifted from Imjin Barracks by helicopter (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-22244953)

[timprice]

Best thing Dennis you still out enjoying your flying!

Are you still contemplating a move back down south to warmer climes?

:ok:

[Dennis Kenyon]

Yes Tim ... still enjoyng the industry - in fact yesterday took an enjoyable sortie at Denham flying an R44!

Thanks to one and all on here for the good wishes when I reached that big 'orrible number. Really hope to read you all again in 2023! Hope springs eternal as they say! Take care all PPs. DRK

[Savoia]

Denissimo! Many Happy Returns on this your special day .. and every best wish for the coming year!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-w3aPNNTLCVQ/Uk55aiGPd9I/AAAAAAAAOmI/t8YDVcleQcY/w831-h554-no/Dennis+with+SMAC.jpg
The 'Maestro' with MD500N G-SMAC

*Don't worry - I'm not going to ask about keeping your fingers warm! :ok:

[misterbonkers]

What a great thread!

It's re-ignited the grey cells from 16 years ago when my dad let me skive off school and took me to Helitech '97 at Redhill.

I can still remember an awesome display by Dennis in his Enstrom helicopter on a somewhat wet and windy day. I don't think I've ever seen a helicopter move like that since!