Bristow Photos [Archive] - Page 5

Dave B

28th Oct 2009, 17:28

OK it goes like this:
The Iranian government ordered a bunch of Agusta 212s which could not be completed in the time scale, so Agusta ordered Three from Bell, to top up the order. These were basic Bells. The aircraft were delivered to Agusta, to be passed on, presumably at a mark up. In the meantime, the Iranian government collapsed, so these machines were left in limbo, and were stored at the Siai Marchetti factory in Varase, north of Milan.

With the grounding of the Wessex, the company was short of aircraft, especially at Yarmouth. Jean Dennell grabbed me and said "get over to Milan, and check these Three out", I replied " I don,t speak Italian, to which he replied "that does not matter, everyone in Milan speaks English"
I duly landed at Milan, to find that very few people there speak English, so I blundered around with my Italian phrase book in my hand, looking like the typical stupid Englishman abroad.
I got to Varase, and found the aircraft were obviously new, and just what the company needed, so I reported this back, When I got back, I collared JD and said " you conned me, nobody in Milan speaks English" to which he replied, " well if I had told you that, you would not have gone".

The decision was made to purchase the aircraft, so I went out again, with a greenie, and Three pilots, led by Dave Winter, (apologies but I cant, remember the other names)
We air tested the Three all in one morning, flying over the lakes, North of Milan, fantastic scenery, but I did not get to see much of it, as Agusta insisted on one of their pilots sitting in the left hand seat, so I had to take the readings, looking over Dave's shoulder.
We declared the Aircraft acceptable, and on the appointed day they were preflighted, and the paper work was all done, we then sat there,as Agusta would not release us. After a couple of hours, an executive jet arrived from Holland, and a guy in a suit got out, with a bulging brief case, there was a huddled conference in a smoke filled office, and then Agusta said "OK guys you can go"

Dave had not been sure what route we should take back home, as the shortest way would have been through the Alps, but he was worried that the weather might close in, and we would not be able to turn back, so he decided that we should come the pretty way. None of us objected.

So we bumbled down through Italy, turned right at the coast, and flew along the Italian, and French Riviera stopping at Nice for lunch, (it could be hard working sometimes)
We then flew up through France, to cause havoc when we landed at Gatwick, by blowing everyone around.

The aircraft were got ready to North sea standard in quick time, with the first one departing for yarmouth on Christmas Eve.

(cool tip, if you are stuck at a French provincial airport for a meal, go around the back of the hangers, and seek out the workers canteen, rough tables, and benches, but fantastic food at cheap prices)

Rokan1

31st Oct 2009, 12:54

Ah Yes… Happy days at Papa Charlie!!

I was one of the engineers responsible for the construction and early evening launching of those spectacular hot-air balloons, plus manufacture of the accompanying refreshments (communal vats of Tequila, Vodka or Gin Flambé) during the early Papa Charlie days… The other prime miscreant was Dave White. These activities were usually followed by competitive fire-pit leaping, plus continuation of any outstanding Uckers grudge match issues.:)

On a more practical note, we also constructed the Bristow Papa Charlie rain-proof (ish) workshop roofing, jet-fuel fired heating system, plus shower and toilet facilities behind the “workshop/office” building. (Not all of these projects were totally succesful :O)

mtoroshanga

31st Oct 2009, 14:41

Give us the gen on the Bristow reunion. I would like to see some of the boys again. I was with Bristow for 36 years.

survey

1st Nov 2009, 02:29

I was PAX on G-AZOM's penultimate flight. In 1984 helicopters were like hen's teeth and I organised a Shell charter of OM for a day from Norfolk to move survey positioning beacons in the outer isles of the Hebridean Sea for a seismic survey ship pre-GPS. The beacons were scarce too so the only way to cover the large survey area was by helicopter movement. I joined at GLA and we spent the day out at Islay and Barra Head refuelling at Benbecula. They dropped me at GLA and headed back to North Denes. I got back to Shell London two days later and was reading Lloyds List where OM's demise was reported. I remember being shocked as I had just got the photos back and remembered the call-sign from them. As you say, and quite amazingly, no casualties. I seem to recall the wrong grease was used in the tail rotor gearbox which seized causing the unfortunate series of events.

I liked the 105s, they felt safe and I flew in them a lot around the Northern fields in the North Sea.

heli1

1st Nov 2009, 09:10

Mtoroshanga and all.
Bristow get together detail on 28th Novemeber still being worked out with book publisher etc but will post more when I know.
Mind you if enough people turn up ,it will happen anyway but still waiting to hear if Heather B is coming .
Worst case scenariono ,you pay £5.50 to get in ( £4.50 for pensioners ) and meet lots of all friends.
Musseum opens at 10.00...suspect arrivals at 11.00 and book launch at midday .

Tail-take-off

3rd Nov 2009, 08:44

On a recent trip to the west country I happened to see ZK067 (formerly G-BFER) training on Salisbury Plain.
http://images3.jetphotos.net/img/1/0/8/9/23399_1216843980.jpg

212man

3rd Nov 2009, 10:43

...otherwise known as "Echo Rollover" ;)

Dave B

3rd Nov 2009, 16:08

Many older Bristow Engineers will recall being grilled by Bill Webster of the CAA, for their licenses.
Bill passed away not so long ago, and his obituary was published in the local paper.
Something I did not know, and I don,t think many people did, was that Bill had been a Dakota pilot during the war, in Burma, and was actually Field Marshal Viscount Slims personal pilot.

Tail-take-off

12th Nov 2009, 09:05

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z74/Tail-take-off/echorollover.jpg

S61-S92

12th Nov 2009, 18:18

(As requested by HOGE on the Sumburgh Thread)

The good old days - can you name these vintage faces ? :)

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Page-1.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Page-2.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Page-3.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Page-4.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Page-5.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Page-6.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Page-7.jpg

Who proof read this !?! TELEPONE ?????!!!! :eek:

flyer43

12th Nov 2009, 20:36

It's interesting to note that Picture C under the heading "UNITED KINGDOM" says that "Our Technical Training School teaches basic and advanced skills" yet the picture shows 3 Ab-initio student pilots and a flying instructor, probably going over the finer points of the walk-round check.
The chaps in the picture are, from the Right - Instructor (Peter ?) Cox, Students Alan Boswell, Ken Ovenden and Forbes Ramage (The picture is rather small, so not so sure about the last one)

BT

ifsknt

13th Nov 2009, 00:45

Old Jack Westwell as the Senior Operations Coordinator...bless his heart

BBHN (ditched by Lee Smith) on the front cover but the bloke in the Captain's seat looks like he is wearing just a vest

euroastar350

13th Nov 2009, 06:21

Any chance for more piccies of the Bristow AStar? Never seen one in Bristow colors before.

Alan Biles

13th Nov 2009, 07:34

I'll dig out some Warri-Texaco (Simply the best, better than all the rest, etc. etc.) pics for you next time I'm in the attic.

HOGE

13th Nov 2009, 09:24

Thanks S61-S92, have you got any more old brochures you could scan in? I seem to recall being sent a training school brochure once.

S61-S92

13th Nov 2009, 12:21

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/BristowAstar.jpg

Bristow AS350D Astar N35958 (Enlarged from the brochure)

Bristow had a fleet of seven Astar's flying for BOHI (Bristow Offshore Helicopters Inc) back in the early eighties.

S61-S92

13th Nov 2009, 12:26

HOGE,

Yes, I have a few more brochures which I will add in due course - including the one which features Engineering and Flying Training.:ok:

S61-S92

Tail-take-off

14th Nov 2009, 10:06

A couple here from skyweaver of the AS350D Astar:

http://gi97.photobucket.com/groups/l229/GIVXG4CHIZ/singlesq_big1.jpg

http://gi97.photobucket.com/groups/l229/GIVXG4CHIZ/jod11.jpg

Despite the caption this next one is in fact an AS355F1 twin squirrel bound for Nigeria as 5N-BAK
http://gi97.photobucket.com/groups/l229/GIVXG4CHIZ/g-bufw.jpg

& this one (also an AS355F1) was formerly owned by the Next clothing company.
http://gi97.photobucket.com/groups/l229/GIVXG4CHIZ/policeas355.jpg

euroastar350

14th Nov 2009, 21:53

Thanks for the piccies gents...any more would be gladly appreciated:ok:

Tail-take-off

19th Nov 2009, 08:52

Iran:
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z74/Tail-take-off/Iran.jpg

exlatccatsa

22nd Nov 2009, 15:42

Here's a photo of Ex-Bristows Trainer GAVII, being de-IFR'd at PDG Kintore, prior to being shipped to Austrailia

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o187/cmorewood/GAVIIPDGKintore20Nov09.jpg

Brilliant Stuff

23rd Nov 2009, 13:20

How sad.:{ IMHO

The Cameraman

23rd Nov 2009, 18:35

Hi Guys n Gals,

I saw this beauty at the recent show at Telford.

She sure is fine.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e41/Stonking/IMG_5745.jpg

Regards

Reggie

Oldlae

24th Nov 2009, 08:45

G-ATCA.

Shame the main blades are fitted the wrong way around.

mtoroshanga

24th Nov 2009, 09:21

Have another look, theyre not all on in the same direction!!

3D CAM

24th Nov 2009, 10:27

Blades the wrong way round???? I could tell you a story about that but not wishing to embarrass several senior LAEs I will desist!:D:D
3D

Dave B

24th Nov 2009, 12:00

Port harcourt, mid seventies, Tony Hill checking his take off time.

http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab221/MountKenya/Helicopters1.jpg?t=1259067292

Dave B

25th Nov 2009, 15:47

A good after flight clean uphttp://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab221/MountKenya/Helicopters4.jpg?t=1259167435

mtoroshanga

25th Nov 2009, 19:05

I don't see you there Dave!

Dave B

26th Nov 2009, 15:59

Here I am, with Terry White, compressor washing. Note the seveties sideburns.http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab221/MountKenya/Helicopters8.jpg?t=1259254450

The Cameraman

27th Nov 2009, 15:03

Hi Guys,

I hadn't even noticed the blades!

Regards

Reggie

Dave B

1st Dec 2009, 15:57

http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab221/MountKenya/Helicopters5.jpg?t=1259686421Greasing in the tropical twilight

Tail-take-off

12th Dec 2009, 19:22

Recent Tiger (ex G-PUMI) ditching in Nigeria photo from here:
http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/398622-puma-ditching-nigeria.html

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/9310/pumag.jpg

more here:
Norske skip reddet 18 etter helikopterstyrt| TV 2 Nyhetene (http://redirectingat.com/?id=42X487496&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tv2nyhetene.no%2Futenriks%2Fnorske-skip-reddet-18-etter-helikopterstyrt-3059019.html)

Dave B

24th Dec 2009, 16:23

http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab221/MountKenya/Helicopters3.jpg?t=1261674977WS55/3 accelerating into the blue

mtoroshanga

24th Dec 2009, 16:52

Lurching more than speeding I think Dave.

Katell Nixon

29th Dec 2009, 07:24

I think you might be talking about my father Yves Le roi who worked for Okanagan Helicopters back in the 1970s and may have assisted Bristow from time to time. I will have to talk to him about it.

He is now retired and still in good health at the aged of 74

I also work in the Helicopter Industry for Vector Aerospace here on the west coast of Canada

His daughter

Katell

dpale

29th Dec 2009, 11:52

I knew your parents in Kuala Trenganu Malaysia in the early 80's. They had a beautiful house right on the beach. I'm glad to read that he is still in good health. Pass my regards.
Doug Palermo

Saint Jack

30th Dec 2009, 02:21

Hello Katell,

It's great to have a member of the fair sex reading PPrune. Your phrase regarding your father "...who worked for Okanagan Helicopters back in the 1970s and may have assisted Bristow from time to time" suggests we may be talking about two different people having a similar name. The Yves Leroy I worked with in West Sumatra back in the early seventies was ex-French Army and flew early model Sikorsky S-55's in North Africa. I met him again in Tehran in the mid- to late-seventies, after that I heard he was flying from Aberdeen. All of this time he was with Bristow, I don't recall any Okanagan connection.

