Bristow Photos

[Rhys Perraton]

Hello John, Rhys here.

[email protected]

[griffothefog]

I seem to recall whirlybirds in sumburgh dishing out really crappy orange survival suits in about 77-78, but can't swear they were the first. I know alot of the guys were trying to get into Jenny's suit !!:ok:

[3D CAM]

Ahhhh..... Jenny wet suit.:D:D:D
3D..;)

[Dave Ed]

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Whirlwind/scan25.jpg


http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Whirlwind/scan26.jpg

[Dave B]

The above picture reminds me of the time I was in the club cinema at Port Harcourt, in the early seventies watching one of those rubbish James Bond type spin off films that were around at the time.
If my memory serves me correctly. the hero was played by Dene Martin.

At the end of the film, our hero was floating around in the ocean in a life raft, when what should come chugging into view but FH. The last time I had seen it was looking sad outside the Redhill hanger.

The rest of the aedience was amused at my cheering, and justiculating, "theres FH"

[hoveratsix]

When I started at Aberdeen in 1971 as a co-pilot, there was just VR-BDU which became G-AZNE later ditched by Russ Smith and John McGregor (sadly both no longer with us) off the Glomar North Sea. The second S61 was G-AZDC, the Elivie rebuild carried out at Redhill which arrived around 25 Jan 1972. That was about the time that the first Bristow hangar was finished. Before that, most maintenance was done outside and the office/crew room/check-in was the old RAF Dyce Station Headquarters building. Aah, the days of Decca plots and Spilsbury Tindall HF aerial tuning! Bill Law, Gabby Gaard, Bob Balls and even Alastair Gordon. Mike Green was the only other co-pilot in the very early days, if I remember correctly.

[Eket]

Hey . I just heard that the chief Eng . Lee Bannister had died from Cancer .

Had a few laughs with him in Eket , PH and Lagos too ..... decent bloke , sadly missed .

Hope his missis will be ok ?

[John Eacott]

G-AVNE last year, under restoration at Weston-super-Mare

http://gallery.mac.com/johneacott/101465/DSCN4878/web.jpg

[TipCap]

Picked up from the Press & Journal and passed to me by Peter Donaldson

Notice of Death: MCKILLIGIN Stewart Fiddes, of Helendale House, Lerwick, Shetland, peacefully, on Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Acknowledgement: MCKILLIGIN The family of the late Stewart Fiddes McKilligin would like to thank all relatives, friends and neighbours for their kind expressions of sympathy extended to them by cards, flowers and phone calls following their sad loss. Thanks to Alan Richardson for conducting the service, to Goudie's (Shetland) and Ian Esslemont (Huntly) for efficient funeral arrangements, to The Forbes Arms Hotel, Rothiemay for a lovely tea, and to all who paid their last respects at the chapel and graveside. Sadly missed.

It is sad to report the death of Stew McKilligin (RIP) from ill health at the age of 70. Stew was Chief Pilot of Qaleh Morgi in Iran when I arrived there in 1969. I know he also was CP at Unst on the S61N in the early days

Peter Donaldson, Dave Smith, Malcolm Mead and Richard Hambly were present at the funeral representing those from Bristow Past.

JohnW

[Tail-take-off]

I flew Stuart in Unst in the mid 90's when he returned from Kerteh. A real character. He was number one on the senior captains list at the time.

I'm sad to hear of his death.

[3D CAM]

B****y hell, yet another gent departs.:sad: What a character! I also knew Stewart in Unst, fine times!
RIP.

3D

[Kiltie]

TipCap

John Allerton finished his career with British Regional on the 146 some years ago circa 2002/3. As far as I know he stays local to Aberdeen and is a skilled metalworker in his shed.

[TipCap]

Thanks Kiltie

Yes I remember "101" was pretty skilled outwith flying. It is nice to know he is still local and not done a "runner" like some of us!!

JohnW

[industry insider]

Wasn't it more like wuun oh wuun....

Remember old grumpy Jim in the radio room.....I used to dread being on radio room duty as a co pilot when old Jim was on duty...he was a good guy but didn't like co pilots much!

[hoveratsix]

Remember Kedge Good and then Jack Westwell?
DC

[ken knight]

I was sorry to hear about Stewart McKilligin, he was a great guy. He was based in the early days here at Aberdeen. Kedge Good, a real gent, as I recall wore a cravat most if not all of the time while he was working in the radio room which at the time was located in the corner of the original hanger here at Aberdeen. Nobody will ever forget Jack Westwell, handlebar mouser and little orange beetle. Even after he retired he still came back to see us every so often. These guys, among many others, were real characters and made Aberdeen what it was. I met Malcolm Mead last year at a charity day in Dyce and this Wednesday bumped into Fred Small at B&Q, looking good and keeping occupied by sailing and touring, still lives in Aberdeen.

[Dave Ed]

.....and a miscellaneous collection, which are the last of the Bristow archive photos I was sent by my undercover operatives at Redhill. There are a few slides to post when I get a minute to scan them on my cheapo Maplins slide scanner.


http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Miscellaneous%20group/scan10.jpg


http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Miscellaneous%20group/scan24.jpg


http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Miscellaneous%20group/scan27.jpg


http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Miscellaneous%20group/scan29.jpg


http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Miscellaneous%20group/scan30.jpg


http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Miscellaneous%20group/scan9.jpg

[heli1]

Nice to see the pictures in the recent thread of G-ANFH ( now looking very sorry for itself at The Helicopter Museum awaiting some kind retired people to volunteer to restore it ..any room at Aberdeen or Redhill where more bodies might come forward and be available ??),G-AODA (also at the Museum but in fine fettle(),Wessex GAVNE (Progressing slowly..but mainly now in the rebuild stage) and the Widgeon ,mostly restored now but still looking for a couple of the cockpit glazings to be replaced...the curved ones unfortunately ).

[fredsgrandaughter]

enjoying to see them photos:ok:

Have someone any photos of frederick .W. Legrys as i don't have any photos when he was young .

Thank you muchly

[Fareastdriver]

Just as a change from dragging through the black & white achives here are a couple of shots from Briistows recent operation for RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands).

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/fareastdriver/PumainHanger.jpg

That used to be GTIGU once upon a time.

A very select bunch of pilots and engineers flew on this most Easterly of Bristow operations. Twenty-four hour Casvac and SAR cover for over a thousand islands. For this there was Nitesun, sponson and internal overload fuel tanks and GPS suitable for airfield approaches.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee224/fareastdriver/PumaonBeach.jpg

On a beach by a police station on the South side of Guadalcanal. One of our tasks was to undersling 6 barrels of diesel to Rennel Island some 125 nm south. The departure was at 20,000lbs, a climb to 7,000 over the mountain range and then down to 2,000 ft, 90 knots across the sea. Drop it, land to unload the internal cargo and then fly back without refuelling.

For those who have been to Belize; there are worse places.

[Dave Ed]

Totally agree with Fareastdriver.
We need some good pics of Bristows current aircraft and operations. Having exhausted the Bristow archive collection for now I will take a sabatical while I prepare my house for selling!

[Yellow & Blue Baron]

Here are some to get you started. Hopefully someone can come up with contract details:

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/5/3/9/1686935.jpg (http://www.pprune.org/photo/Bristow-Helicopters/Eurocopter-EC-155B-1/1686935/L/&sid=c77f7827d6ebe84ff40cef0b808fad8f)

G-ISSV DHR Netherlands

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/8/3/4/1662438.jpg (http://www.pprune.org/photo/Bristow-Helicopters/Agusta-AW-139/1662438/L/&sid=c77f7827d6ebe84ff40cef0b808fad8f)

N208YS Downtown Houston

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/0/7/7/1661770.jpg (http://www.pprune.org/photo/Bristow-Helicopters/Sikorsky-S-76C++/1661770/L/&sid=c77f7827d6ebe84ff40cef0b808fad8f)

G-KAZA MLA Malta

[agent 99]

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii224/waldorf76/074.jpg

EC225 in Australia.

[Urshtnme]

Anyone here working on Barrow Island, Western Australia?

[Katell Nixon]

Hello Saint Jack:

I apologize for the delay in responding. work has been quite busy. My Father Yves Le Roi came to Canada in the early sixties and yes, he worked for Bow Helicopters in Calgary, Canada in the sixies and moved over to Okanagan in sixties.

He did however go all over the world especially ASIA such as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, during the late 60s and 70s working for Okanagan.

He was transferred to Base Manager in 1973 and we lived in Inuvik, North West Territories for 3 years before coming to Vancouver where he started the Engine Shop in 1978.

He was based in Canada that entire time, but did travel there periodically to recruite technicians, mostly in Asia.

He worked till the Early 90s during the Name change to Canadian Helicopters and then left Canadian to work for Bell Helicopters in Amsterdam for a few years before coming back to Canada. He then went and worked in our Prince Edward Island Division in the Mid 90s and came back to Vancouver once again. He then went and worked for Coulson Aircrane on Vancouver Island for a few years to help them set up a repair shop. He came back and did some consulting work for Vector Aerospace in early 2000s before finally retiring.

He is well, lives in Aldergrove, British Columbia with his wife Francoise (yes coincidence the wives both have the same name) and has 5 children and 6 grandchildren which are all visiting right now during this summer

He just turned 75 this year. He is doing well, in good health.

I will let me know about you.

Regards

Katell

[Katell Nixon]

Hi:

I'm over at my dad's and yes he does remember Russ Shand and has a very high opinion of him. I'm going to get my dad to sign up to this Network as there are so many great pictures and contact for his to stroll down memory lane.

Thanks again.

Katell

[Dave Ed]

A couple of pics courtesy of Dave Gash...

"The S-58's seemed to have a main transmission problem. This was taken possibly in 1977 at Sumburgh. G-BCDE and G-BCDF."

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Dave%20Gash/S58s.jpg


"The S-76 had a main transmission problem and was shipped back to Great Yarmouth. Circa 1987."

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Dave%20Gash/S76crane.jpg

[ifsknt]

G-BJVZ had an MGB chip and had to be brought back by boat. That was an unusual S-76 in the Bristow fleet and it had Fuel Pressure gauges not Fuel Flow gauges like the rest of the fleet. S/N 84 if I remember. It also had 4 car type doors and no RH slider. It must have come from the GOM at sometime.

