LUTON History and Nostalgia [Archive] - Page 15

cj241101

13th Jan 2019, 10:20

Many thanks for all that information. The Man U charter I was thinking about occurred on 26-27 May 1999. I was just arriving at the airport about 8am when a 747 was just coming over the 08 threshold. I believe it was Air Atlanta but I do not think it had any titles.

compton3bravo you are correct (almost..) it was Corsair again on 26/5/99, F-GPJM, parked nose out I think on stand 20. It also operated on 17/5/00 along with a -300 series (stretched upper deck) F-GSUN.

LTNman

13th Jan 2019, 13:02

N506MC taken on 21st January 2004

https://i.imgur.com/6nTczid.jpg

vintage ATCO

13th Jan 2019, 13:51

9 March 2004

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/b747_090304_016_72913c0ee2f0e92f6f7cbe1a8f9355faf1325038.jpg

vintage ATCO

13th Jan 2019, 13:54

13 October 2005

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/b747_971f0e4bb05f08a4966bee6efdf69868cac76b6d.jpg

LTNman

15th Jan 2019, 07:02

Death of Ambassador G-AMAF Feb 67

https://i.imgur.com/ARWOX3C.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8CtLbdt.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BGuYncU.jpg

OUAQUKGF Ops

15th Jan 2019, 14:58

Is the final image above something other than an Ambassador? The wreck appears to have a leading edge de-icing boot which was not the case with the Ambassador.

staircase

15th Jan 2019, 15:03

I think that you are correct. The wing section, with the U/C below the engine, shows what looks to be a low wing aeroplane, not a shoulder wing of the Ambassador

OUAQUKGF Ops

15th Jan 2019, 15:06

Yes and the undercarriage door is not that of an Ambassador.

GotTheTshirt

15th Jan 2019, 15:09

Also the fuselage cheat lines on the first two are not on the last.

The AvgasDinosaur

15th Jan 2019, 16:00

Also the fuselage cheat lines on the first two are not on the last.
I think the last shot is an L-749 Connie.
i think I've seen that picture before somewhere.
i think it is one of ACE Freighters that was killed by arson at Coventry, shortly after they went bust.
Be lucky
David
The Avgasdinosaur
P.S. Does anyone know ACE Freighters two letter designator?
Ive know they called ACE Alpha lima for
G-ALAL

LTNman

15th Jan 2019, 16:24

A bunch of experts we have here. I had a look again and you are correct

Coventry c 1972. Lockheed Constellation G-ANTF after an alleged arson fire.

So what is this then which was taken at LTN in the same month? Think I know the answer

https://i.imgur.com/itgS9Gm.jpg

DaveReidUK

15th Jan 2019, 16:50

So what is this then which was taken at LTN in the same month? Think I know the answer

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/617x284/provost_photo_539bb1ed35181d1997fd30a4edf287517728cc18.jpg

Not the same one, obviously. :O

vintage ATCO

16th Jan 2019, 09:02

LTNman

Your Percival Provost is almost certainly WV624 which dived into the ground after take-off from Cranfield 30.12.57 killing the US Navy pilot on board. It is thought the instrument panel became loose. The wreckage was recovered to Luton and lain around the side of the helicopter blister hangar for some time although it was gone by the early 60s when I started taking an interested. That is Wigmore Hall Farm in the background.

Found a pic
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/960x687/provost_wreck_96efc45b27ce3ad3b4913a7383d244136303e9fe.jpg

Haraka

16th Jan 2019, 15:33

The above accident was caused IIRC by the Provost hinging instrument panel swinging open and locking the stick back, causing a stall after take-off.Haraka senior was on the enquiry.

LTNman

16th Jan 2019, 17:49

Seems remarkably intact for an aircraft that dived into the ground.

lotus1

17th Jan 2019, 08:49

Some old great shots of Luton airport coming on television soon on talking pictures channel 328 the film vendetta for the Saint .

colinconxa

23rd Jan 2019, 14:54

Leased in ROMBAC 1-11'S built under license in Bucharest. Irish CAA allowed a permit under 'no objection' rules. France permitted their flights ut not sure if the UK refused them. Am willing to be corrected.

rog747

23rd Jan 2019, 14:59

BIA and Dan Air both leased in ROMBAC 1-11 500's seasonally for IT flights from UK airports

Dan Air put one on the UK register G-TARO

LTNman

11th Feb 2019, 06:37

I am assuming the 748 has a link to Autair?

https://i.imgur.com/52jB7k4.jpg
Mike Kemp

horatio_b

11th Feb 2019, 07:52

Autair 748 G-ATMJ became 6Y-JFJ in January 1968 (credit rzjets.net)

22/04

11th Feb 2019, 08:04

Autair 748s were leased to many operators- in the winter and almost entirely from 1968 - we rarely saw them a Luton after that when One Elevens meant passengers and crews didn't have to endure long round trips to the likes of Corfu. This was just before I regularly visited the airport but the aircraft is probably back from a winter lease or about to go out on lease. The Viscount next door is presumably British Midlands G-ASED minus the BM on the tail - is that plate a rudder lock or is the photo deceiving? The aircraft looks quite dirty - don't remember seeing it like this. Not sure about the DC3 - it might be G-APPC which languished on the apron for most of the following summer.

ATNotts

11th Feb 2019, 14:15

The Viscount next door is presumably British Midlands G-ASED minus the BM on the tail

I always thought that hybrid tail on 'SED was an experimental livery as an alternative to the "BM". I was only a whipper snapper back then however, and I may be totally wrong.

DaveReidUK

11th Feb 2019, 15:42

The Viscount next door is presumably British Midlands G-ASED minus the BM on the tail - is that plate a rudder lock or is the photo deceiving?

The plate covers the cutout in the rudder leading edge where the centre hinges are located.

I always thought that hybrid tail on 'SED was an experimental livery as an alternative to the "BM". I was only a whipper snapper back then however, and I may be totally wrong.

The tail markings are of course the last remains of the original BMA scheme inherited from Derby Airways (as worn by the Argonauts).

rog747

11th Feb 2019, 16:11

The plate covers the cutout in the rudder leading edge where the centre hinges are located.

The tail markings are of course the last remains of the original BMA scheme inherited from Derby Airways (as worn by the Argonauts).

Yes, the tails had DA then later BM vertically supposed on the fin - Argies, Viscounts and Dart Heralds

The ''new'' logo is now shown here on the tail (used on the Viscounts, new 1-11's 707's and DC-9's until 1986 - plus the smaller Shorts and F27 )
but that was not how the logo was ultimately applied...

cj241101

11th Feb 2019, 18:38

Photo is most likely early April 1969 when G-ATMJ returned from its second lease to Jamaica Air Services (on 2/4/69 according to Air Pictorial). At a guess the Viscount was in limbo awaiting the "new" i.e. 1969 livery to be applied which involved the replacement of the BM logo with the "BMA Jet" insignia. I would assume the tail logo is a sticker rather than a metal plate. G-AWGV appeared in March 1969 with the same scheme on the tail:-

https://www.airliners.net/photo/BMI-British-Midland/Vickers-745-Viscount/1358406/L

The DC-3 was most likely Autair's G-APPO which sat around for a couple of years before getting broken up in Feb 1970.

22/04

12th Feb 2019, 07:48

The DC-3 was most likely Autair's G-APPO

Thanks for correcting that cj. I had completely forgotten that livery - imagining that BMA went straight from the vertical BM to the jet livery you mention-which I remember coming in in 1970 with One Elevens.

That just leaves the Britannia to sort out which looks like a British Eagle one, awaiting a new operator or the breaker after they stopped operations in autumn 1968.

cj241101

12th Feb 2019, 08:29

Hadn't noticed the Brit. Think you're right, ex-Eagle of which several came and went 1969-1970. Only 2 candidates in April '69 - G-AOVK and G-ARKB, both of which I first saw during March 1969. One was parked in the "graveyard" as in the picture; the other in the "light aircraft park", where hangar 127 now sits. In the background in this photo taken 7/4/69:-

https://i.imgur.com/AG3edhW.jpg

Can't be sure but I think the above was G-AOVK which was broken up Feb 1970. G-ARKB was sold to Tellair - not sure if it ever appeared at Luton as such, though, unlike G-ARKA, seen here on 23/3/69:-

https://i.imgur.com/10LZmMk.jpg

'KB went to Coventry later in 1969 where it was finally broken up in Nov 1971.

ATNotts

12th Feb 2019, 11:11

Both the Tellair Brits wound up at CVT, where they were broken up I think. unless I was suffering double vision back then!

cj241101

12th Feb 2019, 17:39

imagining that BMA went straight from the vertical BM to the jet livery you mention-which I remember coming in in 1970 with One Elevens.

Like these:-
https://i.imgur.com/9iyoKrz.jpg

G-AXLN 3/5/70, think the other nose was of G-AXLL

YVRLTN

25th Feb 2019, 01:44

Has anyone ever operated an EMB120 Brasilia into LTN?

cj241101

25th Feb 2019, 07:32

Has anyone ever operated an EMB120 Brasilia into LTN?

Air Exel based G-EXEL in March 1989 with the intention of starting scheduled services to Brussels, Paris and Edinburgh. They acquired G-BRAZ as well in December 1989 but only operated executive charters, with the planned scheduled flights never materialising. They ceased all ops during 1993.

G-EXEL 14/4/89:-
https://i.imgur.com/f4zp5SA.jpg

G-BRAZ 30/3/91:-
https://i.imgur.com/r7clLVB.jpg

G-BRAZ appeared with "Air EC" titles sometime in 1991.
G-BRAZ 4/7/91:-
https://i.imgur.com/B9z9Fxs.jpg

vintage ATCO

25th Feb 2019, 09:07

Posted elsewhere, this the first Jet Provost T.1 XD674 supposedly at Luton Airport but I do not recognise the black nissen huts, nor the background. Anyone else have any views?

It first flew on the evening of 26 Jun 1954 so it might be in preparation of its first flight as there appears to be a deal of interest from onlookers, but this airframe went all over the place so the pic might have been taken elsewhere.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/960x756/xd674_4_0cd029de68c664289d5926d6604d82ed863716b8.jpg

cj241101

25th Feb 2019, 10:05

vintage ATCO

25th Feb 2019, 12:49

I think you right about the brick wall but I don't think that is an RAF airfield as most people are dressed in civvies apart from the two policemen/security guards. That airframe spent time at Boscombe Down and with Armstrong Whitworth's, presumably Bitteswell.

LTNman

25th Feb 2019, 17:58

I can only think of the hangar that became part of the GKN complex behind Percival Way but I can't find those nissen huts on any photo.

Luton Anorak

26th Feb 2019, 08:35

I think this is where the photo of the Jet Provost was taken - these images are from a photo taken in August 1963 and a couple of nissen huts still remained
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1002x556/20190225_205136_43928ed101e5188416a47194b9bf827f3cb2d238.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1500x842/20190225_203104_1f4438bd7fcfc1be1e1c2fe5daeca303e573e267.jpg

LTNman

26th Feb 2019, 15:12

Well done that man.

