First ever flight around 1970 Morton Air Services Heron from Jersey to Southampton; single pilot if I recall!
Then we started venturing further afield to the Balearics: I remember Britannia & Monarch Bristol Britannias, Dan Air Comets, and Courtline 1-11's painted in pastel shades, all names 'Halcyon.....' Requests for a flight deck visit were often granted, and I looked agog at the huge banks of instruments.. the crews were invariable friendly, and I remember a Dan Air Comet capt. with a huge handlebar moustache!
Then when our children were young, Dan Air 727's, Britannia 737's then 757's. I remember standing in a Britannia 757 flight deck with my plane-mad 5 year old son, just enjoying the expression on his face. He is now 21, a qualified pilot, and just embarking on his CPL.
So sad those opportunities are now long gone