[Fareastdriver]

I picked up VZ in Antwerp from the Ro Ro. It still had traces of its pre-Bristow paint job in the door liners. Somebody told me it had started off life with the FAA.
It had pressure guages, normal A/H and low-tech HSI. The navaids, twin VOR/ILS with OBS presentation were U/S. It had the small, low centre coaming with a blanking plate for the Litton and the tyres were flat. Luckily I was flying back with Avgas who had a normal example except the Litton did not work. As the weather was not very marvelous it was, or I, decided to fly to Gatwick as his No2 in formation as he had an engineer who could watch me.
His tyres were flat too so we hover taxiied and punched out of Antwerp. VZ was making all the right noises so I settled down in a loose echelon. Pre-start I had stacked the usual 20 Bensons and lighter at the back of the centre consol so in the cruise I reached down to light up.
They weren't there! The reason was that there was a gap at the back of the Litton blanking plate and they had both slid in to the depths of the consol. I could not possibly survive the trip to Gatwick without them plus they were a loose article hazard. We were issued in those days with a circular four-blade miniture screwdriver thingy to undo the Dzus faseners on the doghouse so I wielded this, undid the blanking plate and recovered said items from a tangle if wiring; at the same time keeping two rotor spans from Avgas.
However, it was not finished. Duing my exertions my maps had slid off the left hand seat and had fallen between the seat and the LH collective. Fortunately being a low consol I could unstrap, park my backside on the consol and lean over and recover said items; at the same time keeping two rotor spans from Avgas.
After a welcome fag the trip continued without incident until we crossed the FIR boundary and then the weather socked in. As we were above cloud and I had no navaids we ended up doing a formation ILS to Gatwick. The cloud was pretty thick on the slope so I had to close up to a span and a bit. It was OK for me; flying in cloud in close proximity with another aircraft whilst he was flying a GCA or ILS was common in the RAF but I could see the engineer in Avgas's aircraft was having kittens.
To get an idea of how much work had to be put into it to make it like a standard S76A I picked it up from Antwerp on 10th February 1982 and it wasn't until June 24th that I went to Redhill to start the post-reassembly airtests.

[TipCap]

Katell

Give your Dad my regards. Having worked for Bristows for over 40 years, I knew a lot of the "Old Timers".

I am reading Alan Bristows Autobiography at the moment and it is scary how many people I knew from when I joined the Company in 1968

John Whale

[yorel]

dear john,i am the other yves LE ROY that you probably have known;have been with bristow from 1959 in bolivia to1985 in malaysia;regards

[yorel]

je suis yves le roy;nous t'avons connu tout petit;notre meilleur souvenir à ton pére:ok:

[Earl of Rochester]

If this has already been posted then my apologies, in the meantime:

http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~carlo/BI/Bell-206-Jetranger-Barrow-Is-1979-CKopp-2S.jpg

VH-BHL at Barrow Island c. 1980 - Looking more like a hovercraft than a helicopter!

http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~carlo/BI/Bell-206-Jetranger-Barrow-Is-1979-CKopp-3S.jpg

The deflation caused by the giant engineer on the starboard float is impressive - as is the pilot's eagreness to exit the craft whith blades turning - although to be fair they are probably winding down!

Earl

[Tail-take-off]

more like those above here Barrow Island Image Gallery (http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~carlo/barrow-island-aviation.html)

[The Plumber]

Although OF came back to Aberdeen quickly, there was a spin-off. The US agent for the chap who owns Victoria's Secrets and a heap of other US retail brands, liked the Norsk style high back cabin seats. They bought the a/c, reregistered it as G-LAWS and Bristow operated it for almost 7 game murdering seasons until he switched to the S92. Due to an unusual lack of Redhill foresight ("Bristow will never operate the S92!") the contract was handed to Harrods. LAWS became DAWS now with Tony Jones out of Penzance. Why didn't it revert to OF?

[Tail-take-off]

Now registered G-VIPZVU

[ABZSpotter]

Tail Take-off. Bit behind the times as G-VIPZ was registered N408SC with Carson Helicopters on 15 Jun 2010. Believe G-BDOC and G-BDIJ are following sometime soon.

[Tail-take-off]

Almost a month since the last posting on here. Tell me we haven't run out of photos.

[Blackhorse]

I was with Offshore Helicopters in Sabine Pass Texas but left prior to the purchase by Bristow. It was short lived as I think the Gulf of Mexico was a somewhat different enviroment to make money. Anyway does anyone have any pictures from that time? I would love to view them.

Clint Polansky

[ken knight]

There are some pics posted by me some time ago of all the ops on the Gulf coast, mainly machines at Sabine. Look at posts by me to see them, if there is a problem let me know and I will repost.

[fredsgrandaughter]

Hi great photos thanks for sharing :ok:

Have googled my granddads records and have found that he was flying the

Sikorsky S-76 A
Registered 'G-BHBF'

in year 1980

doe someone god a photo off that helicopter,And can i please copy it thanks

[bottom rung]

There is a pic on G-INFO but judging by the paint scheme it is quite recent:
Photograph of Aircraft G-BHBF (http://www.caa.co.uk/applicationmodules/ginfo/ginfo_photo.aspx?regmark=G-BHBF&imgname=G-BHBF001&imgtype=jpg)

[S61-S92]

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

[Vascoingles]

Thanks for that S61-S92

[fredsgrandaughter]

Thanks S61-S92

[S61-S92]

Very Nice picture of G-BHBF from that period, here;)

Photos: Sikorsky S-76A Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Bristow-Helicopters/Sikorsky-S-76A/1053468/L/)

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/8/6/4/1053468.jpg

We did not hold the Speed Record for very long ... one month later it was taken by F-WZJJ, c/n 6001, Aérospatiale's first production SA365N, Dauphin 2

[Earl of Rochester]

http://www.abpic.co.uk/images/images/1257751M.jpg (javascript:popUp('/popup.php?q=1257751'))

AB 206B VR-BDY at Dubai International Aiport (DXB) April 1977

[ken knight]

Not seen much posted on this thread recently so here are one or two pics of aircraft that passed through Aberdeen heavies over the years or have visited. Any corrections to the info given appreciated.

Bell 214ST demonstartor
http://i806.photobucket.com/albums/yy348/balmedie3169/kens%20bristow%20pics/img361.jpg


Saudia? 214ST
http://i806.photobucket.com/albums/yy348/balmedie3169/kens%20bristow%20pics/img388.jpg

http://i806.photobucket.com/albums/yy348/balmedie3169/kens%20bristow%20pics/img389.jpg

[Thridle Op Des]

The 214ST demo machine would have been in the area about Aug 1979, I remember sitting in some greasy spoon in the middle of Horley when I heard the 'ST' got airborne in the Redhill circuit and came down the London-Brighton rail line on the usual westerlies active SVFR Gatwick clearance @ 1500'. Little old ladies fainted in the street, I thought it was tremendous, 'Apocalypse Now' had also just been released and I got a first hand illustration of huge masses of air being moved about.

The Viscount (I can almost remember the operator but with gray cell mass extinction...) and the CAAs' HS748 make a nice backdrop.

TOD

[excrewingbod]

RH2 - One of the Sete Aviation VVIP machines for the Royal Flight in Jeddah. RH1 and HB-XOV were the other VVIP 214STs in the fleet.

Nice to see a picture of it, considering my pops spent the twilight of his career out in Jeddah looking after the beasts, until the Jeddah operation was closed down in 2008.

[parabellum]

The Viscount was operated by Alidair!

Vickers Viscount Owner/Operator Fleet List (http://www.vickersviscount.net/Pages_Listings/Listings_Owner.aspx)

[Tacho Genny]

Ainippe from your post No.1004,8th Oct 2009

Quote...

"As life was a bit monotonous we were always playing practical jokes on people - we decided that our CP Ken Osbourne should get up early one morning even though he was due to lay in - we started a Cobra drill in his tent at 5 a.m. to much swearing and shouting. However two days later he then flew a 212 over our tents at 5.30 a.m. and blew us all into the surrounding sand whilst blissfully asleep!! Aaaah those were the days. Gachs Saran - now theres a nother story"

I was the loadmaster on that flight unless it was done more than once.

Ken's tent was just behind mine and I was woken up by people tripping over my guy ropes and a cobra drill starting up so I got up to watch.As we were on dawn launch the next morning he got me to position us over the line of tents blowing Jim Ayer's down and several others.

Great times.

Cheers

Nigel Elliot

[Brilliant Stuff]

Is that Cobra the snake?:O

[Ainippe]

Hi Nigel,

yes that was an amusing morning - I remember it fondly. I also seem to remember the germans building a swimming pool of some sorts at that site - or is that my imagination?

Nick Strange

[Tacho Genny]

Hi Nick,

Yep they did. I have some pics somewhere and I'll try and put them up here. I'll pm u my phone number. I'm down flying out of LGW quite a bit so it'd be good to catch up.

[carholme]

Hi:

I'm over at my dad's and yes he does remember Russ Shand and has a very high opinion of him. I'm going to get my dad to sign up to this Network as there are so many great pictures and contact for his to stroll down memory lane.

Thanks again.

Katell;

If you are still reading this, tell your Dad that I talked to Russ in Thailand a few days ago and he is doing very well, I talk to him a few times a year and will advise him that things are well with Yves.

Regards

carholme

[500 Fan]

Does anyone have any details on the Bristow operation based in Cork in 1971 or there abouts? It involved a Series 60 Wessex and was presumably connected with the Kinsale Gas Platform. Any photos, registration of the machine(s) involved or any other information at all on this operation would be most welcome. Thanks.

500 Fan.

[S61-S92]

500

My records show the Wessex 60 based (one at a time) in Cork were

April 1970 G-ATCB
May to Nov 1970 G-ASWI
Dec 1970 to Nov 1971 G-ATCB (Marathon)

:8 Hope that helps !

[500 Fan]

S-61, thanks for the quick reply and the info.

500 Fan.

[Thridle Op Des]

Arr, I was there in my short trousers, John French was the Ch Eng AFAIR. I will try and find out who the other pilots were, Doc has JC's logbook so he should know.

TOD

[1helicopterppl]

I've seen some earlier posts on Bristow ops in Ghana, initially Accra then later Takoradi. pics showed two 76A's BJFL & BJGX around 2009.

