The Rotary Nostalgia Thread
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Evidently used to be registered as G-BVVV, hopefully someone will have some stories
- Long Box
I was once given a go in this bird ...
... G-BLSY. Master Bates (RIP), encouraged me to perform the 'full freedom of movement' check on the controls but .. I couldn't get the
collective back down! Last edited by Earl of Rochester; 7th Jun 2013 at 16:02.
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Air Gregory, Denham
Earl
The mists of time and all that! Air Gregory at Denham, I seem to recall had a few machines (5/6?), though my only input was on occasion to visit to look at/fix an Alouette 2 that they had and also a Gazelle (owned by a gentleman called Mr Absalom, I think). And that's where it all gets a little fuzzy I am afraid. I recall the Chief Engineer (AM) and another contract chap from United Biccies called Russ something-or other. And the fact that Company would use reverse thrust on their King Air to back it into their hangar - at the other end of the airfield.
So not a lot of help - more red wine then ~ VFR
The mists of time and all that! Air Gregory at Denham, I seem to recall had a few machines (5/6?), though my only input was on occasion to visit to look at/fix an Alouette 2 that they had and also a Gazelle (owned by a gentleman called Mr Absalom, I think). And that's where it all gets a little fuzzy I am afraid. I recall the Chief Engineer (AM) and another contract chap from United Biccies called Russ something-or other. And the fact that Company would use reverse thrust on their King Air to back it into their hangar - at the other end of the airfield.
So not a lot of help - more red wine then ~ VFR
Thread Starter
G-AWOM
.
If there is anyone with information or photos of G-AWOM, a Bell 206A c/n 280 first registered in the UK on 7 Aug 1968 - I would be keen to hear from you.
This aircraft was owned by Hambro's Bank and piloted by the esteemed John Dicken.
Also, is anyone able to confirm that John moved from Hambro's to Glenwood Helicopters where, I think he flew G-DWMI?
S.
If there is anyone with information or photos of G-AWOM, a Bell 206A c/n 280 first registered in the UK on 7 Aug 1968 - I would be keen to hear from you.
This aircraft was owned by Hambro's Bank and piloted by the esteemed John Dicken.
Also, is anyone able to confirm that John moved from Hambro's to Glenwood Helicopters where, I think he flew G-DWMI?
S.
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Air Gregory - Denham
Mid 70's and a still vibrant memory of the most gorgeous silver and black Hughes 500C on high skids. As a 10 year old boy my future fate and career were shaped by this image, fully rammed home a few minutes later at the sight of an even more gorgeous long-haired blonde lady purposefully striding out to the aircraft and taking off on some undoubtedly fabulous mission.
To a youngster it didn't get any better.....
To a youngster it didn't get any better.....
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Air Gregory
gorgeous long-haired blonde lady purposefully striding out to the aircraft
She followed a family trend in joining her father (Roland?) in flying helicopters and passed her PPL in 1966. It was not long before she progressed to a CPL in a period when females and helicopters were not an accepted combination in the commercial world. She was 23 when she enrolled at the Oxford Air Training School at Kidlington and got her commercial licence.
Bristows turned her down and, although he was not a party to the original decision, Alan Bristow himself rejected her subsequent appeal. She then got a job with Air Gregory. I remember seeing her at Battersea many times during the early/mid 70's - wonder what became of her?
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EoR
Great links for the 222, love the pictures, great times for helicopters in the uk, full and free on the ground in a 222 is impossible as you say, the collective will not budge! I will post some pics later of the beast, it is fantastic to be able to fly one. G-NEUF is now G-LILA, she belongs to Lothian helicopters and operates tours over the bridges, we maintain it for Ian and I fly her often, she is still the same colours.
Great links for the 222, love the pictures, great times for helicopters in the uk, full and free on the ground in a 222 is impossible as you say, the collective will not budge! I will post some pics later of the beast, it is fantastic to be able to fly one. G-NEUF is now G-LILA, she belongs to Lothian helicopters and operates tours over the bridges, we maintain it for Ian and I fly her often, she is still the same colours.
