G-AODA returns to Redhill from Trinidad
In 1975, post packing up SAR Manston, I was sent to the Manchester Shipping Canal with pilot Ken Bradley to off-load G-AODA from a rum ship, the Linguist, recently docked from Trinidad. After re-assembling it dockside, we flew DA to Manchester Airport, refuelled, and then on to Redhill. Ken's cockpit door came off in flight, indicative of the corrosion the aircraft had suffered. Bill Petrie, Jack Woolley & Alan Bristow met us at Redhill, a nostalgic return it seemed. Some time later I was told to C of A it ready for urgent training use. Just do a 'cursory' survey I was told by WBP & JD. This LAE does not do 'cursory' surveys! After replacing a considerable amount of corroded hardware including some 1,500 rivets, it got its new C of A but it was a far better aircraft to withstand the rigours of training and base checks. I went back to Iran to do a C.Eng leave relief (Jim Lay) on Kharg for 3 months and later the same year for a complete second tour.