I wonder if somebody could update the situation ? I understand 76A BVKP is being restored ex Nigeria for ops in Takoradi & is to be joined by a new 76C++ being delivered from States on G-reg, possibly CGRK.

Could somebody who is based in Ghana please update on any UK reg heli's based ? & if possible provide some more pics, especially the new 76C++.

Also I understand Bristow are due to start ops in Equitorial Guinea with 76A, possibly BJGX ex Norwich, as above could somebody based in Equitorial Guinea provide details of any UK reg heli's based & please advise base location.

Sorry if I appear to be an heli annorak....I confess !

[Tail-take-off]

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

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

from ??? ??? ??? ???? ?? (http://blog.joinsmsn.com/media/folderlistslide.asp?uid=ohpax&folder=64&list_id=11456025&page=21)

[Singam]

Hi.I am new to this forum and would like to now if anyone here has served in Bristow Helicopters Malaysia at Kuala Trengganu? or better known as KT.

My dad work with BHL from April 1974 to its take over in 1980s.His name is Thanapalasingam or Singam for short.He was trained in Redhill and Aberdeen between 1975 and 1976.

Mr.John Cotton was one of his instructors.

Regards.

[ken knight]

Yes, I remember your Dad and some of the other guys who came across from Malaysia in the early 70's, cannot put any names to them now except I do remember Singam. If I recall he was on the same shift as myself, Tanzy Lea and others during his time at Aberdeen. Remember them bring in Malay spices wrapped in newspaper, made delicious curry.

[Phil Kemp]

Hi Singam;

I worked with Singam in the early 80's when I lived in KT and later Kerteh. I last saw him a couple of years ago in KL. There are quite a few old KT hands here on PPRuNe - I have lots of good memories from there and have been back a couple of times to visit and see all the changes.

Does anyone know if John Cotton is still around - he was my instructor when I was an apprentice. We share the same birthday, just different years!

[stacey_s]

Hi Phil

Last I heard (sometime ago now) he was still instructing part time.

Stacey

[stix]

Love the photos, keep em up

[Singam]

Hi Mr.Knight,
sorry for the rather late reply.Just finished a hectic semester at University.Yes,Dad remembers you and I just mailed home the books on BHL and Sir Alan Bristow.It has taken him back more than 30 years.

Anyways,Merry Christmas to you and Happy New Year!

[Singam]

Hi Mr.Kemp,
Sorry for the late reply.Just finished a hectic semester at University.He remembers you of course.

He is doing alright back in Kuala Lumpur and is still going at it on the helicopters.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[Rosh]

Merry Christmas to you all from the Bristow team here operating in the Baltic sea. (Dotting around between Sweden, Finland, and Denmark)

Have a good one wherever you are.

A couple of festive pictures taken yesterday while operating from Bornholm, Denmark.

Just don't tell your kids that Santa is actually brown, doesn't have a beard, and uses an AS332L, instead of magical reindeer and a sleigh!

He does, however, still have a pot belly due to Danish beer and pastries!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/rjaypalan/_DSC9455.jpg





http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/rjaypalan/_DSC8924.jpg


To friends and colleagues at Bristow Aberdeen. Thinking of you during this untimely, uncertain period.

Here's hoping for a good 2011.

Rosh

[TipCap]

As always, Rosh, great photos.

No snow here in Pembrokeshire yet this year. Keeps missing us and heading for Swansea and Cardiff.

I miss flying but when I see the weather the lads have had up in Aberdeen then I don't miss the hassle of "freezing" levels, significant ice, snoclo's. lack of diversions etc etc. :D

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a good Christmas and a happy and safe New Year. I'm keeping an eye on you!!!!!!! :)

Nadolig Llawen a Yaer Newydd Dda o Sir Benfro

John Whale

[Flap 5]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/rjaypalan/_DSC9455.jpg




"Look mum no hands!"

Or ...

"OMG! The F/O's flying it again!"

Was it not a caption competition?

[XONBOY]

Hi Everyone. Im new to this thread. Amazing Bristow photos and Information. Its really strange to see the Aircraft from the Biafra war as I have pics of my dad standing beside them and his log book from the evacuations. The pictures of Eket were great. I stood on that airfield as a kid in 1975. Also the information on the Iran Incident. I believe my father was one of the Doha based engineers (I think he was chief engineer at the time) when some of the helicopters landed there, as I think he got flak from the Authorities about it. Anyway I have loads of photos that my father took from the early 60's -late 70's in Africa through to the Middle East. As he took the photos hes not in most of them. I was wondering if any of the older pilots or engineers remembered him? Thanks for your time.
Sean

[XONBOY]

Hi There.
I was wondering if you knew Patrick O'Mara who was also an Engineer at this time and Stationed in Doha and I understand was involved in some way in the retrieval of these aircraft from Iran?
Would be interesting if anyone had some stories about him. He died in the early eighties. He would have been 78 this year and was with Alan Bristow at the foundation of Bristow Helicopters.
Best
Sean

[419]

He would have been 78 this year and was with Eric Bristow at the foundation of Bristow Helicopters.


I don't remember ever seeing Eric in the hangar at Redhill or Aberdeen!

http://www.thecnj.com/review/2009/011509/images/books011509_03.jpg Eric Bristow.


But I do recall meeting this gentleman once or twice.

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01393/bristow_1393931c.jpg Alan Bristow.

[Tail-take-off]

Hi Sean

Take no notice of the above post. I wonder if 419 can remember the first name of the person his father worked for 40 years ago.

I didn't join Bristows until the late 80s so didn't know your father. However I would be fascinated to see any of his photos posted here.

Regards

TTO

[419]

I wonder if 419 can remember the first name of the person his father worked for 40 years ago.


Not a chance, but If I tried and made a mistake and printed the wrong name, I wouldn't have any objection to anyone pointing out the error. (after all, if it's never pointed out, you could spend your whole life with incorrect info)

[mtoroshanga]

And the Alouette 3 behind Alan is the one I was about to go to Greenland with!!

[Dave B]

I slightly knew your father Sean, I was working at Redhill when he took up the position at Dhohar, I remember that those who knew him well were shocked at his sudden passing.

If you can upload some of the photos, I am sure that lots of information will be forthcoming.

[Tony Mabelis]

I remember Paddy O'Mara, as I was working with him in Dubai at the time, a very nice guy!!
It was a great shock to everyone on the operation when he passed away while on leave.
Tony

[XONBOY]

419 has clearly sniffed to much aviation fuel/aircraft oil. Well they did use it to pack the sand down around the airfields in Doha. :) I can still smell in now.
Thank you all for your kind words. the information on this thread has been valuable and glad to see ur all still going. Yep dad did'nt expect to go either.
I'm sure he had some great stories but I obviously cant ask him.
He had just been on training courses in USA for the Bell spirit if I remember correctly when he passed away. Worked to hard I think, and burst a gasket so to speak. Since I was a kid when He died I was trying to piece his journey through life. He left behind a lot of very interesting paper work. I still have all the old Westland 55 and Bell maintenance manuals as well as life jackets etc from that time plus a very interesting log book which includes biafra. Great old stuff. It was amazing to see the image of the camo Riley Dove 5N-AGF. I have the instruction manuals for that aircraft and a photo of my dad and another posing in what looks like pilot uniforms in front of it when it had a Bristow Livery. In his log book the evac flights are there for this aircraft so he was clearly on board up to no good not listening to the authorities. My mum was pregnant with me at the time so I was not born in Nigeria like my brother as...well we were evacuated.
Since you are interested I will start to see which images I can find. I have alot but currently in storage. They go back to the early 60's. The images of the 205's and westland s/55's bring back so many memories as we spent our summer holidays flying around in them. I remember to get to Eket in 1975 we went via a DC3 from Port harcourt / Lagos?, just the family and the pilot...the madman even let me take the controls...But anyway great to hear your words, much appreciated. I suppose most of the guys who would have worked directly with dad are hopefully enjoying retirement, but if you hear of anyone who worked with him,would love to know. My brother keep a bit of the helicopter tradition and got his rotor licence. Thanks again.:ok:

[XONBOY]

Hi Tony...were you working with him at the Dubai Airwing?

[XONBOY]

419 in Relation to Eric V Alan...yea it was a bit late when I typed that out but I think they both liked playing darts from what I remember ;) but since you met Alan once or twice maybe you might have some other useful information that may be helpful to me:confused:

[Tony Mabelis]

Hello Xonboy,

Yes I was working with him at the Dubai Airwing, I worked for BHL for 12 years, before going direct contract on the Airwing fixed wing aircraft.
At the time your Dad was the Chief Engineer, I was already direct contract, but was operating out of the same small corrugated hangar that the Helis used.
Regarding the Riley Dove, your father told me that the twin Pioneers used to shed cylinders regularly due to shock cooling in the heavy rain in the wet season.
Of course this was before the Biafran war, and one of the jobs for the Dove was to fly engineers and parts to repair the Pioneers.

I have visited the Riley Dove at its final resting place in the school playing field at Uli airstrip in Biafra.(1970) I tried to remove the main entry door kick plate as a souvenir, but the screws were all corroded in and my presence was detected by the Nigerian Army soldiers, who chased me off. I did however manage to get a nice picture of it, which appears in the book "Shadows".

Tony

[XONBOY]

Anyone know how to upload pics from ur computer?

[XONBOY]

Hi Tony
Really nice to hear your story and glad to see you still chugging along. I would presume the aircraft is now part of a shanty town. Pity you didnt get the plate. I remember when I was in Eket in 1975 Dad (Patrick O'mara) told me to follow him. We went to a derelict house with a fountain in front. In the fountain there were several machine guns rusting away...only in Africa. I also remember going to a restaurant in Port Harcourt at the same time and the glass still had bullet holes in it..just couldnt be bothered fixing it. I will start digging out the old photos. There split between London and Dublin so will take me some time. I have some stuff to upload but cant figure out how to do it.
Sean o

[XONBOY]

Hi Tony..did you work on the Cessena that they had ?..I went up in that with my box brownie and took pictures of old Dubai, mostly desert then.
Sean o

[XONBOY]

For some reason there were a load of pit special stunt planes in Rothmans liverys?
Do you remember them?