If indeed we're talking about the same person, then am I correct in remembering your mother's name is François (correct spelling?) and when your father was working in West Sumatra you all lived in a big house in Penang next to the Swimming Club and your mother, who I remember as speaking better English than your father, was always saying that she couldn't keep the children, including you, out of the swimming pool. If this is the case then we met when I passed through Penang on a crew-change. My best regards to all.

Snarlie

30th Dec 2009, 10:45

Surely there can only be one Yves Le Roy. I had the privilege of working with him in Aberdeen and Trengannu in the 70`s and 80`s. He had a fund of stories about working for Bristow in the very early days flying Bell 47`s in Bolivia on seismic survey, having to make his own maps on the way out with pax so he could find his way back after dropping off. Sadly he could not be convinced to commit his experiences to paper, maybe he will have second thoughts. He also had a stunning record of his travels on cine film which I am sure would be a winner if he could link them together.
We all enjoyed working with him, with his endearing thickly accented English. My two year old son appeared before us one day after a day `on the island` with Yves and Francois and announced, " Eeef you do not like eet, I put eet back in my trousers!" No guesses who had been giving him elocution lessons. Hope to see you again soon Yves.

carholme

30th Dec 2009, 13:18

There may be two people with the same name.

The Yves le Roi (French engineer) that I knew was at Bow helicopters in the late '60s. Bow had been formed from what was Bullock Helicopters which the United Nations of the helicopter business in Canada at the time. We had pilots and engineers from all over the world and a great crowd they were.

A connection with Bristow Helicopters at that time was when a crew came over from Redhill to film and discuss our ATCO trailer slinging operations in the High Arctic.

Yves was primarily involved in the maintenance of the Alouette 11s which Bow had at the time but moved on to the 204/5s.

I think it was 1969 that several of us from Bow had moved over to Okanagan Helicopters and Yves made the move shortly after that and went on to run their engine shop. I went to Bristow in the early '70s and lost track of him.

The young lady posting here does sound like she is the daughter of this Yves.
If she is reading this, maybe she could tell her Dad that I was talking to Russ Shand over the holidays and he remembers him well.

Regards

carholme

Phil Kemp

30th Dec 2009, 14:40

There are indeed two different Yves, a Le Roi and a Le Roy; both in the helicopter business. Interestingly I know both of them, and Katell is about 50 feet down the hallway from me at Vector Aerospace in Langley - although I am more typically somewhere else in the World! ;)

The Kuala Trengganu Yves Le Roy can be found on Facebook however.

Belated Happy Birthday for Christmas Day!:D

Saint Jack

5th Jan 2010, 07:08

Many of the older ex-Bristow personnel out there who worked in the Far East, except China, during the '70's and '80's may remember Mr. Leong Wai Hoe who worked in the Singapore office for many years. Sadly, he passed away yesterday at aged 84.

forget

5th Jan 2010, 09:19

I remember him well - good man. Office manager Bob Dunn and the Ocean Park Hotel come to mind - early '70s.

parabellum

5th Jan 2010, 11:39

Fate can be strange. I first stayed at the Ocean Park Hotel in 1968, prior to moving to Rumbai/Duri/Kotapinang etc. and places beyond.

Went back to Singapore in 1992 to work and found a house in Dunbar Walk, immediately opposite Ocean Park, in 1968 it was right on the coast, now four high rise blocks of flats, but the bowling ally still survived until about 2002. St Patrick's school still there too but now both school and Ocean Park are about one mile from the coast!

Sorry, don't mean to be irreverent to Mr. Leong Wai Hoe, God rest his soul.

In my day it was all handled by an agent, (name escapes me), very adjacent to Clifford Pier.

Saint Jack

6th Jan 2010, 08:14

'forget' and 'parabellum': Yes, fate can be strange, my first Bristow posting to the Far East was in 1971 when the Bristow hotel was indeed the Ocean Park (now very long gone) out in Siglap - a long way from down-town and the Bristow office which was located in the Eastern Agencies building in Alexandra Road. Another company in this building was the newly-started Heli Orient (before they moved out to Seletar).

Bob Dunn was the Area Engineer while Robin Keith was the Area Manager, the office girls were Trudy and Doreen (Leong Wai Hoe and others came along later).

I don't remember an agent Parabellum, but I do remember the freight handler was a company called Singapore Baggage. Perhaps you're reminisces of Clifford Pier are confused with the Cellar Bar (also very long gone) which was a very popular watering hole almost opposite Clifford Pier.

In later years, the Ladyhill Hotel (also long gone) became the Bristow hotel, I remember being able to get a large pool-side room for just S$39. The bar at the Ladyhill then became a popular Bristow watering hole together with the Beefeater (also very long gone) on River Valley Road. I remember one Bristow engineer marrying a receptionist from the Ladyhill.

Then the location of the Bristow office changed may times but I believe there still is one and it's managed by Catherine.

Oldlae

6th Jan 2010, 08:22

Transited through Singapore January 1970, the agent referred to was Everett Travel, very close to the Cellar Bar. Sorry to hear about Leong very nice person and most helpful.

Alan Biles

6th Jan 2010, 11:49

Surprised he lasted this long actually. Used to smoke like a chimney and had a dreadful cough when I knew him in the 1980's. Also had a dreadful habit of hooking his seatbelt around the handbrake lever rather than put it on.

Nice chap though and sorry to see him go.

parabellum

6th Jan 2010, 22:32

Ah yes! Everetts, dump passport, collect mail and straight down the slope to the Cellar Bar, the mandatory RV at lunctime for crews on time-off!:)

griffothefog

7th Jan 2010, 03:56

Where de photos go???? :{

Schinthe

7th Jan 2010, 15:51

Here you go:- Bristow DPC late 70's early 80'shttp://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc229/Schinthe/image.jpg?t=1262882637

Honest Lefty

8th Jan 2010, 02:27

I knew Yves about 1971 working for Bristow on a Mobil seismic job in Lhoksukon, Aceh, Sumatra. One afternoon he was making a late supply run to the field and got caught in a rainstorm. They lost radio contact with him and were about to send out the other 206 to look for him. Finally he came on the radio and said, "I am following zee Lambretta." In ten minutes or so, he landed safely. He had set down in a field during the storm and was out of radio range. He flew back just above the road. Great guy.

Honest Lefty

8th Jan 2010, 02:44

http://cheap-ad.com/bristow/images/PK-HBF_Lhoksukon.jpg (http://cheap-ad.com/bristow/images/PK-HBF_Lhoksukon.jpg)

http://cheap-ad.com/bristow/images/PK-HBF_Bill%20Pollard.jpg (http://cheap-ad.com/bristow/images/PK-HBF_Bill%20Pollard.jpg)

CP Bill Pollard, Lhoksukon Aceh, Sumatra 1971 PK-HBF

http://cheap-ad.com/bristow/images/PK-HBF_Fred%20Demarwan.jpg

Newly arrived Fred Dermarwan being checked out by Bill Pollard. 1971, Lhoksukon, Aceh, Sumatra.

TipCap

12th Jan 2010, 21:38

Hi guys

Just want to wish you all a Happy, Safe and Prosperous New Year.

As some of you know, I have finally decided to hang up my flying gloves after some 40 years with Bristow and 22,000 odd flying hours. The "Gods" were kind to me so I decided to quit while I was ahead :ok:

I am now domiciled in Pembrokeshire, in Haverfordwest. (I even remember many years ago BHL had an op based in H'West at Withybush Airfield).

I am still keeping an eye on PPrune to keep me up to date with whats happening in things rotary.

dymuniadau gorau from Cymru

JohnW

Alan Biles

13th Jan 2010, 07:43

Enjoy your retirement. Lots of time now to post 40 years worth of photos.

Schinthe

13th Jan 2010, 13:30

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc229/Schinthe/image-1.jpg

Here's another from Dubai (early 80's?).The gentleman on the 212 looks suspiciously like a regular contributor to this thread, but I can't be sure. Taken from next door. Bill Pollard from the pictures above must have been Chief Pilot round about this time?

Fareastdriver

13th Jan 2010, 15:14

Bill Pollard from the pictures above must have been Chief Pilot round about this time?

Unlikely. He was chief pilot Pumas at Aberdeen in 1978 and then took the Pumas to Miri around 1980.

TipCap

13th Jan 2010, 17:07

Thanks Alan

During the house move, I just came across 2 years of slides from Iran 69 -71. If I can get them converted to pictures then scan them and remember how to post them, you will have quite a few :ok:

John

Tail-take-off

13th Jan 2010, 18:00

John

There are a number of organisations who will scan slides straight onto CD.

Look forward to seeing more of your photos.

TTO

HughMartin

13th Jan 2010, 22:05

John,

Seems like yesterday (well, maybe the day before yesterday) when you were doing my line training at Aberdeen. I remember being gobsmacked when you line checked me on the flight out to the rig then, after takeoff on the way home, you got out of the right hand seat and went back into the cabin for about 20 minutes to chat with someone in the back leaving me on my own to mind the shop. Oh, happy days when life seemed much simpler.

Rig names such as Waage 1, Sea Quest, Hercules,Zephyr 1 & 2 Transworld 58 jump out of my log book as do other Captains names such as Dick Metcalfe, John Nicholls, Russ Smith, Mike Norris, Ray Elliott + many others from whom I learnt a lot as well as from you.

Have a great retirement.

Best Regards
Hugh

TipCap

14th Jan 2010, 14:38

Thanks Hugh

Great to hear from you again. Hmmm. The things we used to do in those days. Levers fully forward - you have control - give me a shout if you have any probs!!

Keep flying those 225's safely.

If you are ever down this way, look me up. Got planty of time on my hands now.

Oh btw, I clocked what I thought was a BIH S61N around Withybush the other day. It didnt stop or I would have hightailed it over there.

John

TipCap

14th Jan 2010, 14:45

Thanks Nick

I will fish out some slides (or maybe all of them) and do as you suggest, get them scanned on to a CD. Then I can trickle feed this group :ok:

John

Fareastdriver

14th Jan 2010, 15:28

Amos Keeto

I have a dedicated Nikon Coolscan slide scanner and can make good quality scans for you that I can put on a CD, so you can upload them here or make prints from them as you wish?

Try this chap, he may be able to help. He is mainly interested in Borneo or Singapore but PM him and see what he says.

ifsknt

15th Jan 2010, 03:29

John

I also wish you a happy and long retirement. We had manycockpit hours together in the S61 and the early (1982) days of the 332L before I went 76 ing. I also remember trying to use the old S61 HF as a CB when it was a brief craze in 1981 with you....great times John.

Haverford West used to be reserved for Al Logan whenever we used to detach an S76 from GY to go there!

Anyone know if Al is still around (although long retired) Never forget having to re write the flight log because it wasn't neat enough! He ended up as one of the best line trainers, when in management I used to sentence all my delinquent co pilots to a month with Al....bless him.

Have fun my friend and congrats on 40 years and 22k hours, quite an achievement.

TipCap

15th Jan 2010, 09:06

Its a bit scary what we used to get up to in the old days but it was fun and never dangerous. CB-ing days. Oh yes. Came across my old CB set the other day. I wonder.......... :hmm:

Al Logan. Gosh, I remember his immaculate turnout whatever the weather. Even his little cottage outside Kintore was as immaculate as he was. I havent heard of Al. Maybe someone in cyber world can update us

Yes I am taking it nice and easy and as I have said before, if you are ever down this way, PM me and we'll have a beer or 3.

