LUTON History and Nostalgia

[dixi188]

Not Canberra. The stab has dihedral.
Might be HP 137 Jetstream. first flew in 1967.
The spinner could be for a Dart.

[treadigraph]

Stabilisers also possibly F-27? Could be a bit small though - can't see LTNman's pictures while I'm at work!

Edit: Nah, F-27s have a slight dihedral as well.

Edit 2: How about the Dove? Shape looks about right, not sure if the centre section tallies with the width of the fuselage where the Dove's tailplane is attached.

[OUAQUKGF Ops]

I remember the day when 'The Avengers' came to film on our Herald at Luton Airport. I met John Stead, clutching his bowler hat coming out of the Office Loo. Much disappointment that Emma Peel was nowhere to be seen as she was not on location that day.

[sycamore]

Might be BAC 1-11 Parts...?

[OUAQUKGF Ops]

I'm guessing that those stabilisers are for Jet Provosts.

[dixi188]

Stab. too swept for JP and not the right shape for BAC One-Eleven, also not big enough.

[DCBOE]

506MC, Atlas Air Cargo, no pier required!

[vintage ATCO]

Remember that Napier were involved with de-icing, it is what the Lincoln was used for. Some of those leading edges in the pic have de-icer boots on.

[ZeBedie]

Tailplanes - HS125?

[22/04]

Gloster Javelin

[philbky]

If the date on the photos is correct, the stabilisers can't be the Javelin and, in any case, the Javelin was a Gloster and Armstrong Whitworth built aircraft and AFAIK no major sub assemblies were built outside those companies.

[philbky]

The photo could be much earlier and as the company is Napier/English Electric, the stabilisers may well be for the Canberra.

[LTNman]

I believe this comet landed on Luton's grass runway as the concrete runway had yet to be built. Luton's old control tower which was under construction can be seen in the background. Was this the only time a comet has landed on a grass runway?


http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/comet_zpsgqytiyho.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/comet_zpsgqytiyho.jpg.html)
Origin of photo unknown

[l.garey]

LTNman: another Comet that landed on grass was XK655 (ex G-AMXA) which damaged its undercarriage landing at Strathallan in 1974. It was broken up there in 1990 and the nose and cockpit displayed at Gatwick. It is now at the Al Mahatta Museum in Sharjah https://sites.google.com/site/lgarey/rafsharjah%2Calmahattamuseum

Laurence

[LTNman]

Strathallan crash landing photo

Photos: De Havilland DH-106 Comet C2R Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/UK---Air/De-Havilland-DH-106/1039139/L/)

[vintage ATCO]

The Comet 1 landed at Luton Airport on 27 Feb 1952 when fog prevented it landing at Hatfield; it departed the following day. Capt John 'Cats Eyes' Cunningham at the control.

This particular Comet, 'Yoke Peter', was lost off Elba 10 Jan 1954.

The pic is from the Luton News Archive.

I believe at least two Comets have landed at RAF Halton but they did not depart again.

[LTNman]

The road to nowhere. The car marks the location of the old aircraft crossing point close to the old control tower on what was once the approach road to the terminal. The control tower used to control the traffic lights as aircraft crossed.

The photo was taken on December 31st 2000 so I am guessing the last time the lights were used must have been the late 90's. Much has changed here in the last 14 years.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/P1010032_zps6ylpwa5v.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/P1010032_zps6ylpwa5v.jpg.html)

[Level bust]

I can't remember the number of times we would change the lights for a/c to cross, then we would get a phone call from Security saying there was a queue of traffic all the way back to Eaton Green Road!

[vintage ATCO]

On at least one occasion, Doris, our cleaner, bless her, caught the switch whilst dusting the lighting console. It was sometime before we discovered traffic was backed up in both directions . . . . :rolleyes::E:):):)

[Level bust]

Doris was also good at dusting the crash alarms as well!

[Buster the Bear]

Caravelle Tail

http://i60.tinypic.com/20pyoe9.jpg

[Buster the Bear]

http://i58.tinypic.com/htxjbn.jpg

[Buster the Bear]

http://i59.tinypic.com/10ftcm8.jpg

[Buster the Bear]

http://i61.tinypic.com/2hriarr.jpg
http://i60.tinypic.com/idak2f.jpg
http://i57.tinypic.com/9sglxj.jpg

[SpringHeeledJack]

Great nostalgic photos mr bear! What's that tail sticking out of the Napier hangar in the last photo ?



SHJ

[treadigraph]

Might be the Convair 340 that Napier converted to Eland turboprops.

[Haraka]

It almost certainly is treadigraph. The Eland Convair wouldn't fit in the hangar and that tail sticking out of the doors was a common sight in the '50s. Very nostalgic shots indeed . Thank you Mr. Bear.

[LTNman]

What a great selection of photos and the best I have seen of the Napier Lincoln. The location of the Napier hangar is about to become Signatures new apron (photo here) http://www.pprune.org/airlines-airports-routes/527514-luton-8-a-94.html#post8885178

What an interesting period in the airports life. I can't see anyone getting excited in 40 years time when they look back at a lineup of airbuses on Luton's apron.

Oh and Mr Bear, I sent you a pm a few days ago.

[SpringHeeledJack]

I had thought Convair 240/340, but then thought "nah, it's too early" due to the Lancaster sitting in front of it. I was so concentrated on the lovely old bird that I ignored the tail on it's back and that it was after the 1940's :8


SHJ

[vintage ATCO]

It was known as a Convair 540 with the turbo props, N340EL, formerly G-ANVP.

via Google:
Became N271L, N517DC, N51FS, N629JM, N629J, N358SA finally crashing at Spokane, Washington 4.1.96.

[vintage ATCO]

The regular pilot of the Lincoln was Ken Cartwright. He also use to drive the Link trainer in Luton Flying Club. That was great fun.

[LTNman]

due to the Lancaster sitting in front of it

I got caught out on that one by describing the Lincoln as a Lancaster.:rolleyes:

[SpringHeeledJack]

Well that's a bit unkind mr luton, my knowledge of older aircraft (50yrs+) is small compared to some I'll admit, but at first glance it looked like a Lanc. So I edumacated myself and found out that :

'The Lincoln was basically a stretched Lancaster with longer wings and uprated engines, therefore improved payload, range, ceiling etc. It became the platform for the Shackleton to be developed from.' taken from here, Lincoln & Lancaster in B&W (http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=41448)


SHJ

[vintage ATCO]

To be fair, G-APRJ had a Lancaster nose without a front turret. Napiers did the conversion. If you find a pic of a true Lincoln you'll see it is longer with a glass front.

[LTNman]

Well that's a bit unkind mr luton, my knowledge of older aircraft (50yrs+) is small compared to some I'll admit, but at first glance it looked like a Lanc.

I would still be calling it a Lancaster today if someone here hadn't corrected me, as I had never heard of a Lincoln Bomber.

Here is a proper Lanc at Luton

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/Lancaster_zpsd476hkmf.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/Lancaster_zpsd476hkmf.jpg.html)

[treadigraph]

G-APRJ was to be used in the rebuild of the ex Strathallan/Charles Church Lancaster damaged in a hangar collapse at Woodford. I see the Lincoln has now emigrated to Australia, and Kermit Weeks has the Lancaster.

[Haraka]

According to AJ Jackson in the Avro Putnam.
PRJ was:
"flown to College of Aeronautics Cranfield 11.62 as G-36-3 as spares for Lancaster PA474."
So she lives on in parts.
For ex LGS boys: I went to my first Farnborough in September 1961, wearing Long trousers especially bought for my first year at that esteemed ( ?) institution and had a good look at Napier's Lincoln in the static park. Her claim to be the oldest static participant (apart from Cody's Tree) was possibly challenged by the yellow and red drone Firefly nearby. The older SE5 ( in silver finish) actually flew as did the E.E. Wren........but I digress.

[OUAQUKGF Ops]

Am I right in thinking that Napier's Hangar became Autair's Hangar and thus was demolished at the end of last year?

[LTNman]

Yes that is correct but you can also add Courtline, and finally Signature. Not sure who else has used it over the years. The hangar had a full set of offices running the full length on ether side. I think they may have been added sometime after the hangar was built but in latter years I can only remember them being empty.

[ZeBedie]

Was Luton the main centre of production for Napier engines?

[Kieron Kirk]

Napier had a factory in Acton.

Try this link. http://www.actonhistory.co.uk/acton/page10.html

Chiarain.

[LTNman]

The approach road just before the tunnel over the years. This road is about to be turned into a duel carriageway.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/Photo0004_zpseljw2acx.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/Photo0004_zpseljw2acx.jpg.html)

The control tower can just been seen on the left
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/Photo0003_zpsheuwdxtp.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/Photo0003_zpsheuwdxtp.jpg.html)

The trees to the right have just been cut down and marks the final removal of the remains of the wooded valley
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/EdelSwiss1996KazAle_zpsv6d34ilc.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/EdelSwiss1996KazAle_zpsv6d34ilc.jpg.html)
CazAle

Before the Holiday Inn was built. Note the hotel has been pegged out. The trees either side of the road were at the top of the valley so remained but where the Holiday Inn was the valley was quite deep so had to be filled in.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/04210002_zpsfap7dug6.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/04210002_zpsfap7dug6.jpg.html)

Close to where the Holiday Inn roundabout is today. On the left of the photo is a fence that surrounded a small patch of land. I can't remember why it was there.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/Photo0005_zpsjodnyjj9.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/Photo0005_zpsjodnyjj9.jpg.html)

[mustbeaboeing]

And if I remember correctly, for reasons unknown, the gate about a third of the way up was occasionally locked closed. Necessitating reversing..!!

[LTNman]

Yes just past the allotments. It was the airports "secret" entrance. Even when the gates were open it was never a good idea to meet security as they would turn you around. The country lane used to cross what is now the runway. The other end of the lane is used by spotters south of the runway today.

[no butz]

This is a wonderful thread for those of us who spent a lifetime at Luton.


My purpose for posting though is to say that I am disposing of four large ledgers which are the original Luton Airport Movement Logs covering August 1966 to August 1968. They show landing fees paid and Captains name for each flight.


They are going in to the Bedfordshire County Archive in a few weeks but if anyone would like to see them or to have me look up a query please let me know.

[philbky]

Not just for those who spent a lifetime there but also for the casual, irregular visitor for whom Luton was a "must leave the M1" to or from visits to Heathrow from the North.

Always something of interest and excellent photographybfor decades.

[LTNman]

My purpose for posting though is to say that I am disposing of four large ledgers which are the original Luton Airport Movement Logs covering August 1966 to August 1968.

Glad to see the ledgers are going to be preserved but did you conciser the towns museums as they have small display sections on the airport?

[LTNman]

The old road in the above photos had a spur from it that lead to the Spittlesea Isolation Hospital. The main hospital building is still there today as offices but in the grounds were further wards. This 1946 photo shows some of those buildings and is located around where roughly the Shell fuel farm is today behind the North West Corner.