The gantry can be seen in the background
https://i.imgur.com/UTe7tzY.jpg

This is the hangar on the right
https://i.imgur.com/psfRXZp.jpg

LTNman

26th Feb 2019, 15:13

G-ARKB was sold to Tellair - not sure if it ever appeared at Luton as such

At Luton
https://i.imgur.com/cAht7bV.jpg
David Wynn

cj241101

26th Feb 2019, 19:05

Thanks for finding that LTNman. The last Britannia built. My only sighting was 8/3/69, still in British Eagle colours then.

LTNman

2nd Mar 2019, 08:27

vintage ATCO

2nd Mar 2019, 15:37

1962

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/962x685/1962_60c56b5d0c6e02503cf3f3d057431d06b59eee89.jpg

LTNman

2nd Mar 2019, 16:45

No aerial photos seem to have Nissan huts like the ones in the photo. Also I don't think any of the Luton hangars had brick walls, so I would suspect the photo wasn't taken at Luton. As a new type of aircraft, the JP would have attracted interest wherever it went, so it could have been a first visit to any number of RAF bases.
Looks like a brick wall at the end.
https://i.imgur.com/DIVHzYd.jpg

This is a photo of the experimental hangar with a hint of nissan hut
https://i.imgur.com/RN39Y2p.jpg

Spanish eyes

5th Mar 2019, 06:51

First Monarch flight 5th April 1968. (Best to mute speakers due to horrible music)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRR0Lef0AEA

rog747

5th Mar 2019, 07:07

Great video - cannot recall where OM/MON's London coach terminal was - Edgware Road or Tottenham Court Rd areas?
Court Line and Britannia both had London Terminals.

Summer 1968
LTN starts to go-jet!
First jets based at LTN arrive - Autair 1-11 400's and Britannia 737-204's
Dan Air opens their LTN 1-11 base a year later, in 1969.
OM/MON will have to wait a few years to get their hands on their first jet, the 720B in 1971

Channel AW also got their first Trident One E in 1968, and their first 1-11 the summer before, (STN based but LTN saw PMI and other charters)

kenparry

5th Mar 2019, 08:46

To be pedantic: "Nissan" are cars. The huts are "Nissen".

LTNman

5th Mar 2019, 11:21

Staff seem relaxed, even laid back. Couldn't be more different from today's mad house.

washoutt

5th Mar 2019, 11:46

DaveReidUK

5th Mar 2019, 11:53

Great video - cannot recall where OM/MON's London coach terminal was - Edgware Road or Tottenham Court Rd areas?

At 0:28, the coach is turning left out of Percy St into Tottenham Court Rd.

sycamore

5th Mar 2019, 11:57

Wash,probably a small motorised fuel `bowser` for refuelling away from the fuel pumps...Can`t remember the name/type,but later ones were larger drive-on..Someone will have a photo....

22/04

5th Mar 2019, 15:28

First Monarch flight 5th April 1968. (Best to mute speakers due to horrible music

How odd to think that I was there, a 13 year old, at the crash gate all those years ago. I didn't know what this yellow aeroplane was until it taxied by and knew by the reg. it was a Brit.

Self loading bear

5th Mar 2019, 21:47

In the photo of post # 3541 there is a strange vehicle or contraption standing in the left, between the white overalled-man and the gentleman in the foreground. Could someone please explain what it is? Thanks.

National museum of Flight

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1334x750/f786fa40_9903_4e3a_8b5d_470aa42b7810_ed25601c13d1ab717451bb4 dcdad57a064a21a7f.png

washoutt

6th Mar 2019, 08:12

Aha, thanks. I've never seen such a tiny browser. Never to old to learn, my grandmother would say.

LTNman

6th Mar 2019, 19:31

Another view complete with fuel gauge
https://i.imgur.com/QcJmx3p.jpg

This one is their self powered version
https://i.imgur.com/DdLqizD.jpg

DaveReidUK

6th Mar 2019, 21:24

That Comet must have been going at a helluva speed.

LTNman

7th Mar 2019, 15:29

Heads up that at 8pm tonight on Talking Pictures which is available on all platforms including Freeview, Sky and Freesat, will be showing a film called Mr Denning Heads North. This 1951 film has the odd scene taken at Luton although I seem to remember this scene got cut out on the version I saw.

A couple of scenes from the film. Sorry to say the rest didn't photograph too well

Percival Way behind what became Monarch's hangar
https://i.imgur.com/hxLpSvX.jpg

Luton's first control tower
https://i.imgur.com/kw1xsWu.jpg

sycamore

7th Mar 2019, 19:33

Sporting...!!

LTNman

9th Mar 2019, 11:55

https://i.imgur.com/LwN9z5v.jpg

This airframe G-AOVS has been half buried for more years than I can remember. It have now been dug out and moved to the boundary fence due to building work. Its future is uncertain

https://i.imgur.com/5KlQ17O.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/k6F6hx6.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/c5P4RUJ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/a7VPuZ4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mLhqDTc.jpg

ATNotts

9th Mar 2019, 13:40

LTNman:

I can see looking at the top photo, and comparing with the others, that the aircraft's name was changed. Can see that on the fuselage only pics it "Amu", but on the earlier picture, when it was operational, the name is much longer, though I can't read it.

When was it changed, and does anyone know why?

Falcon666

9th Mar 2019, 14:19

When in Redcoat colours it was named “Christian”

browndhc2

9th Mar 2019, 15:37

Yes, that is correct G-AOVS was named Christian after One of the companies Directors sons. The name was transferred to G-BRAC which was acquired during 1978.'OVS was renamed Amy after another other director's daughter. Amy was withdrawn from service in July 1979 and was used for Ground shots during the filming of "Buccaneer", for continuity purposes the name Christian was reapplied to her port side as G-BRAC had been used for the air to air shots in the title sequence.

LTNman

9th Mar 2019, 19:42

The old girl was built in 1957 so will be around 62 years old. Seeing how it was used by the fire service and then half buried she hasn’t done too bad but I fear her days are numbered. It looks like a digger has removed her nose at some point.

browndhc2

10th Mar 2019, 07:42

Luton was a well known last resting place for Britannia's with several Monarch, Britannia Airways the odd ex RAF airframe meeting their end at the hands of the scrap man's torch.OVS will be the last. She has served the Fire service longer than her previous operators who were BOAC, Lloyd, British Eagle(on lease), IAS, Invicta(On lease) and finally Redcoat.
At least sistership G-AOVT is well looked after at Duxford.

LynxDriver

12th Mar 2019, 03:14

First Monarch flight 5th April 1968. (Best to mute speakers due to horrible music)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRR0Lef0AEA

That piece of music is excellent! Mind you I've been a collector of library music such as this for over 40 years so I'm biased!

LTNman

13th Mar 2019, 08:37

With so many photos appearing on this thread over the years I am assuming this has appeared before but I really don't know
https://i.imgur.com/MiaSGKb.jpg

22/04

13th Mar 2019, 12:46

The flying club hangar in the background I assume

vintage ATCO

13th Mar 2019, 17:34

Yes. I don't remember Luton Airways on it, it was 'McAlpines' in my early days (very early 60s I think). When the McAlpine hangar on the west side of the main apron appeared (allegedly it came from Blackbushe) Luton Flying Club moved from the back of hangar 9 to there.

cj241101

13th Mar 2019, 21:17

Luton Airways operated between December 1957 and December 1959, operating a small (3) fleet of Dragon Rapides.

LTNman

14th Mar 2019, 20:52

So what is the airline?
https://i.imgur.com/e35q4XK.jpg

kcockayne

14th Mar 2019, 21:19

It looks like Pegasus to me. A UK Viking operator in the late 50s & early 60s.

DaveReidUK

14th Mar 2019, 22:23

Looks like G-AHOY. At any rate, that's the only Viking I can find photos of on the Net with that winged horse crest.

From the registration record:

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/349x147/pegasus_608565095e0634755d0a05717304e0999a2694c3.jpg

Does anyone know who Cyril Claydon was ?

oxenos

14th Mar 2019, 23:54

My first flight, at the age of 11, was Bovingdon to Malta, stopping at Nice, in G-AHOY in August 1954. My father ( Royal Navy ) was appointed to Malta, so presumably it was a trooping flight. Hunting Clan was the operater

LTNman

15th Mar 2019, 07:29

I have been sent a message so was wondering if anyone can help. Has anyone got any photos / film footage or history of the Boeing 720 Starship N7201U at Luton as it spent its final days at Luton Airport before it was scrapped for parts in 1982. Apparently Led Zeppelin used it for their 70's touring days. Also the aircraft was the first built Boeing 720.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Starship

horatio_b

15th Mar 2019, 08:12

At their peak, Pegasus operated a fleet of three Vikings. This is an excerpt from an Article about Blackpool airport in 1959, published in Propliner magazine:Although charter flights at the beginning of the year were scarce, February ended with an apron full of charter aircraft when the entire Pegasus Airlines Viking fleet, comprising G-AHOY, G-AHPL and G-AJBT, were joined by Derby Airways DC-3 G-AOGZ operating a round trip passenger charter from Luton on February 28

OUAQUKGF Ops

15th Mar 2019, 09:34

Cyril Claydon was a Luton Builder. When Pegasus went into receivership in October 1961 the three Vikings were stored in a hangar at Blackpool where Pegasus had their main operating base and my erstwhile colleague Pete Hart (Autair and Gulfair) was employed by Claydon to mothball the aircraft. One day Bill Buxton, Autair's engineering director, turned up at Blackpool, inspected the Vikings and purchased them. Pete was asked to prepare the aircraft for ferry to Luton and took the opportunity to ask Buxton for a job, a request which was granted.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1024x723/1519743_large_eb6acc6337d988665f3f9f42e18e91d0bcbbb881.jpg

G-AHOY at Blackpool. Destinations on steps reflect Pegasus' operating bases. Photocredit Dave Welch with thanks.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1024x652/1511270_large_78e811327bce5b172b70d1140d44952e3df21ddd.jpg
G-AJBT at Luton with Autair and about to be 'reduced to spares'. Photocredit Dave Welch with thanks.

vintage ATCO

15th Mar 2019, 10:45

That story is in Colours in the Sky.

It's Cyril Claydon BTW ;) I remember Claydon's the builders in and around Luton in my yoof.

GotTheTshirt

15th Mar 2019, 13:29

I am not sure which hanger they were in at Blackpool.
When we started the Blackpool services we has the use of a hanger at Blackpool. The first time we put a Viking in everyone was carefully watching the wing tips ( With thumbs Up !) when there was a bang followed by falling bit of aircraft fin !!
The wingspan was fine but not enough height !!
We made a heavy duty "skate" they went under the tail jack point. Then we put downlocks on the main landing gears and selected gear up, hand pumped the gear up but only the tail wheel retracted and was then lowered onto the skate !!! The aircraft was towed into the hanger and everyone went to the bar !!