John

Oldlae

15th Jan 2010, 18:56

Sad news, Dick Davisson, Quality Manager at Redhill and of Sabine Pass, passed away last Monday, funeral is 22nd January at Horley.

TipCap

15th Jan 2010, 19:03

Yes, sad news about Dick. I worked with Dick in Iran 1969 - 1971

I got the news from Ursula the other day. He had not been well for a little while. All his family were at his bedside when he passed away.

John

Oldlae

16th Jan 2010, 08:14

Dick Davisson RIP. Ursula is wishing to make contact with two New Zealanders, Stuart Smith and Angus MacLeod, can anyone help?

Scotsheli

16th Jan 2010, 09:49

Oldlae - check your PM's

Colibri49

17th Jan 2010, 15:54

David Dollar became Chairman of Dollar Helicopters, derived from the old BEAS Onshore operations.

Colibri49

17th Jan 2010, 16:01

Look at 6 head shots from Speechless Two on 21st August 2007, 22:41.

Oldlae

17th Jan 2010, 17:22

Scotsheli,
Thanks, Angus has been in touch.

Dave Ed

19th Jan 2010, 18:29

Good to see you all! Some great anecdotes and pics on this thread. Just need somebody to write a book from the perspective of the guys out on the front line. It took me all weekend to browse through the thread, just to see what was here already.

This brings back memories of putting together the original "skyweaver" website, struggling with "old" modern technology. All done without broadband!! Some of those 50k images used to take me 30 minutes to upload on a 56k modem and a noisy BT internet connection.

Just spent two the last evenings getting my PPrune and Picture Bucket accounts up and running, not to mention trying to get my head around the complicated procedure for posting the pics:confused:

So, let's see if I have got the hang of this....

Swamp Rats

A short story by Kev Pickering ...

"Wessex ended up in a swamp after T/Rotor servo failure. Myself (KP) and three others were dispatched from Redhill to retrieve spares as Wessex spares were rare. We were given the name "Swamp Rats" and were presented with a wooden plaque carved by a BHL fixed wing pilot. This was to have gone above the bar in the Heli-Club but went missing."

Kev cannot remember the names but no doubt someone will. Is Kev a PPruner?? If not I'll send him an e-mail. I have another 60 odd pics of his on a disc so will drip feed them in as I get time.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/wessexinswamp2.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/swamprats.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/swampratspickup3.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/swampratsondryland.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/swampratspickup2.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/swampratsfusepickup.jpg

Fareastdriver

20th Jan 2010, 08:17

Nice picture of the Whirwind. It's a change to see a decent coning angle.

yorel

20th Jan 2010, 09:28

you are right...there is only one Yves LE ROY....It is ME ...stillalive with FRANCOISE;Who are you...My mail is [email protected]:ok:

I never work in canada,Iam the other Y leroy from bristow

you are right, Iam the bristow's one to contact at [email protected] if you don't like it,I put it back in my trousers....

yorel

20th Jan 2010, 11:59

:ok:i am at: [email protected]:p

Alan Biles

20th Jan 2010, 14:57

Yves,

It's 33 years since we last met (Dubai) but I am so pleased to hear that you haven't lost your accent. It even comes out in your post!:ok:

Ainippe

20th Jan 2010, 15:42

Looking at the pictures I believe apart from Kev Pickering, there was Steve Wright(Clive Wright's son) in the light blue overalls, hard to tell who else was there but it will come to me.:ugh::ugh:

Oldlae

20th Jan 2010, 21:23

N,
I see Steve Higgins, Alistair Hutcheon, Andrew Hall and possibly John Baker in the cockpit. But I stand to be corrected.

Maverick Laddie

20th Jan 2010, 22:38

Think Andy Hall still has that hat !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Never known to throw anything away Andy hats taxi's

AS332L1

21st Jan 2010, 05:40

The guy in the cockpit looks very much like John Eadon?

Dave Ed

21st Jan 2010, 19:07

More pics via Kevin Pickering.

Kev notes:

Operation Sandstorm, Dubai 79.

"The Guppy flew in for cargo including a chain on board. They left the chain until last to unload and as it was dragged aft so the aircraft sat on it's tail."

Dave note:

The "Sandstorm over the Gulf" document is page 1 of a 100 page postscript that was languishing, long forgotten, in a top floor filing cabinet at Redhill and now languishing with me. An interesting read!!
A senior management secretary gave it to me thinking I could use it on the skyweaver website but I could never work out the copyright issues or the possible embarrasment it could create for the company should they ever have the opportunity of future Iranian contracts.
I think it was written by a pilot's wife who was a journalist??????????
Any suggestions????? Have to scan it all first:bored:

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Operation%20Sandstorm/SandstormovertheGulf1.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Operation%20Sandstorm/OperationSandstorm1.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Operation%20Sandstorm/OperationSandstorm2.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Operation%20Sandstorm/OperationSandstorm3.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Operation%20Sandstorm/OperationSandstorm4.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Operation%20Sandstorm/OperationSandstorm5.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Operation%20Sandstorm/OperationSandstorm6.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Operation%20Sandstorm/OperationSandstorm7.jpg

Can't escape 212s! Just regained my 212 B2 approval so I can oversee and sign for an avionic mod programme on an Ex Gulf Heli machine FBH are sending out to Belize. Spend half my life at RAF Shawbury now! The first helicopter I worked on, at Redhill, after joining Bristows from a fixed wing BA apprenticeship, was a 212!! I was 20 I think around 1979.
Quite a few old Bristow machines now with FBH and now I have regained a 212 approval I fear I will be seeing a lot more of them!

Oldlae

22nd Jan 2010, 08:47

Dave Ed
I am sure that the document was written by the late Mike Griffin's wife Jackie. I understand that James Clavell used it for his novel Whirlwind.

Oldlae

22nd Jan 2010, 08:57

Dave Ed,

Which part of the operation is shown in the photos? The 212's arrived in Luxembourg in a Cargolux 747 when I helped to unload them.

Thridle Op Des

22nd Jan 2010, 16:42

Old LAE, you are correct, it was Jackie Griffin, you can see the initials on the top right, I remember her writing it. Dave Ed, I would suggest OCR scan into a .doc file. Lots of work but it would keep the file size much lower.

Dave Ed

22nd Jan 2010, 19:18

Oldlae

Pics at Dubai.

Bill Petrie was in charge of planning the helicopter's passage back to Redhill and for obvious reasons most major airlines would not get involved in something that could threaten future buisness. Bill narrowed it down to two airlines that would take it on :
Air cargo of Stanstead using a CL-44 conversion to a Guppy.
Cargolux 747 from Luxembourg.

TOD

Thanks for scanning advice but there are lots of scribbles and marks on the pages that confuse those OCR scanners and this morning I spent two hours scanning the complete manuscript as JPEGs in between gardening and playing with the dogs!

So I now have available the complete original skyweaver website plus the "Sandstorm over the Gulf" available on disc (only 200mb).
So, if anyone wants a copy of these just send me a blank CD/Memory stick in a SAE and I will send you back a copy.
I am not really sure if there are any copyright issues?
Not sure where to post my postal address on this site as yet - any advice?

And I wonder how the story would have been told with today's 24/7 news coverage..........

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Skyjack/Skyjack1.jpg
http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Skyjack/Skyjack2.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Skyjack/Skyjack3.jpg

forget

22nd Jan 2010, 19:40

The 212's arrived in Luxembourg in a Cargolux 747 when I helped to unload them.

I spotted Bill Barnett through a chain link fence in Dubai one morning; I was visiting from Singapore and wandering past the airport. He told me the tale there and then - but I remember a Lufthansa 747F being loaded. Am I wrong - were there two 747s involved?

Dave Ed

22nd Jan 2010, 19:48

I was 11 but my dad was taking me to Gatwick to watch planes and the seeds were sown..........
No idea why they used that background - my image editor struggled with it!

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20misc/BristowEmpire1969.jpg

Tail-take-off

23rd Jan 2010, 19:06

Hi Dave

Great Stuff. Keep it coming.

Ref your address: I suggest anyone interested sends you a Private Message via this site. You can then send them your details rather than broadcasting your address to the world.

Cheers

TTO

TipCap

24th Jan 2010, 17:44

Found some real old photos. Here's the first if it uploads succesfully

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/Scan10037c.jpg

Lavan Island, Iran 1969/1970

From L to R

Jerry Beecher - ?? - Me - Stu Colclough (I think) - ?? - Dave Lloyd (thanks oldlae)

Someone fill in the missing links - so to speak

Dymuniadau gorau o Hwlffordd

John

Brilliant Stuff

24th Jan 2010, 20:48

Cracking, thanks everyone for reliving history for us young ones.

TipCap

24th Jan 2010, 21:52

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/Scan10038c.jpg

Not exactly sure when this was but it was the after the first deck landing at sea on HMS Ark Royal (the new one). It was undergoing sea trials out of Tyneside and we were chartered to fly the manufacturers reps on to it.

Crew: Dave Warren and John Whale

John

Oldlae

25th Jan 2010, 08:22

John,
Lavan - Chap sitting in the armchair on the right is the late Dave Lloyd.

TipCap

25th Jan 2010, 10:28

You are so right. Main picture amended

John

Schinthe

25th Jan 2010, 12:56

Does anyone know the whereabouts of Dave Lloyd?If he monitors this thread he will probably remember a boozy session we had in a bar in a hotel in Shiraz with David Attenborough and his crew in 74-75. They were doing a programme about the Qashqai nomads.

Ainippe

25th Jan 2010, 13:06

Regret to say he passed away with the dreaded cancer a few years ago now:(

Schinthe

25th Jan 2010, 13:50

Very Sad to hear that,he was a great character and good company

TipCap

25th Jan 2010, 15:28

I have managed to find a few photographs (although B&W) of our Operation in Morocco 1968/1969. Although the main base was in TanTan, we did do a detachment to Tarfaya which wasn't far from the Spanish Saharan border.

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/S55HillerTarfaya69a.jpg

Hiller12E G-AWME and Ws55s3 VR-BDH at tarfaya, 1969

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/s55Tarfaya69a.jpg

Ws55s3 coming in to land on the Tarfaya helipad on crew change day

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/tarfayacrewchangefromDC369a.jpg

Crew Change Day taken from the Martinair DC3 which used to run to and from Agadir then change on to a Sterling Airways F27 to Stavanger. Our work routine was 3 weeks on and 1 week off. Travelling time was in your week off.

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/Tarfayafromtheair69a.jpg

Aerial shot of Tarfaya, Morocco, 1969

John

Dave Ed

25th Jan 2010, 19:21

TTO

Good to be involved again.
Have a few bits and pieces to post BUT I have just arrived back in Shrewsbury to continue my Bell 212 project for the next three weeks. The Weatherspoons “Hotel” broadband is pretty useless so I am stuck with expensive and slow mobile broadband L
But at least the Beer’s cheap!!

Edited notes from Tim Carbis (Father flew for Bristows 69-80)

After my father joined Bristow Helicopters, he inevitably spent a lot of time away from home, in exotic places such as Nigeria and Dubai. Later, I was to experience some of the dubious pleasures of this life for myself, working in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. I too have witnessed the ‘delights’ of Port Harcourt and bumped along in an Aerocontractors’ Twin Otter (Lagos-Warri-PHC), the latter being less hassle than flying with Nigeria Airways and a lot safer.

Dave Ed..... The worst I flew with was Okada Air (BAC 1-11) – The seats were falling apart, the “stewardesses” were asleep down the back even before take-off and it was the longest take-off run I have ever experienced!!