I have no idea what the airfield buildings in the foreground were used for, maybe a flying club in 1946 but probably had some wartime use. Note the interesting building on the right with the tall chimney. It also has no windows so what was it for?

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/1946%20Luton%20airport%20with%20Hospital_zps4vbjsdn7.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/1946%20Luton%20airport%20with%20Hospital_zps4vbjsdn7.jpg.htm l)

The bend in the road is the same bend by the side of the Gulfstream hangar which is also known as hanger 125. The right hand Tiger Moth in the photo would be located inside this hangar today.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/1946_zps78jhdn4b.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/1946_zps78jhdn4b.jpg.html)

Another view of this area taken in 1946 can be seen in post 171, which for me is page 9 of this thread.

[berkshire boy]

Note the interesting building on the right with the tall chimney. It also has no windows so what was it for?

It looks like the incinerator for the hospital.

[no butz]

The museum didn't want the movement records but kindly put me in touch with Beds C C archives - more their sort of thing I guess.


As for the building in your photo with the tall chimney, this is inside the airfield boundary and not the hospitals so I would guess a gas decontamination unit.


I moved in to the Spittlesea Hospital in 1970 with the Airport Administration and at that time the old ward buildings still had medicine bottles and lots of small items lying around. The main hospital building was rumoured to be haunted - certainly the workmen doing up the place for us to move in wouldn't work in there on their own!

[LTNman]

Now for some reason I think this hangar started its life as a hanger for the then new McAlpine Aviation before they moved across the road. The hangar was removed in May 2012 and the site is now a new apron for Landmark Aviation located by what was the old flying club. For the life of me I can't remember what its hangar number was. Does anyone remember?


http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/Luton%2010997464_10152651147877691_2453767108047847443_o_zps w35xwjta.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/Luton%2010997464_10152651147877691_2453767108047847443_o_zps w35xwjta.jpg.html)
Jeff Bell

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/P1000918_zpssuy3iznd.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/P1000918_zpssuy3iznd.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/P1000915_zpsl0ujpbzd.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/P1000915_zpsl0ujpbzd.jpg.html)

[vintage ATCO]

Yes, it was McAlpine in the early 60s. Luton Flying Club used the rear of hangar 9, access being through the gap between hangar 9 and Napier's hangar. The front of hangar 9 was Hunting Percivals flightline.

I am not sure if it was this hangar or McAlpine's 'new' hangar that was dismantled and brought up from Blackbushe.

[LTNman]

So in the 60's Luton Flying club used the main apron? After a quick Google that hangar in the above photo was hangar 55. The aircraft in the photo belonged to Luton Aerocentre which I guess was some sort of pilot training school. In 1993 the aircraft got somewhat bent in a landing accident at Lands End

[Level bust]

The aircraft in the photo belonged to Luton Aerocentre

Do you know what year the picture was taken? because when I flew the a/c it belonged to Luton Flight Training.

[LTNman]

No I don't but Luton Aerocentre were advertising for staff in Flight International in December 1978.

[vintage ATCO]

The Flying Club aircraft were only kept in the back of hangar 9 overnight or when not in use. They were operated from the grass in front of the Flying Club building which was immediately east of the control tower.

G-AOGS and G-AOTK circa 1960.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/stevelevien/gaotkgaogs_2.jpg

[sycamore]

v-A,weren`t you Lew`s tea-boy then..?
PPL flight test 15/7/`61 with D Campbell Esq...
Happy days....

[vintage ATCO]

Well, I knew Lew and made tea although I was told I was crap at it. Improved with practice. I also knew Dave.

[LTNman]

May 1979 which is probably the same date of the other Jeff Bell photo.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/11080480_10152655078247691_4418921206515299965_o_zpskpu6jjsr .jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/11080480_10152655078247691_4418921206515299965_o_zpskpu6jjsr .jpg.html)
Jeff Bell

[almost professional]

I remember booking out HT as an assistant, and I started in September 1979

[LTNman]

Behind the hangars was always an interesting place to visit over the years but as the years past so the aircraft decreased. This 707 was the last aircraft I can remember behind Britannia's hangar before it became a car park. I have no idea what brought it to Luton for scrapping.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/N751TA%20Boeing%20707%20part%202_zpszdv4cioj.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/N751TA%20Boeing%20707%20part%202_zpszdv4cioj.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/N751TA%20Boeing%20707_zpsqjfxvzd8.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/N751TA%20Boeing%20707_zpsqjfxvzd8.jpg.html)

[oldandbald]

A little bit of research for interest - originally American Airlines N7522A First Flight 16Sep59 sold to Tiger Air May 78 Lsd to Aeroamerica same month. Aeroamerica’s op. certificate revoked by FAA in November ‘79. Returned to Tiger Air March ’80 and stored at Luton. Re registered N751TA May ‘80. Reg. cancelled November ‘81 and noted at Luton January ‘82 without tail, had been used as cabin trainer by Monarch for a while declared “scrap” February 82.

[LTNman]

Monarch also used to have an old Briatannia minus its wings as a crew trainer that was parked by the side of its hangar. Wonder if this was its replacement?

[SpringHeeledJack]

You'd wonder why whomever would want to store a large aircraft(s) at an airport that had minimal spare space compared with Stansted for example, where if I remember in the 70's and 80's there was masses of space. Obviously the two engineering home bases would attract airframes but space was/is limited.


SHJ

[LTNman]

There used to be an old 707 parked up in the run up bay stripped of most of its paint for what seemed like years in I think the 80's.

[almost professional]

N7201U, B720 prototype, broken up in the run up bay, rumour has it the scrap disappeared before the contractors could take it away!

[vintage ATCO]

True, allegedly. I was on the weekend all these trucks turned up to take the scrap away. The owner then claimed it had been nicked.

[lotus1]

Rumours also was that the 707 parked at the end was going to be used as restaurant but as we all know this never happens remember visiting Luton around 86 still parked there but a lot of people in a coach turned up and was seen cutting plane up?

[LTNman]

This was the 707 in question.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/8683782791_84ea509786_o_zpswbfu4m9x.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/8683782791_84ea509786_o_zpswbfu4m9x.jpg.html)
Origin of photo unknown

[EGGW]

No, that was the ex Conair B720 that was under overhaul at Monarch, I think for a VIP operation. But during the overhaul severe corrosion was found, and work was stopped. Hence the primer paintwork.This was ex OY-DSK.The aircraft was stored in the run up bay for a couple of years, and then scrapped.
N7201U was the prototype B720, that was also stored, it was white with a Red stripe. See the link

The Starship - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Starship)

http://www.johnnypowell.net/ Photo Keywords: N7201U (http://www.johnnypowell.net/keyword/N7201U/)

There were also 2 x B707, N751TA which I remember being scrapped and N752TA, which was stored for a while, but I remember seeing it fly out after storage.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Boeing-707-123(B)/1025170/&sid=8ef8615d0c630a9f0765bbe0619b34d9

EGGW.

[SpringHeeledJack]

The Starship was perhaps the most infamous of the early jet Boeing stable, save for the odd VC-137 painted white and blue. I remember reading about it in Rolling Stone magazine years ago and it sounded pretty 'Rock and Roll lifestyle' with all the goings on whilst on tour for the various artists. It ate through money and some ended up having to do extra dates to offset against the higher costs :hmm: A shame that it didn't end up in some spacious music hall of fame in the US, rather than scrapped in Luton….(With all due respect to Luton).


SHJ

[Lon More]

Back in the 60s IIRC the wall of the Flying Club hangar had "Derby Aviation" writ large across it. There was also a Provost (?) airframe rotting away next to the Autair Helicopter Hangar

[vintage ATCO]

This one, Lon?

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/stevelevien/provost%20wreck.jpg

WV624 Provost T.1. To 23 Group Comms Flt, Cranfield 26.5.54. Crashed Cranfield 30.12.57 when US Navy pilot dived into ground after t/o probably due to instrument panel coming adrift. Pilot killed.

[Haraka]

The infamous Provost hingeing instrument panel accident. It came open post take off- jamming the control column back.

[Lon More]

could well have been. There wasn't much there by then, just the fuselage. Just enough to do a bit of wenching behind :E

[LTNman]

Manston based Invicta brought several aircraft types through Luton over the years. In 1973 a Vanguard that was positioned from Luton to Bristol crashed while landing at Basel-Mulhouse killing 104 passengers and 4 crew, there were 37 survivors.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/bampw_016_zpsxneuzvje.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/bampw_016_zpsxneuzvje.jpg.html)
vintage ATCO

[cj241101]

Back in 1969 I remember the local newspaper (Saturday Telegraph I think) used to print planned movements at the airport. Being a compulsive hoarder, I have kept a few of these; some have dates, some don't. If anyone is interested, let me know. Or give me a head-up in adding images, which, as a (very) infrequent user of PPRuNe, I don't think I can do at the moment.

[LTNman]

cj241101 I have sent you a message with some options:ok:

This photo was taken in the 1980's when coaches could park in the dry and marks the first stage of terminal expansion before the rear departure lounge was built. Later on the coach lane closed as the arrivals area was expanded and at the other end a new set of check-in desks were build. I can only ever remember them being used by Capital Airlines. This old check-in area is now in part the location of the airport chapel.

This frontage will disappear over the next 2 years as the extension to the new terminal will cover the existing bus station.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/13c42bb5-413a-4097-8198-19b46e2aa6fc_zpsxwl756zx.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/13c42bb5-413a-4097-8198-19b46e2aa6fc_zpsxwl756zx.jpg.html)

[Falcon666]

Those check in desks were used by Debonair when they started ops.
It was a very narrow check in area-some six check in desks if I remember correctly.
I used to fly to Munchengladbach regularly and on some occasions the queue went outside the doors because you couldn't get everybody in !!

Can anybody remember which flags were flown on those poles?

Nice pic

[LTNman]

Yes you are spot on, I forgot about Debonair. I think the extension was actually built for them.

[LTNman]

Thanks to cj241101 for forwarding me a list of movements for 1969 so here is a sample. It would appear that in 1969 Luton was a long haul airport.

So on Monday 3rd February there was a Britannia aircraft departure to Paramaribo. Where the hell is that I asked myself. After a quick Google it is in the country of Suriname. Well I have never heard of that country either but it is in South America after another Google search. Well it does beggar the question why a Britannia from Luton would be going there?