OUAQUKGF Ops

15th Mar 2019, 17:54

Currently offered on an internet auction site. Extracts from the log books of Valerie Fisher ex British Eagle and Autair. I thought Luton Old Hands might recognize a few names and at the same time younger Ppruners could appreciate the long hours sometimes worked when Sixteen Hour Duty periods were still legal. Autair entries date from 1962 until shortly after the HS 748s were introduced in 1966.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1600x805/s_l1600_5fbf92a74767c817c65945379fe816e42c114f9c.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1600x932/logbook_2_d924ee4c48af3e8a9b9c5b90bcfc842afbd3e3ef.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1600x825/logbbok3_38d98c7d4c809114d1be3eedbad963db43d4c925.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1600x895/logbook4_de35dc5b9308948e990b0b2c5f24dc59b205cc12.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1600x878/logbook5_0f69fed7538752a37699e9d8a35cc6f331ddb6e1.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1600x917/logbook6_c00b3c1e79209f2b7216b3a2a318a85dcee53cb1.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1600x900/logbbok8_16679ee8a1a4be9ba30294066d1537c131710b87.jpg

rog747

16th Mar 2019, 06:11

Amazing - she flew on Viking from LTN-Lyons-PGP and back (a night flight 4 sectors)then the following night LTN dep 0245 Tours PMI IBZ PMI Tours LTN ! yikes 6 sectors.

another one was an HS 748 non-stop to Corfu in 5h 10m and the return stopped at Beauvais in 6h 30m from CFU
Never knew a 748 could do CFU in one go

plus she did LTN-MAN-RIMINI-MAN-LTN ugh

At Air Spain we did a DC-8 out of LTN at 1830 to ALC and back to LTN then out at 0200 LTN to MAN and then BCN (same crew)
nice for the LTN pax!

GotTheTshirt

16th Mar 2019, 12:23

The first page of that log book has Captain Daniels. Dave Daniels like many of that era were real characters!
The Viking windshields were always a problem with leaking and his log book entry was "Windscreen leaks so badly altimeter reads in fathoms" !
The Viking pitot tubes were on the right wing outboard lower surface on a mast that was quite long to keep the tubes out of wing effect. Dave was coming back into Luton and the mount top flange of the mast cracked allowing the tubes to flex back out of the direct airflow. Of course the first signs were decaying airspeed which was countered with more power. They came across the airfield at high speed and landed OK !
He went to an Italian operator with turbine twins and was a training captain.He had the classic accident when they were doing an engine failure on takeoff the copilot feathered the wrong engine.(Shades of Autair 125!)
They survived but Dave stopped flying and retired in Sardinia,

OUAQUKGF Ops

16th Mar 2019, 13:03

LTNman

16th Mar 2019, 21:12

Using the link above Paul Tomlin has some superb photos of Luton if you go to his index. I did email him once and asked to show some of his photos here with full accreditation. He refused point blank and was actually quite rude in his reply even threatening legal action if I remember correctly. His is actually the only person who has said no.

PeterJG

17th Mar 2019, 11:50

As an air cadet I flew my Flying Scholarship at Luton in 1961, in Tiger Moths G-AOGS and AOZH. As cadets, after careful instruction we swung props on the Tigers and any visitors (would we be allowed to so today?!). The visiting Miles Messenger below was swung by the pilot with no-one aboard and no chocks. With full power it charged off at speed across the grass, gyrating in large circles for several minutes, defying the valiant efforts of the fire crew, while we rushed to push our Tiger round the corner. Eventually, after avoiding a row of brand new Jet Provosts and the control tower, it hit a marker-board and then caught its wingtip on a hedge outside the flying club and embedded its nose on the club bar with the propeller shattering all around. The bar was fortunately unoccupied and no-one was hurt.

See photo here, I can't post links yet.
www.pprune.org/g/picture/13197522

OUAQUKGF Ops

17th Mar 2019, 13:37

Was this the one? Photo credit NA3T website.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/600x400/ag08781_5d292cae4c4d005e4f42c07da3dc60841d2d8014.jpg

l.garey

17th Mar 2019, 14:34

Apparently not: see the photo in the link
https://www.pprune.org/g/picture/13197522
However, if it is G-AISL (the last letter is partly hidden) then Av Safety Network says it crashed on landing at Stapleford on 14.12.1961.
Furthermore I recall a post on Pprune some time ago saying that the runaway Messenger was indeed JKL.

Which is correct?
Laurence

OUAQUKGF Ops

17th Mar 2019, 15:31

Sorry for the confusion but I initially I couldn't get the image up of G-AISL visiting the Flying Club.

Incidentally G-AJKL was registered to some concern in Luton in 1967 and was photographed derelict at Luton in 1971.

G-AISL Registration details here for period in question:
https://cwsprduksumbraco.blob.core.windows.net/g-info/HistoricalLedger/G-AISL-3.pdf

l.garey

17th Mar 2019, 16:21

Without being sure, I think that perhaps PeterJG refers to the wrong photo. Looks like IGL crashed at Stapleford and the Luton runaway was indeed JKL.

Laurence

Halcyon Days

17th Mar 2019, 16:53

Lots of familiar names in that log book. Mike Ellis/Pete Hogg/Mike Williams/Dennis White/Fred Sheldrick/Freddie Fox/ Pete Dibley and others all of whom carried on with them under the Court Line name.

vintage ATCO

17th Mar 2019, 17:19

G-AISL was the Messenger that impacted the Flying Club Bar. I arrived after he event and remember going round to the side of the helicopter blister hangar to see it after it had been moved there.

OUAQUKGF Ops

17th Mar 2019, 18:03

G-AISL did indeed crash at Stapleford at the end of 1961 and although it continued to be registered it is thought that it was never rebuilt. Two prangs in one year!

(Since writing this I've been in touch with Peter Amos who has very kindly given me the full history for this aeroplane. It was rebuilt by Thurstons at Stapleford between 1962-63 using the rear fuselage of G-AKKM and the wings of Gemini G-AISM. Subsequently it suffered a heavy landing at Panshanger in August 1967 which caused substantial damage and resulted in it being broken up.)

OUAQUKGF Ops

18th Mar 2019, 10:26

Lots of familiar names in that log book. Mike Ellis/Pete Hogg/Mike Williams/Dennis White/Fred Sheldrick/Freddie Fox/ Pete Dibley and others all of whom carried on with them under the Court Line name.

At the risk of slight thread drift:

John Handley, another name in the log-book. John and my father propped up the bar in The Castle Pub at Berkhamsted. At the time I was working in a very poorly paid job in a second-hand bookshop in Aylesbury. Hearing that I was very keen on aeroplanes John fixed me up with an interview with Maurice Rowan at Autair and I commenced employment as a trainee ops assistant at £10 per week in January 1966. Many of the pilots were War Veterans but in those days they rarely bothered to mention their exploits.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1110x1158/0032_4193fa4e429ab864b08e7eef50b8bf96b5abb7d6.jpg
Image Courtesy 550 Squadron Association.

This station narrative concerns a Lancaster of 550 Squadron flown by John on a Manna Operation 7th May 1945. It is thought that the B17 concerned was the last B17 to be shot down by enemy action in the European Theatre of War.

Further details can be found on page 62 of this pdf: http://100thbg.com/images/chowhound_3rd.pdf

LTNman

18th Mar 2019, 14:09

PeterJG

18th Mar 2019, 14:50

Just to back up Vintage SATCO. I was there and took the photo; it was G-AISL. I'm surprised someone did a quick repair job to get it flying later in 1961 when it reportedly had another incident.

sycamore

18th Mar 2019, 15:51

Did my ` solo -checkout` in Chipmunk G-APAC on 18/3/`61,by Elizabeth O at LFC.Must have stayed overnight in the `student`s `accommodation,then did nav.test in the Chippie next day with Don Mayne(LT-Chelm`d-St Tawney-Lt).Then `hitch-hiked back to Halton with just enough money to get a pie and a pint of Guinness in the pub.....
As PJG says ,a fun time pulling a/c to the pumps,refuelling,swinging props, no `gilet-jaunes`....
I thought v.ATCO was still in short pants then,making tea for Lew in the Tower..!!!

Halcyon Days

18th Mar 2019, 17:30

I recall G-AISL being owned by Ron Harvey in the late 60s (67-8?). He based it at Panshanger. He later went on to own G-ASDI Apache and I flew with him several times in it from and to Luton. He owned a Luton flooring company called ARI Propaflor.

OUAQUKGF Ops

18th Mar 2019, 17:53

It seems Ron Harvey also owned Messenger G-AJKL.
https://cwsprduksumbraco.blob.core.windows.net/g-info/HistoricalLedger/G-AJKL-3.pdf

cj241101

18th Mar 2019, 17:58

Still looking for information

Extracted from airlinerlist.com:-

17907 23.11.59 N7201U United AL 01.10.60 720-022
Contemp Entertainment15.01.73 Elton John 74/78
McCulloch Int lsd 11.75
Bank of America reposs 10.11.77
AeroAmerica 21.06.78
Private Jet S.lsd 09.78
AeroAmerica ret 03.79 SCR7.82, str Luton since 3.79.To be sold, but was too corroded

I do have a photo but this one is miles better:-
Boeing 720-022 - Untitled | Aviation Photo #0135335 | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Untitled/Boeing-720-022/135335/L?qsp=eJwtjEEKwkAMRe%2BStQuroNCdXkAXXiBMPlqsnSGJ1KH07sbB3eM9 eAulPDk%2BfqsF1JOBNT1oQ4WVX0b9Qk/UOasE03Tcbbt3VMvq5xpG2HFKCcUhf39Rgf4SLLXRPcZdAPTamPaH8DJYGbk 94DyMtK5fHQQuSA%3D%3D)

LTNman

18th Mar 2019, 19:19

Extracted from airlinerlist.com:-

17907 23.11.59 N7201U United AL 01.10.60 720-022
Contemp Entertainment15.01.73 Elton John 74/78
McCulloch Int lsd 11.75
Bank of America reposs 10.11.77
AeroAmerica 21.06.78
Private Jet S.lsd 09.78
AeroAmerica ret 03.79 SCR7.82, str Luton since 3.79.To be sold, but was too corroded

I do have a photo but this one is miles better:-
Boeing 720-022 - Untitled | Aviation Photo #0135335 | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Untitled/Boeing-720-022/135335/L?qsp=eJwtjEEKwkAMRe%2BStQuroNCdXkAXXiBMPlqsnSGJ1KH07sbB3eM9 eAulPDk%2BfqsF1JOBNT1oQ4WVX0b9Qk/UOasE03Tcbbt3VMvq5xpG2HFKCcUhf39Rgf4SLLXRPcZdAPTamPaH8DJYGbk 94DyMtK5fHQQuSA%3D%3D)

The photo need to be taken at Luton. I have sent you a pm with more details.

vintage ATCO

18th Mar 2019, 20:32

Blimey! I remember Ron Harvey and flew a couple of times in his Apache. It was some awful orange and white scheme and rumour has it he got a couple of his blokes in with a few tins of Valspar to paint it!

I required extensive training in the tower to make tea :( Apparently I use to put too much milk in it. I blame my mother. The short trousers came later in life. ;)

cj241101

18th Mar 2019, 20:38

The photo need to be taken at Luton. I have sent you a pm with more details.

