Rothmans Aerobatic Team (& Others)
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Sussex and Asia
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G-BADY...£20.00 for a kit on ebay.
PITTS SPECIAL S.2A/1 AZ MODEL 4839 1:48 KIT ROTHMANS 48039 | eBay
Anyone know where Bob Lee is these days?
PITTS SPECIAL S.2A/1 AZ MODEL 4839 1:48 KIT ROTHMANS 48039 | eBay
Anyone know where Bob Lee is these days?
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: uk
Age: 79
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It's Later Than You Think
Contacted Hotstart54 and he recons there are a few still up for it, Bob Lee for one, John Brobyn if we can find him, and more. I was at a family do recently and spoke with David Sears, Jacks lad. Its a small world. Come on Loonrat, get organsing asap, it's what you were always good at.
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Sydney, Australia
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Long way to come for a party
Hi Bob and all other old friends - well, I'm still living in NSW, but having visited the UK only four months ago, I sadly doubt I'll be over again for a while. Damn! I hate to miss a party.
Astonishingly - though quietly gratifying - having been Promotions Executive for the Team for a couple of years still sparks interest, even on the other side of the world. Whether such kudos is deserved is another matter, but it still rates as one of the best jobs I've had.
And the reaction of some young people I know when I tell 'em about the Playboy gig is priceless...
All the best to everyone for a healthy and happy 2012.
Sue
Astonishingly - though quietly gratifying - having been Promotions Executive for the Team for a couple of years still sparks interest, even on the other side of the world. Whether such kudos is deserved is another matter, but it still rates as one of the best jobs I've had.
And the reaction of some young people I know when I tell 'em about the Playboy gig is priceless...
All the best to everyone for a healthy and happy 2012.
Sue
From Shell Aviation News No 441 (1977): 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes' by Neil Williams.
This article, and others written by Neil for SAN, will be available via a new link later in 2015.
This article, and others written by Neil for SAN, will be available via a new link later in 2015.
Last edited by Discorde; 13th Oct 2015 at 17:03. Reason: update
Awesome but Affordable
What a fine article. Many thanks for posting it. Neil was a gifted author indeed as well as being a superlative pilot in a huge variety of aircraft. His book "Airborne" is to be re-published with some additions later this year.
Reaper 69
Reaper 69
Gnome de PPRuNe
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"Airborne" is to be re-published with some additions later this year
Neil was a regular contributor to SAN until its demise in 1978, writing on subjects as diverse as test flying a Spit (link below), the DH53 Hummingbird, Falcon bizjet operation, the Lake Buccaneer amphibian, VFR nav procedures and the F28. A personal memory:
In 1976 the film 'Aces High' was being shot at Booker. Neil flew the Eindecker replica and, when taxying to the pumps for refuelling, was in the habit of cutting the switches at a suitable distance away so that the aircraft (which had no brakes) slowed to a halt adjacent to the pumps.
One day a bunch of us were chewing the cud in the AFC clubhouse. Our banter was interrupted by Barbara, the club secretary, exclaiming: 'What on earth is Neil doing!' We followed her gaze out of the window to see the Eindecker, prop stopped, trundling past the pumps with no apparent retardation (perhaps because of a tailwind?). We watched helplessly, waiting for the inevitable and ignominious collision with the car park fence.
But the inevitable never happened. In the blink of an eye, Neil jumped out of the cockpit, ran round to the Eindecker's tail and wrapped himself round the skid. His unorthodox braking procedure was effective and the aircraft rolled to a halt with the prop a metre or two away from the fence. What a man!
Spitfire test flight
I'll get round to scanning the remaining SAN articles and posting links to them one day soon (assuming there are no copyright complications).
In 1976 the film 'Aces High' was being shot at Booker. Neil flew the Eindecker replica and, when taxying to the pumps for refuelling, was in the habit of cutting the switches at a suitable distance away so that the aircraft (which had no brakes) slowed to a halt adjacent to the pumps.
One day a bunch of us were chewing the cud in the AFC clubhouse. Our banter was interrupted by Barbara, the club secretary, exclaiming: 'What on earth is Neil doing!' We followed her gaze out of the window to see the Eindecker, prop stopped, trundling past the pumps with no apparent retardation (perhaps because of a tailwind?). We watched helplessly, waiting for the inevitable and ignominious collision with the car park fence.
But the inevitable never happened. In the blink of an eye, Neil jumped out of the cockpit, ran round to the Eindecker's tail and wrapped himself round the skid. His unorthodox braking procedure was effective and the aircraft rolled to a halt with the prop a metre or two away from the fence. What a man!
Spitfire test flight
I'll get round to scanning the remaining SAN articles and posting links to them one day soon (assuming there are no copyright complications).
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Peter Phillips
Yes Peter had an accident in South Africa at Airshow Africa 1977 in a BN Trislander.
He and the other person on board survived but the aircraft was destroyed.