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~Long Box~
For the sake of 'Hands On' do you have any stories about LILA you could tell us - a rowdy druken passenger or famous landing .. anything really!
Sometimes in the line of duty we are called to carry celebrities, politicians even models and these events are occasionally worth remembering.
For example .. carrying a passenger (such as the one depicted below) could be regarded as a special occasion or perhaps even a fringe benefit!
Senior Pilot - I am posting a moderately risqué image to support this conversation so please look away from your screen now in order that others may benefit from the point I am wishing to make!
Thanks
Earl
For the sake of 'Hands On' do you have any stories about LILA you could tell us - a rowdy druken passenger or famous landing .. anything really!
Sometimes in the line of duty we are called to carry celebrities, politicians even models and these events are occasionally worth remembering.
For example .. carrying a passenger (such as the one depicted below) could be regarded as a special occasion or perhaps even a fringe benefit!
Senior Pilot - I am posting a moderately risqué image to support this conversation so please look away from your screen now in order that others may benefit from the point I am wishing to make!
Thanks
Earl
Thread Starter
.
My, how we have advanced through these past 14 pages Earl! From the lofty lawns of Eaton Hall in Cheshire to ... this! I must confess though that progress is beautiful!
AIR GREGORY
Great to see some comments on Air Gregory.
Air Gregory was owned by Ken Gregory, manager to Stirling Moss who went on to race in his own right. I know very little about him and have no recollection of my godfather ever having made reference to him.
Ken Gregory (centre) with Stirling Moss (right) and Stirling's father Alfred (left)
Air Gregory Alouette II G-AVEE seen at Biggin Hill in 1967. In the early 70's this became the first Alouette II I saw - at Shoreham
Air Gregory Hughes 500C G-AXPL at Hullavington on 26th July 1970 with the company's phone number advertised on the tail. (Something my godfather would have strongly disapproved of
)
Air Gregory Hughes 300C G-BAEH at Biggin Hill on 18th May 1974
Gay Absolom
I am certian my godfather knew her father, he certainly knew Gay and mentioned her to me several times although I never met her - he did however introduce me to Jean Batten (more than once) and the last time I saw her was at Cranfield '79. Somewhere I have a signed copy of her book.
Connections
It is inconceivable to imagine that Air Gregory owner Ken Gregory did not know Colin Chapman as Moss, who Gregory managed, also drove at some point for Chapman.
Also, and I need some assistance here, but, didn't Alan Mann also have some links with motorsport in the early days?
~ ~ ~
There must surely be quite a bit of information available about Air Gregory, especially via the Smith family (not my godfather but Mike Smith and his son) and if not then via Denham Airfield iteself perhaps?
Anyone with any more information about this operation - your contributions shall be greatly welcomed!
.
My, how we have advanced through these past 14 pages Earl! From the lofty lawns of Eaton Hall in Cheshire to ... this! I must confess though that progress is beautiful!
AIR GREGORY
Great to see some comments on Air Gregory.
Air Gregory was owned by Ken Gregory, manager to Stirling Moss who went on to race in his own right. I know very little about him and have no recollection of my godfather ever having made reference to him.
Ken Gregory (centre) with Stirling Moss (right) and Stirling's father Alfred (left)
Air Gregory Alouette II G-AVEE seen at Biggin Hill in 1967. In the early 70's this became the first Alouette II I saw - at Shoreham
Air Gregory Hughes 500C G-AXPL at Hullavington on 26th July 1970 with the company's phone number advertised on the tail. (Something my godfather would have strongly disapproved of
)Air Gregory Hughes 300C G-BAEH at Biggin Hill on 18th May 1974
Gay Absolom
I am certian my godfather knew her father, he certainly knew Gay and mentioned her to me several times although I never met her - he did however introduce me to Jean Batten (more than once) and the last time I saw her was at Cranfield '79. Somewhere I have a signed copy of her book.
Connections
It is inconceivable to imagine that Air Gregory owner Ken Gregory did not know Colin Chapman as Moss, who Gregory managed, also drove at some point for Chapman.