LTNman have sent you a pm. I assume you have looked at abpic where there is a decent LTN photo of N7201U:-
https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/view/1124085

OUAQUKGF Ops

19th Mar 2019, 15:13

https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1961/1961%20-%200587.html?search=luton%20flying%20club

Vampiredave

21st Mar 2019, 12:32

I am aware that this excellent forum focuses on the civilian operations at Luton Airport but I wonder if anyone can provide me with help regarding Jet Provost deliveries from Hunting/Percival to the Ceylon Air Force. I am aware that 12 Jet Provost T Mk.51s, CJ701-CJ712 from Luton - probably by company or Airwork pilots - from December 1959?
It is suggested that the first aircraft, CJ701, was the former company Mk.2 demonstrator, G-AOHD/'XN117' which was returned and modified to Mk.3 standard. Another suggestion was that this aircraft was scrapped at Luton in 1960 and that CJ 701 was anew-build airframe? Any help will be gratefully received?

vintage ATCO

21st Mar 2019, 16:09

I think we discuss anything and everything here!

CJ701 c/n PAC/W/5754 FF Luton 1959 as G-23-1. To Ceylon AF (no date given) WFU 1971
CJ702 c/n PAC/W/5760 FF Luton 1959 poss as G-23-5. To Ceylon AF 2.60. WFU 1971
CJ703 c/n PAC/W/5763? FF Luton 1959 poss as G-23-6. To Ceylon AF 2.60. WFU 1971
CJ704 c/n PAC/W/6192 FF Luton 1959. To Ceylon AF 2.60. WFU 1971. By 1994 in play area in Sri Lanka AF Museum Ratmalana Sri Lanka
CJ705 FF Luton 1959 poss as G-23-5. To Ceylon AF 2.60. WFU 1971. By 1994 in play area in Sri Lanka AF Museum Ratmalana Sri Lanka
CJ706 c/n PAC/W/6322? FF Luton 1959. To Ceylon AF 2.60. WFU 1971
CJ707 FF Luton 1959/60. To Ceylon AF 1962?. WFU 1971 and preserved
CJ708 FF Luton 1959/60. To Ceylon AF 1962?. WFU 1971
CJ709 FF Luton 1959/60. To Ceylon AF 1962?. WFU 1971
CJ710 FF Luton 1959/60. To Ceylon AF 1962?. WFU 1971
CJ711 FF Luton 1960. To Ceylon AF 1962?. WFU 1971. Preserved at Sri Lanka AF Museum Ratmalana Sri Lanka.
CJ712 FF Luton 1959/60. To Ceylon AF 1962. WFU 1971

G-AOHD was c/n PAC/84/012 FF Luton 1956 and did an overseas sales tour in Latin America and then was shipped out to Oz. It's preserved and stored at RAAF Museum, Point Cook.

Info from On the Wings of a Gull by David Gearing, published by Air Britain. It does contain errors.

Vampiredave

24th Mar 2019, 10:41

I would agree that the Gearing book is full of errors. Anyway, thanks to several enthusiasts I have found out that XN117 did not go to Ceylon AF as 'CJ701' but was placed into open store at Luton following weapons trials and overseas evaluations and scrapped in early 1962. The deliveries of the Jet Provosts to Ceylon have never been confirmed and I am sure that there must an accurate list somewhere?

LTNman

22nd Apr 2019, 20:45

1955 T1 Jet Provost
https://i.imgur.com/hly4ePN.jpg
Peter Worby

diddy1234

23rd Apr 2019, 13:31

When did Hunting / Percival aircraft cease to be based at Luton airport ?
was it just a case of amalgamation into BAC and then the Luton site shut down ?
Where did the Jet Provost manufacturing move to after Luton ?

Vampiredave

23rd Apr 2019, 14:09

Hunting merged / acquired by BAC on 1 January 1964

Luton factory closed 31 July 1966

Production of Jet Provost Mk.5 and Strikemaster transferred to Warton; ten Strikemaster fuselages finally assembled at Hurn between 1979 / 1980 following increased production of Jaguar airframes at Warton

diddy1234

23rd Apr 2019, 14:19

Thank you VampireDave.
does this mean the majority of production for the Jet Provost was at Luton ?

Vampiredave

23rd Apr 2019, 14:35

All Jet Provost Mk.1 to Mk.4 airframes, including T.Mk.51 and T.Mk.52 armed versions of the Mk.3 and Mk.4, respectively, were built at Luton. Wings built at Hurn

gatman

7th Jun 2019, 13:54

Good afternoon
I've been pointed to this forum and hopefully someone will be able to help.
I am trying to find which specific aircraft I flew in and out of Luton on back in 1973, 1974 and 1975!
I know it's a long shot but a colleague said someone on the forum had access to the tower logbooks for the time.
I'd appreciate any help you could give, I have more info but it would probably be easier by PM if needed.

Regards

Gatman

LTNman

7th Jun 2019, 17:37

This thread is very good at time and dating the unusual movements, the more regular aircraft could be a tough call. How about a few examples you are looking for?

gatman

7th Jun 2019, 18:36

Unfortunately they are common but here goes

Monarch Airlines Britannia Luton to Basel approx 29/5/73 returning 7 or 10/6/73 these are the two I'm really interested in

Dan Air BAC 1-11 Luton to Palma 14/1/74 am returning 18/1/74 PM

This one is slightly more sketchy on dates Britannia Airways B737 Luton to Rimini 3/5/75 returning 17/5/75 Previous research showed one a week but not sure which day. Return was within 5 days after the 13/5/75

I appreciate these will probably be unsolvable but it would be great to find out.

gatman

dc9-32

7th Jun 2019, 19:09

cj241101 to the rescue I suspect......

cj241101

7th Jun 2019, 22:04

dc9-32, thanks for the vote of confidence - just had a look and I was actually living in Reading on the dates in question, so nothing doing, I'm afraid. The only source I know of for Luton ATC logs is the Bedford Archive Centre but they only have Aug 1966-Aug 1968.

gatman

8th Jun 2019, 08:19

Oh well, it was worth a try.

Thanks for your help.

Cheers

gatman

LTNman

9th Jun 2019, 08:16

Marty Feldman during filming.
https://i.imgur.com/TV7lgE4.jpg
photo by Luton Airport

YVRLTN

10th Jun 2019, 03:41

Did Air Inter ever operate the Mercure into LTN?

SpringHeeledJack

10th Jun 2019, 06:00

Unless it was a one-off charter, I'd very much doubt it because Air Inter were the French government's internal/domestic airline to counterbalance Air France being the international/external airline. An interesting aircraft, used to see them in Orly back in the day.

treadigraph

10th Jun 2019, 08:22

I recall a Mercure at Gatwick, not sure if I saw it or just a photo, or indeed why it was there.

Level bust

10th Jun 2019, 10:10

My records show that no Mercure ever visited Luton.

SpringHeeledJack

10th Jun 2019, 12:32

I used to fly on Air Inter a lot in the 90's and I'm pretty sure that i flew on a Mercure between Paris Orly and Avignon and return in 93 or 94, but to my enthusiast shame the memory isn't clear, only that the airport was restricted to the size of aircraft that could land there. If anyone's interested there's one apiece at the Le Bourget and Speyer museums to wander around. A shame that this aircraft didn't have success, a bit like the story of the HS Trident.

cj241101

10th Jun 2019, 21:34

Did Air Inter ever operate the Mercure into LTN?

To the best of my knowledge, the occasions Air Inter have appeared at Luton can be counted on less than the fingers of one hand. A320 F-GJVE visited on 18/7/91, don't have the reason, F-GHQB another A320 on 17/2/92 and F-BUAO an A300 on 19/2/92, the last 2 both football related I think.

https://i.imgur.com/OoBmMx4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zXOTnVl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/gFUxnxN.jpg

Definitely no Mercures. Air Inter were indeed operating flights from Gatwick 1989-1990 (and probably beyond) using A320's.

SpringHeeledJack

11th Jun 2019, 07:46

Not LTN, but LHR, apparently there were several Air Inter substitutions for Air France in the 70's and both Caravelle and the mythical Mercure were pictured at T2.

PLAMALTN

11th Jun 2019, 10:00

Seeing the request for a tie up on a flight above made me remember I still have 2 I would like to find out. If I remember correctly we arrived home at some awful hour of the day!! I want to say the outbound was a 757 and inbound was a 737.

Monarch Airlines 03/Aug/1987 EGGW LEPA OM588
Monarch Airlines 17/Aug/1987 LEPA EGGW OM589

Here's hoping someone may be able to help?

YVRLTN

13th Jun 2019, 03:20

Definitely no Mercures. Air Inter were indeed operating flights from Gatwick 1989-1990 (and probably beyond) using A320's.

Thanks CJ, can't be many types that have never visited. How about the Belfast? Some Soviet types, YAK40 maybe?

cj241101

13th Jun 2019, 08:31

Thanks CJ, can't be many types that have never visited. How about the Belfast? Some Soviet types, YAK40 maybe?

Heavylift Belfasts were occasional visitors throughout the 80's and 90's, up to my last record on 3/2/02.

https://i.imgur.com/bXrhZcd.jpg
G-HLFT 12/3/86.

Only YAK-40 I know to have visited was the Polish Government SP-GEA which I recorded on several dates in Sep 1974 (no photo).

Only IL-62 was OK-OBL of CSA which I never saw, some time in the mid- late 90's. Someone sent me a photo, credit unknown:-

https://i.imgur.com/QdN9kSr.jpg?1

Only visit I have of a NAMC YS-11 is P4-GLC which night stopped on 31/5/98. Photo at Sharjah a month later on airliners.net:-
NAMC YS-11A-310(F) - Global Air Cargo | Aviation Photo #1467671 | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Global-Air-Cargo/NAMC-YS-11A-310-F/1467671/L?qsp=eJwtjEEKwkAMRe%2BStS5EcdFdvYAuvEBIPm1xdIZMQIfSuxsHd4/34K0k%2BeX4%2BL0V0EAVbDLTjgobPysNKz3Q3tk0mMppPyWJWrP5pYVRdow iKA79%2B6sp7JdQpY%2BmGB8CYLfOdDyH16WWxP0B5yXRtn0BPUAuog%3D%3 D)

Only TU-204 I have recorded is RA-64010, as recently as 15-16/11/18.

DaveReidUK

13th Jun 2019, 09:11

Only YAK-40 I know to have visited was the Polish Government SP-GEA which I recorded on several dates in Sep 1974 (no photo).

UR-DAP visited on at least a couple of occasions, 2008-2010.

Aircraft UR-DAP (1975 Yakovlev Yak-40 C/N 9521241) Photo by GarryLakin (Photo ID: AC484603) (http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/photo/000484603.html)

cj241101

13th Jun 2019, 10:27

UR-DAP visited on at least a couple of occasions, 2008-2010.

I should have searched my log a bit more thoroughly, forgot this one, 28/6/09 I have it from Le Bourget, out to Karlovy (Czech Republic) on 30/6/09. Didn't see it on 15/5/10.