Classic case of underestimating the impact or altitude and temperature on performance in what was/is under-powered at best.
The strength of the airframe was demosntrated after such an impact and Peter was left with only flaps and tim tabs. All other control surfaces were locked after the impact.
He and the other person on board survived but the aircraft was destroyed.
Classic case of underestimating the impact or altitude and temperature on performance in what was/is under-powered at best.
The strength of the airframe was demosntrated after such an impact and Peter was left with only flaps and tim tabs. All other control surfaces were locked after the impact.
Join Date: Sep 2012
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Marcus Edwards
Only when reading through this site for the first time I found out that Marcus Edwards is no longer. I was great friends with Marcus in the Royal Navy and later in Jordan but lost touch when i returned to New Zealand. Can anyone tell me what, when, where and how he was killed and does anyone know where his wife Val and family have gone to? Not sure if I am allowed to but if you prefer you may send any info to me [email protected]
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Colin Woods
Hi, I was on Colin's crew at Akrotiri 1968 - 1970 and have just found your post that Colin had died in 2003, while searching to get back in contact.
Do you have any knowledge of Rowena that he married while we were in Cyprus. We met her in Nairobi while on on a Ranger and had kept in touch until just before I left the RAF in 1980. My wife and I would love to get back in touch if she is still around. If you happen to know where she might be you could say that Dick and Patricia would like to get back in touch.
R.S.
Do you have any knowledge of Rowena that he married while we were in Cyprus. We met her in Nairobi while on on a Ranger and had kept in touch until just before I left the RAF in 1980. My wife and I would love to get back in touch if she is still around. If you happen to know where she might be you could say that Dick and Patricia would like to get back in touch.
R.S.
Join Date: May 2007
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Colin was a good Mate of mine when he was in the Poachers and later.He divorced from Rowena and left Mareham Le Fen back in mid 70s then with Rothmans.He moved to Buckinghamshire, and after a stint with Arab wings with Helix Fart ,no less,,came back to work at Britannia.He remarried a Hostie from NorthEast Airlines and settled in Surrey.Rowena ,I last heard of, was in Hong Kong remarried apparently to another acquaintance Black Mac,but never confirmed the tale.A good many happy times.
Of course,Peter Philips was around throughout that time as well,but after his Trilander accident with "Bullet" his flying engineer,I lost track of him,although he remained TP at Dowty,as well as Britten Norman,as far as I can recall?
Of course,Peter Philips was around throughout that time as well,but after his Trilander accident with "Bullet" his flying engineer,I lost track of him,although he remained TP at Dowty,as well as Britten Norman,as far as I can recall?
Last edited by FAStoat; 15th Oct 2012 at 12:17.
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Southend-on-Sea
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Hi
I am trying to find out any dates that the Rothmans Aerobatic Team flew displays in Southend on Sea (not the airshow)
I know they were at the opening of the museum and I can remember seing a display by the Pitts over Westcliff Leisure Centre in the early 1980's but can not remember exactly when, I beleve they also took part in the Leigh regatta.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, as it will go to filling a few holes on my website.
www.southendtimeline.com
Nick
I am trying to find out any dates that the Rothmans Aerobatic Team flew displays in Southend on Sea (not the airshow)
I know they were at the opening of the museum and I can remember seing a display by the Pitts over Westcliff Leisure Centre in the early 1980's but can not remember exactly when, I beleve they also took part in the Leigh regatta.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, as it will go to filling a few holes on my website.
www.southendtimeline.com
Nick
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Hi,
Here was mentioned a great pilot Mr. David Perrin who fly in Rothmans Aerobatic group.i had a opportunity to meet him and Mr. Antony Biancchi, "Tony" as well as some mechanics from Personal Plane services during shooting of film :"High Road to China" on location in that time Yugoslavia mostly on airfild Grobnik near Rijeka.I work with them for a half year as a contact person between film flying crew and airclub "Krila Kvarnera" where I was doing my ICAO 2 years apprenticeship for aircraft mechanic licence.
One Sunday as I remember helicopter G-FILM took off with three persons on board for a short flight, to bring the second pilot for ferry flight of a third Stamp biplane, from 20 min flight time distanced Boljunsko Polje to Grobnik airfield.On a flight there happened a tragical and fatal accident where all thee persons died.Couse of accident was low level flight and helikopter cought a tipical cable used for a local residents to pull, transport goods on a hilly terrain:
Crew of a helicopter was:
1982 David Perrin (Stunt-Pilot), Jaron Anderson (Mechaniker), Nigel Thornton (Hubschrauberpilot):. Film "High Road to China"
This helicopter (registered G-FILM) was used for training and film work until it crashed in Yugoslavia in 1982 killing the pilot! ...
