Thanks for the photos and info. I checked in my logbook and in fact, although I did fly it to Jersey the V707 I flew was G-APZB which had been dry leased from Channel Airways for a couple of weeks in July ’67 when our own V745D G-ATTA had rammed a GPU at LHR and was undergoing repairs – it was still in Channel Airways colours. ‘ZC had been leased for the entire summer of ’66 but was returned thereafter when we took delivery of 3 more 700Ds the next winter. I didn’t start to fly the Viscount until March ’67 and when ’ZB was leased at short notice it was only those who had flown ‘ZC the previous year who were supposed to fly it. Interestingly in BKS all pilots had to be checked out on two types depending on base, e.g. Britannia/Ambassador, Ambassador/748 or as in my case at Leeds, 748/Viscount, I checked out on the 748 at the end of ‘66.
I particularly enjoyed the photo of ‘ZC which demonstrates clearly why the early 700s were known as “Donkey C*ck” Viscounts, the air scoop under the rear fuselage was done away with quite soon in the production run.
The MAAM Viscount is looking a bit sad now, I guess it isn’t airworthy any more. In fact we also had a V798D, G-AVED originally destined for Capital but never delivered, I believe immediately before BKS it had been in Central America. However if there is one aircraft which might be preserved in flying condition I guess the MAAM example is the best candidate. I remember seeing it at Chino in the late 80s in it’s previous role as a parcels carrier.
Amazing how I can remember facts and figures from 38 years ago but can’t remember who I met yesterday!
Regards, Flightwatch.