[Dave B]

Xonoboy

If you go into the search box, and type in "uploading Photographs" it will take you to the instructions. You cannot upload straight from your hard drive, but must use a photo hosting site.,(I use photo bucket). It looks difficult at first, but is really quite easy, even a computer novice like me can do it.

[XONBOY]

Cheers Dave.
I think I have a flicker account so will do as you say. :ok:
Thanks for your help.
Sean o

[XONBOY]

eeeeem Cant seem to link from Flicker..maybe a PC is required as I use a MAC.
Looks like Photobucket keeps the file type so will give it a go.:*http://www.flickr.com/photos/57801439@N03/5330293245/in/photostream/

[XONBOY]

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k639/xonboy/BRISTOW%20HELICOPTERS/IMG_3243.jpg

[XONBOY]

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k639/xonboy/BRISTOW%20HELICOPTERS/IMG_3242.jpg

[XONBOY]

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k639/xonboy/BRISTOW%20HELICOPTERS/IMG_3241.jpg

[carholme]

XONBOY;

When you first posted, I knew immediately who your Dad was and was shocked to hear that he had died. This was the first I had heard but have been away from the Middle East/Nigeria since the late '70s. When you posted his photo, it brought back a flood of memories.

He was one of the really great guys and although we all drank too much in those days, it sure made for some hell raising times, never to be forgotten.

My condolences to you and your family. You are from good stock.

Regards

carholme

[XONBOY]

Hi carlholme
Sounds like you guys really tore it up some. They were real Mavrick times and glad to see your still going. Think you were real adventurers in those days. Dad actually died quite young and long ago in 1980.
Its great to hear all your comments and Im glad I found out were you guys hang out as I was interested to hear any stories relating to him. I will load up pics from the early days soon as I can, there unfortunatly not in easy reach. He was great fun to be around...sometimes I used to think he was trying to get rid of us as he used to put us on as many helicopter flights as possible in the summer holidays...the longer the better..the hours I clocked up and places I went you have no idea :O
Best
Sean

[Tony Mabelis]

Hello Sean,
Being dual licenced , fixed wing and choppers, I was sent by Bristows to Dubai Airwing contract to maintain the Cessna and SM 260.
Nice to see your pictures of the Dubai souvenirs, sadly over last Christmas I managed to smash my Airwing monogrammed whiskey glass, it has been in our family since 1980, when I borrowed it from the Boeing 720.
I gave it to my father in law as a Christmas present after he had flow out from UK on that aircraft.
Tony

[Tony Mabelis]

Pitts Specials you remember were the Rothmans Aerobatic Team out in the Gulf on tour.
Tony

[XONBOY]

Dad told me if I BORROWED anything I would get my hands chopped off:)
didnt stop me I have to say. Thats a pity about your glass as I think Items relating to the Dubai Airwing are rather obsure. I made a mistake of pestering dad to go on a flight in the Dubai Airwing Boeing 720. The interior of that aircraft was bit mad. looked like some ones living room from what I remember. A test flight came up and I was allowed on board. I was the only passenger.......but what I didnt know was it was a test for take offs and landings....needless to say I felt sick:yuk: by the end of it and could'nt wait to get off.:bored::bored:

Here is a link to the aircraft: cant put photo here as its copyrighted:ouch:

Photos: Boeing 720-023(B) Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/United-Arab-Emirates/Boeing-720-023%28B%29/1142617/L/)

[helicopter pat]

I am posting this for a friend at work,Phil Sparks Jnr

Phil Sparks Snr died,just after Christmas,after a long career including Fisons Airwork,Bristol Siddeley,Rolls Royce & Hants and Sussex.He will be cremated at Porchester Crematorium on Thurs 13th January 2011.If there are any old friends and colleagues out there who would like to mark his passing,Please send no flowers but make a small donation by cheque to Help for Heros care of Barrells The Funeral Directors,'Lawswood' 245 Fratton Road,Portsmouth,Hants PO1 5PA,The UK

[Ainippe]

A fine gentleman who took my allison 250 course way back in 1980 - RIP Phil.

[Saint Jack]

I did my 250-C20 course at H&S and Phil was the instructor. One of the best I've had, he explained the CECO fuel control system better than anyone I've ever come across. RIP Phil.

[Tony Mabelis]

Thanks Phil, for my first ever training course, Allison 250 C18 at Rolls- Royce 1969....RIP

[Dave B]

Phil took my first Allison course, great instructor. If my memory serves me correctly, after a hard mornings study, he would take everyone off to the local pub, for a lunch of something like Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding, and chips with gravy, followed by a large pudding, washed down with a couple of pints, he would then expect everyone to stay awake for the afternoon session.

[charmansugg]

Hi,
This is Angie Sugg nee Charman, daughter of Phil Charman who was an Engineer (amongst other things) at Redhill from 1966 to 2001. I was also at Redhill from 1997 to 2000 in Logistics in Hangar 7. We both got made redundant when Logistics moved to ABZ.
We have just spent the last 3 hours looking through these photo's, with Dad naming about 50% of the people in the photo's and telling a story of many of the aircraft and people!
I've sent him home now, we got to about page 60. I am sure he'll be looking at the rest when he gets home.
He frequents the BOGS gatherings and still see's quite a few people from Bristows (most of whom take great pleasure in telling me they remember me in nappies as Dad used to take me in when I was little).
It was inevitable I would end up working there as I grew up with Bristows being a big part of my life, taking my first Helicopter flight when I was 4, in a S61 to Southampton from Redhill. Eventually, during an AOG handcarry of a px switch to Bangladesh, my ultimate moment was flying down it's West coast from Dhaka to Chitttagong, again in a S61.
I have many photo's, mainly taken over the 8 or so years I was a handler during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. I will try and post some at some point but I'm afraid I won't be able to tell many stories, hopefully Dad will get on here one day and be able to tell you some.
He sends his regards to anyone that remembers him, as do I.
Angie

[carholme]

Angie;

I was just thinking of your Dad the other day. I met him when I arrived at Bristow from Canada. I remember a lovely evening and dinner at your Dads place. That would have been early '70s.

Check your PM.

Regards

Gerry

[industry insider]

Angie

I also know your Dad, probably since around 1974. I think he worked in the old Hangar 5 when we were doing the S-58T conversions. I also remember him in Logistics but I left Bristow in 1996 and I have lived overseas since 1993.

I don't get back the UK but I do keep in touch with the BOGS who seem to have their lunches in Outwood.

Anyway, I am sorry to hear about your redundancy. You and your Dad can look back on your Bristow days as being the best, it was never the same after the Americans bought into it.

While I am no longer in it, I see it as just a US corporation with no soul, notwithstanding the valiant efforts of those old hands remaining.

[charmansugg]

Gerry, great to hear from you, have PM'd you back.

[huanhunglo]

The last time I heard of Eddie Ford he had moved back to Hampshire...that was in 1993, blimey that IS a long time ago.

[Tail-take-off]

Slight thread drift but I was sent this picture of N364FH (formerly Sumburgh SAR back up G-BBVA) currently working in Afghanistan. Note Carson Blades & removed sponsons.

FH Approach, Afghanistan. (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v136/BrianW/Afghanistan%20Pic%202011/fh-approach-2.jpg)

[Aser]

Great picture... :ok:

[Snarlie]

Dear old `VA` - a training captain`s delight. Round trip to the Montrose A around lunchtime, 2 hours- great food and then home. Those were the days!

[S61-S92]

:ok: Great Picture TTO !
Keep your eyes peeled for pics of the rest of the S61 fleet ... wherever they may end up

[S61-S92]

Some pictures of the Aberdeen Greenies from the Late 80's, hard at work as you can see

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/AShiftAV-Abdn.jpg
A Shift

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/CShiftAV-Abdn.jpg
C Shift (Pic from Percy)

Note - they were all suitably rested after the photo shoot - went and made a pot of tea to relax !! ;)

[S61-S92]

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x546/g_aoda_old_3_685d8b02fe543a040fc4f9d093af152510a1dff8.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x569/g_aoda_old_2_963c902668877473fa9584a610c312844abc6a5c.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x569/g_aoda_old_a188d2ae689f8ee75e5d0d3a6baf52f92b904aa6.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x546/g_aodb_c1137f324e6816db8598c97016d2efb54250313b.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x534/g_avtk_d8dc885e0e1a71802e91b138dcdfec1ab5138c21.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x551/5n_ajj_0e80c02c5f8cb2fa3f3ddefc380b21f952264e75.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x534/ws55_fuselages_02_1eac0d647723739c1bda1720568144ec201998d5.j pg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x551/ws55_fuselages_01_d169c9fbad828e357d09cf69201a515c4883c50f.j pg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x534/vr_beu_df87f58f6b32f8c302c51201286739a421811bf5.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x548/vr_beu_stbd_95d851e7e6cd7c088f7a047a315078c96b37eaa6.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x524/g_apwn_4ab0b03e4577b01ca52a2369c30496d7c0608601.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x513/g_aoda_678ff8a845fbce4f79b1a7a66067404d419ea6c7.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x575/g_aynp_5535a3f4b6fb107eb959e7ac598da7d5bcc0d2c3.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x517/g_aynp_folded_90e5c01fd5a9d301aeffe2ca8719a19143d6128e.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x548/redhill_blister_hangar_13c475294e2ae6f8070e464cd9d1bfc5d2bee 1d6.jpg

[S61-S92]

The pics of the fuselage hulks are from the early 80's when the Blister Hangar at Redhill was cleared. One day your shiny 225 will end up this way ! ;)

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

And here's a picture believed from a painting from the old Whirlwind Whaling Days

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

[Gordy]

The former G-BIVX, in her new paint scheme:

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j35/helokat/212BT/PICT0004-HM.jpg

Nah....not really, it was a photoshop image to mess with one of our pilots. The real paint scheme can be seen:

Here (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/287207-bristow-photos-73.html#post5698974)

Here are some more of her in action last year in the new role...

http://www.centraloregonhelitack.com/photos/p1010620.jpg

http://www.centraloregonhelitack.com/photos/p1010719.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j35/helokat/212BT/PICT0008.jpg

[Freckles52]

This guy is named in some photos. I knew a Barney Swinton-Bland many moons ago in London. Would loove to catch up on life. any takers? Would appreciate the help. If anyone knows him, We lived in SE London in the early eighties and my name is Hellen. Such a good friend. Any help appreciated. Thanks, Hellen

[js0987]

Squadron Leader Barney Swinton Bland was my flat mate for a short time in Abu Dhabi back in 1976. As I recall, Barney joined the RAF towards the end of WW2 and flew Lancasters out of Cyprus.