Some links to my photografs taken in that time:
Photo and image hosting, free photo galleries, photo editing
Here was mentioned a great pilot Mr. David Perrin who fly in Rothmans Aerobatic group.i had a opportunity to meet him and Mr. Antony Biancchi, "Tony" as well as some mechanics from Personal Plane services during shooting of film :"High Road to China" on location in that time Yugoslavia mostly on airfild Grobnik near Rijeka.I work with them for a half year as a contact person between film flying crew and airclub "Krila Kvarnera" where I was doing my ICAO 2 years apprenticeship for aircraft mechanic licence.
One Sunday as I remember helicopter G-FILM took off with three persons on board for a short flight, to bring the second pilot for ferry flight of a third Stamp biplane, from 20 min flight time distanced Boljunsko Polje to Grobnik airfield.On a flight there happened a tragical and fatal accident where all thee persons died.Couse of accident was low level flight and helikopter cought a tipical cable used for a local residents to pull, transport goods on a hilly terrain:
Crew of a helicopter was:
1982 David Perrin (Stunt-Pilot), Jaron Anderson (Mechaniker), Nigel Thornton (Hubschrauberpilot):. Film "High Road to China"
This helicopter (registered G-FILM) was used for training and film work until it crashed in Yugoslavia in 1982 killing the pilot! ...
Some links to my photografs taken in that time:
Photo and image hosting, free photo galleries, photo editing
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Peter Phillips aerobatics
re Aerohack's December 12 2003(!) post: "...his Islander routine included some asymmetric stuff — not quite Bob Hoover with both feathered, but very impressive. Wasn't it while doing an (aerobatic?) routine in Africa with a Trislander that Peter had a bad accident?"
Yes, PP's Islander routine did use lots of asyemmetric: I particularly recall photographing him from in-field on the north side of the Blackbushe display line on a hot Sunday afternoon in 1976.
I don't know if the Trislander accident was during aerobatics, but somewhere I have a monochrome print taken from a colour side of the Trislander during (at the top of?) its bounce: two engines hanging off, a big twist in the rear fuse and also i suspect some tailplane damage and sans a rear door...
Having found Aerohack's ref to Cliff Barnett/Roths accident at Sywell, and as a former hack colleague of his, right now I'm trawling Aerohack posts for more ID clues... We likely know each other!
Yes, PP's Islander routine did use lots of asyemmetric: I particularly recall photographing him from in-field on the north side of the Blackbushe display line on a hot Sunday afternoon in 1976.
I don't know if the Trislander accident was during aerobatics, but somewhere I have a monochrome print taken from a colour side of the Trislander during (at the top of?) its bounce: two engines hanging off, a big twist in the rear fuse and also i suspect some tailplane damage and sans a rear door...
Having found Aerohack's ref to Cliff Barnett/Roths accident at Sywell, and as a former hack colleague of his, right now I'm trawling Aerohack posts for more ID clues... We likely know each other!
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Regards to Nick Daniel
After upgrading to multi-IFR in 1985 I took some aerobatics to sharpen my flying skills. Nick Daniel gave me several sessions in a Decathlon from a local Toronto airport. Of all the different types of flying I've experienced that was by far the most personally rewarding. Some time at the start included practice dumbell (dogbone) touch-and-gos at the Sifton field north of the airport --not bad considering that we did downwind takeoffs over a cliff at the end of the runway, dropping into a gorge to pick up our flying speed. We flew in all legal weather including moderately low ceilings and I learned the art of very tight loops while staring at swimming pools down below [similar to the copilot in Flight: "Oh God all I can see are houses!"]. Nick's deft touch was always apparent and he made an excellent instructor. If he's still with us, my best regards to him.
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john dee
the 1980 and last team, which displayed in north Africa and the islands in the med was led by mike cairns, with andy legge, peter jones and bob ruskell. they were seen in the film "wings in the sun", which was the swansong of the rothmans team - which was then disbanded due to sponsor withdrawing.
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I have unearthed a bit of the "wings in the sun" film made for cinema, which was recorded on a disc. it features the display over the Nile in the center of Cairo. go to you tube and "john dee rothmans display cairo" to see it
Last edited by john dee; 12th Dec 2013 at 12:45. Reason: add photos
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What a great thread!!, I was a young boy at White Waltham, Fairoaks, and Blackbusche during the mid 70's, my Dad is Robbie Diver, and i have one of the fabric reg panels from G-BADZ framed on my wall, have been digging for more Rothmans paraphenalia for years. My dad Ferried out the HE-111 before the one that Neil was flying for his last trip, Met Neil a couple of times, he was a boyhood hero of mine, i have read "aerobatics" several times, have owned 2 Pitts S1's and hope to get a Stampe and travel back in time for a more nostalgic experience.
Thank you for all who contribute to this thread, i see a common theme, whether it be sons/daughters of Team members or child "wannabees" that will never forget their brush with these people and planes.
Regards
Simon
Thank you for all who contribute to this thread, i see a common theme, whether it be sons/daughters of Team members or child "wannabees" that will never forget their brush with these people and planes.
Regards
Simon