PLAMALTN

13th Jun 2019, 15:44

I performed the push-back on this and then headed over to the hangar for a few pics - think it was 20/04/2005
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1404x1024/es_noi_an72_807542b2a5e0e8c14a59217eb5f5c280c27bc096.jpg

PLAMALTN

13th Jun 2019, 15:48

Not the best of pics but we were loading an engine for a Britannia B757, I think? 31/01/2002
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1024x768/g_hlft_sc5_hla_1__eeeb46d47dee68c45136085d7f070895acc55fcd.j pg

PLAMALTN

13th Jun 2019, 16:05

Flew on this a few times on the LTN-BRU-LTN
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1536x1024/img_4327_b72876dad6c31bafec34cc635d44a014e2d41aaa.jpg
Forgot this even existed!!
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1728x1152/img_5292_e10824e6f56c9af5f34a4fee7a97e58a7f2fa447.jpg

Double Hydco

14th Jun 2019, 14:07

Heavylift Belfasts were occasional visitors throughout the 80's and 90's, up to my last record on 3/2/02.

My logbook says I operated G-BEPS EMA-LTN-VOL on the 15th May 2000. We took a replacement engine and change team for a Monarch B757 that had a birdstrike on takeoff.

When I worked in ops in the 1990's I recall we had a number of weeks of operating LHR-LTN-BRU-LHR (or something similar), in place of the regular Merchantman which had suffered fire damage during a hangar visit.

One Friday evening we got a call for a short notice car parts flight for GM, not unusual except this was empty to Melbourne (via Karachi and Singapore), then back to Luton using the B707 G-HEVY with parts from Holden. A weekend of frantic telephone calls and telexing (remember them?) for overflight permits and dropping slip crews along the route, saw the 707 on final approach to Luton on the Monday morning.......

LTNman

14th Jun 2019, 20:23

Date and airline anyone?
https://i.imgur.com/oWdXIBq.jpg

jensdad

14th Jun 2019, 20:27

When I worked in ops in the 1990's I recall we had a number of weeks of operating LHR-LTN-BRU-LHR (or something similar), in place of the regular Merchantman which had suffered fire damage during a hangar visit.

Love these stories from what seem to be much more exciting times for aviation. Maybe that's just Luton, it's always been a place with interesting traffic. Did Heavylift have a Belfast based at LHR?

LTNman

15th Jun 2019, 08:18

Another of when was this taken photos?

https://i.imgur.com/99OtOA1.jpg

cj241101

15th Jun 2019, 16:21

[QUOTE=LTNman;10494194]Another of when was this taken photos?

I recorded Heavylift IL76 RA-76401 many times between 26/11/96 and 5/3/97, but the photo looks like it was taken in the summer (green leaves on trees). RA-76842 I then recorded several times 7/11/97 to 15/4/98. The only record I have of their IL76's during summer is RA-76401 on 16/9/97. None of my sightings included Belfast G-BEPS on the same day as an IL-76. So no useful answer from me - some time between 1996 and 1998.....

cj241101

15th Jun 2019, 16:54

Did Heavylift have a Belfast based at LHR?

The Air Bridge / Hunting service BCS412 operated LTN-LHR (ferry, STD 2015 I think) then LHR-BRU, returning to LTN as the BCS411 at 0355 (BCS=Eurotrans callsign, operating for DHL). Sun-Fri inclusive from memory. So when the Belfast substituted for the Merchantman it would have day stopped LTN rather than LHR.

Double Hydco

15th Jun 2019, 18:20

I recorded Heavylift IL76 RA-76401 many times between 26/11/96 and 5/3/97, but the photo looks like it was taken in the summer (green leaves on trees). RA-76842 I then recorded several times 7/11/97 to 15/4/98. The only record I have of their IL76's during summer is RA-76401 on 16/9/97. None of my sightings included Belfast G-BEPS on the same day as an IL-76. So no useful answer from me - some time between 1996 and 1998.....

I would put money on this being RA-76758, as it has the Oil Spill Service Centre titles. It was the first IL76 we got.....

jensdad

15th Jun 2019, 19:18

The Air Bridge / Hunting service BCS412 operated LTN-LHR (ferry, STD 2015 I think) then LHR-BRU, returning to LTN as the BCS411 at 0355 (BCS=Eurotrans callsign, operating for DHL). Sun-Fri inclusive from memory. So when the Belfast substituted for the Merchantman it would have day stopped LTN rather than LHR.
Cheers, cj. Excellent knowledge of all things LTN, as always :)

cj241101

15th Jun 2019, 19:31

I would put money on this being RA-76758, as it has the Oil Spill Service Centre titles. It was the first IL76 we got.....

Well that may have helped. This was CCCP-76758 on 19/5/92, parked in the same place as the earlier photo.

https://i.imgur.com/RzSVYHE.jpg

It had gone by the next day, replaced by this:-

https://i.imgur.com/HhGP4aF.jpg
YU-AMC 20/5/92.

European Cup final Barcelona versus Sampdoria, 70+ extra flights over 3 days....:eek:

LTNman

17th Jun 2019, 16:55

Back in the days when the airport encouraged spectators. Not sure when this was taken but the low fence is seen with a new high fence in front of it.
https://i.imgur.com/ZeGEog0.jpg

LTNman

21st Jun 2019, 15:08

Today this thread has passed 1 million views. A big thank you to those that just visit and those that contribute to this thread with their questions and knowledge.

https://i.imgur.com/hvHjirc.jpg

jensdad

21st Jun 2019, 20:01

And what a great photo to celebrate with!

LTNman

21st Jun 2019, 20:25

Wonder why rear mounted engines went out of favour on short to mid range airliners but are the mainstay of business jets?

BAC 1-11
DC9
Boeing 727
Trident
Caravelle
plus the USSR types.

DaveReidUK

21st Jun 2019, 21:16

Wonder why rear mounted engines went out of favour on short to mid range airliners but are the mainstay of business jets?

Because very few bizjets are big enough to accommodate underwing engines.

YVRLTN

22nd Jun 2019, 03:39

Today this thread has passed 1 million views. A big thank you to those that just visit and those that contribute to this thread with their questions and knowledge.

I check this thread almost every day, one of my most favorite things on the internet. There is no nostalgia like Luton nostalgia...

Thanks to everyone who posts all the great photos and answers all my questions.

Now... can anyone post a photo of a Casa C212 or CN235 at LTN?

washoutt

22nd Jun 2019, 07:38

Because very few bizjets are big enough to accommodate underwing engines.
Aft mounted engines require heavy structural adaption of the fuselage, a backwards c of g with associated limited travel, and large horizontal stabilizers to provide sufficient tail volume for aerodynamical stability. And in many cases, it requires a T-tail, again a heavy structure. Furthermore, wing-mounted engines provide some wing bending relief. The advantages -clean aerodynamic and (somewhat) smaller vertical tail- are outweighed by the penalties.

Self loading bear

22nd Jun 2019, 08:03

Aft mounted engines require heavy structural adaption of the fuselage, a backwards c of g with associated limited travel, and large horizontal stabilizers to provide sufficient tail volume for aerodynamical stability. And in many cases, it requires a T-tail, again a heavy structure. Furthermore, wing-mounted engines provide some wing bending relief. The advantages -clean aerodynamic and (somewhat) smaller vertical tail- are outweighed by the penalties.

Then my question is why they were in fashion on the old mid range liners?
Only ground clearance under the wing?

SLB

SpringHeeledJack

22nd Jun 2019, 08:48

We should also remember passenger comfort, that is sound levels. All the rear engined jets that I've flown on were very quiet, especially sitting forward of the wing. The outside noise was another matter ;-)

Btw, congratulations on the 1,000,000th view, great thread over the years!

treadigraph

22nd Jun 2019, 09:17

Because very few bizjets are big enough to accommodate underwing engines.
[Thread drift]I did like the McDonnell 119/220 though. Passed through El Paso with time to spare once, if I'd known it was parked up there I'd have ambled round for a gander... [/Thread drift]

Good thread, keep it up folks!

thegypsy

22nd Jun 2019, 10:14

Can anybody remember any of the jokes written on the walls of the Gents in Freds original Flying Club Bar by the control tower?? The one with the cubby hole which opened after official closing time. Early 70's

boeing_eng

22nd Jun 2019, 14:14

treadigraph

22nd Jun 2019, 14:34

Several have been in and out of Biggin. Reminiscent of the VFW-614, is that a type which has been into Luton?

SpringHeeledJack

22nd Jun 2019, 16:16

I was thinking of the VFW-614 earlier in the thread, when people were discussing engine mounting. Clever design, but visually ugly. The Luftwaffe had some in the VIP role, so perhaps one popped into LTN, although more likely into RAF Northolt. Having said that Air Alsace had some and maybe on a football charter into LTN ?

cj241101

22nd Jun 2019, 18:30

Now... can anyone post a photo of a Casa C212 or CN235 at LTN?

CN235 - no. Only record I have of a visit was the Irish Air Corps on 24/4/03 (serial 252)
CASA 212 yes:-

https://i.imgur.com/nyWemuz.jpg
OO-FKY 16/12/86

https://i.imgur.com/dbAVYqF.jpg
N392CA 16/3/13

cj241101

22nd Jun 2019, 18:46

Because very few bizjets are big enough to accommodate underwing engines.

The newish Honda Jet is an interesting design with engines mounted above the wings to give maximum cabin space.....Not many in Europe yet (but there was a Maltese registered one in LTN last month.....)

Wijet Hondajets have been in at least twice:-

https://i.imgur.com/uyQteXC.jpg
LX-WJD 6/6/19

I don't recall any VFW-614 visits. Cimber Air were another European operator but, as with Air Alsace, the type wasn't a success and they only lasted 5 years max.

cj241101

22nd Jun 2019, 19:01

Aft mounted engines require heavy structural adaption of the fuselage, a backwards c of g with associated limited travel, and large horizontal stabilizers to provide sufficient tail volume for aerodynamical stability.

All the rear engined airliners had problems with the C of G. Empty and they were close to - or outside - their aft limit and required ballast of some sort (barrels of demin water in the case of Monarch) in the front hold to be within limits. Another trick (1-11's in particular) was to "trap" unusable fuel in the centre tank which moved the C of G forward of the aft limit. On the other hand, put a full load of passengers and 150 bags on a 1-11 500 bound for (e.g.) Naples, with full wing tanks and 3000kgs (I think that's what it held) in the centre tank, then you would be very close to - or outside - the forward C of G limit, even if you were able to cram 85 bags (standard loading) in the rear hold. Give me a 737 with wing mounted engines any day!

treadigraph

22nd Jun 2019, 19:18

I recall seeing a TAT VFW-614 coming out of Heathrow one afternoon and a Luftwaffe example on a remote stand at Heathrow; never saw any others in the UK.

Just trying to think of the most unusual type I ever saw at Luton on my infrequent visits (usually to/from the PFA at Cranfield) but nothing springs to mind - the interesting stuff was always the visiting biz-jets!

dc9-32

23rd Jun 2019, 05:16

if you were able to cram 85 bags (standard loading) in the rear hold.
Ah yes, and the lonely 2 bags from a total of 87 went in the front !
Low loads of less than 80 I think we split 50/50 front/rear and free seating for the punters.