Also, and I need some assistance here, but, didn't Alan Mann also have some links with motorsport in the early days?
~ ~ ~
There must surely be quite a bit of information available about Air Gregory, especially via the Smith family (not my godfather but Mike Smith and his son) and if not then via Denham Airfield iteself perhaps?
Anyone with any more information about this operation - your contributions shall be greatly welcomed!
.
Last edited by Savoia; 21st Nov 2012 at 16:27. Reason: Re-post images from new photo-hosting site
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Alan Mann Racing
For 'S' .... Alan Mann was heavily involved in saloon car racing. His main driver being Frank Gardner who drove the Lotus Cortina to win the UK championships around 1964/5 if I recollect correctly. It was about the time that Alan Brown of Connaught Cars Ripley was running the mighty 7 litre Galaxy (three Holman Moody Carbs!) with lap records at Brands, Silverstone and Oulton (again I think) I met the drivers many times. Sir Gawaine Bailey, Jack Brabham & Dan Gurney all had a go .. also Jim Clark's name was on the side of Alan Brown's later 'Mustang' as driver in 1964!
Gay Barratt (nee Absolum) flew for my firm many times. She was the lady pilot featured flying the Enstrom Shark, G-PALS in "To the Manor Born." The director wanted a lady 'blonde' pilot and I believe Gay was in fact the ONLY CPL in those days.
Keep the fun coming please.
Dennis K.
Gay Barratt (nee Absolum) flew for my firm many times. She was the lady pilot featured flying the Enstrom Shark, G-PALS in "To the Manor Born." The director wanted a lady 'blonde' pilot and I believe Gay was in fact the ONLY CPL in those days.
Keep the fun coming please.
Dennis K.
I never met Gay,
But my grandfather used to know of her and her father from his village of Sarratt in herts.
Such a small world, I can't believe I never met her..
But my grandfather used to know of her and her father from his village of Sarratt in herts.
Such a small world, I can't believe I never met her..
Thread Starter
.
Dennisimo! Thanks for that info. Was sure that Mann had some involvement with racing but wasn't sure exactly what. I've since read that he may have had some involvement with Lotus so, it is conceiveable that Alan Mann knew Colin Chapman and that Colin knew Ken Gregory.
I also discovered that Alan Mann's racing workshop built the vehicle for the 1967 film 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'!
Perhaps the only rotarywing craft ever built by Alan Mann!
STILL WANTED
I am still on the hunt for the following:
Pictures, stories and info of G-AWOM the Bell 206 owned by Hambros Bank and its illustrious pilot the splendid John Dicken.
Pictures, stories and info of the late great Cy Rose.
Picture, stories and info of Gay Absolom.
Pictures, stories and info on Alan Mann's early days in aviation.
All of this information is wanted for a website I am sponsoring which shall chart some of the UK's helicopter operations in the 70's.
With thanks
S.
Dennisimo! Thanks for that info. Was sure that Mann had some involvement with racing but wasn't sure exactly what. I've since read that he may have had some involvement with Lotus so, it is conceiveable that Alan Mann knew Colin Chapman and that Colin knew Ken Gregory.
I also discovered that Alan Mann's racing workshop built the vehicle for the 1967 film 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'!
Perhaps the only rotarywing craft ever built by Alan Mann!
STILL WANTED
I am still on the hunt for the following:
Pictures, stories and info of G-AWOM the Bell 206 owned by Hambros Bank and its illustrious pilot the splendid John Dicken.
Pictures, stories and info of the late great Cy Rose.
Picture, stories and info of Gay Absolom.
Pictures, stories and info on Alan Mann's early days in aviation.
All of this information is wanted for a website I am sponsoring which shall chart some of the UK's helicopter operations in the 70's.
With thanks
S.
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You might want to pm TRC
I was at Mann's from 1974, but I can't shed any more light on AM's early days.
I knew Gay and Roly from my days at Battersea 1972-74. I also remember John Dicken.
