Phil: Interesting story, every good luck with the photo search!
FED: Your accounts of the S76 are fascinating and .. I think I must concede with Snarlie when back in 2011 he wrote:
Originally Posted by
Snarlie
Savoia, don`t get too orgasmic about the S76 in the corporate world in the 1980`s. The AS 365N Dauphin family was superior in all respects bar one. Range, speed, ride quality, reliability, running costs, ease of maintenance, powerplant were all superior to the Allison engined S76. The only plus for the S76 was the cabin, which is what has made it popular with owners over the years. The Dauphin cabin, no matter how plush the interior fittings, was always like sitting on cushions on the floor and the back row of seats was always a challenge for ladies in short skirts.
In response to Snarlie, yes, I admit, when it comes to the 76 .. I am seduced by the rake of her bows and the racy style of her sheers and always try to find excuses to love her but .. the stark reality (and to use one of Heli1's expressions) is that (the A model at least) seems to have been something of a 'puppy' operationally. Still .. she is a beautiful helicopter to observe and to fly in.
Hico-P: What a lovely shot! My godfather also flew BZAC (and which I shall come to in a later post).
ShyTorque: In the 80's there was a gentleman, I think it was Chris Fry, who headed-up Bristow's International Ops. I had occasion to contact him from India and which resulted in handing over a client (Kirloskar Gas) who were looking to serve their offshore platforms.
Would love to hear from the new head of Int Ops though .. maybe he could provide some 'oblique' references to the Barclaycraft given the confidentiality requirements.