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/1st-4th%20Feb%201969_zpsafivo7qe.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/1st-4th%20Feb%201969_zpsafivo7qe.jpg.html)

This time there is a Britannia off to Adelaide, again I wonder why? Also a flight was due in from Canada.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/6th-7th%20Feb%201969_zpsmfuueyqj.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/6th-7th%20Feb%201969_zpsmfuueyqj.jpg.html)

In June Channel Airways seemed to have Trident G-AVYB based at Luton. Didn't know Channel ever based an aircraft at Luton. By this time Autair's domestic scheduled services had come to an end.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/7th-8th%20June%201969_zpsdroouloq.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/7th-8th%20June%201969_zpsdroouloq.jpg.html)

[boeing_eng]

Some of those long-haul flights were probably trooping runs for the MOD (common in those days)

[vintage ATCO]

Monarch had a contract to fly personnel and kit out to the Woomera Rocket Range in Oz.

[Pain in the R's]

I wonder how long it took for a Britannia to get to Australia? It is bad enough in a 747!

[cj241101]

The Trident first appeared on Easter Sunday 6th April, operating a double Palma. That one was G-AVYE. The original plans were for 6 flights each week until the main charterer went out of business in March.
Channel also operated the ill-conceived Scottish Flyer "bus-stop" service from 20th January, which operated SEN-STN-LTN-EMA-LBA-MME-EDI-ABZ and back again each day. Viscount G-AVHK was dedicated to this service, and was painted with "Scottish Flyer" titles. A 2nd daily rotation operated the opposite way during the summer, but the venture was highly unprofitable and was abandoned after 10 months. Probably good for plane-spotting but not for getting anywhere in a hurry!
Dan Air were the big new operator in summer 1969 with a Comet and 2 One-Eleven 400's based. The first Comet (G-APDN) arrived from Gatwick on the 29th March, and the first 1-11 (G-AXCP) on 3rd April. Dan Air kept their base at Luton until late 1979.
The Autair scheduled services to Carlisle/Blackpool/Dundee/Tees-side were switched to LHR from 1st April, then ended completely on 31st October.

[Pain in the R's]

I flew out on Boxing Day on a school skiing trip back in 1972 from Luton. I vaguely remember that Dan-Air had their own check-in desks that backed onto the normal check-in area probably so they could share the baggage belt.

I think it was in a Comet as I faced the "wrong way" as I was by an emergency over wing exit.

[Halcyon Days]

Court Lines 1-11 s had rearward facing seats by the emergency exit too-and maybe other airlines 1-11s were configured that way too?

[rogerg]

After Court Line closed down a pink Tristar was parked for ages on the airport. When vis was not so good it was a great navigation aid for "VFR" flights transiting the area!

[cj241101]

Monarch 1-11's certainly had the rear facing seats in front of the emergency exits which must have been to increase the space in the event of an evacuation.
I believe the RAF transports (VC10, Britannia) had an all rear-facing seat configuration, I understand this was believed safer in the event of an accident.

[cj241101]

The original terminal check in layout, which was retained until 1984, had all the check in desks facing the entrance doors, with Autair on the left, Britannia in the middle and British Midland on the right. I believe Monarch desks when they appeared in 1968 were between the Britannia and Midland desks. Dan Air check in was indeed located at the back of the Autair desks facing the other way until the collapse of Court Line (Autair), when they took over their check in desks. Channel Airways had a single check in desk at the right hand end during 1969.

A correction to my previous - Dan Air closed Luton as an aircraft base a few months before they closed it as a handling base in November 1979. Their limited programme during summer 1979 (3 flights a week if I remember correctly) was operated by Gatwick based aircraft on W-patterns. Most of their 3rd party handling business, plus their own flights, transferred to Monarch who became the main handling agent at the airport; Britannia being the other one. Also, the 1st Dan Air Comet to be based from 29/3/69 was G-APDO not G-APDN.

[76fan]

I seem to remember that it was a 26 hour cramped journey by MOD Eagle Britannia from Singapore to Gatwick in 1966 with two or possibly three stops. I went back out in a 707 ..... wonderful by comparison ....

[boeing_eng]

After Court Line closed down a pink Tristar was parked for ages on the airport. When vis was not so good it was a great navigation aid for "VFR" flights transiting the area!

Just like the EZY hangar is now!:ok:

[Groundloop]

So on Monday 3rd February there was a Britannia aircraft departure to Paramaribo. Where the hell is that I asked myself. After a quick Google it is in the country of Suriname. Well I have never heard of that country either but it is in South America after another Google search. Well it does beggar the question why a Britannia from Luton would be going there?

Could have been a crew change on a merchant ship. Some shipping lines used charter flights to relieve crews on ships that were not due to return to the UK for some time.

[oldandbald]

It is a long while ago but my recollection is that Monarch had a contract with the Dutch government to transport staff and families to and from Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana ) as until 1972 it was technically part of the Netherlands. Flights originated in Rotterdam and I think tech stopped at Dakar. Their Britannias went some fair distances including the Australia contract. Somewhere on the web is a photo of one at San Francisco.

[LTNman]

There is a Britannia listed from Rotterdam showing on the second newspaper clip.

[rog747]

wonderful list of holiday flights there with some horrendous departure times like 0200 and 0300
seemed to remember autair had 0200 departures as did air spain with their dc8's for vistajet holidays from 1971

in 1969 new jets were appearing on IT charters from Luton

autair had 5 1-11 400's on stream for clarksons
dan air had 2 400's and 2 300's from Eagle plus their comets for lunn poly and everyman holidays
channel airways had 2 1-11 400's and 2 tridents for lyons tours
Britannia airways had the new 737-200 plus a large fleet still of Britannia 102's
for skytours
monarch was a new airline with up to 6 Britannia 300's for cosmos

[vintage ATCO]

G-AVYE was a Trident 1E. We had to complete a return (a handwritten form) for each commercial departure. The CAA rang one day to say we had made a mistake as it was impossible to get 144/146 (I forget the exact number) on a Trident. Channel Airways could by taking out one set of toilets! It was the only departure I've seen kick dust up at the upwind end of the runway.

[vintage ATCO]

I think all BAC1-11s had a set of rearward/forward facing seats by the overwing exits. I always use to opt for them for the extra leg room when flying Ryanair to and from Dublin when planning the new control tower (Aer Rianta being the project managers).

[treadigraph]

I vaguely recall a trip on a Dan-Air 1-11 from Gatwick which has some rearward facing seats? Presumably one of their ex Courtline aircraft?

[philbky]

G-AVYE was a Trident 1E. We had to complete a return (a handwritten form) for each commercial departure. The CAA rang one day to say we had made a mistake as it was impossible to get 144/146 (I forget the exact number) on a Trident. Channel Airways could by taking out one set of toilets! It was the only departure I've seen kick dust up at the upwind end of the runway.

The reason Channel managed to get in more passengers was 7 abreast seating in the forward section, see http://www.hs121.org/. The maximum load was 149.

[ZeBedie]

The striking thing about that newspaper cutting is that very nearly all of the flights were on British built aircraft.

[Offchocks]

Monarch had a contract to fly personnel and kit out to the Woomera Rocket Range in Oz.

I remember when I was flying light aircraft in and out of Adelaide airport I used to see Monarch's Britannias. I had no idea that seven years later I would be employed by them on the BAC1-11, it was a fun airline in those days!

[LTNman]

As a teenager and with the suitcases out of the loft we heard the news that Courtline had gone bust at the height of the summer season. We were supposed to be off to Spain in a couple of days with Pontinental Holidays from Luton, which was the foreign arm of Pontins Holidays. The holiday was saved as our Courtline 1-11 was substituted for a Dan-Air Comet. Not sure why Dan-Air would have a spare aircraft in the peak summer period but it saved our holiday.

I can remember even then that the aircraft interior looked very dated compared to a 1-11 and shook like there was no tomorrow when the aircraft reversed engines on landing back at Luton.

[compton3bravo]

Talking of Monarch Britannias going to far away places, they operated a number of round the world flights for a West German tour operator in the early 1970s. Sheer luxury:O

[LTNman]

A major piece of Luton history and the backdrop of many photos is set to disappear in the next couple of months with the removal of both Signature hangars which will create space for their new FBO.

I can remember Twin Otters flying low over Fine Fare and Wigmore as they headed for Luton's grass runway.



May 1983
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/11051828_10152680290992691_7114103092403421256_o%20Jeff%20Be ll_zpsrgyftmen.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/11051828_10152680290992691_7114103092403421256_o%20Jeff%20Be ll_zpsrgyftmen.jpg.html)
Jeff Bell

[treadigraph]

Cor, I remember seeing that Twin Otter at Luton - one of my infrequent visits, on the way back from Mildenhall Air Fete I think (the T-34C had crashed which obviously put quite a damper on the day).

[LTNman]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/1312620_zpsfgjasi8q.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/1312620_zpsfgjasi8q.jpg.html)
Mick Bajcar/www.abpic.co.uk

And the cropped view now from the same window except this window and the wall in front of it will be gone when the final phase of Signatures redevelopment is finished. So another piece of history will be created that we will look back on in the years to come.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/6dc41696-89e1-422b-ada8-d6c0cf19856a_zps1npg5cf2.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/6dc41696-89e1-422b-ada8-d6c0cf19856a_zps1npg5cf2.jpg.html)

[Buster the Bear]

DC6 at Luton (http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=34662)

[LTNman]

Must have been the largest aircraft ever to use the road crossing.

[oldandbald]

On arrival it taxied off the "eastern taxiway" onto the grass and then made its way down the grass runway. Same way back finding a point where the transition grass to taxiway was as easy as possible ! The maximum size for the road crossing was , I believe, a Dove (probably Coal Board G-ARUM)

[wallp]

Talking of rear facing seats, I seem to recall flying from Luton to Dublin in the early 90's on a Ryanair 1-11 which had at least one row of seats facing backwards.

[PAXboy]

What engines did the DC-6 have?

As I recall, th experiments with rear facing seats were the first couple of rows. I was on a Trident (don't know which version) from LHR~HAM in the mid-70s and was aske to fill out a questionnaire on the read facing seats. They were fine and, as we know, much safer. Naturally, humas like to face forward and, naturally, PR departments don't like to talk about prangs - so we don't have rear facing saeats.

[vintage ATCO]

As stated earlier, a BAC1-11 had a row of seats facing backwards and therefore facing a front facing set of seats by the overwing emergency exit. I always use to try and get these for the extra leg room.

I flew on a British Eagle Britannia from Heathrow to Basel in 1963 and all the seats faced rearwards as they had a trooping contract and MOD (or whatever they were called in those days) insisted upon it.

[treadigraph]

What engines did the DC-6 have?

P&W R2800s

[DaveReidUK]

P&W R2800s

AKA P&W Double Wasp (CB16 and CB17 variants on the DC-6).

[LTNman]

This DC6 visitor to Luton was delivered to American Airlines in 1956 and was scrapped in 1984.