LTNman

23rd Jun 2019, 07:39

Wonder why rear mounted engines went out of favour on short to mid range airliners but are the mainstay of business jets?

BAC 1-11
DC9
Boeing 727
Trident
Caravelle
plus the USSR types.

Forgot to list the F70. I remember BMA flying the F27 into Luton but did they operate the F70?

16th January 2003
https://i.imgur.com/M7Mp8Kj.jpg

rog747

23rd Jun 2019, 08:06

BMA had both 70 & 100

Air Europe had a fleet of new Fokker F100's for scheds and charters

They were very nice inside and they differed in having the normal opening pax and cargo hold doors (ie not drop downs, but slide out and hinged up)

In addition to the DC-9 the Super 80 (MD-80) series was on the UK register too (BIA and Paramount)

Level bust

23rd Jun 2019, 09:52

My records show that a Lufwaffe VFW 614 visited on the 10th Feb 1995, 17+01.

cj241101

23rd Jun 2019, 14:04

Just trying to think of the most unusual type I ever saw at Luton on my infrequent visits

"Unusual" is probably fairly subjective. In terms of rarity value (only 9 were built, this was the only one I ever saw), my vote is for this:-

https://i.imgur.com/2Xv7YXo.jpg?1
F-BKRH 11/10/83.
Predecessor of the Nord 262, F-BKRH was a Nord 260. Owned by Turbomeca of Pau, France for most of its life, it was a fairly regular visitor throughout the 70's and 80's.

cj241101

23rd Jun 2019, 14:34

My records show that a Lufwaffe VFW 614 visited on the 10th Feb 1995, 17+01.

Not something I remembered but it's written in my (non-computerised back then) log. Parked on stand 16. I am in the process of computerising EVERYTHING seen from June 1967 to June 1995, (when I started a log on the PC). Only reached Sep 1977 so far....

cj241101

23rd Jun 2019, 15:49

Following the demise of Monarch Engineering, 3rd party maintenance is now practically non-existent. Here's some reminders of some unlikely airline colour schemes that have brightened the Luton ramp over the last 40+ years. Many of these aircraft were returning from, or going out, on lease, either from the resident airlines or from one of the leasing companies.

https://i.imgur.com/0HbbSDU.jpg
F-GFUC 1/10/90. Just returned from lease from Aeromaritime and about to go on lease to Monarch/EuroBerlin as G-MONT.

https://i.imgur.com/xvpDoYv.jpg
N70721 and N70722 18/4/83. Just returned from Nigeria lease and about to go on lease to Western:-

https://i.imgur.com/oItwvsd.jpg
N70721 12/5/83

https://i.imgur.com/xYqd8h3.jpg
OH-LYN 26/1/76. On delivery to Finnair, stopped off for, I believe, seat fitting (??!!)

https://i.imgur.com/jctbMxm.jpg
4R-ALC 18/6/85, returning from Air Lanka lease and about to go to Bahamasair:-

https://i.imgur.com/Pfg2uJu.jpg
C6-BFC 24/7/85

https://i.imgur.com/NxRejiX.jpg
CF-EPL 10/6/85. Appeared again in 1986 in EPA's later colours:-

https://i.imgur.com/ULu69jP.jpg
C-FEPL 22/5/86

https://i.imgur.com/jsk7beR.jpg
TZ-ADL 7/2/86 (Air Mali). About to become G-BMMZ with Britannia

https://i.imgur.com/6QB0k77.jpg
3B-NAL 19/5/89. Maintenance check with Britannia

https://i.imgur.com/raG34yt.jpg
5X-UBC 1/9/85. Maintenance check with Monarch

https://i.imgur.com/ep3rfjo.jpg
S7-AAS 8/11/89. Long term contract for maintenance with Britannia

Not on maintenance but operating a regular J.A.T. Dubrovnik/Pula charter was this:-

https://i.imgur.com/3FcRzrC.jpg
YU-AJI 16/6/91

There's more if anyone's interested.

kcockayne

23rd Jun 2019, 17:00

[QUOTE=cj241101;10501224]Following the demise of Monarch Engineering, 3rd party maintenance is now practically non-existent. Here's some reminders of some unlikely airline colour schemes that have brightened the Luton ramp over the last 40+ years. Many of these aircraft were returning from, or going out, on lease, either from the resident airlines or from one of the leasing companies.

https://i.imgur.com/0HbbSDU.jpg
F-GFUC 1/10/90. Just returned from lease from Aeromaritime and about to go on lease to Monarch/EuroBerlin as G-MONT.

https://i.imgur.com/xvpDoYv.jpg
N70721 and N70722 18/4/83. Just returned from Nigeria lease and about to go on lease to Western:-

https://i.imgur.com/oItwvsd.jpg
N70721 12/5/83

https://i.imgur.com/xYqd8h3.jpg
OH-LYN 26/1/76. On delivery to Finnair, stopped off for, I believe, seat fitting (??!!)

https://i.imgur.com/jctbMxm.jpg
4R-ALC 18/6/85, returning from Air Lanka lease and about to go to Bahamasair:-

https://i.imgur.com/Pfg2uJu.jpg
C6-BFC 24/7/85

https://i.imgur.com/NxRejiX.jpg
CF-EPL 10/6/85. Appeared again in 1986 in EPA's later colours:-

https://i.imgur.com/ULu69jP.jpg
C-FEPL 22/5/86

https://i.imgur.com/jsk7beR.jpg
TZ-ADL 7/2/86 (Air Mali). About to become G-BMMZ with Britannia

https://i.imgur.com/6QB0k77.jpg
3B-NAL 19/5/89. Maintenance check with Britannia

https://i.imgur.com/raG34yt.jpg
5X-UBC 1/9/85. Maintenance check with Monarch

https://i.imgur.com/ep3rfjo.jpg
S7-AAS 8/11/89. Long term contract for maintenance with Britannia

Not on maintenance but operating a regular J.A.T. Dubrovnik/Pula charter was this:-

https://i.imgur.com/3FcRzrC.jpg
YU-AJI 16/6/91

There's more if anyone's interested.

kcockayne

23rd Jun 2019, 17:02

You have to ask ?!

The AvgasDinosaur

23rd Jun 2019, 17:31

treadigraph

23rd Jun 2019, 17:32

Seconded... I did like the Western scheme, simple and striking. Never saw it in the flesh.

The AvgasDinosaur

23rd Jun 2019, 17:48

SpringHeeledJack

23rd Jun 2019, 18:09

I'm LOVING these photos! Especially the 737 in the snow, somehow very evocative. Do any of you LTN experts perhaps remember either Kuwait Govt or Kuwait Airlines 737's in for MX at Brittania in the mid to late 70's ? I seem to remember being there a couple of times weeks apart and could see the nose or tail, but nothing else.

cj241101

23rd Jun 2019, 18:49

Do any of you LTN experts perhaps remember either Kuwait Govt or Kuwait Airlines 737's in for MX at Brittania in the mid to late 70's ?

9K-ACV passed through sometime probably 1976, possibly on delivery which is quoted as 17/2/76 or 5/3/76. Photo link here:-

https://www.airteamimages.com/boeing-737_9K-ACV_kuwait-airways_184339.html

boeing_eng

23rd Jun 2019, 21:55

9K-ACV became VR-BOX in 1980 (which was looked after by BAL and retained the basic Kuwait AL paint job)

A picture of it at LTN in 1981:

https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/registration/VR-BOX

Great historical pics there CJ........Sadly the variety of aircraft parked on the hangar line or Pond is never going to be repeated! (https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/registration/VR-BOX)

SpringHeeledJack

24th Jun 2019, 08:06

The AvgasDinosaur

24th Jun 2019, 09:30

Anyone able to share the Cuban Brits that were maintained there? Or any other Brits for that matter?
Thanks in eager anticipation.
Be lucky
David

boeing_eng

24th Jun 2019, 11:46

There are a lot of LTN pics on the various Aviation photo sites (Google is your friend!)......A Cubana Brit in 1975 as requested:

https://www.airteamimages.com/bristol-britannia_CU-T671_cubana_52036_large.html

Is there any update on if we'll see the late Dave Gearing's pics in some form in the future? (I recall a book was mentioned a while back) (https://www.airteamimages.com/bristol-britannia_CU-T671_cubana_52036_large.html)

dc9-32

24th Jun 2019, 12:04

Curious about the green tail 737-200 in the background.

LTNman

24th Jun 2019, 12:04

It would be nice when someone quotes a post that they remove all the the photo links so the photos are not repeated multiple times.

treadigraph

24th Jun 2019, 12:28

The green-tailed 737 looks like a Britannia aircraft, back off lease to Transavia perhaps?

boeing_eng

24th Jun 2019, 13:56

Yes, its likely to be one of the 3 737-200's that BAL leased to Transavia in the early 70's due to the oil crisis downturn (all were back with BAL by 1975) You can just about make out the painted out T on the tail....

The Niarchos 737-200 VR-BEH is on the Pond........Another LTN regular at the time looked after by BAL

cj241101

24th Jun 2019, 16:30

Anyone able to share the Cuban Brits that were maintained there? Or any other Brits for that matter?

A few Brits, variable quality.

https://i.imgur.com/hyKkdOI.jpg
The Cubana is CU-T669 on 2/5/71. Monarch G-AOVL had just been retired from use.

https://i.imgur.com/uErZuj2.jpg
Same aircraft on 31/5/84 now registered CU-T114 for Aerocaribbean.

https://i.imgur.com/ze6Qdt0.jpg
CU-T114 5/7/84 now in full colours

https://i.imgur.com/vuzB8Lg.jpg
G-BDUR 11/8/84, due for repainting as CU-T121

https://i.imgur.com/tsn8muj.jpg
G-ANBJ 30/12/68. First ever picture with my Kodak Instamatic

https://i.imgur.com/1z9c8Jh.jpg
G-APNB Dec 1973 (I think - might have been Dec 1972 - not sure if all the Brit 737's hadn't been repainted by Dec 1973)

Another rethink - photo probably taken 12th Dec 1970 - G-APNB was broken up in 1971. For some reason I had recorded it as G-AOVF, but G-APNB was the only Donaldson Brit to carry the reg in the location in the photo.
Here it is again on 3/4/69, presumably on a training flight as it landed, vacated the runway then taxied out and took off again. I'd never heard of Donaldson so it warranted a photo, although not really close enough for my Kodak Instamatic. Donaldson only started revenue ops in April 1969.

https://i.imgur.com/Mz8wOy9.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/ogbsDdJ.jpg
G-AOVF 12/4/80

https://i.imgur.com/Tk02rME.jpg
9Q-CPX 14/9/80

And now for something completely different:-

https://i.imgur.com/hqzdvEU.jpg
G-APRL 5/10/79

https://i.imgur.com/ES2EWyT.jpg
G-AMYJ 27/9/77

https://i.imgur.com/yEQmOr2.jpg
G-ANAF 28/7/84

https://i.imgur.com/pYr4tB5.jpg
G-AMPY 1/6/86

boeing_eng

24th Jun 2019, 23:23

Some good memories there CJ......I remember the Afrek Brits languishing at ATH in the summer of 1982 (in fact one of my mates got his collar felt by the Greek Police for trying to photograph them!)

cj241101

25th Jun 2019, 11:08

Thanks for the replies. Whilst that most probably is the aircraft I saw, I seem to recall someone telling me that Brittania had the mx contract with Kuwait Airlines and the fleet was being rotated through every few weeks for their C/D-checks. Is there any truth to that, or was someone spinning me a yarn back then ?