I also remember the bitter (seemingly one-way) feud between Air Gregory and BEAS - never got to the bottom of it. The AG boys (MS & BB) seemed to HATE BEAS with a vengeance.
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Alan Mann/Colin Chapman
S
Alan Mann knew Colin Chapman VERY well indeed! TRC referred earlier in this thread to the replacement of a turbine on Chapman's J/R. I was involved in that one too as DCE. We orchestrated TRC and JS (known affectionately as Tom-not-bloody Jack and Jack-not-bloody Tom respectively) to go to Klagenfurt where the F1 event was taking place. Initially Colin Chapman called, he thought, the CE. I answered the phone (actually June did but passed it across the desk PDQ becuase of the evident ire). When I spoke he asked "who the hell is this? Oh never mind" and put the phone down. Then called Alan. I had a phone call 2 mins later "Colin says the engine won't start, and what are we going to do about it?"
And there, gentle reader, started the saga which was played out with characters drawn from that Keith Michell song mentioned earlier. As I remember JS was Artful Owl, TRC was Hissing Sid and I sported the moniker of Captain Beaky. Telex in those days so comms addressed accordingly. That came back to bite me because, when eventually things had deteriorated to the point that someone had to pay HUGE sums of duty to the Austrian Customs I was invited for a 'royal interview' to explain what's going on - all a bit difficult, and at that level neither CC nor AM knew who the hell Keith Michell was ..........
In the event JS went to Klagenfurt and reported that the engine was blued everywhere on teh turbine section due to a start without the detent activated. Impossible to turn
The replacement starter/genny he had with him was something less than what was required. It was all too difficult to ship the turbine and CC was jumping up and down so we despatched TRC with a turbine section as excess baggage (I wonder to this day how much that cost?!!) with the edict that he was NOT to let the box out of his sight. Spent the night at Vienna airport with the box at his side!
In the morning, on the apron, 2 x Sveringen Metros, one going to Klagenfurt, the other to Stuttgart and a general Round-robin trip of Germany. Where it wasn't going was Austria................ No prizes for guessing where the turbine went. And when it finally tuned up, 24hrs later, a customs bill of significance to be paid. So I'm left with a crew in Klagenfurt, and no turbine; by this time, an incandescent customer; and the Royal interview mentioned above..................
CC left the J/R there in disgust at the sheer incompetence of all concerned! I think it was Col Bob Smith (TRC will remember) who was called upon to do ground-runs and ferry the machine back.
Oh what fun (in hindsight
)
VFR
Alan Mann knew Colin Chapman VERY well indeed! TRC referred earlier in this thread to the replacement of a turbine on Chapman's J/R. I was involved in that one too as DCE. We orchestrated TRC and JS (known affectionately as Tom-not-bloody Jack and Jack-not-bloody Tom respectively) to go to Klagenfurt where the F1 event was taking place. Initially Colin Chapman called, he thought, the CE. I answered the phone (actually June did but passed it across the desk PDQ becuase of the evident ire). When I spoke he asked "who the hell is this? Oh never mind" and put the phone down. Then called Alan. I had a phone call 2 mins later "Colin says the engine won't start, and what are we going to do about it?"
And there, gentle reader, started the saga which was played out with characters drawn from that Keith Michell song mentioned earlier. As I remember JS was Artful Owl, TRC was Hissing Sid and I sported the moniker of Captain Beaky. Telex in those days so comms addressed accordingly. That came back to bite me because, when eventually things had deteriorated to the point that someone had to pay HUGE sums of duty to the Austrian Customs I was invited for a 'royal interview' to explain what's going on - all a bit difficult, and at that level neither CC nor AM knew who the hell Keith Michell was ..........