Barney must have been one of the RAF's first helicopter pilots because I remember him telling a story about being seconded to the US Navy in Key West, Florida when the Korean War broke out. The navy squadron was immediately transfered to the Korean theater, so Barney and another RAF pilot were left with nothing to do. Since the navy pilots had to leave their cars at Key West, it was arranged for Barney and the other pilot to deliver those cars to the pilots homes. Barney said he had a fabulous time driving all over the United States.

I didn't get to know Barney for long as I returned to the States not long after Barney arrived, but remember him fondly.

[S61-S92]

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/G-AZBZ01.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/G-AZBZ02.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af24/S61-S92/G-AZBZ03.jpg

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

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

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

[Dave B]

Barney Swinton-Bland
In answer to the query, I first met Barney when he was a Wing Commander flying Whirlwind Mk. 10s in Singapore and Borneo in about 1965.
I met him again, and worked with him at Port Harcourt, Nigeria, where he was flying the Wessex 60. He shared a house on the Shell estate with Pip Smith, and they were affectionately known as the odd couple.

After he finished flying, Barney worked in the logistic department at Redhill, being responsible for the S76 major components.
The last I heard of him was when my wife met him in a car park near his flat in Horley, he wasn't very happy being retired, and we heard he had passed away shortly afterwards.
Barney was one of the early Helicopter Pilots, and a great guy.

[Oldlae]

XONBOY
I have been waiting for ages to reply to you but my messages were always deleted, I have now uninstalled IE9B so I hope that was the culprit if anyone else has the same problem.

Your Dad was my radio engineer at Trengganu late '69 on the Whirlwinds, the S61's were coming and space was needed for another hangar, one day we heard gunshots and found the surveyor shooting his pistol at a snake under a bush. Paddy said that's no good and grabbed a large stick and beat the poisonous snake to death.

I was vey saddened to hear of his early death, I helped him get his aircraft licences by giving him jobs for his worksheets.
Best Regards.

[MaintGndflyer]

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/654/dsc00874gr.jpg (http://img98.imageshack.us/i/dsc00874gr.jpg/)

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2007/dsc00878hh.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/i/dsc00878hh.jpg/)

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/7968/dsc01579o.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/i/dsc01579o.jpg/)

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5821/dsc017151.jpg (http://img140.imageshack.us/i/dsc017151.jpg/)

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/6573/dsc01714m.jpg (http://img705.imageshack.us/i/dsc01714m.jpg/)

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/1773/img1788e.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/i/img1788e.jpg/)

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/7904/cimg0456z.jpg (http://img141.imageshack.us/i/cimg0456z.jpg/)

:ok:

[XONBOY]

Thanks for the post. I sent you an email (doesnt seem to be in the sent box??)
Let me know if you don't get it. Would like to chat re snakes etc.

[1helicopterppl]

Like the Nigerian pics, keep them coming, how about the new 139's ?

Anybody have any pics from Takoradi , Ghana ?

[Zishelix]

Some interesting Bristow's birds here Search Results (http://tinyurl.com/6cu45jw)

[Savoia]

.
Zishelix: Knowing your love of Gazelles and seeing as you are on the Bristow thread; thought you might enjoy this:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TXp0SHnqNPI/AAAAAAAACCE/cpckOrDrxYs/Sabine%20Pass%20Bristow.jpg
PPRuNed from a post featured in the early pages of this thread. A 'Bristow' Gazelle (surely a thing of rarity) at Sabine Pass in the Gulf of Mexico.

S.

[Zishelix]

Thanks a lot, Savoia! Somehow I failed to spot this pic in the thread :uhoh:
Does any of you gents might recall the reg of this Gazelle?

Btw, I'll scan tomorrow a b/w print of an AAC's AH.1 with "Bristow" inscription (looks a sticker) on her tail boom. Allegedly, the helicopter was used during late 1970 or early '80 for civil pilots training. Anyone able to shed some light on this? Thanks in advance :)

[S61-S92]

Bristow operated Six SA 341G Gazelle as part of BOHI in Sabine Pass, Houma and Abbeville circa 1979/80

They were

N3593B S/N 1059
N18842 S/N 1107
N47315 S/N 1278
N49506 S/N 1293
N90002Z S/N 1527
N90003A S/N 1566

[Zishelix]

Thank you, Sir :ok: I was aware the Bristow Helicopters Ltd. use to operate these Gazelles for ferrying the ship pilots out of TX shoreline back in the early 1980s. What I still missing is a photo (beside the above small & dull one) of any of them ;)
Any help in this matter will be greatly appreciated!

As promised, here you are the previously mentioned scan:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/__dRpfF8qlVM/TYdoc1RxILI/AAAAAAAACTM/Aa1rXHYRe1o/British%20Army%20Gaelle%20XZ318%20%5BBristow%20Sticker%5D%20 Zishelix%20Collection.jpg
The machine was probably XZ318

[BristowXJ]

Some cracking pics! Will have to fetch out the old External HD and get some of my collection on some time.

[Zishelix]

I look forward... please just don't let us wait too long, Sir :)

[pl0x102]

Hi guys,

I've been looking through the forums and have seen Barney Swinton-Bland's name mentioned. He was my grandfather and sadly passed away shortly after i was born (august 1994). Unfortunently I have never spoken to him, but i have only heard stories about him. If anyone could pass some information on it would be great. All i know about him was he flew out of odiham as the CO of the Puma test squadron there. From what i have been told he left the RAF as a Group Captain having been awarded an OBE.

Any information or stories about him would be greatly appreciated.

Brett Swinton-Bland (His Grandson)

[MOSTAFA]

For Zishelix

If I remember rightly, about that time 2 Bristows QHI's from BRW at Middle Wallop had entered into the Helimeet competition and decided quite rightly they worked for Bristows so it was just a stick on.

[Zishelix]

Thanks on your kind explanation, Mostafa! :ok:

[ATISS]

Redhill - By Ian G. Hall

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_he2CMRgdCYQ/TaXIar-D_YI/AAAAAAAAACw/BQcAMOEgo60/s640/EPSON028.JPG

This is a photo of the aircraft that landed on the pipeline undergoing repairs at Redhill Colin Scott in photo

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_he2CMRgdCYQ/TaXIYkc1m1I/AAAAAAAAACQ/W2XhIXP95xg/s640/EPSON012.JPG


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_he2CMRgdCYQ/TaXIYf9tjaI/AAAAAAAAACM/ROcuongE3Go/s640/EPSON015.JPG

Floatation Trials - Phill Charman, Mike Cogan, Keith Davidson, Alan Brown, Bill Petrie


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_he2CMRgdCYQ/TaXIVA7FkJI/AAAAAAAAAB0/VFHPx0-Gqb8/s640/EPSON007.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_he2CMRgdCYQ/TaXIV1-sIGI/AAAAAAAAAB4/PaPUQsKNAPw/s640/EPSON009.JPG

MU2

[Tail-take-off]

http://www.aviationwa.org.au/Articles/History/VH-SJD_Wessex_lifting_A20-688_Wirraway.jpg
Wessex VH-SJD airlifted CAC Wirraway A20-688 from Perth Airport (from a spot near the current Maroomba Airlines Terminal) to the RAAF Association estate at Bull Creek (later the site for the Aviation Heritage Museum).

[MLHeliwrench]

Thought any of you Bristow folks would like to see what G-BKFN is up to now.
I am one of the engineers that looks after her now. We move maintenance staff around to NORAD DEW Line Radar sites in Canada's Arctic.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k293/mleduc/DYZ/P9110606.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k293/mleduc/DYZ/P7140615.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k293/mleduc/DYZ/P7200826.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k293/mleduc/DYZ/PB301041.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k293/mleduc/DYZ/P7200829.jpg

[Tail-take-off]

MLHeliwrench

FN had a "colourful" history on the North Sea (or rather in it). See Speechless Two's British Caledonian photos earlier in this thread.

[ATISS]

Many more to post. - Ian G. Hall
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_he2CMRgdCYQ/TaXIdLxs65I/AAAAAAAAADY/09nuCCcoRRY/s640/166.JPG

Vernon Shoebridge & Ian G. Hall


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_he2CMRgdCYQ/TaXIeWNED3I/AAAAAAAAAD0/thQC4a3i0O0/s512/164.JPG

Fred Knott & Vernon Shoebridge

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_he2CMRgdCYQ/TaXIew478OI/AAAAAAAAAD8/TSrh1l_EkE0/s640/168.JPG

Pete Cassells, Ian G. Hall,


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_he2CMRgdCYQ/TaXIlS6dMpI/AAAAAAAAAFg/kPBRLG6KgdE/s512/img023.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_he2CMRgdCYQ/TaXInrIwn9I/AAAAAAAAAGI/Tyyc3_UdzE4/s512/img014.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_he2CMRgdCYQ/TaXIq0B6_0I/AAAAAAAAAHE/7r1wWRHC9r8/s512/40.JPG

Pete Cassells

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_he2CMRgdCYQ/TaXIsDyDoLI/AAAAAAAAAHU/sQCA9nq5y5w/s512/41.JPG

[MLHeliwrench]

TTO - Do you know which page? I have a slow connection up here, each page takes a minute or two to load with all the pictures.

Thanks!

[Savoia]

.
MLH: As you await details on the page number for Speechless' photos, most of them can (in the meantime) be viewed from the BCal tribute sites here (http://www.british-caledonian.com/Helicopters.html) and here (http://www.bcalreunited.co.uk/photo-gallery.html?gid=64).

S.

[Tail-take-off]

Struggling to find the original post so Speechless Two's pictures reproduced below. Come to think of it they may have been part of a separate ditching thread. Perhaps Speechless Two might point us in the right direction.

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z74/Tail-take-off/FN-Ditching-1.jpg
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z74/Tail-take-off/FN-Ditching-2.jpg
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z74/Tail-take-off/FN-Ditching-4.jpg?t=1301063437
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z74/Tail-take-off/FN-Ditching-3.jpg

[MLHeliwrench]

Great pictures!