The Kuwait 737-200 fleet was only the 1 aircraft. It was involved in a hijack on 24/7/80 when it was forced to fly to Bahrain then Abadan, Iran and back to Kuwait. Hijackers then gave themselves up with no apparent violence or injuries. Kuwait Airways then sold the aircraft as VR-BOX in December that year.

dc9-32

25th Jun 2019, 11:51

I remember cutting through the Monarch hangar on the way to work and there being a Bristol Britannia and a B720B undergoing surgery !

SpringHeeledJack

25th Jun 2019, 13:53

The Kuwait 737-200 fleet was only the 1 aircraft. It was involved in a hijack on 24/7/80 when it was forced to fly to Bahrain then Abadan, Iran and back to Kuwait. Hijackers then gave themselves up with no apparent violence or injuries. Kuwait Airways then sold the aircraft as VR-BOX in December that year.

Thankyou for that! So that narrows it down a bit ;-) It just seemed to make sense that they had more than one 737 in the fleet for short/medium haul in the M.E, so I naively swallowed the story.

BSD

26th Jun 2019, 10:40

Best thread on PPRUNE. Not surprised it's generated over a million viewings.

2 memories of Luton, for which sadly, I have no photographs. Back in the early 80's ('80, '81 or possibly'82) as a BY F/O, landed from a trooper to see, on one occasion a french registered Aero Commander, with 2 underslung, pylon mounted fan engines. On another, the BAE Mosquito, HT-E. Both were parked on the Ponderosa.

Back in those days (when such things were possible!) Hoof Proudfoot and I walked across from stands2/3 (outside what was then the Britannia hanger) to have a closer look at the Mosquito and had the chance to climb up into the cockpit.

Magic moments.

cj241101

26th Jun 2019, 10:57

That would have been these, then:-

https://i.imgur.com/is0mUhL.jpg

RR299/G-ASKH / HT-E 16/5/80

https://i.imgur.com/9FwvN4N.jpg

F-BXAS 6/12/83

BSD

26th Jun 2019, 11:42

Absolutely! Brilliant pics. Log-book check shows landed back in to Luton at 1745 in G-BOSL, on the 15/5/80. If the Mosquito arrived the evening before you took your photo, I guess that would have been when Hoof and I visited.

And to think we made it across the taxiway without even knowing what a yellow tabard would look like! Having flown an Aero Commander 500 for a while, I gained a huge respect for the type. The one I flew (G-ASIO) was a little under-powered but a delight to fly, so I remember being intrigued by F-BXAS. A Turbomeca test bed I believe?

Many thanks.

22/04

26th Jun 2019, 12:08

What is the 727 in the background of the Aero Commander pic?

l.garey

26th Jun 2019, 12:21

More information on the Astafan Commanders:
https://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/Visschedijk/Additions/11267addition.htm

https://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/SmithRon/11267.htm

SpringHeeledJack

26th Jun 2019, 12:43

What is the 727 in the background of the Aero Commander pic?

From the colours, either South African Airlines, or Hapag Lloyd, although i'm not sure the latter had 727's ??

treadigraph

26th Jun 2019, 14:14

727 does look like Hapag Lloyd to me.

cj241101

26th Jun 2019, 15:57

From the colours, either South African Airlines, or Hapag Lloyd, although i'm not sure the latter had 727's ??

Hapag-Lloyd had several 727's; this is the one in the photo which stayed a couple of days, may have been football related:-

https://i.imgur.com/RWgbRY6.jpg?1
D-AHLN 6/12/83

cj241101

26th Jun 2019, 16:19

More information on the Astafan Commanders

I believe only the 2 were converted, the other (F-BSTM) visited on 10/10/82 although I didn't manage a picture (work sometimes got in the way of photos :yuk:). Maybe another candidate for most unusual type?

boeing_eng

26th Jun 2019, 16:59

And to think we made it across the taxiway without even knowing what a yellow tabard would look like!

In the 1980's there was a regular procession of BAL Engineers walking straight across the Taxiway between H89 & H61 (often towing toolboxes etc!) Makes me smile now just thinking about it!

cj241101

26th Jun 2019, 18:27

For many years Monarch crews would walk directly across the apron from the crew rooms in hangar 7/8 to access aircraft parked on terminal stands.

LTNman

26th Jun 2019, 18:45

1977?
https://i.imgur.com/dfO5x5o.jpg

treadigraph

26th Jun 2019, 19:19

Ah, ASA, several of my siblings flew in one of their's from Stansted to Nairobi circa 1970/71 - not that they would be interested in such things. I remember it taxiing in at Embakasi with the zebra-striped fin.

cj241101

26th Jun 2019, 19:25

1977 ? Yes. What looks like the Eurafric Brit EI-BCI (registered 4/4/77) and the ex-Ghana DC-8 (9G-ACG, became N8038A Aug 1977, departing as such on 20/9/77) in the "graveyard" are a bit of a giveaway. The Eurafric sat around for the rest of 1977. My last record of 5Y-AYR was in June 1977, so photo probably April-June 1977. The Brit behind it looks like G-BEMZ of Air Faisel, registered 11/2/77. Their other Brit G-BDLZ never had the logo on the tail. Officially (I think) known as Air Faisal, both their Brits at some stage were painted with "Air Faisel" titles.

Gordonwil

26th Jun 2019, 19:41

Hope this is of interest to group have many other Luton pics if any would like to see? Not sure if posted correctly as can not see the pic I uploaded?

LTNman

26th Jun 2019, 21:07

My mind could be playing tricks but I am sure there was an African Safari Britannia parked up at Biggin Hill once.

LTNman

26th Jun 2019, 21:17

Glad I am not going mad. Now why would it have been there I wonder? I am sure when I saw it it was parked away from the air show crowds
https://www.airliners.net/photo/African-Safari-Airways-ASA/Bristol-175-Britannia-314/2405382

treadigraph

26th Jun 2019, 21:21

Two Britannias at Biggin that I recall were Air Spain's EC-BFJ (https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/registration/EC-BFJ) which was scrapped '75 or so - the replacement was one of the IAS aircraft, G-AOVP (https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/registration/G-AOVP) which was there for several years before being scrapped? They were both parked on the hard standing across the taxiway from Express Aviation's hangar. For what purpose I know not, engine test I heard but seems unlikely.

treadigraph

26th Jun 2019, 21:22

Ah, doubtless that was the air fair, airliners were a staple part of the show!

LTNman

26th Jun 2019, 21:23

Seems it got scrapped there
https://www.google.com/search?q=african+safari+airways+biggin+hill&client=firefox-b-d&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=vdayB185HMVNLM%253A%252CugmNB_556kUiMM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kQG4wDOAeiEoynwpZ6XOKi4wMqRxA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjwrvfZiYjjAhWZRBUIHTD7AhQQ9QEwAXoECAYQBg#imgrc=vd ayB185HMVNLM:

treadigraph

26th Jun 2019, 21:35

Looks like they were used for spares and scrapped by IAS?

cj241101

26th Jun 2019, 21:52

Hope this is of interest to group have many other Luton pics if any would like to see? Not sure if posted correctly as can not see the pic I uploaded?

I assume the photo you are trying to post is of G-BEPX which was meant to go to A.M.A.Z. as 9Q-CAJ but the deal fell through and the aircraft was used by Airline Engineering as a test bed.

LTNman

28th Jun 2019, 15:50

Hope this is of interest to group have many other Luton pics if any would like to see? Not sure if posted correctly as can not see the pic I uploaded?

Keep trying and don't give up. Image size to be 800x600

https://i.imgur.com/s2UwSAz.jpg

browndhc2

30th Jun 2019, 06:43

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1818x1228/000013_c964356d579c8ac30aa5251a25a5d727714975c3.jpg
Circa 1978

DaveReidUK

30th Jun 2019, 07:55

Circa 1978

Great photo, with two of the three showing minimum-repaint traces of their RAF days.

LTNman

30th Jun 2019, 15:20

Air Faisal had a somewhat interesting history involving smuggling cannabis resin.

https://www.pprune.org/aviation-history-nostalgia/365114-air-faisal.html

Geminair had a much longer history with long connections to Luton

Gemini Air Cargo (http://www.oldjets.net/gemini-air-cargo.html)

Buster the Bear

1st Jul 2019, 21:00

Date unknown (ebay)

http://i67.tinypic.com/i72c90.jpg

LTNman

3rd Jul 2019, 13:16

I think the concrete runway was laid in 1959. The second picture is dated 1960 and shows the Britannia hangar built So I am thinking the above post is dated 1959 as it looks like ground work has started on the hangar
https://i.imgur.com/8Of74dw.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/h0dGud0.jpg

Kiwithrottlejockey

4th Jul 2019, 05:12

..........

cj241101

8th Jul 2019, 21:52

Time for some more unlikely colour schemes worn by aircraft in for maintenance:-

https://i.imgur.com/fl41LQB.jpg
HP-1205-CMP 17/4/92, ex Britannia G-BGYL. Sadly lost near Tucuti, Panama 6/6/92.

https://i.imgur.com/7kOQTQQ.jpg
EI-BPV 19/4/85, ex Orion G-BGTY, about to depart on lease from Guinness Peat (GPA).

https://i.imgur.com/q4BBj3K.jpg
G-DHSW 7/11/89, about to depart on winter lease from Monarch in Guatemala.

https://i.imgur.com/p1IsrO2.jpg
7Q-YKP 25/5/91 on delivery to Malawi.

https://i.imgur.com/L8qRwuz.jpg
G-BIMC 8/6/84. Stored at Stansted for 2 years after Laker folded in 1982 then went on lease to P.I.A.

https://i.imgur.com/VjDHWAU.jpg
N323AA 8/2/89. One of 2 American 767's brought in for minor work by Britannia in 1989.

https://i.imgur.com/z1QLOTx.jpg
Monarch G-DFUB about to depart on winter lease 26/11/84.

https://i.imgur.com/q5irpAu.jpg
G-MONR 28/11/90. Planned lease to Compass for G-MONR and G-MONS fell through.

https://i.imgur.com/YuKhG3C.jpg
EI-BFC 28/4/86. Another GPA aircraft returning from lease and about to go to Spantax as EC-DZH.

https://i.imgur.com/HYFzHoe.jpg
5Y-BGI 21/6/93. Returning after lease from Ansett Worldwide.

https://i.imgur.com/zvBZJbk.jpg
G-BMOR 28/4/85. Ex Air Europe and about to depart on lease, again from GPA.

https://i.imgur.com/JCQltJu.jpg?1
N52AF under the black tape, 6/5/84. Heading for lease to Monarch as G-GPAA summer 1984.

https://i.imgur.com/0nZnyYF.jpg
SX-BCC 16/6/81. For maintenance with Britannia.

boeing_eng

9th Jul 2019, 06:57

Some good memories there CJ.......