My father’s last flight for Bristow’s was on 21/11/80 when he carried out a Flight Test on Wessex Mk.60 G-BGWT, based at Skye. He also records an incident the previous day thus:

“Sparks from exhaust. Returned single engine for inspection stbd engine”

Perhaps, the moral of the story is to take nothing for granted, especially on the penultimate day of your flying career. TC.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Manston%20T%20Carbis/TCinfrontofWhirlwindnewspaperclippi.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Manston%20T%20Carbis/G-AYTKonGoodwinSands.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Manston%20T%20Carbis/SARunitbuildingManston.jpg

TipCap

25th Jan 2010, 19:39

I remember Tim well. He must have been around with Lee Smith too.

John

TipCap

25th Jan 2010, 19:45

I almost too embarrassed to post these photos :uhoh: But then I was only 21 years old.

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/meatTFAs55a.jpg

Me with the Ws55s3 at Tarfaya, Morocco early 1969

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/meTFA12Ea.jpg

Me with the Hiller 12E Tarfaya, Morocco 1969

John

mtoroshanga

26th Jan 2010, 06:49

I was there 1971 with a Bell 204 and an Alouette 3.
Tarfiya was the place where the C47 used to land on two strips of tarmac with just sand between and a turning circle at the end. It was a real test of character when they crew changed with a nose wheel aircraft!

T4 Risen

26th Jan 2010, 18:29

Tip cap,

Can't believe you were ever 21!!

Hope you are enjoying retirement, I'm stilling waiting for the commision from our little chat in denhelder a few years back.. ;)

Cheers

T4

TipCap

27th Jan 2010, 22:45

No comment!!!! :\

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/tarfaya69a.jpg

TipCap

28th Jan 2010, 20:33

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/sarlee.jpg

Makes a change from Morocco. Lee-on-Solent 1988. 30th July 1988. Ops 039/88. My first hi-line casualty from a yacht. Winch Op was Chris Bond

John

S61-S92

29th Jan 2010, 12:02

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/TIGD_Aerospat.jpg

S61-S92

29th Jan 2010, 12:06

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/TigerBrochureFront.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/TigerBrochureFoldedsmall.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/TigerBrochureCentre_small.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/TigerBrochureRear.jpg

OK, Who Remembers the Tiger Toilet...
and who ever was daring enough to use it !!!:eek:

SASless

29th Jan 2010, 14:58

Toilet....I thought that was why they were called "Poopy Suits"!

ifsknt

29th Jan 2010, 19:16

I remember the Tiger Toilet, they didn't last long. I never used it though. It was always a sit down or an on the knees job because the cabin was / is so low that one was always stooped over and the average person couldn't get the "old fella" close enough.

Droopy

29th Jan 2010, 19:33

I believe they were doomed after the first few events of, errr, "gotta get rid of last night's curry and can't wait any longer" :ooh:

Anyone remember the plan for ventilated immersion suits?

TipCap

29th Jan 2010, 20:50

Yes I remember that trial. Plug airflow in, cool the body and expel the air through valves in the shoulder. Froze everything below waist and inflated like a michelin man below cos the seatbelt restricted the airflow.

Remember the inflatable seat lumber supports too?

John

TipCap

29th Jan 2010, 21:07

In 1993, Alan Bristow had a yacht built in Bremerhaven. The yard took such a long time to complete it, the Old Man had the yacht motor sailed to Camper-Nicholsons Yard in Portsmouth to be finished. To check on its progress, he and Heather flew his King Air into Lee-on-Solent whilst his chauffeur drove his RR down to the gates to take him to C-N Yard. As a treat, he invited Rob Flexman and I onboard for its sea trials before it sailed to the Caribbean. A wonderful yacht and handled well. Apparently the Old Man designed his steering gear himself. No hydraulics there!! Just a couple of pics from that day

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/AEBYacht2.jpg

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/AEBYacht1.jpg

John

C.C.C.

29th Jan 2010, 21:12

Remember both well.

Do not know of a crew member who used the toilet but certainly had 1 or 2 passengers use it. Did not last long as the clients realised it was replacing some useful payload (some 40 - 50 lbs I think), and its removal then allowed us to get 19 pax to the NW Hutton with the fresh milk & newspapers on their 1st morning flight. Sadly both the toilet, 19 pax in the back of a Tiger, and the NW Hutton are all just great memories now!

I was one of the crews taking part in the vented immersion suit trial. As John has already posted you ended up as a Michelin man with 2 very full inflated legs (air went in through a garden hose type connector just above the waist), and as well as the 2 shoulder release valves you had wrist cuffs which were left open with a pull cord and velcro tie should you ever ditch. However their worst design flaw was the material used as we had to swim around Stonehaven harbour during the trial, and my suit completely flooded shortly after jumping in.

Snarlie

29th Jan 2010, 21:58

Whilst looking over one of the first Tigers about to leave Redhill for Aberdeen via North Denes, Mr Bristow was heard to remark about the toilet," This is no bloody good, if you bend back so as not to bump your head you can`t see the bog and if you bend forward you can`t bloody reach. They won`t last!"

On returning from one of the early proving flights with a blogged bog ( insufficient thought had been given to the provision of suitable paper, so the P & J had been rushed into action) it was found that no arrangements had been made for the emptying of said vessel. The Rampies wanted extra pay to do it and the copilot refused point blank. Nice idea but doomed to failure.

XA290

30th Jan 2010, 10:10

http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss319/xa290/SAVE0062-1.jpg?t=1264850337

An incident report written by Mike Clarke (S61N Chief Pilot). It was hung on the crew room wall for quite some time. Some people may remember it.

XA

Tail-take-off

30th Jan 2010, 11:35

Classic Mike Clark. Always a joy to work with him!

Deutz

30th Jan 2010, 11:37

Ah.... G-TIGD - whatever became of her?

Tail-take-off

30th Jan 2010, 11:47

Ah.... G-TIGD - whatever became of her? See http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/4-1984%20G-TIGD.pdf

wasn't Robbie MacGregor flying it at the time?

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z74/Tail-take-off/G-TIGD.jpg

Dave Ed

30th Jan 2010, 12:01

Treasure Finder

Pics from Kev Pickering.

During the late seventies and early eighties the North Sea oil fields were probably at their most active and this led Shell to instigate a Bell 212 shuttle service to serve the Brent oil field installations and surrounding rigs.
The Treasure Finder was to be found in the East Shetland basin and consisted of a fairly large hangar, with a heli-deck on either side, built as part of an accommodation platform and attached to a production platform typically the "Brent B"

The hangar had an average compliment of five Bell 212's fitted with a vast array of avionics and safety equipment to enable such tasks as search and rescue.The work rota was 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Treasure%20Finder/5BellsTreasureFinder.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Treasure%20Finder/G-BLDYlandingonTreasureFinder.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Treasure%20Finder/TreasureFinder.jpg

Dave Ed

30th Jan 2010, 15:41

Bristow characters – well known to many of you!

Via Kev Pickering so don’t blame me if your name is spelt rong.
I haven’t put the names in correct order – that would be too easy!

First pic: Andy Lawson, Angus McLeod, Alister Hutcheon, Andy Hall, Kev Pickering, Bob Goddard and Barney Swinton-Bland.

Second pic: Eric Scard, Bob Oades, KP, Redhill boys and girls, Martin and Jan Bull, Dick Snook, Stacey Shilling, Martin Boardley.

Third pic: A selection of Nigerian wildlife at a couple of favourite watering holes. Kev doesn’t give names for a lot of these but I can remember a few having spent 2 years in Warri.

Tom Ridgers, Bill Denman, Phil Kitwood, Martin and Jan Bull, Pete Heard and ?, Jack and Brenda Feeley, Keith Roberts, Mike Moran, Nigel “Chalkie” White, Trevor Jones, Bejam Borbor (I think – Iranian pilot), Simon Smith? Pilot.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20people/KPpeople1.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20people/KPpeople2.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20people/KPpeople3.jpg

Dave Ed

31st Jan 2010, 18:49

Just a good pic!

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20misc/s61onrock.jpg

Dave Ed

31st Jan 2010, 19:08

Rumour has it that Bristows operated/maintained a few plank wings over the years.
Any Twin Pioneer/Riley Dove pilots/engineers out there?

Apparently the MU2 (Pocket Rocket) take-off from the short runway at Warri was quite an experience! What on earth persuaded AB to buy that?

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20fixed%20wing/FixedWing1-1.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20fixed%20wing/FixedWing2.jpg

Ainippe

2nd Feb 2010, 07:38

I believe Shell wanted the Mu2 - but it proved to be such a drain on money and resources they finally got rid of it after some interesting engine problems. These included spins, 70Kt taxying etc etc.

It was a piece of junk.

TipCap

2nd Feb 2010, 21:51

In February 1979, the Lecht Ski Company (incl Pieter Du Pon) contacted BP/Bristow to assist them position the first of their ski lifts at the Lecht. The conditions were such that it was not possible to erect the tow pylons from the ground so BP authorised the use of "Elsie" to undersling the pylons in place. As always, it took longer to do and I lowered the last pylon in the the dark. David Gold, a freelance photographer took a picture of the final lift and that picture won a prestigious photographic competition (See final picture)

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/lecht1a.jpg

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/lecht2a.jpg

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/lecht3a.jpg

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/lecht4a.jpg

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/lecht5a.jpg

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/lecht6a.jpg

John

pumaboy

3rd Feb 2010, 06:29

In 1992 Bristow had an AS332L2 Super Puma MK2 on icing trials between Feb-March

Has anybody got any photos of this machine

The ac was painted in the Bristow livery and looked really good. :ok:

chopper2004

3rd Feb 2010, 08:58

Seem to recall Bristows also assisted with ski lift construction in Austria, assuming this was 70s 80s....has anyone got any photos of this, please or if not then any details of the contract? Thanks:ok:

Dave Ed

3rd Feb 2010, 17:07

WHALING - WHERE IT ALL BEGAN.

A little Bristow history......

The Antarctic whaling operations provided some invaluable experience for Alan Bristow himself and for some of his ablest lieutenants, most notably Alan Green who eventually became Sales Director of Bristow Helicopters, Clive Wright who became Regional Manager in the seventies and John Cameron who became Aircrew Appointments Officer.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Whaling/whaling1.jpg

The snippets in this post are reproduced from Peter Pugh's unpublished draft manuscript about Bristows and have been tidied up and edited for internet readability.

A year on whaling operations was divided into three phases. The first was from July to September when the S55 Mk1 Whirlwind helicopters were prepared for the whaling season and when the newly recruited pilots were trained. The second was the whaling season itself which lasted (including the journey to the Antarctic and back) from September to April. Finally there was the two months leave.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Whaling/whaling2.jpg

The two whaling factory ships used by Christian Salvesen(the Scottish company involved in whaling) were the Southern Harvester and the Southern Venturer. These ships were purpose built for both whaling and operating in the Antarctic and were noisy, smelly, uncomfortable and claustrophobic. Furthermore the flight deck was really too small, certainly for the Whirlwinds.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Whaling/whaling3.jpg

The factory ships had a displacement of around a hundred thousand tons which was considered large in their day. In essence, the bottom of the ship was a tanker with a factory built on top, on top of which was the flensing deck and built on that level would be the forward bridge structure which also contained officers' cabins, galleys and ship's dining areas. Amidships was a structure which ran across the main flensing deck, containing two sixty ton winches and was known as Hell's Gate. Aft was the main accommodation of three storeys consisting of accommodation for the crew, ship's engineers and helicopter personnel. On top of this accommodation were two funnels, side by side, with the helicopter hangar in between and the helideck aft of this and over the accommodation block at the stern of the ship. From the helideck to the sea was sixty feet and the ship when loaded drew sixty nine feet of water.

