Dan-Air Viscounts

[Mooncrest]

Anyone remember these ? I remember the 800 series going through LBA in the late 70s/early 80s on Jersey flights but I don't think they were owned or operated by Dan-Air. Probably Fields/Air Bridge. The 700s used to hang out at Lydd but I think they were leased from Alidair.

Glad to hear from anyone who can throw any light on this subject.

MC

[T-21]

G-ARBY and G-ARIR series 708 On lease from Alidair 10 & 12/75. Both returned 12/75.

G-BBDK series 808 on lease from ABC 3/75 to 10/75.

G-BGLC and G-BCZR series 810/839 both obtained early 1979. LC flew last service 26/10/80 and ZR last service 27/4/81. Both were sold to Air Zimbabwe.

[dixi188]

The 839 series A/C came from Oman Air Force (serial 501 or 502) and had previously been a VIP A/C for the Shar of Persia.
It had been sold to a southern africa country (Botswana or Namibia or some other, I can't remember) in late 1977.
It went to Dan-Air for re-furbish but the work was never paid for, so Dan-Air decided to operate it.
An old colleague of mine, John Bates, was with it at the time.

[Ranger 1]

Rember the Dan Air Viscounts well lovely aircraft, the website below is worth a visit
Aircraft Photos Aviation Pictures Vickers Viscount Aircraft History and Information (http://www.vickersviscount.net/)

Ranger 1 :ok:

[Bigt]

502 was the SOAF Viscount to see service with Dan Air whilst owned by ABC as G-BGLC following its aborted sale to Royal Swazi National Airways

[Viscount812]

807 G-CSZB worked Lydd - Channel Islands flights in 1979. Leased aircraft, initially in Southern International colours but repainted into Dan Air Livery in May/June of that year.

This is an excellent resource Aircraft Photos Aviation Pictures Vickers Viscount Aircraft History and Information (http://www.vickersviscount.net/Default.aspx)

[David Eyre]

G-ARBY series 708 leased from Alidair 10/75 - 12/75 and 1/3/77-1/9/79

G-ARGR series 708 leased from Alidair 7/77-27/8/77 and 7/78-18/1/79

G-ARIR series 708 leased from Alidair 10/12/75, sub-leased by Dan Air to British Midland from 22/6/77 - 7/77. Returned to Alidair 7/77. Leased from Alidair again from 4/78-30/4/79.

G-BBDK series 808 on lease from ABC 3/75 to 10/75.

G-BDRC series 724, wet-leased from Alidair 27/2/78-27/1/79 and 8/9/80-10/80

G-BGLC and G-BCZR series 810/839 both obtained early 1979. LC flew last service 26/10/80 and ZR last service 27/4/81. Both were sold to Air Zimbabwe.

Regards,
David

[Stampe]

I flew for BAF 86/67 and can definitely recall operating Jersey- LBA rotations in ex BA 800 series.I can look in my logbooks if its any help to you.VBR Stampe

[Mooncrest]

Good to see the Dan-Air Viscounts are fondly remembered, even though they weren't technically Dan_Air aircraft. Interesting to see that Dan-Air were prepared to have the aircraft painted in their own livery (in most cases anyway) although they were on lease. Corporate identity must have been important to them.

I remember being quite excited seeing one of them at LBA for the first time, probably in 1979 or 1980 and wondering what had happened to the 748s that were usually to be seen doing the Channel Island routes. Shame the two 830 series had relatively short careers in the UK. I don't suppose the move to Zimbabwe increased their life expectancy. I may be wrong but I think I've seen pictures of an 800-series in a hybrid BMA/Dan-Air livery at LBA. Possibly 'ZR given its BMA operation at some time.

Stampe, you have the privilege of having flown in one of my favourites, the ex-BA 800s. I have distant but clear memories of the bright yellow Northeast machines at LBA before BA got their hands on them and painted them in dull red, white and blue. Still, it was nice to see them reappear at LBA in '82 when BAF used them for Jersey flights. Several on a weekend for Lewis's Travel, I believe. Did you enjoy flying the Viscount ? I've spoken to one or two pilots, young and old, who loved it and even preferred it to more modern props.

[PaperTiger]

I don't suppose the move to Zimbabwe increased their life expectancy.Both remained in service until 1989/90. BCZR (as Z-WGC) then became a restaurant (why do people think this is a good idea :confused: ), but I don't know what happened to it after that.

[dug the dog]

Great to see so many remember the viscount fleet,but what about Dans comet fleet,they were a sight to behold!

[Panop]

Anyone remember these ? I remember the 800 series going through LBA in the late 70s/early 80s on Jersey flights but I don't think they were owned or operated by Dan-AirIn mid to late 1972, Kestrel International Airways (Kestrel Aviation) from CDD operated Viscount 815 G-AVJB every Saturday on the Dan-Air Skyways (as they were still known) round Britain 'milk run' that I am fairly sure included LBA.

[Euravia First]

I am fairly sure that I recall seeing a Dan Air Viscount at Gloucester some 35 years ago. My memory tells me that Dan Air flew to Isle of Man, Jersey and maybe also Carlisle. My recollection is that HS 748's were the norm---but I'm almost sure that on at least one occasion I saw them fly a Viscount into Staverton.

One Poster has also mentioned the Dan Air Comets. I recall splendid return Clarksons Holidays flights from Gatwick to Valencia in September 1966 or 67. Was the aircraft perhaps G-APDK ? What I do know for sure is that it "made" my holiday to be going and returning by Comet 4 !

[norwich]

I am sure all of you Dan Air Viscount fans have seen this photo, taken at Lydd, credit to Robert Pittuck.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/czb.jpg

[Capetonian]

Probably taken at Jersey, mid 70's.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7593647/DanAir.JPG

[Croqueteer]

:ok: 1978 I did my complete line training on the Viscount Mon to Thurs flying the Lydd-Beauvais shuttle in Dan colours. (G-ARIR)