Registration Details For N9232Z (Quo Vadis) DC-6-A - PlaneLogger (http://www.planelogger.com/Aircraft/View?Registration=N9232Z&DeliveryDate=05.84)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/10484929_10204763647343389_5146243832319030465_o%20Mark%20Ly sons_zpsivzr6f34.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/10484929_10204763647343389_5146243832319030465_o%20Mark%20Ly sons_zpsivzr6f34.jpg.html)
Mark Lysons

[LTNman]

The old terminal after it was tarted up complete with a large array of plastic plants.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/terminal%2010_zpsmrtkvtkb.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/terminal%2010_zpsmrtkvtkb.jpg.html)


The Navigators' Bar complete with fountain with a Little Chef in the background
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/terminal%2011_zps0tbzx8jt.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/terminal%2011_zps0tbzx8jt.jpg.html)

There used to be a globe on a plinth that sat in the middle of the terminal. If you look carefully when this photo was taken the brickwork was up but not the plinth or globe.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/terminal%2012_zpsu43wiuje.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/terminal%2012_zpsu43wiuje.jpg.html)

[boeing_eng]

Remember it well.....through security in 2 mins, plenty of seats air-side and no race to the gate queue!! (unlike now!)

[LTNman]

07/10/71
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/NP071071_zpsgqgnzzh2.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/NP071071_zpsgqgnzzh2.jpg.html)
From cj241101 collection

[Pain in the R's]

Looks like a Northeast Viscount in the background. I think they were part of British European Airways but what was their name before they became Northeast?

[Airbanda]

Looks like a Northeast Viscount in the background. I think they were part of British European Airways but what was their name before they became Northeast?

BKS Air Transport

[compton3bravo]

Named after the three directors Messrs Barnby, Keegan and Stevens. Had the pleasure to fly from Leeds on a company DC-3 in 1959 and an HS.748 in 1965 both to Ostend and back.

[LTNman]

That name Keegan rings a bell. Seem to remember that he had lots of fingers in many aviation pies over the years at Southend.

[OUAQUKGF Ops]

Yes- also Keegan Aviation at Luton c 1964. Marketed The Riley Dove in conjunction with McAlpines who converted five Doves to this American specification. For a time Mike Keegan owned a Mustang fighter which was parked up at Luton between the Autair Hangar and McAlpines. He also owned for a while Trans Meridian Air Cargo whose DC7s came through Luton quite regularly in the mid-sixties. I think that company had a small office at the airport.

[boeing_eng]

Mike Keegan was indeed involved with BAF for many years....


Remembering Mike Keegan - 6/3/2003 - Flight Global (http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/remembering-mike-keegan-166344/)

[LTNman]

Standing by the spectators fence must have been an interesting experience!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/64a4db59-ea7b-4f3e-a361-0b1d3e382850_zpsip3ywbei.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/64a4db59-ea7b-4f3e-a361-0b1d3e382850_zpsip3ywbei.jpg.html)
Origin of photo unknown

[cj241101]

Presumably this is the Caribbean Airways LX- registered 747 that did a Britannia Faro sub-service on 10/7/87 and the only 747 ever to use the main apron (as far as I am aware). Seeing the engines over the grass it's perhaps just as well!

[lotus1]

I remember corsair did a couple of charters in the 90s with 747sps belive either football or rugby charters also remember the raf vc10 comming round the apron and there wings nearly touching fence

[boeing_eng]

http://i57.tinypic.com/2rysy1d.jpg

Here's my pic of the 747 - The first visit of a 747 and yes, the only one to use the main apron (it parked outside H61)

[SpringHeeledJack]

Out of interest, when the 747(s) visited, did they only switch on the outer engines when clear of the taxiway so as to minimise FOD issues, or was it just business as usual ? Was the Carribean Airways aircraft an ex-BA steed, or perhaps Tower Air ?


SHJ

[boeing_eng]

LX-KCV......originally delivered to American Airlines but ended its career with United Airlines.

No idea about the engines!.....

[G-ARZG]

LX-KCV msn 20102 seemingly ended its days in Greenwood (KGWO) in 2000
after being pensioned off by UA

[vintage ATCO]

When that particular B747 departed it did considerably damage to the raised runway edge lights. Runway shoulders were installed soon after.

[vintage ATCO]

Here is the second B747 to land at Luton in 1992, a diversion from Heathrow due fog. Originally it diverted to Prestwick but on the way there the wx went out and it came to us, mentioning it was short of fuel. It was on late on we discovered it had Prince Andrew on board! I vectored it onto the ILS ‘by appointment’.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/stevelevien/B747%201992%202.jpg


That's me in the car behind, ready to do a runway inspection after its departure.

[SpringHeeledJack]

After checking, I flew on both N153UA in the 90's and N9669 in the mid 80's, two of the LX- reg 747's other identities. Perhaps unsurprising as they were well used workhorses back in the day.


SHJ

[LTNman]

Here is the second B747 to land at Luton in 1992, a diversion from Heathrow due fog.

I thought the second one was a Virgin B747 from New York. It was running very late and came to Luton so it could depart empty after midnight for I think New York again as the other London airports had embargoes.

[vintage ATCO]

I think the Virgin one was in 1994. I got called at home to approve the movement so I must have been looking after ops and that wasn't until '94.

[DCBOE]

To answer springheeledjack, you always start the outbd engines of a 747, they supply hydraulics for steering and brakes.:ok:

[Level bust]

I think the Virgin one was in 1994

GVLAX was the Virgin B747, arrived late evening on the 10th April 1996, from New York I think. Then departed in the early hours to Boston empty.

I seem to remember Luton was the only airport that allowed it to depart in the middle of the night, unfortunately it busted the permitted noise restrictions!

[vintage ATCO]

I authorised the departure. I don't remember getting into trouble over it! ;)

[SpringHeeledJack]

Vintage atco, you're not the owner of Luton Hoo are you ? It's sounding awfully like it was your airport back then, a sort of Lord of the Fly ;)



SHJ

[vintage ATCO]

Do I look daft enough to live under a flight path?? ;)

I once got a call from the BBC to say they were filming an episode of Antiques Roadshow at Luton Hoo and could we keep our awfully noisey aeroplanes away from it for the duration. Hmm. I explained given its location it wasn't easy blah blah blah and didn't think much more about it. A while later I got a nice letter thanking me for our co-operation. :)

[cj241101]

At the time of the BA diverting in I was working for Monarch who handled the aircraft. I was at home and, aware that there was fog at LHR, I had my airband scanner on and heard the aircraft (BA092 Toronto-LHR) calling Luton, unaware at that stage of the aircraft type. It was asked to contact Monarch Ops so I switched frequencies. The conversation was "are you aware how long Luton's runway is?" and "be aware there is no towbar for a 747 on station", to which the reply was along the lines of "we've run out of options and we're coming to you anyway". The aircraft had already initiated a diversion to Prestwick when the visibility there dropped below minima (747-100's were only ILS CAT 1), meaning all other alternates must have been below minima as well. I never did find out how much fuel was left on arrival, nor how far north the aircraft was when it turned back south. Pity the playback on flightradar doesn't go back that far! (28/9/92)

[cj241101]

I have a story about the 1st Air Atlanta 747-200 to visit LTN, which did a mini-series of flights to Iceland May-July 2001 taking people on whale-watching trips. I had the privilege (?) of despatching the 1st one on 5th May. When the flight crew arrived they asked for 80,000kgs of fuel, with a trip fuel of around 34000kgs (i.e. round trip fuel). Apart from sounding seriously excessive (I thought at first - being American pilots - they must have meant LBS not KGS), Shell were not equipped to deal with such a quantity. In spite of having a fuel truck plugged in both sides, both trucks got emptied and had to go back to refill, which delayed the flight about an hour if I remember correctly.

The aircraft was in an all economy layout with 499 seats, nearly all of which were taken. There was a bit of baggage as some passengers were staying overnight (the rest were on a day trip). I don't recall the exact figures but the take-off weight must have approaching 300,000kgs (max TOW - off a proper runway - I think was 356,000kgs). The weather was warm, sunny and with no wind. Runway in use 08. There was a handful of airport workers gathered on the east apron to watch the take off, many standing on top of various sets of steps. The take off run was, unsurprisingly, pretty laborious. Looking towards the east end of the runway, a clump of trees used to block the view quite close to the runway end. The aircraft disappeared behind said trees with its nose still firmly on the ground. When it reappeared the other side of the trees its nose was, well, just about off the ground with the rest of the aircraft following. I don't think the airport ops guy I spoke to afterwards was exaggerating when he said rotation was in the turning circle.

The next day, the aircraft did the same trip, took 68000kgs of fuel, had 10kts of wind down the runway and soared into the sky with around 1000ft of runway to spare, much to the disappointment of the (several hundred) airport staff who had gathered to watch it, having heard about the previous days take-off being "interesting".

[LTNman]

Just had another look at the BA 747 posted by vintage ATCO (post 635) on the last page. Is there really two people standing on the edge of the taxiway in a somewhat dangerous position from potential jet blast:eek::eek::eek:

[cj241101]

Looks like the driver and headset man from the Reed tug behind them. This was 1992 - health and safety hadn't been invented yet (nor had hi-viz jackets).

[WHBM]

As I recall, th experiments with rear facing seats were the first couple of rows. I was on a Trident (don't know which version) from LHR~HAM in the mid-70s and was asked to fill out a questionnaire on the read facing seats. They were fine and, as we know, much safer. Naturally, humans like to face forward and, naturally, PR departments don't like to talk about prangs - so we don't have rear facing seats.
An urban legend. Boeing did a very detailed study of this back in the 1970s which concluded that forward-facing seats gave somewhat more safety in a hard deceleration. Principal reason is all the flying debris that throws forwards in such an event, baggage, detached panels, catering carts and their contents, etc, even passengers, which conventional seating gives significant protection from, whereas with rear-facing someone is much more likely to get it all smack in the face. These injuries outweighed any from being thrown against the seat immediately ahead.

I wonder if the RAF rearward-facing mob have an equally researched analysis, rather than some Group Captain thought it looked like a good idea.

[LTNman]

All these photos were taken by cj241101

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/179%20G-AWNF%20Luton%20280992b_zpspssnnmq1.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/179%20G-AWNF%20Luton%20280992b_zpspssnnmq1.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/TF-ATF%20Luton%20150701_zpszcvcqhqv.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/TF-ATF%20Luton%20150701_zpszcvcqhqv.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/LX-ACV%20Luton%20300497_zpsb5lhuppf.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/LX-ACV%20Luton%20300497_zpsb5lhuppf.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/Corsair%20Luton%20090304_zpszehkdjlm.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/Corsair%20Luton%20090304_zpszehkdjlm.jpg.html)

Its got to be a few years now since a 747 graced Luton's runway. I wonder if they will ever return?

[vintage ATCO]

Nice pics. When we parked the BA B747 on the south apron we didn't realise at the time that the top of the tail penetrated the 1:7 Transistional Surface (if you want to know more read CAP168 :)). This why the Cargolux is parked at an angle nose out. The aircraft brought over 100 polo ponies in from Buenos Aries, a gift from the Sultanate of Brunei to Her Majesty.