In the event JS went to Klagenfurt and reported that the engine was blued everywhere on teh turbine section due to a start without the detent activated. Impossible to turn
The replacement starter/genny he had with him was something less than what was required. It was all too difficult to ship the turbine and CC was jumping up and down so we despatched TRC with a turbine section as excess baggage (I wonder to this day how much that cost?!!) with the edict that he was NOT to let the box out of his sight. Spent the night at Vienna airport with the box at his side!In the morning, on the apron, 2 x Sveringen Metros, one going to Klagenfurt, the other to Stuttgart and a general Round-robin trip of Germany. Where it wasn't going was Austria................ No prizes for guessing where the turbine went. And when it finally tuned up, 24hrs later, a customs bill of significance to be paid. So I'm left with a crew in Klagenfurt, and no turbine; by this time, an incandescent customer; and the Royal interview mentioned above..................
CC left the J/R there in disgust at the sheer incompetence of all concerned! I think it was Col Bob Smith (TRC will remember) who was called upon to do ground-runs and ferry the machine back.
Oh what fun (in hindsight
)VFR
Thread Starter
.
VFR: Hilarious friend! Would love to have witnessed your interview explaining the telex comms!
I remember having to act as secretary for Col. Bob in a series of telex messages to a UK based engineer (who's name I think was George Fell or something similar) over 'issues' in Africa but that, as they say, is another story!
TRC makes fleeting reference to Col. Bob in 'bare feet' and I am still waiting for him to PM me an unmentionable story relating to my godfather! Truth is if most of the stories were to be published they would have to be classified as 18+ because the Colonel had a knack for removing his clothes at the slightest provocation - usually to perform one or more of his 'party pieces' which involved brief re-enactments of 'memorable scenes' from fictitious accounts of icons such as 'Scott of the Antartic', 'Julius Caesar' and a performance known as 'Scotland the Brave' to name but a few!
Regarding Colin, TRC mentioned it was the P2 line that broke when the Colonel and I suffered an engine failure in G-AYTF but, I was told that Colin's repeated 'abuse' (God love him) of the wee Allison was more than the tiny turbine could manage in the end. Accustomed to his high performance engines Colin, as my godfather explained, couldn't understand this 'waiting business' after landing and would frequently walk out of the aircraft upon landing and have the Colonel finish up the shut down. When the Colonel wasn't there was another matter - evidently the throttle would make its way from flight to fully closed in one swift twist of the grip!
With the start ups it was ignite, fuel and more fuel, red-lining being the order of the day around the Hethel environs!
Unique and a legend - Colin Chapman
In typical racing driver fashion, Colin had his name enscribed on the pilot's door of his 206.
What happened to Alan Mann towards the end. How did he finish up his days?
S.
VFR: Hilarious friend! Would love to have witnessed your interview explaining the telex comms!
I remember having to act as secretary for Col. Bob in a series of telex messages to a UK based engineer (who's name I think was George Fell or something similar) over 'issues' in Africa but that, as they say, is another story!
TRC makes fleeting reference to Col. Bob in 'bare feet' and I am still waiting for him to PM me an unmentionable story relating to my godfather! Truth is if most of the stories were to be published they would have to be classified as 18+ because the Colonel had a knack for removing his clothes at the slightest provocation - usually to perform one or more of his 'party pieces' which involved brief re-enactments of 'memorable scenes' from fictitious accounts of icons such as 'Scott of the Antartic', 'Julius Caesar' and a performance known as 'Scotland the Brave' to name but a few!
Regarding Colin, TRC mentioned it was the P2 line that broke when the Colonel and I suffered an engine failure in G-AYTF but, I was told that Colin's repeated 'abuse' (God love him) of the wee Allison was more than the tiny turbine could manage in the end. Accustomed to his high performance engines Colin, as my godfather explained, couldn't understand this 'waiting business' after landing and would frequently walk out of the aircraft upon landing and have the Colonel finish up the shut down. When the Colonel wasn't there was another matter - evidently the throttle would make its way from flight to fully closed in one swift twist of the grip!
With the start ups it was ignite, fuel and more fuel, red-lining being the order of the day around the Hethel environs!
Unique and a legend - Colin Chapman
In typical racing driver fashion, Colin had his name enscribed on the pilot's door of his 206.
What happened to Alan Mann towards the end. How did he finish up his days?
S.