Good to know those pop outs work when needed. What was the background story behind the ditch?

I had read somewhere about a collective lever problem. That would explain the guy on top looking down into the cowl. Also, that is a very large amount of pitch on the blades; About how much pitch there is when you remove the head off the mast and let the blades "hang". (Full pitch is in my picture of DYZ on the airport ramp) Am I on the right track?

[Tail-take-off]

Broken drag brace I believe. I understand the collective had no effect.

[MLHeliwrench]

Drag Brace? Yep that would be interesting to say the least.:eek:

[Tail-take-off]

MLHeliwrench

Drag Brace? Yep that would be interesting to say the least

more here:

http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/202878-ditching-crashworthiness.html
& here
http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/150677-bell-214-a.html

[Senior Pilot]

TTO - Do you know which page? I have a slow connection up here, each page takes a minute or two to load with all the pictures.

Thanks!

MLHeliwrench,

I've searched Speechless' posts in this thread, but the only post of his with the ditching story that I can find is in the Ditching Photos (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/254126-ditching-photos.html) thread :ok:

[Tail-take-off]

Thanks Senior Pilot, I knew I had got them somewhere on PPRUNE, just couldn't remember where.

I had forgotten that G-BKFN had ditches twice in consecutive years (with the same co-pilot) until I re-read the http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/202878-ditching-crashworthiness.html thread. There is a picture of the offending drag brace in that thread too.

[mtoroshanga]

Same aircraft wrong incident Mr Take-Off, This one involved a tang breaking of the locking of the collective sleeve on the mast and the collective decreasing without input as the sleeve unwound.
The drag brace was on-shore but I seem to remember involved the same P2 who put it down safely.

[Tail-take-off]

Mtoroshanga

Thanks for the correction. It was before my time (although I did meet both Speechless & IM) my memory has obviously been blurred by time.

[stacey_s]

I knew IM from his Eket days with Bristow, anyone know where he is now, I seem to remeber he lost his license on medical grounds, ???

S

[SASless]

Last I heard....IM (The Kisser) was hiding away in Florida....but that was years ago.

[CharlieOneSix]

I was told a couple of years ago that IM had left Florida and was running a Bed and Breakfast place in Banff over in Scotland.

[Tail-take-off]

Very interested!

[Tail-take-off]

If they are Bristow photos I would post them here.

Do a search for how to post photos on PPRUNE or PM me for instructions.

[Tail-take-off]

Thanks Speechless, I really don't know. It would have been on high skids with floats. I was with Bristows at Redhill at the time. Anyone know if Bristows owned G AXGO in the mid 70's?
Almost certainly G-AWVO. Picture below dates from around that time complete with high skids & floats. It was on the UK register from 73 to 75.
http://gi97.photobucket.com/groups/l229/GIVXG4CHIZ/b1.jpg

[Tail-take-off]

U6D95HdXhK4

[JimL]

Fame at last.

Jim

[Savoia]

.
Jim

Is that you driving VO! If so do you recall the location?

Great air to air shot. :ok:

Sav

[JimL]

Yes.

It was a photo shoot in 1974 - on the helicopter lanes - just west of Battersea. We had two jet rangers based between there and Redhill. The rear seat passenger on that flight was one of our engineers.

Ken Bradley was in charge (but rarely flew), the line pilots for that summer were myself and Mike Green.

There wasn't too much work out of Battersea at that time - mostly racing and VIP transport. Most memorable flight that summer was from Battersea via Heathrow to a private house in Sussex. My passengers were the wives of Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdink, Gordon Mills and their husbands' manager. Spent the afternoon fishing on their trout lake before returning them to Battersea.

We used to set aside each Wednesday afternoon for sightseeing flights - from Battersea to Tower Bridge - with members of the 'interline' team. They were seen as extremely important for facilitating the transport of Bristow staff to/from various locations world-wide.

This was one of my last flights there before departing to Aberdeen and the S61.

Jim

[TRC]

The rear seat passenger on that flight was one of our engineers.
Roger T, I expect.

I remember Ken Bradley, Mike Green and Dave something. Were you the one with the longer than usual (for a pilot) hair?

[Savoia]

.
And if we are going to dip into issues such as Jim's hair length :E then, while we are at it, can I enquire as to some of the writing on VO's fuselage.

It looks as though she carries a name on her nose?

Also something written by the cabin heater exhaust. Did it say 'Alan Mann engineers keep distance!'

Sav

[TRC]

It looks as though she carries a name on her nose?


I remember at least one Bristow 206 with a name - 'Start Point'. Can't remember if they all carried names.


Also something written by the cabin heater exhaust.

It did in fact warn everyone of all companies and persuasions to keep clear. The writing below the exhaust warns of the perils of fitting flares without all the switches being arranged in an eye-pleasing manner.

[griffothefog]

Don't all bristow cabs oop north carry the name of lochs or prominent water ways on the side IIRC ? :confused:

[Tail-take-off]

Many but not all BHL machines had/have names. The S61 fleet were named after castles while the Tigers were Scottish towns.

[Oldlae]

Some were named after stars. I remember the name Betelgeuse but not the type.

[TiPwEiGhT]

Nowadays they slap your name on the side after 35 years service... no thanks.

[Upland Goose]

Took me some years to find out that a Jet Ranger named Capt E.E Fresson was named after that hero of Highland Airways who paved the way to the Northern Isles in DH Dragons. I couldn't find him on the staff list.

Read the book "Air Road to the Isles" the guy is a legend.

The Bell 206 - G-BAUN I believe and based at Dalcross.

Paul Gliddon (DH owner himself) had a hand in that one I think.

My favourite was B212 G-BCMC "Desert Fox" - the first SP IFR 212 on the North Sea. In this time of 4 axis autopilots, it seems unbelievable that the only suggestion to assistance we had was an Altitude Hold - luxury. At least that allowed us to tune the Spilsbury and Tindall HF aerial without doing a barrel roll.:ok:UG

[TipCap]

NotGettingAnyYounger, I remember flying out of Paull with Dick Metcalfe.

The first entry I can find in my logbook was 15th March 1973 when Dick Metcalfe and I ferried G-ATSC from North Denes to be based at Paull flying to the BP Platforms via Easington.

As my memory dims with age :O I seem to remember that we replaced the Ws55s3 that was on contract but I could stand corrected on that :ok:

Wasn't there an old Beverley that had been converted into the Flying Club at Paull?

John Whale

[S61-S92]

As my memory dims with age :O I seem to remember that we replaced the Ws55s3 that was on contract but I could stand corrected on that :ok:

TipCap - The memory is still good - looks like WS55 G-APRW was in Paull for BP in Feb 73 and was replaced by Wessex G-ATSC the following month. :8

[Ainippe]

yes I remember the Beverly and the flying club back in 73/74. I went there as a trainee with Phil Turner and stayed at Malcolm Innes's house on the airfield and spent the summer chasing a girl from the flying club. Joys of youth.

Anyone else remember the 212 "Lemau Besar" (The Big Lemon)??? - not named by Albert my might add!!! :E

[Dave B]

Old LAE
I am not surprised you recall the name Betelgeuse, it was the name of 5N-AJK, which rolled over in Port Harcourt, which was just the second of its accident prone life. The first being featured in post 5, on page One.

In the mid seventies, while at PH, Redhill sent us a list of names to be used on the fleet, one of the Wessex names was supposed to be "Invader", which seeing the political situation at the time, did not seem a very good idea, so chief Pilot Mark Wilkins said "blow that", and we called it after a well site in Nigeria.

[Saint Jack]

Yes, I remember the 212 christened 'Limau Besar' (not 'lemau') which indeed is 'Big Lemon' in the Malay and Indonesian languages. But despite this, if I remember correctly, it was an IHAC (Iranian Helicopter Aviation Company, i.e. Bristow in Iran) helicopter and it was given this name for being a problematical helicopter by the sizable group of ex-Duri (Bristow Masayu, i.e. Bristow in Indonesia) engineers that were on that particular contract. But, for the life of me I can't remember the registration (EP-H__) or the contract.

[John Eacott]

The Australian Wessexes (Wessie?) were given marsupial names: Wombat, Numbat and Dingbat seem to ring a bell, but I can't read the name on this photo?

http://www.helicopterservice.com.au/photos/pprune/Bristow%20Wessex%2003.jpg

[mick a]

Thanks for the great pick of Hurl "Tony Hill". Is there anymore picture around of Tony?

Tony is very sick and it does not look good, please let his mates know!

Thanks mick

[Tail-take-off]

From Flickr: uuoret's Photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsmorgan/page11/)

[/URL][URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsmorgan/2938776934/in/photostream"]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2937898683_6db81fdfa2_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsmorgan/2937898683/in/photostream/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2938756308_7b02370e27_z.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/2937907895_9fba3824b1_z.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2937913577_9b1238dbec_z.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/2938771000_6bc59d877c_z.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3001/2937924745_72f99e87ac_z.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3022/2938776934_83cd5f573b_z.jpg?zz=1

[AS332L1]

I think the 'Lemon' came to IHAC as VR-BEE?

[S61-S92]

VR-BEE went to IHAC around October 1977 and became EP-HCB April 1978ish , if that helps :8 (S/N 30533)

[Tail-take-off]

Also from Flickr: uuoret's Photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsmorgan/page12/)


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2937817899_920013907c_z.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3281/2938665146_479ac69619_z.jpg

[Epiphany]

I flew VH-BEU in Australia in 1990's which was, I think, G-BFER in antipodean disguise?

[Tail-take-off]

sn 30681 N18091,VR-BFO, G-BOEP, VH-BEU, G-BOEP ,5N-BEN,EC-KCN.

G-BFER was never on the Ausie Register: s/n 30835 N18099, G-BFER, ZK067.

[Epiphany]

Ah thanks - G-BOEP. Always wondered what happened to her as I was told the UK register was the next stop after Australia. Lovely machine that I once flew from Perth to Sydney over an epic 5 days.

[Tail-take-off]

Still going strong in 2008 following sale to a Spain:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3503/3221605040_e29fcc2c97_z.jpg

[mick a]

S61-S92 (http://www.pprune.org/members/241485-s61-s92) being in the Shetland, and older? You would know Tony hill? He and neen's told me many a story about the Shetland.
Is there anyone from the 70's and on that knew Tony on this forum? or anyone that has contact with them{Tony's mates that is}?