The aft accommodation was split by a large tunnel that led up from the sea to the aft flensing deck and it was up this tunnel that the whale carcasses were hauled to be cut up and fed through ports to the factory below. Conditions in the aft accommodation were extremely noisy, as a whale was hauled up every half an hour, and unbelievably smelly, as the whales, used as fenders, began to rot!
John Cameron remembered it vividly, " The smell was so powerful you couldn't even entice an "Airwick" out of its bottle."

The catchers were mainly ex-German navy submarine hunters, part of the reparations from the Second World War. They weighed in at fifteen hundred tons and could steam at seventeen knots and were ideally suited to the job as hunting whales was not dissimilar to hunting submarines.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Whaling/whaling4.jpg

The harpoon gun, invented by a Norwegian during the Second World War was the key to the whaling industry. The gun fired a harpoon which carried an explosive warhead and attached to the harpoon was a rope which ran through shackles and was routed to a clutched winch.

The Salvesen ships mainly hunted Balaena whales and operations were similar to antisubmarine warfare. The corvettes were stretched out to cover the maximum sea area and the helicopters were deployed to search a gap or take over on the wings. Flying would begin at first light.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Whaling/whaling5.jpg

The day began in darkness, when both pilots and engineers would muster on the helideck to pull the helicopter out of the hangar on to a turntable in the middle of the flight deck. As the hangar was too narrow to take two Whirlwinds with floats fitted, the helicopter was wheeled on a jack-up jury rig. The helicopter would be lashed to the turntable, the floats fitted and the jury rig jacked down and removed. Once the rotor blades were unfolded the pilots went off to get some breakfast while the engineers carried out pre-flight checks and refuelled.

The operational pilots got dressed in their survival suits and started up the aircraft. Performance in accordance with the Flight Manual was not really practical ; the pilots stuffed the aircraft with as much fuel as they thought they could carry often departing 300lbs over max gross weight. If necessary the ship was turned to give a relative wind of 45 degrees port or starboard. On the deck the rotor blades were lower than the level of the life boats and davits, which had to be cleared on lift-off. The technique in these piston enginned machines was, after cockpit checks had been completed, reduce rotor RPM to ground idle for a few seconds then increase throttle and power, lift off and go, making as little cyclic and pedal inputs as possible. Having cleared the deck dive toward the sea to build up speed and translational lift and you were on your way.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Whaling/whaling6.jpg

Once airborne the pilots looked for the "slick" which was the name given to the the give-away circles left by the whales tails as they returned to depth after surfacing to blow.

stabout

3rd Feb 2010, 21:57

Bristow Islander still going strong at Headcorn many, many years later!!!!

http://www.airport-data.com/images/aircrafts/large/128/128791.jpg

RVDT

3rd Feb 2010, 22:42

What's the Part Number for the Speed Tape?

stabout

4th Feb 2010, 10:07

I flew this thing for a year and a half, great fun. The gaffer tape looks as though it holds the thing together but actually it stops the skydivers getting snagged on any protruding surfaces.

Dave Ed

5th Feb 2010, 21:41

Hillers and Bananas

In 1960, Sir Miles Wyatt asked Alan Bristow if he would like to take over the running of Fison Airwork and effectively merge it with Bristow Helicopters so although many of these operations were not strictly Bristow operations they were under Bristows control for a time and many staff joined the company.
Therefore the general feeling is that Fison Airwork, like BEAS, should be included as part of Bristow history. Fison Airwork itself was formed from Airwork and Fison Pest Control and had many contracts in the field of crop spraying of which Panama and Dominican Republic were two. Typical equipment being Hiller 12s equipped with spray booms and insecticide tanks.
Thanks to John Odlin for the following pictures. John is the pilot in the Hiller and at twenty something learnt a lot about flying helicopters on the crop dusting circuit.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Hillers%20and%20Bananas/HillersandBananas1.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Hillers%20and%20Bananas/HillersandBananas2.jpg

Crop spraying has always had a reputation for being unforgiving as there is very little time to react if the aircraft suffers a malfunction.
We were having so many ' incidents' at the time that Dave Bond the Fison Airwork Ops Director said, "they are falling out the sky like bloody autumn falling leaves."

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Hillers%20and%20Bananas/HillersandBananas3.jpg

Bogarts Rice Farm. Base for Bristows banana spraying in Valverde Mao, Dominican Republic. Mao was a satellite base to the main base at Walterio, circa1960. Building was a rice shed also used as an open air hangar. Pilot was ............ a locally based pilot at the time, who liked to show off by rocking and nodding his Hiller on the building apex!

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Hillers%20and%20Bananas/hilleronroof.jpg

So as we can see from previous posts, Bristow Helicopters were always involved in mergers and joint ventures so a few of the company names and colour schemes may not be familiar as you will see in following posts.

Dave Ed

5th Feb 2010, 22:18

Widgeons £45 per hour

And awesome cruising speeds!

The following images are of a brochure handed to myself by Colin "Dusty" Miller who came across it whilst clearing out old Bristow archives at Redhill a few years ago.

Note: that if you read the "about the company" paragraph in the second picture, Bristow Helicopters and Airwork (previously Fison-Airwork) were closely related to British United Airways Helicopter Division for a while.

In 1967 as well as being Chairman of Bristow Helicopters, Alan Bristow took on the roles of Managing Director and Deputy Chairman of British United Airways but as he pointed out, this was only possible due to the fact that he had an excellent team in place at Redhill.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Helitaxi/Heli-Taxi1.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Helitaxi/Heli-Taxi.jpg

TipCap

5th Feb 2010, 22:55

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/tantan2a.jpg

Chief Pilot Mike Ratcliffe taking it easy in TanTan

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/tantan3a.jpg

John Church busy in the Radio Room at TanTan. Note the HF set. Remember the HF on the Ws55s3? Trailing aerial which you had to remember to winch in before landing

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/tantan1a.jpg

My old mate and opponent on the Table Tennis table - John Nicholls

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/tarfayajbwa.jpg

Yours truly in the flying gear of the day - Tarfaya 69

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/tarfayagroup.jpg

Jim Paterson, Muhkta and yours truly. Tarfaya 69

John

Dave Ed

6th Feb 2010, 15:36

The Bill Fisher collection of vintage Bristows...

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bill%20Fisher%20collection/Bfisher1.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bill%20Fisher%20collection/Bfisher2.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bill%20Fisher%20collection/Bfisher4.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bill%20Fisher%20collection/Bfisher5.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bill%20Fisher%20collection/Bfisher6.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bill%20Fisher%20collection/Bfisher3.jpg

Thridle Op Des

6th Feb 2010, 16:52

It's great to see old ACDC in the background at Redhill, part of the furniture.

Rhys Perraton

6th Feb 2010, 17:06

Superb photos, I'll have to get the old photo boxes out and see what I have and find out how to get them on here.
Pretty sure I have one of someone jumping out of a 55 in to the river at Eket. And all because the lady loves Milk Tray !!
Is ACDC still operational at Headcorn now, I hope so.
Hello to all old Bristow friends.

Rhys
[email protected]

Dave Ed

6th Feb 2010, 17:17

Many of you will think this picture is a shameless attempt to drive up the ratings :)

This is one of the 412s I look after and as the "B" in FBH is Bristows, I think I can get away with posting it on this thread!

And for those of you who are actually looking at the aircraft - the rescue hoist normally sits on that boom thing.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20misc/Handlerapplicants.jpg

Engineers locked in the crewroom that day. Couldn't get near the girls for aircrew

Brilliant Stuff

6th Feb 2010, 18:16

Impressive.:ok:

Dave Ed

6th Feb 2010, 21:24

Formations

Yes, I know! I obviously have too much spare time on my hands.

But my normal time consuming activities such as wife, house, garden and dogs (of which one was poisoned and died a week ago:{) are a few thousand miles away, so as I am stuck in a hotel in cold and gloomy UK we had better make the most of it!!!

So, with one eye on the rugby and football......

A collection of Bristow Helicopters flying in formation and quite a varied selection, I must say.

Widgeons G-APPR and G-APPS. Flight International, December 1958 (I was one month old!) reported both of these aircraft being air freighted to Persia under contract to Iranian Oil Exploration and Producing Co. for work on pipeline construction. However this picture is dated at 1959.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Formations/2widg.jpg

Three Aussie Pumas.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Formations/3ospumas.jpg

Probably at Warri Shell in the eighties. For a while Warri based 212s had a trademark zig-zag at the forward end of the blue cheat line as can be seen on LU and LT. Didn’t Eket machines have red tails around the same time?

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Formations/3x212s.jpg

A flight of five North Sea Tigers on a photo shoot.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Formations/5tigers.jpg

Australia 1982. B206, Wessex, Puma and S61.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Formations/ozmix_big.jpg

Bristow-Malaysia S61s VR-BDO and BDN over East coast Malaysia.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Formations/twomalay61.jpg

A couple of Whirlwinds on contract to IPAC (Iran Pan American Oil Company) As you can see, the rotors are perfectly synchronised which was achieved by judicial use of the rotor brake..........or so the story goes. Ian Clark and Ken Bradley being the pilots. Circa 1960

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Formations/iran1.jpg

The Puma was operated as the fleet mainstay from 1979 with the first one being an ex North Sea Aircraft G-BFSV ( VH-BHO ). The picture shows Puma VH-WOF and Bell 212 VH-BEL. The 212s were used for general utility work and back-ups for the Pumas.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Formations/ozpuma212.jpg

UCLogic

7th Feb 2010, 07:38

The 212 formation was taken in Warri most probably 1990 or 1991. The picture was taken by Gunther Burmeister from atop the fuel storage facility...... I was holding his bag! The picture was one of two taken that day the other being the famous single aircraft nose pose with Chris Tait holding on to the seat belt adjusters. 5N-AJT was on 'loan' from Port Harcourt while one of the usual aircraft was on check (ALT I think). This one taken prior to AJT return to PH.

SASless

7th Feb 2010, 14:56

Gunter holds a treasure trove of Bristow photos....starting from Iran to Egypt....to Nigeria. Now if the sorry rascal would just post some of them!

I first saw his work in Iran....where he had enlarged some and made nice wall hangings of them. Excellent photos of an old man springs to mind!

Hasn't everyone held his bag or camera at one point or another?

Dave Ed

7th Feb 2010, 17:52

Emden

The photos and info below were sent to me by Dick Jones a few years back.
Emden, West Germany, Winter 1964. The aircraft was Whirlwind S55 Mk3 D-HODE operated by United Helicopters GMBH.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Emden/emden1.jpg

Arriving at Emden Heliport after a rig trip.
Note:- Crew in immersion suits and no heating in the helicopter.

..........and a few names.
Engineers: Dick Jones, Basil Davey, Horst Voigt.
Pilots: Marcel Avon, John Waddington, Willy Weitzel.
Labourers: Karl Ackermann, Hans Joachim.

THE EMDEN WHIRLWIND INCIDENT
By Dick Jones.

1964: WS55 series 3: Whirlwind D-HODE (Westland demonstrator). Note paint scheme.

Capt. Willy Weitzel had an engine failure close to the rig Mr. Louie. He landed the machine perfectly on the sea, and the helicopter was manoeuvred to the rig and hoisted alongside from its lifting eye by the rig crane. It was suspended there for most of the day until a rig supply boat came alongside and the helicopter was lowered on to it without a scratch. The supply boat then returned to Emden docks where a huge dockside crane was positioned overhead and the helicopter attached, still by its lifting eye. The crane operator was positioned way up in the clouds and when signalled to raise the helicopter, it was snatched off the boat rapidly to height of about 30 ft and then the lifting eye unscrewed itself and the helicopter did its last hover before gently descending back on the boat with a crunch.