There were moves afoot to park the aircraft on the cargo apron but twy Delta at the time was only 19m wide. I did my 'do you think that's wise, Capt Mainwaring?'. It was then thought that it could be towed there (for the PR) but the Reed tug driver took one look at it and said 'Golly gosh, I am not doing that' (or words to that effect). Commonsense prevailed in the end.

cj241101 - I have PM'ed you. Do you mind if I post some of your excellent B747 pics to a FB closed group 'Luton Classic Movements'. Some of us air traffic pensioners inhabit there.

[SpringHeeledJack]

Might I ask, respectfully, as to why any 747's would want to land/be diverted to LTN when STN is just close by, has ample parking and a long runway ? Luton, a fine airport otherwise, is restricted by runway length and taxiway restractions, not to mention parking.

Didn't El Al fly B777's into LTN in the last while, or am I mistaken ?



SHJ

[LTNman]

When we parked the BA B747 on the south apron we didn't realise at the time that the top of the tail penetrated the 1:7 Transistional Surface. This why the Cargolux is parked at an angle nose out.

Now I seem to remember another pair of Corsar 747's parking on the south stands nose in as they stood out like sore thumbs as I headed for the tunnel. Anyone like to confirm or was it just a fantasy?

(Edit) found this parking nose out so maybe this is what I was thinking about but I am sure there was a pair

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/F-GSUN_zpsbjwzybie.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/F-GSUN_zpsbjwzybie.jpg.html)
Origin of photo unknown

Might I ask, respectfully, as to why any 747's would want to land/be diverted to LTN when STN is just close by, has ample parking and a long runway ? Luton, a fine airport otherwise, is restricted by runway length and taxiway restractions, not to mention parking.

I can remember a 747 belonging to Kalatta Air that came to Luton to pick up an engine for Monarch. I have a photo taken from the tower, the photo shows Harrods hangar and the pier so was this the last 747 into Luton? I think the photo was taken by someone here.

I think the Cargolux came to Luton because Luton was approved to handle horses at that time and even had a sort of stables just off the cargo apron.

[Offchocks]

Might I ask, respectfully, as to why any 747's would want to land/be diverted to LTN when STN is just close by

First of all, probably when diverting the weather at STN (and elsewhere) being below limits, don't forget these where older 747s (100-200-300) which were CAT II or at best CAT IIIa. Secondly some needed to be at LTN for commercial reasons.

[oftenflylo]

AND Stansted had a limit on the number of 747 it would accept - so might have been full.

[dc9-32]

LTN was (is) a commercially preferred alternate for BA.

[Simtech]

I seem to recall a Polar Cargo 747 visiting Luton, possibly during the 1990s.

[cj241101]

N857FT 18/2/98, parked south stands

[Simtech]

Thanks for that!

[cj241101]

This photo was on 17/5/00 at a guess; the other Corsair is visible behind (F-GPJM). Arsenal supporters travelling to Copenhagen for the UEFA cup final if I remember correctly.

Ltnman, thanks for jogging my memory on the Kalitta Air (N705CK) which parked nose-in on the cargo apron on 13/10/05. This was the aircraft I referred to (by e-mail) and thought might have been Atlas Air in 2003 or 2004, so I was looking for the wrong dates and name. Yes, it took an engine to Malaga for Monarch. I was working a night shift and was rather amazed to see this monster, parked on CARGO!, as I got out of the car. Didn't manage a photo as it was dark at the time.

[LTNman]

Luton
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/N705CK131005SteveFowell_zpstsdn8tgq.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/N705CK131005SteveFowell_zpstsdn8tgq.jpg.html)
Steve Fowell

Air Atlas I took this photo on 21/01/2004.

History N506MC Atlas Air Boeing 747-200 - cn 21252 / ln 297 - Planespotters.net Just Aviation (http://www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Boeing/747/21252,N506MC-Atlas-Air.php)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/P1210030_zps6alxludp.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/P1210030_zps6alxludp.jpg.html)

[cj241101]

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/4da4f058-c70c-4e38-ab2d-648bffa92258_zpscrtrqcox.jpg
(17/10/91)



http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/63de9c74-b9c4-4907-9bfa-b34567d901b7_zpsvufhjelp.jpg (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/colin_jones5/media/63de9c74-b9c4-4907-9bfa-b34567d901b7_zpsvufhjelp.jpg.html)
(20/10/96)


believe Luton's only ever A340??


Managed to miss the registration off the photo which was V8-JP1

[LynxDriver]

I was on that 1st flight to Iceland. It was a bit of bum-clenching take off. I remember that trip well as I got food poisoning and was ill for the next 3 weeks.

[cj241101]

Passengers on this aircraft (TF-ABQ, flight CC691 to Keflavik 5/5/2001) should have been given a certificate as it would have been the heaviest aircraft (490-odd passengers and 80 tonnes of fuel) ever to have lumbered into the air from Luton's runway.


When BA took the England football team to the 2002 World Cup in Japan/South Korea, they stopped off en route - think it was Dubai. The aircraft was Boeing 777-236 G-YMMJ. This aircraft loaded up with 90,000kgs of fuel, albeit with only around 125 passengers. Someone in authority, either airport ops or BA themselves, decided the aircraft was too long to safely turn in the turning circle, and would have to enter the runway at A1 to be then attached to a tug and pushed back into the turning circle from there. The skipper thought this sounded like a lot of "faffing about" and asked us to confirm the runway length from A1 (1771m). After consulting performance tables, he announced he would depart from there (this in spite of a wet runway-see pic). The aircraft was airborne by the fire station. Says a lot for the power of the RR Trent engine (93400lbs thrust each) over the P&W JT9D-7 engine on the Atlanta 747-200 (47,900lbs thrust each).
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/G-YMMJ20Luton20130502a_zpsi5vv4y4m.jpg?t=1428999814
13/5/2002

[cj241101]

Back in 1978 the airport managed to procure the Stansted Scanair summer programme. This ran from mid-June to mid-August, bringing Scandinavian students to language schools. Ten of these flights were due to operate on S.A.S. DC-10 aircraft, with the rest a mixture of Scanair/S.A.S. and Transair Sweden aircraft (actual programme below). The S.A.S. DC-10 fleet seemed to have reliability problems, and on 3 occasions were substituted by 2 smaller (DC-9/DC-8) aircraft. On 2nd August 1978, the penultimate DC-10 flight was due in empty from Copenhagen at 0630 (DK8955). Rumour the day before was the planned aircraft was AOG somewhere and the flight would operate on an S.A.S. 747. Dan Air were the handling agent and confirmed this. Unfortunately, the weather on the morning in question was diabolical i.e. heavy rain and thunderstorms. I duly arrived at the airport, went to see Dan Air who advised the aircraft would be operating through Stansted instead. This because of the lower regulated TOW imposed by the wet runway, which increased the stopping distance in the event of an emergency during the take-off run. So yes, I drove to STN, in the pouring rain and rush hour traffic, to see what was probably the 1st 747 to be planned into LTN. Apologies for submitting a picture taken "over there".http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/Scanair%20summer%201978_zpsvjqgvebn.jpg
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/OY-KHA20Stansted20020878_zpsov56pslb.jpg
OY-KHA STN 020878

[LTNman]

Nice view from the old tower of a BM Viscount with the old luggage bay in the background. In those days after the bag was weighed it had to be man handled onto a single belt that run below the airline offices and than it was manually sorted onto each lorry.

See a photo of the aircraft now http://www.dtvmovements.co.uk/Info/British%20Midland/Pics/RS_GAZNA.JPG as it might surprise you.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/885640_10204763642823276_2148793155208436819_o%20Mark%20Lyso ns_zpszzkomu9c.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/885640_10204763642823276_2148793155208436819_o%20Mark%20Lyso ns_zpszzkomu9c.jpg.html)
Mark Lysons

[SpringHeeledJack]

That was, for me, the nicest of all the BMA colour schemes, before they spiralled into changing the scheme seemingly every few years before being sold off.


SHJ

[Simtech]

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/robbrowning013/DS150408103913%20-%20Copy.jpg (http://s386.photobucket.com/user/robbrowning013/media/DS150408103913%20-%20Copy.jpg.html)

Not the greatest picture, this was taken from the jumpseat of a Britannia 737-200 returning from Naples, probably in 1991. Visible is a Britannia 737-300 (ex Orion aircraft?), a couple of BIA One-Elevens and an EMS Electra freighter.

[LTNman]

Did BIA have a base at Luton for a while?

[boeing_eng]

Interesting story about the SAS flights in 1978 cj241101...

I vividly remember a SAS DC-10 going over Stevenage on finals that summer at what looked like no higher than 2000ft...It made plenty of folks look up!

[boeing_eng]

Seeing all these old pics reminds me.....Does anyone know what has happened to Dave Gearing's photos? He was a regular sight for many years wandering around with a camera airside (also hollering at vehicles going too fast!):}:}

[bean]

BIA mark 2 went bust in 1990

[cj241101]

1st Feb 1990 to be precise. My records have them as a new operator at LTN in March 1988, which continued until their demise, using 1-11 400's. One of these was based although I cannot be sure of the time period, possibly both S88 and S89. 4 of the aircraft ended up being stored at LTN.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/British20Island20Airways20Luton20070490_zpsen5pulwu.jpg?t=14 29121853
G-AXOX, G-AXMU, G-AXMG, G-AYWB 070490

[LTNman]

This was the other BA 747 to land at Luton. It arrived on 09th March 2006 at 4:15 in the afternoon. I can't remember why it was there or how I knew it would be there so I could capture it in the rain.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/122_zpsg3ksbgbt.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/122_zpsg3ksbgbt.jpg.html)

[HZ123]

If my memory serves me I believe there was a major IM failure at LHR. The Capt was told not to divert to LTN but choose to do so, this was in some part due to presence of a towbar, the intention to wait and then position to LHR. After landing it transpired there was no towbar therefore a/c had to be disembarked without the baggage.

Crew ran out of time anyway and the towbar took some time the aircraft only getting back to LHR about 10 minutes before the night ban.

[Stan Woolley]

The A340 from Brunei was part of the sultan's royal flight, painted like the airline (RBA)for some reason.

[Falcon666]

If I remember correctly wasn't it full of furniture as the Sultan had bought a stately home in Hertfordshire somewhere!!

