Originally Posted by
Level bust
Partly right Spiney, the XP flight I believe started with a Trislander before upgrading to a Friendship, which departed about 2200 before returning in the early hours and then day stopping.
In those days we were busier at night than during the day, sometimes up to 60+ movements between 2200 and about 0130, comprising of small packages, Royal Mail and newspapers. Operated by all sort of companies and types, from Aztecs to Short 360s up to DC3. A lot of the Aztec and twin Cessna types were all single crew and more than happy to take crazy ATCOs around Europe in the middle of the night!
Lb. I certainly remember those nights! The most dificult part was getting time on the R/T to read out the Wobun clearances. One in the tower and one on Approach. I do remember a short lived DC3 joining in the fun, Air Luton or Luton Airlines or similar? It had an engine failure shortly after departure and returned unable to maintain altitude on to 08! I was on radar. The airline didn't seem to last long after that. Whether it was the fact they'd upset the Royal Mail or purely the cost of repairs I know not.