I believe the helicopter was returned to Westlands and rebuilt.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Emden/dhode1.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Emden/dhode2.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Emden/dhode3.jpg

Tail-take-off

8th Feb 2010, 08:55

It would appear that Emden Whirlwind was indeed rebuilt & ended it'sflying career in Nigeria:

It's registration history from ROTORSPOT - Complete Civil Rotorcraft Register of Germany (part 2) (http://www.rotorspot.nl/d-2.htm)

(G-605(9G)),G-ASOU,D-HODE,G-ASOU,5N-AGK,G-ASOU,VR-BDG,5N-AIN

Thridle Op Des

8th Feb 2010, 10:25

I am looking for the original source material for the Air Whaling photos, does anyone know where they came from? I have already spoken to Dave Ed and he cannot recollect their origin. We have some ourselves but it would be great to get hold of any more.

Regards TOD

Dave Ed

9th Feb 2010, 15:51

Bell 205 probably over Indonesia.

I guess the options for putting it down in a hurry were fairly limited!

!http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20misc/205jung.jpg

Brilliant Stuff

9th Feb 2010, 18:28

Nice.:ok::ok:

TipCap

9th Feb 2010, 21:47

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/ernieperrin.jpg

Ernie Perrin. Formerly Bristows, formerly Irish Helicopters. Wonder where he is now?

John

OMONEZ

10th Feb 2010, 00:19

Hi John,
Great photo, must be his last days flying.
Do you remember helping to develop the Bendix 1400 radar in the late 70's and early 80's when I think you were CP S76A. Long before I joined BHL, me, Ron Carlson, Lee? Lea Smith and Frank the G was the only one that would answer the phone. Lets not forget Simon Witts ( or less ). You are missed. K. Enjoy.

Dave Ed

12th Feb 2010, 17:54

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20misc/s61waterlanding.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20misc/sandiefrig61aerial.jpg

Dave Ed

12th Feb 2010, 18:34

The Alouette collection!

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Alouettes/alandww_big.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Alouettes/alouette_persia_big.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Alouettes/fbmtlavan.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Alouettes/fplavan1.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Alouettes/fplavan2.jpg

This one in Spain.
http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Alouettes/gcspain3.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Alouettes/irangunisallouette.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Alouettes/vrallouette.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Alouettes/tillallouette.jpg

SASless

12th Feb 2010, 19:47

EP-HBF.....photo taken by Kapitan Feldwelbel Gunter Burmeister on the BICC contract near Aligudarz....known as the High Camp.....7200 MSL I think the camp was. Portacabins....Swamp Coolers...grilled steak at night...interesting work building a Hi-Tension power line.

That photo made the Bristow Calender and graced the ivory halls at Redhill.

My fifteen minutes of fame!

Fluke of a photograph.....I wuz wearing shoes that day! Must have been cooler weather than normal.

212man

12th Feb 2010, 20:01

Sas, why are you trying to drag the load backwards? ;)

SASless

12th Feb 2010, 20:27

Old Chinook pilot here 212man.....one just drags the hook onto the loop at the top of the strop and does it by yourself.....no need for a hook up man....this easier to do that with the line laid out in front of you. Mind you un-hooking was a bit tougher if you did not want to get out of the aircraft everytime....you had to find a rock to push the keeper back as you rotated the hook out of the strop.

If I had known Gunter was going to be there with his box Brownie....I would have worn my Captain's shirt.....the Orange/Red/Yellow/Green/Blue one from Thailand/adorned with hundreds of wee dragons...with the triangle shaped sleeves....the ones that were about two foot across at the mid-forearm and normal sized at the shoulders. Combined with a pair of shorts and flip-flops....I wuz da Man!

Dat's ma story....and I am sticking to it!

Things were a bit less formal than later life at Bristow....and far more fun over all too!

forget

12th Feb 2010, 21:16

The Alouette operating in Iran? Was that a question? Here - Zagross. 73/74.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/cumpas/ZAGROS.jpg

mtoroshanga

14th Feb 2010, 07:19

I operated Bristow Alouette 3s in Cape Town on a lighthouse contract, in
Morroccco, in Greenland and in a number of places in Iran.
The above picture is of the base camp at Zagross at 8000' the rig
was at 11000'. The 212 is 30504 as far as I remember, the demonstrater
that Bristow bought and first commercial one.

Tail-take-off

14th Feb 2010, 08:39

VR-BEG was certainly the lowest serial no operated by BHL. Re-registered as EP-HBJ & was, I believe, the only 212 not to make it out of Iran as part of "Sandstorm" due to being AOG at the time.

Can anyone confirm?

mtoroshanga

14th Feb 2010, 09:59

I think the main reason for leaving it was that in never had the pop-out float fit and would have stuck out like dogs gonades when refueling on the rig on the way. It was certainly the first 212, it was painted metallic brown when I first saw it!!
The Alouette 3 originally belonged to the President of Veit Nam in the late 60's. (An Air Vice-Marshall if my memory is correct,) We had a tail totor piano wire control failure in South Africa and ended up spread over a vinyard in Wellington then it went back to France for rebuild.

forget

14th Feb 2010, 11:41

Another reason - I seem to remember that BEG had very early electrics, more like a 205, and would have cost a fortune to make it 'proper like'.

... a tail rotor piano wire control failure in South Africa and ended up spread over a vineyard in Wellington

That's one helluva run on landing. :bored:

Dave B

14th Feb 2010, 11:55

According to ABs Autobiography which I have just finished reading, one 212 was left at kharg because it was in pieces, undergoing maintenance. He does not quote the registration or serial number however. Also left (quote) were some Jet rangers, and four Alouettes.
The book is a great read, his recollection of people, events and places, for a man in his eighties was amazing.

mtoroshanga

15th Feb 2010, 07:16

Thats right FORGET, it had an unusual avionics fit as well and one battery switch.

SASless

15th Feb 2010, 14:04

Very much akin to a Bell 205....which it was built from initially. It's sibling might still be in Nigeria....the one that came from Accra after an Air Log 1200 hour.

S61-S92

15th Feb 2010, 17:00

:8 The machines we "left behind" were

EP-HBJ Bell 212 30504 (VR-BEG)

EP-HBN Allouette 3 2236
EP-HBO Allouette 3 2198
EP-HBS Allouette 3 M1658 (VR-BFQ)
EP-HBP Allouette 3 2199
EP-HBH Allouette 3 1061 (VR-BEC)

EP-HAQ Bell 206B 8060
EP-HAR Bell 206B 8063
EP-HAY Bell 206B 289
EP-HBT Bell 206B 8199 (VR-BDR)

Oldlae

15th Feb 2010, 20:51

Re 206's left in Iran all the serial numbers beginning with 8 are Agusta machines.

Honest Lefty

16th Feb 2010, 20:32

http://cheap-ad.com/bristow/images/PK-HCG%20&HBZ.jpg
(http://cheap-ad.com/bristow/p2.htm)

Dave Ed

17th Feb 2010, 17:41

Flying Training School

In 1961 Bristows secured a contract to train 32 naval pilots for the new helicopter squadrons on their Commando carriers. They gave basic training on Hillers and converted to Whirlwind 1s. All but two passed successfully.

The Flying Training School developed from the naval training programme which had begun in 1962. In the late 1960s as the North Sea operations of the company expanded and twin enginned and twin crew helicopters were introduced, the need for more and more pilots and co-pilots became paramount. The company therefore applied for CAA approval to give training for the Commercial Pilots Licence - Helicopter.

Early in 1971 the CAA gave its approval having vetted the company's flying instructors, ground school, aircraft, accommodation and subsistence facilities. With this approval the company started its cadet helicopter pilot training scheme calling it the HP course.
The course consisted of 100 hours on the Hiller and 50 hours on a Bell 206 Jetranger. This met the 150 hours basic requirement. Originally candidates had to have a Provisional Pilots Licence (PPL) and an Instrument Met. Conditions (IMC) rating, though gradually these requirements were reduced.

By the mid 1970s the Bell 47G2, which the company had used successfully in Iran, took over from the Hiller and in 1980 this was supplanted by the Bell 47G4A . The G4A was not as cramped as the G2 and with its Lycoming 540GN engine had masses of power.

Around 1988 the Bell 47s were themselves replaced by the Robinson R22s and a Slingsby T67C later joined the fleet being used for initial fixed wing training and pilot grading.

The Bristows Flying School was unique in that its aim was always to set standards above the required minimum and indeed pass marks were set deliberately higher. The Flying School closed around 1998, a victim of cut backs.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/FTS/bleakfts.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/FTS/fts1.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/FTS/fts3.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/FTS/fts2.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/FTS/ftsfleet.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/FTS/fts4.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/FTS/R22b.jpg

Droopy

17th Feb 2010, 18:37

and in 1980 this was supplanted by the Bell 47G4A

I was there Aug 1980 to April 1981, G2s only, no G4As......?

HOGE

17th Feb 2010, 18:49

I occasionally grab a bite to eat in the cafe that's now where the Training school used to be.

Odd really to be eating egg and chips where 21 years ago, George Bedford was giving me a bollocking for doing quick stops into dispersal!

A great shame that they closed the training school down.

Thridle Op Des

18th Feb 2010, 02:21

Droopy you are right, the G4A's were ex Middle Wallop and I think it was more late 1981. Arr the joys of 24.5 inches of MP in a G2!

Ainippe

18th Feb 2010, 12:52

Not sure Dave but I didnt think the R22's came until the 90's - maybe wrong.

212man

18th Feb 2010, 14:03

maybe wrong.

Indeed you are! I believe 1988 is correct. Bob -engine off - Evans is staying in my hotel - I'l ask him:ok:

C.C.C.

18th Feb 2010, 14:43

Arr the joys of 24.5 inches of MP in a G2!Seem to recall a rather tall student on HP15 who managed to pull more than that in G-ASYW during a dual downwind quickstop, and on return to the hangar it had 4 of the 6 cylinders replaced!

Westland Bell 47G-4As arrived from Middle Wallop in 1981 - 1981 | 3651 | Flight Archive (http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1981/1981%20-%203651.html)

G-BLRF (T67C), G-BOEV, G-BOEW, G-BOEX, G-BOEY & G-BOEZ (R22Bs) arrived January 1988. G-BOAM arrived January 1989.

What was the R22B demonstrater used which I think was written off during an engine-off?

Of course the ghosts & memories of the Bristow FTS now live on in the Bristow Academy.

SASless

18th Feb 2010, 16:01

I ran across some old piccies and 35mm slides last night....the guilty might want to start making their excuses.....Papa Charlie, NAR Rig, Somalia, Skye...and a few other places in between. Will start posting them after I get them scanned.

Tail-take-off

18th Feb 2010, 20:07

What was the R22B demonstrater used which I think was written off during an engine-off?

Would that be the incident where Alan Boswell & Bill Fry were practicing engine offs & un-beknown to them a skid shoe had broken. It subsequently dug in yawed the aircraft & rolled it over. The only injury was incurred as Bill climbed out of the wreckage using Boz's face as a step. He had a bruise in the shape of Bill's size nines.

Hence the http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:_MA3Nh3ZyT4eEM:http://store.wagaero.com/images/products/H-732-000.gif stenciled on his headset!

mtoroshanga

19th Feb 2010, 08:04

Hey SAS, bet you didn't get any pix of the famous 'Hit the Mogadishu Chief Pilot with the radio' competition!!

mtoroshanga

19th Feb 2010, 08:06

Or piss the Chief Pilot off at the ice machine.

SASless

20th Feb 2010, 01:10

Ah yes....scrounge up an ice machine to provide cold beer....and get it hooked up...plumbed up...for free.....and folks moaned. Remember the air conditioners???

The hot tub was a bit of a failure I will have to admit.....now if we could have gotten a sand filter to work.

I still laugh about the night raid where my Second wuz making like Gopher on Lookout.....when told to stop that as he made us look like thieves...."He replied....but we are!" Told him not to let facts get in the way of progress!