[G-AZUK]

http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u402/G-AZUK/747%201_zps52gxvh8c.jpg

[G-AZUK]

http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u402/G-AZUK/747%202_zpsakzojexp.jpg

[G-AZUK]

Pair of ROMBACS

http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u402/G-AZUK/RYR%201-11%20rombac_zpsvl7isvwg.jpg

http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u402/G-AZUK/BIA%201-11_zpszde86jwo.jpg

[G-AZUK]

selection of BY Subcharter exotica

http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u402/G-AZUK/TEA%20732_zpstmiuqq6q.jpg

http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u402/G-AZUK/Martinair%20310_zpsbhyzmpbg.jpg

http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u402/G-AZUK/TEA%20707_zpsmm82r236.jpg

[G-AZUK]

http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u402/G-AZUK/bldh%20blhd_zpsq0yjuldz.jpg

[G-AZUK]

http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u402/G-AZUK/VC10_zpswrxzw8m6.jpg

[G-AZUK]

http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u402/G-AZUK/Citation%20LTN_zpskauvgkgt.jpg

[G-AZUK]

http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u402/G-AZUK/G-AZUK_zpsyzxoo19b.jpg

that will do for now, sure I've got plenty more somewhere

date-wise all of those are 85-88 approx

[SpringHeeledJack]

Great nostalgic photos :D The 707, 737, VC10 etc must have been wonderfully loud so close up. Amazing how how close the wingtip of the 747 was to the fence…



SHJ

[LTNman]

Really great photos so thanks for sharing them here. Just to note for future reference is that the moderators like photos no wider than 800 or is it 850 wide?

The background in photo 683 shows the construction of I think London Aviation. It was never finished and most of the steel work was eventually removed but the hangar survives to this day. I can't remember if they were going to become an FBO

[G-AZUK]

Really great photos so thanks for sharing them here. Just to note for future reference is that the moderators like photos no wider than 800 or is it 850 wide?

The background in photo 683 shows the construction of I think London Aviation. It was never finished and most of the steel work was eventually removed but the hangar survives to this day. I can't remember if they were going to become an FBO
No worries - I'll try and tweak them later.

I remember meeting the boss of London Aviation just as it was all finished and yes they were intending to set up as an alternate FBO to Magec down there.

[LTNman]

The building was meant to have a very wide frontage but without much depth as can be seen in the photo. I never ever saw an aircraft in that hangar and the last time I was in there it was full of aircraft seats.

The site is now Harrods FBO but I am not sure whether the hangar was removed or just converted into offices as the footprint is still the same.

The Birds-eye-view in Bing maps still shows the old building.

[boeing_eng]

Although its a long time ago I seem to recall there were financial irregularities surrounding the London Executive FBO (hence the reason it didn't last long!)

[treadigraph]

Post 681 pic of 1-11 G-BLDH, what are those red bulges just aft of the door? :confused:

I remember those 1-11s, what became of them?

[vintage ATCO]

I think they are covers over the stick shake/push vanes. "Remove before flight"

[treadigraph]

Thanks vATCO, just been looking at some other pics of 1-11 starboard sides, with the covers removed I can see what you mean!

Cheers!

Treadders

[Luton Anorak]

I have Dave's photos, slides and memorabilia, which I am currently scanning, logging and using in a History of Luton Airport project which has been ongoing for many years now. This project, which still has a long way to go, will (hopefully) be either put on the web or made into a reference book. It covers all aspects of the airport since it's planning and opening back in the 1930's to present day, ie aircraft movements, based aircraft, resident airlines, associated factories, buildings and people plus much more. Anybody interested in further information please contact (PM) me off list.
Chris
Luton Anorak

[LTNman]

I would guess around 1974 with this mixed bag of jet and prop aircraft.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/1911177_10204763628422916_1903515814264571529_o%20Mark%20Lys ons_zps1gshvdv8.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/1911177_10204763628422916_1903515814264571529_o%20Mark%20Lys ons_zps1gshvdv8.jpg.html)
Mark Lysons

[SpringHeeledJack]

Is that a Vanguard tail (red with blue/white roundel) I see poking out of the line ? If so to whom did it belong ? I don't remember too many operators outside of BEA and the Indonesian (Meripati ?) and perhaps that French operator. Sad to see those two colourful L1011's sitting doing nothing after Court's demise.


SHJ

[arem]

Looks like Invicta

[boeing_eng]

Luton Anorak you have a PM.....

[SpringHeeledJack]

Looks like Invicta

You are correct sir! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invicta_International_Airlines#/media/File:Invicta_International_Vanguard_G-AZRE.jpg



SHJ

[LTNman]

French airline La Compagnie is starting a Luton - New York service today but the name Compagnie has been seen at Luton before.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/bampw_013_zpsplacebfp.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/bampw_013_zpsplacebfp.jpg.html)
Vintage ATCO

[DaveReidUK]

I see they had lie-flat bed trucks in those days too. :O

[LTNman]

Waterford - Luton has restated today after a failed attempt by Stobart Air to switch the route to Southend, This route goes back to the late 80's with various operators.

Ryanair 1988-1992
Suckling 1994-2000
Euro Celtic 2001-2003
Aer Arann 2003-2011
Aer Lingus Regional 2012


http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/05050023_zpslc3jkwcd.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/05050023_zpslc3jkwcd.jpg.html)

[cj241101]

quote:-

"The first I remember is before I validated so pre-1971 when we took 45 diversions from Heathrow on a Saturday morning. We parked them everywhere, inc along the apron
centreline from stand 9, 'first in, last out'".

4th January 1969 I remember visiting the airport in the afternoon after hearing the lunchtime news referring to LHR and LGW being closed all morning due to fog, with LTN
being one of the airports accepting diverted flights. So I guess this was the day referred to by vintage ATCO? I counted 20 diverted aircraft so must have missed a lot.

https://i.imgur.com/L55bwkY.jpg

This was the only photo I managed to get before a fog bank crept across the runway, quickly enveloping the whole airport for the rest of the day.
For the record, the other diversions I recorded were 2 KLM DC-9's, 3 Aer Lingus Viscounts, 2 B.E.A. Vanguards, 2 more B.E.A. Tridents, a B.E.A. Argosy, Cambrian, BKS and Channel Viscounts, a BKS Britannia 102, 2 B.U.A. 1-11 200's and a BUIA Herald.

[cj241101]

Taken on 20th June 1970. Catair had several charters using their Connies in the summer and autumn that year. The last Connie I saw at LTN was F-BHMI on a
rugby charter 28th Feb 1971. This one is F-BGNG; Court Line 1-11 is G-AXMK. The aircraft outside the McAlpine hangar is one of their Piaggio P.166's.


http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/G-AXMK20F-BGNG20Luton20200670_zps7g6v9319.jpg?t=1432033398

[LTNman]

Wow they are a couple of great photos and memories so thanks for sharing them here.

Both those photos are over sized so you need to remember that photos are meant to be no wider than I think 800 wide. You can use the edit link on photo bucket to reduce the size next time.

[cj241101]

After a little perusal of my old logbooks and my memory chips I can come up with the following from 1967-1972. Included are some of the non-based UK operators as well.
No doubt not exhaustive, not guaranteed 100% accurate but here goes:-

Balair DC-6 1967-1970 summer only, early hours of Saturday
Adria DC-6 summer 1967 Sunday lunchtime
DC-9-32 summer 1971 Saturday
Condor Viscount summer 1967 Friday evening
Sudflug DC-7C mid July-mid Sept 1967, Sunday evening, Monday morning
Bavaria 1-11 400 July-August 1968, short series Monday evening, Tuesday morning
Channel A/Ws Viscount/HS748 Scottish Flyer service twice daily Jan-Oct 1969 Trident 1E summer 1969, Palma twice on Sunday
Skyways Coach Air HS748 Ostend scheduled service, weekends only, summer 1970
Bulair Ilyushin 18 summer 1969, June-September, Saturday mornings, fortnightly
Germanair 1-11 500 August-September 1970, Tuesday morning and evening
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/D-AMIE20Luton20180870_zpssxtlnwhm.jpg?t=1430423522
D-AMIE 180870

Aer Turas DC-4/DC-7/B170 regular newspaper flight Saturday late evening from 1970 plus ad-hoc charters, mainly horses
Paninternational 1-11 500 1st Nov-6th Dec 1970, Sunday, day stop
Aviaco Caravelle 10 (Iberia)summer 1971, Palma Wednesday evening, fortnightly
Conair DC-7B end March-October 1971, Friday afternoon then late Saturday
Tarom Ilyushin 18 30th May-3rd October 1971, Constanta, Sunday afternoon, also 1972 Sunday evening
Donaldson Britannia 300 summer 1971, Sunday
Skyways International HS748 Ostend scheduled service, weekends only, summer 1971, Beauvais charters
Phoenix Airways (Swiss) 1-11 500 Oct-Nov 1971 Saturday morning
Rousseau Aviation DC-3, HS748 April-May 1972, Saturday
Air Spain DC-8-21 from April 1972



Any additions/corrections welcome. If anyone is interested in later years please send a PM or post and I will work on it.

[cj241101]

This was the headline in the local Evening Post circa Jan 1969. I thought I still had the newspaper cutting somewhere but it's proving elusive.
The reality was, of course, not an invasion of MIG-15's or TU-22 bombers but a fortnightly Bourgas flight by Bulair, using their own IL-18's
and the occasional Balkan Bulgarian example as below.
Taken on 5th July 1969.http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/3320LZ-BEP20Luton20050769_zpsogvfw2ef.jpg?t=1430586243

[Red Four]

Rousseau Aviation also used Nord 262's. My first ever flight was on one out from Luton to Morlaix in 1972 (May, I think) and back on a HS-748. I still remember the boiled sweets solemnly issued to all passengers to help with the ear popping.
At the time as a Heathrow spotter, Luton was my first 'other' airport and was full of new colour-schemes and numbers. It became a firm favourite of mine once I'd discovered the 727 Green-line bus.:ok:

[LTNman]

Didn't the 727 Greenline start at Luton then went to Watford, Maple Cross, Heathrow and finally Gatwick?

Rousseau Aviation 748

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/HS%20748_zpsd0ivmfi3.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/HS%20748_zpsd0ivmfi3.jpg.html)

[boeing_eng]

Didn't the 727 Greenline start at Luton then went to Watford, Maple Cross, Heathrow and finally Gatwick?

Crawley was the final destination for the 727. IIRC it took around 3 hours to get from LTN to LGW in the pre M25 days! (not far off what it can take at certain times today using the M25 without all the stops!)

[compton3bravo]

Aviaco operated a DC-9 in their own colours on a Saturday tea-time to Palma I think for Owners Abroad in the late 1960s. Air Malta utilising Eagle Air B720s (Iceland) in the late 1970s. Royal Air Maroc for one season in the mid-1980s with a Boeing 727 and Midle East Airlines with a B720 operating charter flights t/f Italy with the famous Scibe Air Boeing 707 known locally as the ´´roach coach´´ again t/f Italy and last but not least Austrian on Sunday evenings in the early 1980s t/f Vienna for Pegasus Holidays with a DC-9.

[LTNman]

757 lineup taken in 2002.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/02280001_zpsaorvbaq4.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/02280001_zpsaorvbaq4.jpg.html)

[oncemorealoft]

I think the Monarch and BA '757s' are of the A320 family.