You blokes might enjoy his Navy days!
RAN Detachment, 9 Squadron Vietnam - Royal Australian Navy (http://www.navy.gov.au/RAN_Detachment,_9_Squadron_Vietnam)

[Dave B]

Mick A

Are we talking about Tony Hill, with his wife Janeen, and Two sons, I think, Tony, and Dan.
If so we worked together in Port Harcourt, in Nigeria in the mid seventies. I was the chief Engineer.

If this is him, then please wish him and Janeen well.

[Senior Pilot]

Thanks for the great pick of Hurl "Tony Hill". Is there anymore picture around of Tony?

Tony is very sick and it does not look good, please let his mates know!

Thanks mick

Very sorry to hear of Tony's illness: I called Bomber today to have a chat about old times, please keep us informed on Tony's condition :(

[mick a]

One and the same. Dan just got married last week, neens just told me about Harcourt today on the phone after i told her about the pic on here of Tony.

Dave, whats your surname mate? message me it as i see Tony on Friday, He is still the same Tony but not long to go mate.Wish i could be half the bloke he is, you know what i mean.
To make you laugh, i fly but im doing LAME study at the moment.

[mick a]

I just messaged you both.

[Oldlae]

DaveB and I were with Tony and Janine at PH in '75 and I wish them well.

[Dave B]

mick a

I have sent you a PM

[S61-S92]

... so have I

[Ainippe]

VR-BEE/EP-HCB came onto the Seis 4 contract in Iran, good old banger I seem to remember, we also had it down in Sarolugan in Indonesia for a while in 80 or 81 doing helirig.

[mick a]

I am just about to leave for the drive to see Tony, i will pass on your thoughts.
Thank you

[stacey_s]

http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy355/gosprat1/VR-BEE.jpg

The 'Lemon' Doha June/July 1977, note the suitably 'Offshore' attired gentleman in the back.

Stace

[carholme]

Can anyone here tell me if they remember an Austrian pilot who worked with us in Egypt in the mid '70s and was later posted to Dubai. First name was Franz, (wife, Traudi). Can't for the life of me remember their last name. Saw him once in Dubai in the mid to late '70s but lost track after that. Flew the Whirlwinds and 205 in Egypt and when I saw him last, I think he was flying a 204.

carholme

[mick a]

No but you have bought the memories back of the years Tony Hill flew the King of Saudi around and was based with Janine in Jeda.
Was anyone around for that interesting time?

[stacey_s]

Yes, remember him very well from Dubai, but like you the last name won't come, it will tonight at around three in the morning after a bottle of 'dubious red' when I'm thinking of something completely unrelated.
If I remember correctly he resigned from Dubai and was going to give up flying.

S

[carholme]

Thanks stacey, if it does come to you at 0300, don't feel you have to get up and respond, you may get into the goof again.


carholme

[Schinthe]

Would that have been Gerhard Trosch? His wife was named Traudi. He became the Commander of the Dubai Air Wing after he left Bristow. Sadly he passed away some years ago.

[griffothefog]

I remember meeting Gerhard in Dubai when he was CP, I think about 1971?
My dad was flying there for Bristow... I was only knee high so I can't be sure of the dates...:ok:

[stacey_s]

Different Chap.

[P2bleed]

http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc501/kuvey1/WX-601968.jpg

Sorry chaps. First time with Photobucket!

Picture around 1968/69 on the Glomar Tasman in the NW of OZ.
Pilot below with the cockpit window open when a spark from the stack landed on the seat with the result shown.

Interesting ferry by Ian Clark from the UK to Oz with the replacement.

[parabellum]

When I was in Abu Dhabi in 1969 Gerhard Trosch was already flying for the police air wing in Dubai, a small Italian, (possibly Piaggio), aircraft I think. Great bloke, sorry to hear he is no longer with us.

[stacey_s]

Ian Clark!! Known as Skippy!!

S

[Saint Jack]

Shouldn't it be Ian Clarke, I remember when I first met him, in Trinidad, he introduced himself as "...Ian Clarke with an 'e'..."

[P2bleed]

You are right-I missed the e. Ian is still flying at 77. I believe that ferry was completed in 10 days.

[mtoroshanga]

Wasn't that pilot Franz Sontag? (or was that Karl Sontag?)

[Epiphany]

This is beginning to sound like an alzheimer's AGM.

[Epiphany]

TTO - Here's one of G-BOEP in it's VH-BEU guise circa 1994.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee87/peter24collins/IMG_0046-1.jpg

[WLW3]

Franz Dvorsky is it?

[carholme]

WLW3;

Thank you very much! I was stuck on Dvorak for so long it was driving me nuts. Do you have any idea what became of him. We were good friends in Egypt but as happens in this business, once someone gets posted, we seem to lose contact.

Thank you again.

carholme

[WLW3]

Sorry, no idea what happened to him.

WLW3

[Saint Jack]

Ah yes, I'll never forget what's his name.

[stacey_s]

Dvorsky!! of course, thats the first time the dubious red trick didn't work!!

S

[mick a]

Tony Hill passed away on Sunday, Its been hard, but he was Tony, till the end, with a smile and a joke for family and mates. The funeral is at Garden Island Chapel at 2pm on Friday.

[forget]

Not the most exciting pic so far but it may be of interest to someone. In any case, it's all I've got until I get a slide converter.

August 1971. Ex Royal Brunei Malay Regiment Wessex (one of two) in Hangar 152 Seletar, Singapore before going on contract to Total, Djambi Sumatra. No 1 son with guard, and toolbox.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/cumpas/152.jpg

[Rosh]

Following a harsh winter,

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/rjaypalan/_DSC8910.jpg


some Team building (as long as I win!) while based in Visby, Sweden.

Link to video:
Viddler.com - Visby Grand Prix 2011 - Uploaded by Rosh_Jaypalan (http://www.viddler.com/explore/Rosh_Jaypalan/videos/14/)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/rjaypalan/28820_10150173922390284_538235283_12214452_5772545_n.jpg

[Impress to inflate]

Was it the same Tony Hill who lived and worked in the Shetlands in the late 1970's?

[Alan Biles]

Found these: Port Harcourt 1989-90-ish

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l318/AlanBiles_51/PHJTwinching002.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l318/AlanBiles_51/PHJTWinching001.jpg

Below: 'JV on Pad 2 with the 'Grand' Brewery in the background.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l318/AlanBiles_51/PHJVonPad2001.jpg

Interestingly, (well I think it is) 'JT doesn't have the PH 'trademark' red top fin. Maybe Tom Ridgers had left by then.

AB

[Alan Biles]

In March 1990 Del Tarn and I took a couple of Port Harcourt 212's to Douala to fly Chas & Di around the place. Some pilot chappies came with us.

'JW awaiting fuel at Douala
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l318/AlanBiles_51/002-1.jpg

Motley crew ready to depart for the hotel.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l318/AlanBiles_51/003.jpg

Enroute to some monkey farm in the boonies.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l318/AlanBiles_51/001.jpg

Motley crew with Royal Personage. Unfortunately, Diana had flown back to the UK for the birth of Eugenie (the well known fashion icon) so we only got to fly Chas.
L-R Can't remember, Pat Morar, George Cunningham, Don't know, Del Tarn, HRH, Can't remember (sorry) and Tony Ferris.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l318/AlanBiles_51/004.jpg

AB

[Tail-take-off]

Port Harcourt red fins, Warri lightening flashes on the nose! Wouldn't it have been easier to remember which registrations were who's?:ok:

[Alan Biles]

That was pretty straightforward; Warri had 'Lima s' S, T & U while PH had 'Juliets' T, U, V & W. We also had a 'QW for a while. Sad or what. PH also had the SFENA-equipped aircraft. Deep joy!

[SASless]

I believe that was Richard Nicklau next to Tony Ferris in the photo of Jug Ears and the crew.


Warri also had QV....all Sperry equipped aircraft until some of the PHC aircraft showed up. Thne Sfena purely sucked!

[212man]

Yes, that's Richard - now in Malaysia with Westar, I believe.

Nothing wrong with SFENA.......:ok:

[C.C.C.]

Nothing wrong with SFENA
As long as it was working! I remember being introduced to SFENA in the Duri IFR 212 PK-HCK. Training Captain explained its function and we engaged Altitude Hold. After we decended through some 300' he agreed that perhaps it was not working properly today.

However when it worked and with some good guidance from the Trainers it made Single Pilot IFR a lot easier.

And of course there was the one-off SFENA fitted in G-AVII for all those CAA single engine IRTs over the years.

[Ainippe]

All of the original Eket 212's had SFENA and what a jolly fine system it was (NOT) piece of junk that never really worked :ugh:, certainly never in duplex mode. Best thing that ever happend was going over to helipilot.

ns

[Grumpyasever]

Seem to remember it was okay as long as the pilot was prepared to release his vice-like grip on the cyclic!

[Zishelix]

A little bit off topic, sorry… I wonder if any of you gents might know for some photo of a Gazelle helicopter on/over oil rig helipad. Trying to get such pic for ages :( Thanks in advance!

[C.C.C.]

All of the original Eket 212's had SFENA _ _ _ that never really worked
Interesting because it worked in the 5 x Eket Bell 212s that I flew when the Greenies from Hell were on the case (my logbook went for a swim but I recall 5N-AJS, 5N-ALQ & 5N-AOE as 3 of them). I was there when the contract changed to 5 'younger' Bell 212s, including 5N-BHM (ex G-BJJO) & 5N-BHN (ex G-BJJP). Both of these had Sperry Helipilot but the Flight Directors were removed before they arrived in Nigeria - so no Altitude Hold facility as required for Single Pilot IFR.
Seem to remember it was okay as long as the pilot was prepared to release his vice-like grip on the cyclic!Exactly that was part of the problem, a lack of understanding leading to the pilot using the system incorrectly.

[Thridle Op Des]

...they also worked very well in Trinidad when a certain gifted Greenie understood how to pair up the computers, matching their outputs so hard duplex faults would not occur.

It was amazing what a bit of cyclic friction did to the SFENA - just as it said in the manual.