Sent all that chow up to Baidoa.....and they complained it was boringly the same.

Nicked the pressure washers and the other kit......and only the Indonesian really used it....what was his name....Timmy or something like that?

I plead the Fifth on the radio bashing thing.

Then there was the stolen Toyota I replaced for B.J.......and got him off the hook for one motor vehicle.

**** Mate but that was good fun until the Count without an O arrived.

Who was it put the Frozen Strawberries in the cupboard so as to chill some beers in the freezer.....and caused the explosion?

If guilty....there would have been a corpse to ship home!

C.C.C.

20th Feb 2010, 04:43

un-beknown to them a skid shoe had broken. It subsequently dug in yawed the aircraft & rolled it over.That's the one although the story was told somewhat differently when I joined the school. They were carrying out mutual instruction and completed an engine-off to the spot (spots were raised metals plates spiked into the grass). As the helicopter ran over the spot a skid shoe got caught causing the skid to fold back and the helicopter rolling onto its side. Could it have been G-BNBT, although I note this continued to be registered until 27/11/1989 - Griffin Helicopters | Accident Details | R22*G-BNBT*29 Feb 1988 (http://www.griffin-helicopters.co.uk/accidentdetails.asp?accidentkey=14550)

Update - it was indeed G-BNBT as posted by soggyboxers back on Page 3 of this thread.

yorel

20th Feb 2010, 14:38

i still have the films and on DVD....Contact yorel :D

Dave Ed

20th Feb 2010, 16:14

Working Wessi

A few black and white pics of Wessexes, from the web site, mostly at work, liftin' stuff!

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Wessex%20black%20and%20white/wesliftwhirl.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Wessex%20black%20and%20white/wessexandvan.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Wessex%20black%20and%20white/wessexart1.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Wessex%20black%20and%20white/wessexart2.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Wessex%20black%20and%20white/wessexart4.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Wessex%20black%20and%20white/wessexart5.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Wessex%20black%20and%20white/wessexart6.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Wessex%20black%20and%20white/wessexart7.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Wessex%20black%20and%20white/wessexart8.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Wessex%20black%20and%20white/wessexdinosaurs.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Wessex%20black%20and%20white/wessexroad.jpg

TipCap

20th Feb 2010, 22:07

Talking about Zagross earlier, I came across these couple of pics in my logbook. Apolgies if I have posted them earlier.

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/205Zagross1.jpg

I note the entry in my logbook "My first crash. Tail rotor drive failure whilst coming into the hover at Zagross, 7200' We had just crew changed from Isfahan. 1215 local 11th February 1971. EP-HAM. I was only a passenger this time"

I believe the pilots were Jaques Gasselin and Hans Strasser but since it is nearly 40 years ago, the memory might be growing a bit dim!!!

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/205Zagross2.jpg

EP-HAM flying again April 1971. I believe "HAM" was an Augusta Bell 204 with the Rolls-Royce Gnome 1000 engine, obtained from Elivie (I think)

John Whale

TipCap

20th Feb 2010, 22:30

A few more pics on the Wessex thread

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/wessexguernsey73aa.jpg

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/wessexguernsey73bb.jpg

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/wessexguernsey73cc.jpg

The above photos were taken whilst doing an underslung task for Guernsey Steel whilst on the Trinity House "run". July 1973

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/wessextrinityhouseguernseyjul73a.jpg

I believe this was at The Casquets resupplying the Lighthouse crews

Regards

John Whale

TipCap

21st Feb 2010, 11:46

A few more photos from Iran, 1969 - 1971

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/lavanws55s31970.jpg

Yours truly with Ws55s3 EP-HAF Lavan island, 1970

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/B206AZagross1971.jpg

AB206A EP-HAY Zagross, 1971

John Whale

Schinthe

21st Feb 2010, 12:26

I get palpitations every time I hear that registration.It was an Agusta 204B and did indeed have a Gnome engine , controlled? , by a computer a la WS55-3. Unfortunately the computer was located in the Hell Hole, and in this machine it was just that. There was no cooler for the TX oil system and TX cooling relied on the flow of air down past the TX and out of the bottom hole, and as a consequence hovering and ground running in the conditions out there required a careful watch on TX oil temps.,as some of you may remember. Just the place to fit a non too reliable computer! As a result the computer failed often , sometimes in the most awkward of situations, and the machine must have spent most of its operational life 'in manual'.
I first came across HAM in Galeh Morghi,it was being prepared to go out on operations and was being particularly contrary, the computer was running away on start up and then wouldn't shut down. On at least two occasions I saw the engine being stopped with CO2 down the intake. It was eventually discovered that the computer power supply had been routed throught the Fuel HP cock and so was not actually being supplied until the cock was switched on thereby not having time to sort itself out before light off. Forget might remember more details,I was just an interested bystander at that time, but I remember that even Bill Barnett was down from the office trying to sort out the beast.
Thereafter it was a very fussy starter as I was to find out first hand when I was sent down to Bushehr to take over from Frank Brimelow. The starting issue was less of a problem at Bushehr since it was rarely shut down on the rig, when we moved to Shiraz however, supporting the Sofiran gas field it became one of many nightmares HAM threw at us. I eventually sorted out the starting problems by fitting an additional Ignitor box and plug, in the process of which I found that I needed to fit the maximum amount of spacers allowed to the ignitor plug on one side , and none on the other, the combustion chamber was distorted, probably due to the unusual shut downs in Galeh Morghi. The computer reliability I never conquered. I would be interested to hear from anyone with subsequent experience of HAM( I left Iran in 1975).

mtoroshanga

22nd Feb 2010, 15:15

I can only agree ref 'AM. It was a real piece of junk. Correct me if 'm wrong but didn't they fly it in manual with no twist-grip throttle, the fuel flow being on a quadrant on the console? I believe Frank is in Australia.

spinwing

22nd Feb 2010, 16:15

Mmmm ....

I seem to recall being told (whilst well lubricated at the Bristow Zoo in Dubai1980) about a 204 with a Gnome engine being used in the Oman as a slinging machine .... was this the one ????

:confused:

AS332L1

22nd Feb 2010, 16:55

I remember HAM in Shiraz one particular occasion after an inspection [which involved cleaning the compressor blades with solvent] the jar used in this inspection was left in the intake and bang yes it was ingested into the engine much to Franks dismay. The only other gnome was on overhaul [at Leavesdon I believe] it took us a while to get the thing back in the air again.
It finally met its demise I think off Busher after an engine failure and a 'mysterious' float deflation [it was on pontoons at the time] resulting in its sinking!

It think the 204 involved in the Oman operation was the other 204 Lycoming powered EP-HBF? both based at Shiraz whilst I was there along with an Allouette III [HBN]

Dave Ed

22nd Feb 2010, 18:28

Great stuff guys....I only met a 204 once - my first overseas posting - leave relief to Ras Shukeir, Egypt, a long time ago. Avionics in those days consisted of a comm and ADF.
Now I work on 4-axis, twin GPS, Satcom, twin Navs, 5 multi-agency comms, NVG, FLIR, Nightsun.................and an ADF! At least we don't have to spend hundreds of man hours a month trying to keep HF comms useable anymore.

Some more pics from the web site....

The S76 collection.....

A variety of places, logos and colour schemes and at least one airframe no longer with us.
Note: the notes that are integral to the pictures may no longer be relative. They were just added to pics with the info I had to hand ten years ago.

Spent part of my apprenticeship on one of these aircraft and it wasn't the 76!

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/The%20S76%20collection/76farnborough.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/The%20S76%20collection/brindisis76.jpg

The Bristow Clubhouse in Dungun Malaysia early nineties including a bar, library, playgroup playground.......

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/The%20S76%20collection/club76.jpg

Somewhere in Nigeria...........

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/The%20S76%20collection/cmagip76.jpg

Den Helder

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/The%20S76%20collection/denhelder2.jpg

A busy Great Yarmouth

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/The%20S76%20collection/gy-fleetlineup.jpg

The ill fated VX.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/The%20S76%20collection/newliverys76.jpg

........and a busy Redhill.............

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/The%20S76%20collection/redhillmh3.jpg

Freezing Romania...

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/The%20S76%20collection/s76_constanta.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/The%20S76%20collection/s76bhbf.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/The%20S76%20collection/s76newlivery.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/The%20S76%20collection/tillbisz86.jpg

TipCap

22nd Feb 2010, 20:49

Hi mtoroshango

No "AM" had a throttle and when the computer didnt work (more often than not) it was just a twist grip.

I remember taking "AY" up to 17500' when I was on my own, between Isfahan and Zagross because the Flight Manual said the max alt for a Jet ranger was 20,000'. Running out of puff (the aircraft, not me because we had oxygen) at 17500', I chickened out when I saw a DC6 on the airways beneath me.

Anyone at Zagross remember the ski lift that we built for recreation on the slope near the base. The pulley wheel was underslung by the 204 at the top of the slope and Schlumberger loaned us a wire line engine which was converted into a ski tow.

John Whale

stacey_s

23rd Feb 2010, 02:59

Hi Spinwing

No that was a Lycoming powered machine with a -13 engine in it, I know I used to hang out of it at that time!

Stacey

spinwing

23rd Feb 2010, 04:21

Mmm ..

Hi Stace .... yeah your prob right .... rem being told about the Gnome machine tho .... you know what its like ..getting 'Old' an' all ..... Ha ha

:\

212man

23rd Feb 2010, 04:33

That photo of 'JT must have been Mike Taylor and me doing it's C of A. I then took it on a fun 10 day trip to Nigeria as 5N-BCT. 10 days to allow for delays that might upset arriving in PH on a set date and time - I can't imagine why! The balance was spent in Accra waiting for said date. As I recall, the weather wasn't quite so cheerful the day I left!

Dave Ed

23rd Feb 2010, 05:26

Keep it simple!

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20misc/uh12andhh.jpg

mtoroshanga

23rd Feb 2010, 06:29

Hi John, yes I remember the skilift, I was in Zagross '72 to 74 then again 75 with and after Derek Cook. Great operation.
Hi Stace, haven't seen you recently.

Alan Biles

23rd Feb 2010, 09:39

"No that was a Lycoming powered machine with a -13 engine in it, I know I used to hang out of it at that time!

Stacey"

Stace - It was a -11B actually with only single-stage gas & power turbines and 'T'-canes instead of fuel nozzles. The -13B had dual turbines and far more grunt. We could have lifted anything with a 13B fitted!

(That I remember this is particularly sad I know)

The aircraft itself was an ex-Trinidad machine (9Y-TEA) and was eventually sold to AirFast, Indonesia.

Loads of pics on this thread around pages 25 - 27.

Thridle Op Des

23rd Feb 2010, 13:35

The matt black 'SZ' was used in the movie version of Freddy Forsyths' 'The Fourth Protocol'. Mike Murphy got to fly under the Humber Bridge (legally)

There is an apocryphal story relating to the water-soluble paint they used for the temporary colour scheme. It was supposedly washable-offable with a small power hose and a toothbrush but allegedly it was left out on the Bristow hanger ramp over one of the hottest weekends of the year and required a full strip and respray (or maybe just a respray;)) Maybe someone can can confirm or deny?

TOD

C.C.C.

23rd Feb 2010, 14:05

under the Humber Bridge (legally)
Quick check on Google has it as the Orwell Bridge just south of Ipswich and if you stop this clip at 2:03 you will see this bridge & an S76 pass below

d01NRFVEA-o

I also heard the same story about the permanent water soluble paint - hopefully someone can confirm this story.

HOGE

23rd Feb 2010, 15:32

*Pedantic mode engage*

I looked up the details of the film on imdb.com, and it shows Martin Forde as the helicopter pilot.
That's not to say Mr Murphy didn't do some of the flying.