[DHC4]

Certainly Britannia ran troopers all through my time. (80-94). Usually as a double, so 4 sectors instead of our usual out and back. Gave rise to the riddle
" What's got 4 legs and F*cks the cabin crew? A double trooper. "
They were later linked to a Belfast schedule, as level bust says, but I am sure that was not until the early 90's.
The Belfast schedules were always full, and it seemed to me that Brit missed a golden opportunity to expand on that. In 93/94 they got rid of their 737's at knockdown prices and paid a lot of money to a lot of pilots (me included) to accept redundancy.
With the ecomonies of scale they had, if they had used those pilots and aircraft to expand into lo-co schedule Ryanair would not have grown as it did, and Easyjet probably would never have started. As it was, Easy started with two ex Brit leased in 732's, and Ryanair had the 6 newest of the Britannia fleet.

Not only did they sell the aircraft of cheap, some numpty decided to sell of all the parts and funnily enough Boeing aircraft use the same fasteners on 737, 757, 767's. So back to the company they were flogged to and pay a shed load of money to get them back.

[DHC4]

G-AVRN can't find the photo, but Boeing had a banner made up saying the the first 737 built out America. A wee momento from the aircraft.

http://i.imgur.com/A1CsxrJ.jpg

[Airbanda]

I think the Monarch and BA '757s' are of the A320 family.

Not easy to be sure from that angle but the bogie undercarriages visible below the BY machine's tail must belong to either the BA or MON machines. AFAIK such a set up was available as an option on the A321 but only taken up by an Indian company operating onto low LCN runwys.

So at least one is a 757.

[dixi188]

Where are the proper spotters?
B757, B757, A320, A320, B757, B757.
Look at the angle of the fin trailing edge.

[rog747]

apart from air spain dc-8's at LTN Aviaco also operated the -50 series in their own colours (brown) usually sat lunchtimes (sometimes an iberia a/c
subb'ed)
usually seen on the ramp same time as air spain which had a large weekend schedule from LTN that never ran to time as the -21's were always going tech

the britannia 737-204's first started ops in summer 1968 fitted for 117 pax
G-AVRL dd 7/7/68 first 737-200 in service in Europe Sir Ernest Shackleton
then G-AVRM/N/O and G-AWSY plus G-AXNA/B/C
G-AZNZ was obtained s/hand from United

G-BOSL and G-OSLA were owned by a villa holiday company OSL
but were operated within the BY fleet
both a/c were ordered by Britannia on OSL's behalf and given the
order no. 737-2U4 rather than 737-204

the early 737-204's only had hat racks (of course) and a single galley fitted at the front with 2 toilets aft which was changed on later models to 2 galleys and loo's fwd and aft
the newer fleet starting with G-BADP onwards had more powerful engines JT8-15A's
130 seats were fitted into all a/c (eventually with wide-look interiors)

[DaveReidUK]

Where are the proper spotters?
B757, B757, A320, A320, B757, B757.
Look at the angle of the fin trailing edge.

Assuming that the noses are roughly in line, the BA and Monarch tails are more likely to belong to A321s.

[Airbanda]

I think the Monarch and BA '757s' are of the A320 family.

Looking again the 'bogie' undercarriage is actually an illusion of juxtaposed elements of single axle sets so yes Monarch at least is Airbus series. Still not sure about the BA though.

[boeing_eng]

Blimey.....The MON and BA are 100% Airbus!:rolleyes:

[rog747]

the BA ship is def an airbus product

[LTNman]

For 13 years I thought I had taken a classic photo of a row of 757's at Luton and all this time I was wrong:O

[oncemorealoft]

Still an interesting photo and thanks for sharing!

Re: BY and The BFS-LTN schedule service: I was involved in the launch of this when I worked for BY. It was very successful, albeit dependant on the 737-200 being the right size and the slots, at least initially, working well between the Troopers. But, my memory is playing tricks, did we add LTN-GLA and/or EDI or were we just thinking about it before the Fleet Modernisation Programme ended the reign of the -200s?

[EGGW]

I flew LTN-BFS-LTN scheduled flight on the 737-300 ex Orion many times in 1990

EGGW

[boeing_eng]

The A320 in BA cols would have been a BMED aircraft which MON looked after at the time.

BY didn't operate to GLA or EDI......but sold a couple of very well maintained 737-200's to an outfit that did! :}:}

[kenparry]

the newer fleet starting with G-BADP onwards had more powerful engines JT8-15A's

Not so. G-BADP & BADR were the first two that were 737-204ADV, but were delivered with -9 engines, like all the earlier ones. My recollection is that occasionally one , or even 2, JT8D-15 were fitted for short periods. The first 737 delivered to BAL with -15 engines was G-BAZG.

The -9 engines were eventually all modified to -9A standard, as I recall; I think the only difference was less smoke, the thrust was the same. What was -15A? I don't remember that designation.

Anorak off!

[DaveReidUK]

What was -15A? I don't remember that designation.According to the TC:

JT8D-15A: Same as -15 except reduced fuel consumption by incorporation of improved engine parts.

[cj241101]

Info I have 1973-1976 is a little patchy as I wasn't working at the airport until 1977 nor living locally, but I can remember the following:-

1973:-
Air Spain DC-8-21, Wed morning, Fri evening, Sat morning + evening, Sun evening
Aviaco Caravelle, Wed morning, Sat evening, DC-8-50 (Iberia) Tue afternoon, Sat morning
Germanair 1-11 500 3 flights each Mon/Fri from end October
Aer Turas C-54/DC-7 all year

1974:-
Germanair 1-11 500 3 flights each Mon/Fri all year, 4 flights Mon/Fri peak summer
Aviaco Caravelle, Fri evening x2, Sat morning x2, Sun evening (DC-9-30 from 15th Sep).
Maersk Air F-27 Sun evening, Jul/Aug/Sep
Aer Turas Britannia, C-54 all year
British Midland used Heralds in addition to their Viscounts on the Channel Islands schedules
Dan Air introduced 727-100’s

1975:-
Germanair 1-11 500 all year, Tue/Sat during the summer, Mon/Fri during the winter
Tarom IL-18 short series March/April to/from Oradea Mare
Inex Adria DC-9-30 Sun afternoon Dubrovnik
Aviaco DC-9-30 Sun morning Palma, Sun evening Alicante
A.T.I. DC-9-30 late Sat evening, late Sun evening, August
Bavaria 1-11 400 Thu evening/Sun evening from October 7th, 1-11 500 as well from November
Austrian DC-9-30 late Sun evening from November 2nd
(strictly Austrian Air Transport using leased Austrian aircraft, flight prefix OB)
Aviogenex TU-134 several ad-hoc charters Nov/Dec, usually staying 2-3 days
Aer Turas Britannia, C-54 all year

1976:-
Germanair 1-11 500 Fri/Mon all year
Bavaria 1-11 400/500 all year
Inex Adria DC-9-30/50 Sun lunchtime
Austrian DC-9-32/50 late Sun evening all year
Condor 727-100 Sat, March only
Sterling Airways Caravelle 6R/12 all year starting April, Mon/Fri/Sat/Sun, 4 flights weekly summer, up to 10 weekly winter including 5 on Sundays
Aviaco DC-9-30 Fri evening
Trans Europa Caravelle 10R Sun afternoon June
Aviogenex TU-134 ad-hoc charters, usually weekends
Aer Turas Britannia, C-54 all year
Geminair Britannia, scheduled cargo flights to/from Accra

I kept excessively obsessive anorak records after starting work at Monarch in June 1977 and will try and post these in due course. Any corrections/additions welcome.

[cj241101]

OK, my operator list for 1977, summer only unless otherwise stated:-


Bavaria Germanair (after the 2 companies merged March 1977) 1-11 400/500Thu/Fri/Sun/Mon all year
Austrian DC-9-32/51 late Sun evening all year plus ad-hocs, most night time
Sterling Airways Caravelle 6R/10B/12 all year, 727-200 Sun evening Arlanda summer
Tarom IL-18 Sun morning Bucharest, Jan/Feb, Sat morning Oradea Mare Apr
Condor727-200 Fri/Mon from Apr-Sep
Aviaco DC-9-30, Thu morning, Sat afternoon, Fri morning+evening
Inex Adria DC-9-30/50 Mon evening, Fri evening, Sun morning+evening
Maersk Air B720B Sun evening May-Oct Arlanda
Eagle Air B720B several ad-hocs from/to Keflavik Aug-Dec
Air Malta B720B (leased from P.I.A.) Thu 1110-1210
Trans Europa Caravelle 10R Palma Sat afternoon Dec/Jan '78
Aer Turas Britannia all year
Cyprus Airways Britannia (Aer Turas), scheduled cargo service to Larnaca Thu all year
Geminair Britannia all year

[pabely]

I remember a Dan-Air invasion in the 70s, Comets, 1-11s & B727's amongst others one foggy night. I must see if I have some photos...

[pppdrive]

Hi CJ were you a Ramp Dispatcher with Monarch? If so, I'm pretty sure who you are. Paul

[cj241101]

A much longer list than any previous year, mainly thanks to the Scandinavian influx. Summer only unless otherwise stated. (1979 will be even longer :eek:).


Bavaria Germanair 1-11 500 Fri/Mon March, Thu/Sun Apr-Oct
Austrian DC-9-32/51 late Sun evening all year plus ad-hocs
Sterling Airways Caravelle 6R/10B/12, B727-200 Arlanda Sun morning, around 14 flights per week with 6 on Sundays, plus large number of extra flights June-mid August
Condor B727-100/200 Fri/Mon from Mar-Dec
SATA (Switzerland) Caravelle 10R Tue/Fri 24/3/78-early June (planned until Oct but went out of business in Aug)http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/HB-ICN20Luton20070478_zpskmnifths.jpg?t=1431526894
HB-ICN 7/4/78

Tarom IL-18 Sat morning 18/3/78-8/4/78 Oradea Mare


http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/YR-IMD20Luton20110289d_zpszbu9a8sj.jpg?t=1431530940
YR-IMD 11/2/89 OK wrong year but my 1989 camera was much better than my 1978 one....