The Olympic 737-200's visited BAL due to a strike in Athens!

The lease of G-MONR/S to Compass did go ahead for around a year (the airline failed in late 1991)

SpringHeeledJack

9th Jul 2019, 07:46

The Air Florida 737, was it previously leased to Iraq Airlines, as the colour scheme seems familiar ? Why were the engines removed ? Love all the old 737 photos!

dc9-32

9th Jul 2019, 07:58

That was the Air Florida livery, no connection to Iraq Airlines. I would imagine the engines were in the powerplant shop being overhauled.

treadigraph

9th Jul 2019, 08:48

Which Harvard was that?

cj241101

9th Jul 2019, 10:45

Which Harvard was that?

G-BAFM masquerading as FS728:-

https://i.imgur.com/BkiT3PF.jpg

737 behind is C-FPWD (G-DWHH) about to depart on its annual (1983-86) winter lease:-

https://i.imgur.com/vxw3gil.jpg
22/11/83

Here's something else from Canada:-

https://i.imgur.com/gTdrY1X.jpg
C-GCPY 2/2/87

It emerged a few days later after a respray:-

https://i.imgur.com/CuilLl8.jpg
C-GCPY 13/2/87

cj241101

9th Jul 2019, 10:56

The lease of G-MONR/S to Compass did go ahead for around a year (the airline failed in late 1991)

boeing_eng, you are of course correct - my memory was at fault. The 2 aircraft did get registered VH-YMJ/K, and were away for a year. Think Monarch cancelled the deal because of a payment problem .

Here's something else Australian:-

https://i.imgur.com/onQlDh1.jpg
VH-WPA 29/6/83. No idea what it came here for, it was sold in the USA as N724RA Sep 1984.

LTNman

9th Jul 2019, 11:07

Seem to remember that CP Air operated a DC8 service to Toronto for one season.

cj241101

9th Jul 2019, 11:11

Seem to remember that CP Air operated a DC8 service to Toronto for one season.

1980, weekly on Wednesdays, June-Oct, CP802/3 1015/1215, used to land in Prestwick for fuel due to restrictions on take off weight from the short runway at Luton.

https://i.imgur.com/zTGQpnO.jpg
CF-CPM 3/9/80

boeing_eng

9th Jul 2019, 11:56

boeing_eng, you are of course correct - my memory was at fault. The 2 aircraft did get registered VH-YMJ/K, and were away for a year. Think Monarch cancelled the deal because of a payment problem .

Yes, I recall hearing that Monarch got their fingers burnt with the deal......Apparently Compass sold a spare engine that was owned by Monarch to raise funds!

LTNman

9th Jul 2019, 14:52

So what is to the left of the CP DC8? Looks like a 4 engine job.

rog747

9th Jul 2019, 15:02

So what is to the left of the CP DC8? Looks like a 4 engine job.

Tis a KM Air Malta 707 or 720B - maybe one of Monarch's leased to them, or was it ex Tempair?Transasian thingy G-TJAA/B or C
(-139B and 123Bs)
Air Transcontinental
Transasian Airlines Ltd. code WI

Edit---
it was G-BHOY 707-123B (MOM/OM) ex G-TJAC of the above outfit - leased to KM for periods during 1978-1980

browndhc2

9th Jul 2019, 15:04

My guess is that it's MAOF Boeing 720B.

browndhc2

9th Jul 2019, 15:08

Just checked my references the timeline is wrong for MAOF. Their 1St Boeing was delivered until October of 1981

rog747

9th Jul 2019, 15:22

Tis G-BHOY - I edited my post above with all the details.

KM used 4 x 707's G-AZTG (Dan Air) G-BHOX/Y (both from MON/OM) CS-TBU (TAP)

and 8 or more 720B's from PIA Western AL and others

cj241101

9th Jul 2019, 21:19

Tis G-BHOY - I edited my post above with all the details.

Air Malta leased G-BHOX and G-BHOY from Monarch summer 1980 until the end of August. I remember them sitting on stands 13 and 14 for a few weeks. The one in the photo is on stand 13, so the other was probably just out of shot on the left. I never took a photo but airliners.net have one:-

https://www.airliners.net/photo/Air-Malta-Monarch-Airlines/Boeing-707-123B/310086/L?qsp=eJwtjEEKwkAMRe%2BStS5EcNGdvYAuvEBMPm2xOkMmoEPp3RuH7h7v wVtI0sfx80fNoI4K2GSkA2U2fhfqFnqhfpNpMA3H55hq1JLM%2BxpG2XEVQX bo7m%2BmsH9CkTYaYnwKgN0b0/kSXqeSZ24POE8zresGU8Eu4Q%3D%3D

Which gives me an excuse to post another strange airline, I think the 2 aircraft referred above to are behind the Geminair - they flew for Air Malta in full colours but lost their tail logo after the lease.

https://i.imgur.com/1NIsMmb.jpg
A2-ACA 22/7/80. Arrived with a cargo of uncured animal skins for which they needed an import permit. Which they didn't have. Aircraft impounded by Customs and sat in the hot sun for 2 days. Glad my office was upwind !

treadigraph

9th Jul 2019, 21:29

G-BAFM masquerading as FS728

Ta - don't recall it in that scheme!

CP Air - favourite scheme...

Pretty sure I saw A2-ACA somewhere but damned if I can recall where. Perhaps at Luton but not on that occasion.

cj241101

10th Jul 2019, 08:37

Pretty sure I saw A2-ACA somewhere but damned if I can recall where. Perhaps at Luton but not on that occasion.

Air Botswana were back on 22/9/80 with their other Herc A2-ABZ:-

https://i.imgur.com/0xWZx0X.jpg

The Brit behind is probably Redcoat G-BHAU which had the red tail, having been acquired from Eurafric:-

https://i.imgur.com/3FwKCuy.jpg
EI-BCI 15/12/77

cj241101

11th Jul 2019, 19:34

More airlines long past but not forgotten, mostly on maintenance again:-

https://i.imgur.com/Ynkm0S4.jpg
5N-ASY 20/8/87

https://i.imgur.com/UE7gR3q.jpg
Much more recent, AP-BMP on 29/3/16.

https://i.imgur.com/1aEB7W8.jpg?1
C-GVXA 31/10/00. Canada 3000 folded a year later on 8/11/01.

https://i.imgur.com/ZCYkQlR.jpg
Monarch G-MONC on lease as D-ABNY 15/1/91.

https://i.imgur.com/cq8dYh4.jpg
D-AHFX 18/1/03. Tail of (I think) D-AHFZ is visible in the hangar.

https://i.imgur.com/3TGCKuQ.jpg
CN-RMZ 13/7/98, maintenance check with Monarch.

https://i.imgur.com/VjjwybO.jpg?1
C-GOPW 15/2/86, about to head home, with C-GTPW behind having arrived earlier the same day.

https://i.imgur.com/sVJvxOk.jpg
Long before the Kuwaiti A310/A320/A300's became regular this 767 was in for - I think - a check with Britannia. 9K-AIC 3/8/86.

https://i.imgur.com/YDUidIV.jpg
5N-AOQ 6/5/86.

https://i.imgur.com/yvuob4x.jpg
24 years later and they've gone full circle, operating A320's leased from Avion Express. EI-TLG 20/4/95.

https://i.imgur.com/2Kb9TsF.jpg
N106BB 6/12/83. Formerly Redcoat G-BRED.

Never did find out who owned the car:-
https://i.imgur.com/0X1jnBW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/s784J9U.jpg
F-GCGS 15/12/80. Arrived as such but in Maersk colours at the end of Nov 1980. D2-TBU under the taped on reg.

LTNman

12th Jul 2019, 14:42

Convair 580 I guess. I have the photo dated as 8th September 2002
https://i.imgur.com/XZaxThQ.jpg

dc9-32

12th Jul 2019, 15:53

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/557x259/204865681oyxhit_ph_432fadccc8a8b2e904db47636dfef8d3b8a560ae. jpg
Not sure of the year but certainly during the late 80's I'd guess.

Gordonwil

13th Jul 2019, 15:27

Just for information the Brit was craned from its original position on the training ground to the bank and was still used for non fire training.
Believe it has been moved since though for upgrading ground works.

Gordonwil

Gordonwil

13th Jul 2019, 18:14

They did have some pics of the type in Luton MD80s

Allan Lupton

13th Jul 2019, 18:36

Convair 580 I guess. I have the photo dated as 8th September 2002

Napier re-engined a Convairliner and that would have flown from Luton - I think this may be it and there

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/600x462/nap_4_3_11_2_4_e86d1c2a430098c37445b2ddf0beb0ecaad1f431.jpg

DaveReidUK

13th Jul 2019, 23:51

Convair 580 I guess. I have the photo dated as 8th September 2002.

Yes, it's one of the 160 or so Allison-engined Convair 580 conversions.

The "F" on the nose would suggest OO-DHF of EAT, but if so that would date the photo no later than 2000, at which point it went to Swiftair in Spain.

LTNman

14th Jul 2019, 06:37

The photos properties show 8th September 2002. Did Napier sell any engines to be installed on the Convair. I notice the DHL has some sort of air intake above the engine while the Napier aircraft does not.

Haraka

14th Jul 2019, 07:47

The Napier Eland Convair liner was really more of a test bed. It was flying out of Luton's grass airstrip in the mid 50's . They used to start it up in their hangar and it would ,allegedly begin its take off roll from there. The Fairey Rotodyne had Elands of course. . The full saga is on Google( Wikipedia) if you put in "Napier Eland Engine".

DaveReidUK

14th Jul 2019, 08:26

Canadair also used the Eland on the 10 Convairs that they built/converted for the RCAF, but re-engined them a few years later with Allisons because of problems with the Eland.

DaveReidUK

14th Jul 2019, 08:41

The photos properties show 8th September 2002.

Well I was half-right. :O

It's actually EC-HJU (147), which was previously the aforementioned OO-DHF with EAT and retained the "F" on the nose when it went to Swiftair in Spain (still flying for DHL) in May 2000. Swiftair operated it until the end of 2005, so the photo fits. Apologies for any confusion!

https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/5941077

SpringHeeledJack

14th Jul 2019, 13:33

I seem to remember seeing a 737 at LTN back in the day with rough field kit installed, I think for use on unmade strips in Africa. Would any of you LTN experts have a photo, sometime in the 70's ??

LTNman

14th Jul 2019, 15:40

I was reading last week or was it a YouTube video that stated that 6 airlines in Northern Canada still fly the 200 series as there in no replacement that can cope with rough Canadian northern landing strips.

(Edit) found it, go to YouTube and search “why do Boeing 737-200 still fly in Canada?”

excellent video about gravel kits and vortex dissipators.