*Pedantic mode disengage*:8

C.C.C.

23rd Feb 2010, 16:43

And if you had kept the Pedantic mode engaged you should have said it was actually 2 x S76s which were used, thus Martin in one & Mike in the other.

HOGE

23rd Feb 2010, 16:54

Well, like the man in the orthopaedic shoes, I stand corrected.:)

C.C.C.

23rd Feb 2010, 17:05

And thanks to YouTube here is the proof. Watch this clip from 5:06 onwards -

NiU8xeH2Q9o

Dave Ed

23rd Feb 2010, 17:22

Nic Nicholls videos.

In the early days of putting together the skyweaver website Nic sent me a couple of small video clips which I never really managed to integrate into the website - I basically, didn't really have a clue what I was doing most of the time, having never been naturally IT literate!

I lost Nics e-mail address after a computer crash but if he is still out there - we should track him down and get the rest of his cine-films digitised.

I have just uploaded the very short original clips onto U-tube and will now try and link to them. Another first!

I have added the notes that Nic sent, in the info box on the U-tube pages.

V7kVUKUNs8M

si4Rti8mu2k

Dave Ed

23rd Feb 2010, 17:31

Nic Nicholls video info....

Seemed to work OK but obviously the video info box cannot be viewed from this thread, so:

1. Joe Wright landing at Redhill Aerodrome, winter 1964, after a ferry flight from Dubai.

2. Location Bahrain. Refuelling from cans via chamois leather cloth filters. Whirlwind in Westland colours - no time for respray!

Dave Ed

24th Feb 2010, 17:19

The infamous Bellsky prototype.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20misc/bellsky.jpg

Ainippe

25th Feb 2010, 07:13

The pic of that S76 was taken in Brindisi shortly after the aircraft was converted to an A+. I was engineer on the flight with Bob Winter - was a nice job - around an hour a day at worst. After I left Kev Smith took over and completed the detachment.

We did several detachments with Helitalia using a BHL S76, a Helitalia AB412 with 3B's in it and an ex HKAAF S76A+ in Ancona.

TipCap

25th Feb 2010, 11:04

Whilst technically not a Bristow photo, I came across a photograph of 848 RNAS taken in January 1967 in one of my 7 logbooks!. It is interesting to see how many of these aircrew worked at sometime for Bristows

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv287/kernow_lad/848RNAS.jpg

Some of these, apologies for memory lapses these days, who worked for Bristow/BEAS were:

Brian Bellingham, Dave Goodenough-Bayly, Mike Holcoroft, Martin Wibmer, Geoff Evans, Chris Powell, yours truly, Dave Winter, and Ian Oak-Rhind

John Whale

S61-S92

25th Feb 2010, 11:38

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Broch-P1.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Broch-P2.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Broch-P3.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Broch-P4.jpg

S61-S92

25th Feb 2010, 11:41

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Broch-P5.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Broch-P6.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Broch-P7.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Broch-P8.jpg

S61-S92

25th Feb 2010, 11:43

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Broch-P9.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Broch-P10.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Broch-P11.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Broch-P12.jpg

S61-S92

25th Feb 2010, 11:46

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Broch-P13.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Broch-P14.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Broch-P15.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/Broch-P16.jpg

If anyone wants an image extracted / posted here, then feel free to ask.
:)

Dave Ed

26th Feb 2010, 16:00

The Great Akrotiri Drag Race

As I said in a previous post - I think we can include the FBH fleet in the Bristow thread as the fleet does appear in the current Bristow aircraft whereabouts list AND the "B" in FBH is Bristows.

A video I have just posted on Daily Motion.
I am not sure if this video ever made it around the helicopter world. I have no idea who owns the copyright. It deserves to be out there - a great video with some excellent editing.

Dailymotion - The Great Akrotiri Drag Race - a Auto-Moto video (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcd7pr_the-great-akrotiri-drag-race_auto)

SASless

26th Feb 2010, 16:32

Next thing you know it will be a Smart Car and a Robbie R-22 pairing off!

Or a Ferrari and a Lynx perhaps!:ok:

Dave Ed

26th Feb 2010, 19:25

Having just returned from a pretty good Italian meal washed down by a good Chianti, the dog asleep by my side and Jan watching "Coup" next to the dog.....

Bristow Bars and favourite watering holes

It is quite probable that had Bristow Helicopters set up a worldwide chain of bars and restaurants then we would be sitting on a small fortune by now. The Bristow Bars were an important part of the community providing somewhere to whine over a few cold beers as well as providing facilities such as snooker tables, barbecues, video rooms, libraries and even playgroups.
These pictures are dedicated to all the people that spent a lot of their own time building and running these bars and clubs.
Also included are some of the more popular bars and restaurants that staff used to frequent. As there are 46 pics sucked from the web site I will spread them over a few postings and no particular order / base.

I "invested" a lot of my time at number 17 Warri. Great memories.... This was my first long term posting, thanks to an nasty incident in No.17 where, as a result, the avionic engineer was removed from the country pretty sharpish.

.....the indoor barbecue....... OK until the giant extractor fan failed!

.........sawing the heads and tails off huge Baracudas so they would fit in the freezer ready for "Fish and Chip" nights.

........the "test flight" to the SKOL brewery in the middle of Nigerian nowhere ......the brewmasters being from Horley in Surrey!!!!

....... trying to re-seat a leaking cork in a newly collected barrel of SKOL, pushing the cork into the barrel, blinding myself with a hyper-sonic jet of beer and flooding the No.17 stock room, along with thousands of contraband cigs!!

........ and in the early days of looking after keg beer, getting the check 2 team wrecked on neat alcahol, after unknowingly freezing a barrel, and serving extremely strong SKOL ..... some would say - a vast improvement on the extremely weak SKOL.

.......etc etc .... just normal Bristow Bar stuff :)

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/17warri.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/Natilies.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/abraka.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/abrandc.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/abzoo4.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/almirante_group.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/argentinagroup.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/avionicsxmas2002.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/bar_calabar.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/bar_das.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/bar_deedays.jpg

....more to follow

C.C.C.

26th Feb 2010, 19:37

Interesting video Dave, but it looks like a BBC production with the lack of consistency.

412 starts off with an apparent empty cabin on LHS, loses the winch after the fly-by, then winch re-appears with rescue equipment, etc. in LHS of cabin as it finally lands. And in the closing shot the winch has disappeared again.

At least it was all done for a charitable cause.

Dave Ed

26th Feb 2010, 19:58

Bars 2

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/bar_edmilsons.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/bar_globehotel.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/bar_sorayas.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/barduriin.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/barlagos.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/barmj.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/bugistreet.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/chcambodiana.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/chesaakpan.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/chinabeachbar.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/club61.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/eket_group_big.jpg

Dave Ed

26th Feb 2010, 20:14

Bars 3

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/falk6.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/huffco_bar.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/kdbushbar.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/kdfloatel.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/kp58.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/kraaandag.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/mayflower.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/nigerparty.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/no34housebar.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/pakawong1.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/pg1.jpg

Dave Ed

26th Feb 2010, 20:29

Bars 4 - the final seqwil

....anymore lurking in old photo albums?

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/pg2.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/pg3.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/pg4.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/poshbar.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/renaissancebar.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/rhavionicxmas.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/sumburghhotel1.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/unstbar.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/uplandgoosegroup.jpg

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/wtbar1.jpg
http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20Bars/wtbar2.jpg

Cheers!

js0987

27th Feb 2010, 11:52

I have many fond memories of the "Wooden Bar" and especially the "Concrete Bar" in Abu Dhabi in the mid 70's. Alan Saunders and Alan Elgee had a nice cinderblock bar in their flat in the Al Khouri building. Spent countless hours in the Concrete Bar explaining the superiority of all things American to John Truslove.

Oldlae

27th Feb 2010, 21:21

js0978.
Like you I have very good memories of the concrete and wooden bars, I still have a tankard given to me for buying 200 beers in a month. Note buying, not drinking. I wish I had taken a photo of the bars, the concrete bar was fashioned from breeze blocks and the wooden bar was erected by a local builder. Sadly, Alan Saunders is no longer with us.

Dave Ed

28th Feb 2010, 17:40

Just received this U-tube vid from AJ.

Brings make memories of flying at tree top height in a 212, along the Warri river system, pretending we were in "Apocalyse Now"!! I was a door gunner :)

lUU0z9l-_fA&feature=email

Dave Ed

28th Feb 2010, 17:56

Brings back memories.......

Rule one. Don't post on PPrune after having a few beers watching the Carling Cup final at the neighbours!

tu154

28th Feb 2010, 19:26

Natalies of Atyrau. I remember when it was the only bar in Atyrau an expat could go into...

Dave Ed

1st Mar 2010, 07:30

Another from AJ.

"Flight low along coast and back to Funiwa"

SyWq7pcdwQc&feature=email

If there is one perk I have really enjoyed during my helicopter career - it was having the opportunity to experience some awesome helicopter flights - especially the ones away from the regulators and rule makers!
D ed.

Ainippe

1st Mar 2010, 08:09

Well I can own up that the lady in the Panama picture pouring a beer is my mother !!!!!!!! Mary Strange ( I was 3 at the time)

A picture from Warri - with a liitle guy glaring at the camera white shirt and grey slacks - Claude Pujol.

The Eket picture was of Jeremy Wright(RIP) giving the "Major" the 9mm finger.

Thridle Op Des

1st Mar 2010, 10:23

Maybe CCC can help me with the name of the Loadmaster (Dave?)
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa266/thridleopdes/PK-HCF.jpg

C.C.C.

1st Mar 2010, 10:53

It is Dave 'Di the Load' Thomas. Posted a photo of him back on Page 34 of this thread.

Satcop

1st Mar 2010, 14:34

Here are a couple of ex BHL S61 passing through Redhill in 2005.

http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy141/Satcop/9MBED/9MBED-5.jpg

http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy141/Satcop/9MBED/9MBED-4.jpg

pstjgw

1st Mar 2010, 15:00

That's Barry Asquith behind the Calabar bar.

The bar doesn't look that anymore but it's still a very good "Bristow Bar" in the old tradition!

Dave Ed

1st Mar 2010, 16:22

Ainippe........

Panama Picture
"Well I can own up that the lady in the Panama picture pouring a beer is my mother !!!!!!!! Mary Strange ( I was 3 at the time)"

So, is the woman in this picture the same one?
or another mother of a Strange son?

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Bristow%20people/Bourneairfield1960.jpg

Anyone recognise this future Bristow Engineer?

Dave Ed

1st Mar 2010, 16:48

Hiller 12E Recovery.

Thanks to Larry Coram for this anecdote.

From a picture provided by Don Strange's wife we can date the pictures to March 1964.

Hiller 12E, 5N-AGC, piloted by Ken Smith forced landed in secondary growth just short of mature trees due to an engine failure caused by a con rod big end cap bolt failure which was prevalent on the Lycoming V0540 at that time. The area had to be cleared of dense bush to enable the Widgeon to land.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Hiller%2012E%20recovery/lchr1.jpg

Larry with his team dismantling the Hiller into manageable pieces to enable transport by the Widgeon to Warri Airstrip. Back of photo: "LHC in his smart hat, I recall it was bloody hot! Vitus and Raffles are in the picture."

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Hiller%2012E%20recovery/lchr2.jpg

Widgeon 5N-ABV with the Hiller tailcone securely strapped in the cabin and ready for lift out.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Hiller%2012E%20recovery/lchr3.jpg

The Twin Pioneer (Bristows) 5N-ABQ had transported a replacement engine and other parts to Warri where the Hiller was reassembled and flown back to Port Harcourt by Ken Smith with Larry Coram as passenger.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Hiller%2012E%20recovery/lchr4.jpg

Job well done. Ded.