Trans Europa Caravelle 10R Palma Wed evening 5/4-26/4, Palma Fri late evening Nov-Dec
Air Malta B707-123B (leased from Transasian) B720B (leased from Eagle Air or P.I.A.) Tue evening May-Dec
Aviaco DC-9-30, Caravelle Madrid (May and Oct only) Tue evening Thu evening, Palma Mon morning (DC-9)
Inex Adria DC-9-30 Mon evening, Fri evening, Sun evening
Kar Air DC-8-50 Jun-Sep, some flights with Finnair DC-8-62, mostly Thu morning
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/OH-LFY20Luton20200778_zpsuquosule.jpg?t=1431526257

OH-LFY 20/7/78
Transair Sweden B727-100 Jun-mid Aug can only find 3 flights
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/SE-DDA20Luton20120880_zpsx2tns0gj.jpg?t=1431528102

SE-DDA 15/6/78 annoyingly they used to come in as it was getting dark hence the rubbish photo

Maersk Air B720B Jun-Jul
Braathens B737-200 Jun can only find 2 flights actually
Transavia B737-200 operated for Britannia Mon/Tue/Wed
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/PH-TVC20Luton20241078_zpsafhavlkl.jpg
PH-TVC 24/10/78


Middle East Airlines B720B Fri/Tue end Jul/Aug Milan-Linate not every week
Eagle Air B720B regular ad-hocs from/to Keflavik , usually in/out from maintenance
Aer Turas Britannia
Cyprus Airways Britannia (Aer Turas), scheduled cargo service to Larnaca Thu until April then it switched to LGW on a leased Tradewinds CL-44
Geminair Britannia

[cj241101]

rare shot of 5 Monarch 720's stands 4 thru 8 (they didn't fit on 3 or 9 so no chance of getting all 6 in a row).http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/Monarch20Boeing2072020line20up20090880_zpsifaykvse.jpg?t=143 1527424

[LTNman]

Some great shots there and a few memories:ok: I wonder why Monarch went for the 720 and not the more popular 707? Was there a performance advantage with the 720 when operated from Luton's 7056ft runway?

[Offchocks]

I wonder why Monarch went for the 720 and not the more popular 707? Was there a performance advantage with the 720 when operated from Luton's 7056ft

Probably cost, if my memory is correct they actually got a 707 later.

[dc9-32]

CJ

No mention of MAOF B720's on Sundays !!!!!!!! They were awful flights to handle landside, easy airside though :cool:

[cj241101]

Quote:-
I wonder why Monarch went for the 720 and not the more popular 707? Was there a performance advantage with the 720 when operated from Luton's 7056ft runway?

The 720B was over-powered with its 4 PW JT3D engines which also powered the larger 707-123B. Their max TOW was never restricted from the LTN runway, unlike the 707's they acquired - G-BFMI in 1978, replaced by G-BGCT in 1979, both of which were -123B's and went to Cyprus Airways after just a year each with Monarch. Apart from the regular European IT routes the 720B's also operated to St. Lucia once a week but lacked the range to get there in one go, stopping at Santa Maria in the Azores for fuel each way. Summer 1981 saw the 6 month lease of 707-355C G-AXRS from British Caledonian which still needed the fuel stop outbound but operated the return sector direct.

[cj241101]

quote:-
No mention of MAOF B720's on Sundays !!!!!!!!


I haven't got that far yet! Maof started late October 1981 with ex-Monarch 720B's 4X-BMA (G-BCBA), and 4X-BMB (G-BCBB). They operated Tue and Thu as well as Sun, plus extras for Xmas/Passover etc. (hence 2 on the ground together below). The 720's were supplemented by 707-139B N778PA in September 1982 then ex-BA 707-336B 4X-BMC in July 1984, which coincided with them defecting to Stansted prior to going out of business in November 1984.


Yes, the flights were awful to handle landside. They had their own separate check-in area out of sight of the rest of the passengers. I used to feel sorry for the check-in agents who had to deal with large quantities of baggage which required (equally large) excess baggage payments resulting in delays while the required payments were extracted from unwilling customers. Flights invariably went late as a result, with excess baggage getting put on standby and only getting loaded once final payload figures were available. Happy days!!

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/4X-BMA204X-BMB20Luton20070382a_zpsfxvhgpd6.jpg?t=1432034285
4X-BMA 4X-BMB 7/3/82

[cj241101]

Taken on 17/1/82, this shot shows the 3 types Monarch operated between Oct 1980 when their 1st 737-200 was delivered and March 1983 when the 720B's were retired.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/Monarch20line20up20260182_zpsaqmw6256.jpg?t=1431597898

[cj241101]

As previously mentioned the B720B was over-powered and actually capable of higher rates of climb than would ever be used with passengers on board. London ATC loved them - requests such as "Monarch 2344, can you make FL290 by Midhurst" would be answered by "we can make FL370 if you like".


I experienced an extreme example on 17/3/82 on G-AZKM. This aircraft was stripped of its seats for part of the winter and kept on standby for any ad-hoc cargo flights. On this occasion, the regular Air Bridge Merchantman, which took newspapers to Glasgow 6 nights a week, was unserviceable and 'KM was "scrambled", loaded with around 18 tonnes of newspapers and headed to Prestwick (GLA was closed for runway work). I was "persuaded" (very easily of course) to travel as loadmaster, which was a welcome relief from an otherwise boring winter night shift. Before the return sector, the skipper asked me if I was up for a bit of fun i.e. they were going to see how quickly the empty aircraft, lighter than usual with no seats, carpets or cabin crew, could reach their cruising level of FL330. Answer:- 4 minutes 30 seconds ! i.e. around 7000 fpm climb rate. Yes the ears did pop a bit. Just as well it was dark and I couldn't see the horizon at a 45 degree angle....

[cj241101]

quote:-
Hi CJ were you a Ramp Dispatcher with Monarch? If so, I'm pretty sure who you are. Paul Hi Paul, yes, have sent you a PM, Colin

[dc9-32]

CJ no doubt has photos of the infamous 24hr period when all of south UK was fogged out and LTN turned into a massive car park for aircraft. Can't remember the date, '87 or '88 maybe. Loading breeze blocks from the building site opposite the old Britannia building into the forward hold of a Dan Air 1-11 to ensure it was in trim for the ferry flight to LGW. All good until we ran out of breeze blocks !!

[cj241101]

Including domestic carriers (Britannia, Monarch, Dan Air, Midland, Redcoat) but excluding Linjeflyg and Kar Air as their programmes were miniscule, the number of airlines using the airport peak summer 1979 was the highest ever at 24.

Sterling Airways Caravelle 6R/10B/12, B727-200 all year, around 8 flights per week with large number of student flights Jun-Aug
Condor B727-100/200 Fri/Mon evenings from Jan-Sep, 2 flights Fri/Mon evenings 6/4-11/6
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/3820D-ABIR20Luton20250579_zpszshdddch.jpg?t=1431620277
D-ABIR 25/5/79

Trans Europa Caravelle 10R Palma Fri late Fri evening/early Sat Jan-end Apr then late Sun evening 6/5-28/10
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/3920EC-BRJ20Luton20130676_zpsesohfxog.jpg?t=1431622584
EC-BRJ 13/6/76 - didn't manage any from 1979 as they only came in after dark....

Aviaco DC-9-30, Caravelle, Madrid Thu evening Jan-26/4,Sun afternoon 8/4-29/4, DC-8-50 ad-hocs August
Austrian DC-9-51 late Sun evening all year
Air Malta B720B (leased from P.I.A./plus own a/c) 707-123B (leased from Transasian) Tue evening Jan-Apr, Tue morning from 22/5-30/10 Sun morning 8/4-6/5 Thu evening 12/4-26/4
Tarom IL-18 Bucharest Fri morning from 30/3-27/4, Sun morning from 8/4-22/4, 1-11 500 Constanta Sat 0930-1020 19/5-22/9


http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/3520YR-BCJ20Luton20190579_zpspidytkzl.jpg?t=1432032262
YR-BCJ 19/5/79

Hapag-Lloyd 1-11 500 Thu/Sun evening from Apr-Sep (following their takeover of Bavaria-Germanair)
Inex Adria DC-9-30 Split Fri evening 4/5-26/10, Pula Mon evening 7/5-29/10 , Pula Fri evening 25/5-26/10
J.A.T. 727-200 (Yugoslav Govt), B720 (Aeroamerica) B707-320C (BCAL) Fri x2 flights from 11/5-27/7 then their own 707-320C 3/8-26/10
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/4620N734T20Luton20220679_zpssyfyek9z.jpg?t=1431621199
N734T 22/6/79 JR2222 from Pula

Royal Air Maroc 727-200 Tangiers Fri 2040-2140 11/5-19/10

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/4120OY-STG20Luton20080679_zpsnfrraji6.jpg?t=1431619982
typical Fri evening 8/6/79

Kar Air Caravelle (Finnair) can only find 2 flights 31/5 and 14/6
Scanair DC-10 (S.A.S. – 3 flights) DC-8-50/62Jun-Aug
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/5920SE-DBD20Luton20030779_zpsl7sj9xxq.jpg?t=1431620504
SE-DBD 3/7/79

Maersk Air B720B B737-200 May-Aug
Linjeflyg Fokker F-28 12/6, 14/6, 3/7, 26/7
Itavia DC-9-30 Milan-Malpensa Mon 0920-1020 18/6-3/9
Middle East Airlines B720B Tue1955-2055 3/7-28/8 Milan-Linate
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/6020OD-AGB20Luton20030779_zpslcuhibsb.jpg?t=1431620785
OG-AGB 3/7/79

Europe Aero Service Caravelle 6 29/6-1/8 10 ad-hoc flights
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/6120F-BXOO20Luton20050779_zps6osvt6vn.jpg
F-BXOO 5/7/79
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/6320F-GBMJ20Luton20050779_zpsrzzjbcxk.jpg
F-GBMJ 5/7/79

Aer Turas Britannia, CL-44 from May '79
Geminair Britannia

Skyways Cargo based an FH-227 from 2nd May, operating to Amsterdam each night
Air Bridge based a Vanguard Merchantman for nightly newspaper flights from 1/11

[cj241101]

DC-9-32 this was probably the day you are referring to. A quick count in my log has 36 diverted airliners. I believe the official figure from the airport was over 70 which probably included biz-jets. They parked a (fully loaded) Olympic A300 and a BA 757 on the eastern taxiway which meant a single taxiway only was open. I only managed ONE photo that day shown below:-
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/5N-ABK20Luton20080187_zpscgmsq64g.jpg?t=1431623186
5N-ABK 8/1/87

[Monde]

Great pictures CJ , please keep them coming! Any pictures of the Germanair? A300 which i think only came in the once..?

[LTNman]

I think we have a Luton encyclopaedia amongst us.

[almost professional]

The 720's best asset was the FL370 cruise, hardly anyone else made that level then, and they could make it by the UK FIR boundary, so very rare for slot delays.

[vintage ATCO]

FL410 was the magic number for MON's B720. No one else was at that level at the time.

[cj241101]

Yes, only the 1 visit I am aware of on 11/4/77. Sadly no picture, think it was Easter Monday and Luton were playing Chelsea....

[almost professional]

As ever your memory better than mine VA !

[cj241101]

Britannia leased this example from Eagle Air/ILFC 5/79-12/79
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/2920TF-VLC20Luton20140579_zpsotxek4r2.jpg?t=1431640829
TF-VLC 14/5/79