I personally preferred the SFENA to the cheapskate basterdised (by BHL chief accountant) Sperry. If the Sperry had all the stuff it was supposed to have, then I would agree, SFENA was not as good. If BHL had refrained from their "It's not in the contract, they haven't paid for it, take it out attitude" maybe things would have been different.

SFENA managed to get Concorde to fly pretty well....

[industry insider]

Sperry worked brilliantly when we used to fly the 212s BJJO and BJJP Single pilot IFR on the North Denes Amoco contract. I never realised they removed bits before the aircraft went to Nigeria, I managed To avoid Nigeria for the most part.

[SASless]

If BHL had refrained from their "It's not in the contract, they haven't paid for it, take it out attitude" maybe things would have been different.



Oh so true!

Recall the Bristow attitude towards installing GPS in the Nigeria based aircraft?

Comments like...."Oh...that Yank DOD thing?" "Too expensive!" "Its not in the contract....who is going to pay for it?

Then....along comes the Nigerian CAA and mandates GPS!

Then...."Well...when it goes U/S we aren't going to repair it!"

Once the crews got used to having GPS...being able to find their way around in the Fog, Mist, Cloud, Rain, and Dust....."that Yank DOD thing" became a necessity!

[Fareastdriver]

"It's not in the contract, they haven't paid for it, take it out attitude"

When Bristow packed up their USA operations their S76s were shipped to the UK. I would pick them up from some Ro Ro in the UK or Europe and ferry them to Redhill to be 'Anglicised'. This involved replacing the Omega AND the DME with Decca. The DME was, apparently, a bind to remove but it was neccessary to avoid have to fix it if it went wrong.

Six months later Norway stipulated that DME had to be carried by aircraft nominating a Norwegian diversion.

[Ainippe]

Interesting because it worked in the 5 x Eket Bell 212s that I flew when the Greenies from Hell were on the case (my logbook went for a swim but I recall 5N-AJS, 5N-ALQ & 5N-AOE as 3 of them). I was there when the contract changed to 5 'younger' Bell 212s, including 5N-BHM (ex G-BJJO) & 5N-BHN (ex G-BJJP). Both of these had Sperry Helipilot but the Flight Directors were removed before they arrived in Nigeria - so no Altitude Hold facility as required for Single Pilot IFR.

The original 3 212's arrived piecemeal fitted with SFENA, we never had the spares, people who understood it including the aircrew. The solution was to fly in Simplex. By the early to mid 80's we spent most of our time replacing looms, connecters etc, and flying a lot of the time without SFENA at all(Fixed Rods) until the helipilot conversions of the Warri aircraft released another pool of spares into the system which certainly helped with serviceability. And all Greenies are " Greenies from hell":ok:

[gittijan]

"Ober Greenie from Hell" Al Cox kept the SFENAs at PH working very well during all my time there.

One of their problems was the sensitivity in the YAW channel pickup, which worked to our advantage once. During a mission to retrieve remains of people and parts of a crashed BO-105 of the Police I was circling overhead after having winched Al Biles down into the swamp. (Hero of th day) Every few seconds we would get a small kick in yaw, which disappeared when disengaged. After returning Al could find no fault with the SFENA, so a bit more looking and our engineering team found a cracked longeron in the tailboom. Repaired, no more kick.

[Tacho Genny]

Ainippe...check your pm's

[Alan Biles]

"During a mission to retrieve remains of people and parts of a crashed BO-105 of the Police I was circling overhead after having winched Al Biles down into the swamp."

I remember it well. That was not a fun afternoon.

[zephyr62]

http://http://dubaiasitusedtobe.com/images/timnicholls/fullsize/TN29_fs.jpg

Hi I am struggling to upload photos of my Dad's time ( Bill Nicholls) in Bristows during the early sixties until the 90's. He worked in Nigeria during the sixties, Dubai, Das island, Paull in east yorkshire, Aberdeen and on the rigs, Eket in Nigeria, Borneo late Fifties. I have a lot of photos to share with you but am having problems loading them. I have posted a few on Dubaiasitusedtobe.com which can be viewed there but I have more on my hard drive at home....any suggestions would be welcome!:ok:

[Tail-take-off]

ZEPHER62
This might help:

http://www.pprune.org/aviation-history-nostalgia/203154-image-posting-pprune-some-tips-you.html

[zephyr62]

http://dubaiasitusedtobe.com/images/timnicholls/fullsize/TN29_fs.jpg

can anyone see this?

Whirlwind taking off from beach in Dubai circa 1964

[zephyr62]

http://dubaiasitusedtobe.com/images/timnicholls/fullsize/TN25_fs.jpg

Bristow Helicopters in Dubai 1964

Helicopters were new to Dubai in 1964 but traditional forms of transport could still be useful! Here Tim's Father takes a Donkey Ride back to base.


http://dubaiasitusedtobe.com/images/timnicholls/fullsize/TN27_fs.jpg

Bristow Helicopters in Dubai 1964

Bristow's Westland Whirlwind is parked at the Helipad facing out to sea. One of British India Shipping Line ships can be seen between the helicopter's floats. The ship will have anchored offshore where people and cargo were discharged and brought ashore to Dubai in barges and small boats.

http://dubaiasitusedtobe.com/images/timnicholls/fullsize/TN60.jpg

Bristow Helicopters 1978

This helicopter crashed at the head of Dubai Creek. Tim's Father was the Helicopter Engineer who dealt with the aftermath.

[parabellum]

Photobucket is the way to go!



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Apache mod_fcgid/2.3.5 mod_auth_passthrough/2.1 mod_bwlimited/1.4 FrontPage/5.0.2.2635 Server at dubaiasitusedtobe.com Port 80</H1>

[Oldlae]

Posting in Ferranti Helicopters thread about Paddy McCloughlin reminded me of the other machines at Karratha. 212 VH-BEY G reg unknown, 206 VH-BEQ and Puma, reg not vis. Also Dick Jones Eng Mgr.

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp52/fchammings/VH-BEY.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp52/fchammings/VH-BEQ.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp52/fchammings/pumaunk.jpg

http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp52/fchammings/djones.jpg

[cmf146]

Bell 212 VH-BEY was ex G-BMVF and the Bell 206 VH-BEQ was never British registered.

[C.C.C.]

the Bell 206 VH-BEQ was never British registered.Not quite true. First registered to Bristow Helicopters Limited on 08/08/67 as an Agusta Bell 206A Jet Ranger, became VR-BCR, PK-HBD, VR-BCR, PK-HBZ, VH-BEQ and returned as G-AVSZ (Agusta Bell 206B - still registered). Rotorspot & G-INFO are your friend here.

[1helicopterppl]

All the overseas pics are very interesting, please keep them coming, any chaps in Takoradi, Ghana with any pics of the brand new 76C++'s out your way ? I understand two were del direct from USA ?

[hoveratsix]

I was based in Battersea in 1973 after leaving Shetland. Robin Keith was CP who spent a lot of time wooing McAlpine!! I replaced John Hobday who was hijacked at some time in his career. Roger T was the engineer. Ken Bradley was a good friend and mentor. After the fuel crisis of '73 it was decided to set up a B206 operation in Inverness. Ken delivered the machine in early '74.

[Dave Ed]

Hi there, Dave Ed back again!

Ref posts 1726, 1728 and 1729. Tim Nicholls has asked me to help with posting a lot of his father's old pictures. So after a couple of weeks of prepping the pics to get the best out of them I will endevour to remember how to post them on Pprune:bored:
As the pictures, Tim's Pprune notes and the e-mails became somwhat disjointed, it is likely I will match the wrong notes with a picture so if the Whirlwind actually looks like a 206 you will know why!

So, starting with Tim's original post.........

Hi I am struggling to upload photos of my Dad's time ( Bill Nicholls) in Bristows during the early sixties until the 90's. He worked in Nigeria during the sixties, Dubai, Das island, Paull in east yorkshire, Aberdeen and on the rigs, Eket in Nigeria, Borneo late Fifties. I have a lot of photos to share with you but am having problems loading them. I have posted a few on Dubaiasitusedtobe.com which can be viewed there.



http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Tim%20N%20Bristow%20pictures/Dubai1964g.jpg


Bristow Helicopters in Dubai 1964

Helicopters were new to Dubai in 1964 but traditional forms of transport could still be useful! Here Tim's Father takes a Donkey Ride back to base.






http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Tim%20N%20Bristow%20pictures/Dubai19648g.jpg


Bristow Helicopters in Dubai 1964

Bristow's Westland Whirlwind is parked at the Helipad facing out to sea. One of British India Shipping Line ships can be seen between the helicopter's floats. The ship will have anchored offshore where people and cargo were discharged and brought ashore to Dubai in barges and small boats.



http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Tim%20N%20Bristow%20pictures/TiimandNic206g.jpg


Tim, Nic and Ahmed next to the Jet Ranger with Gerhard Trosch the pilot taken about 1967/68...he was a canny Austrian guy who became the personal pilot of then Prince Mohammed..I remember him for having a fantastic huge white Mercedes with red leather seats and also he didn't approve of me and Nic reading Victor magazines as they glorified war and were anti- German!!.





http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Tim%20N%20Bristow%20pictures/DasWhirlwindg.jpg

Possibly on Das Island...the guy in the cockpit is called Filipose. I had a great childhood as a result of Dad's job and many happy memories from our time in Dubai especially.





http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Tim%20N%20Bristow%20pictures/Dubai19641g.jpg


This photo is of the Bristow base on Dubai beach close to the mouth of the creek in 1964..as you can see it was a very simple operation before they moved to the Dubai airport site.






http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Tim%20N%20Bristow%20pictures/Whirlwindkidsg.jpg

Dubai 1964





http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Tim%20N%20Bristow%20pictures/Eketg.jpg

Eket in the seventies.





http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Tim%20N%20Bristow%20pictures/Borneog.jpg

Borneo.





http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae157/skyweaver100/Tim%20N%20Bristow%20pictures/TNsdadmikejohnstonTreasurefinderg.jpg

Bill Nicholls and Mike Johnston probably on the Treasure Finder.

[Tail-take-off]

I saw this (ex G-BGWK) sat on the tarmac in Beirut yesterday.

S61N photo link (http://www.scramble.nl/mil/4/lebanon/gfx/S-61NAD-1603.jpg)

I flew WK more than any of the other BHL 61s.