LUTON History and Nostalgia [Archive] - Page 6

cj241101

29th Feb 2016, 19:52

Bit of a long shot but I don't suppose anyone has a photo of G-AYSI in the part-World Airways livery in which it was delivered on 28/2/71 ? i.e. 45 years ago yesterday. I can remember myself and a school friend a few days later hanging around outside the small door at the side of hangar 89 hoping for a glimpse of it. Someone duly opened the door - we were half expecting to get told to clear off - only to get invited in for a tour by a friendly engineer who seemed just as excited about the new arrival as we were. (707's were practically unheard of at LTN prior to Britannia getting theirs - G-AYEX was their other one which arrived in British Caledonian colours on or before 1/10/71).

l.garey

1st Mar 2016, 04:59

Sorry I don't have a photo of G-AYSI, but I did fly in it from Luton via Keflavik to Oakland (California) on 27.9.1972. On our way to spend a year at Berkeley.

Laurence

DCBOE

1st Mar 2016, 11:32

Talking of Berni Pinchin, he was a Flight Engineer with Britannia, and I believe he was on the Brit 707, AYSI, before he became a Technical Instructor, he was the instructor for my 737 airframe and my JT8 courses. Very nice man.

LynxDriver

6th Mar 2016, 03:09

DCBOE

6th Mar 2016, 05:31

There are pictures of AYSI on Airiners.net in both BCAL and Britannia livery,
Sorry don,t know how to up load.

LTNman

6th Mar 2016, 06:08

Photos: Boeing 707-373C Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Britannia-Airways/Boeing-707-373C/0745643/L/&sid=93d8c1e133244f97eaeb922f66931ed7) but the photo is not in the part World Airways livery though.

The aircraft crashed a few years later.http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19831214-0&lang=es

rog747

7th Mar 2016, 07:27

cj241101

7th Mar 2016, 11:04

Thanks to all those who have replied. IIRC the aircraft when delivered retained the red World cheatline minus the US registration, with the World Airways name and logo painted out. I have a feeling that a b&w photo of G-AYSI appeared in one of the magazines at the time which I may be able to dig out from the vast collection I have hoarded down the years. I would also have expected a report at least in the local newspapers but a search of britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk draws a blank. Will keep looking.

22/04

7th Mar 2016, 17:04

cj241101 in India at the moment but will look in the suitcase under the bed- might have a photo of 'YSI that Sunday afternoon. Also remember a Super Connie (Rugby supporters for the Five Nations) and Channel Comet that day.

"707s were practically unheard of"

Maybe but like me surely you remember the odd 1970 Saturday afternoon Palma by British Midland- was it regular or a One Eleven replacement - can't remember

And your memories of the YSI colour scheme were correct. Do you recall it was the first aircraft in the new BY livery- when we sneaked a look through the door to H86 from "spectators" we wondered what all that red was about.

cj241101

9th Mar 2016, 21:22

First visit by a 707 was on 25/1/70 when G-AWWD of Caledonian diverted in en route Tenerife-Gatwick. The next one that I know of was Lakers G-AVZZ on 3/3/70 which was the smaller -138B variety. This was on a night when Heathrow fire crews were on strike. I believe the first Midland example was G-AYBJ on Sunday 31/5/70 which I only saw from home as it took off. Unless anyone can supply info on other 707 visits, I believe the Britannia G-AYSI on delivery would have been the next one on 28/2/71. Attached are some relevant newspapers cuttings.

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/707s_zpsld5wrqzh.jpg?t=1457474466http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/707s1_zpsb2tkmx85.jpg

Obviously the Dan Air Comets referred to above can't have been the usual 4-engined variety!
Once Britannia began operating their 707 other examples suddenly became almost commonplace, with the first 2 Donaldson aircraft G-AYVG and G-AYXR appearing for maintenance in April and May 1971. Midland operated G-AYVE on Easter Monday 12th April '71. The European Cup Final on 3/6/71 brought in Transavia and Air Commerz examples, then Pan American no less brought in N766PA on 25/7/71, operating a Britannia sub.

boeing_eng

10th Mar 2016, 09:35

CJ.....I know an ex BAL employee who probably has a pic of the B707 (its before my time :ok:)

I see Ladacan gets a mention in one of the articles!....perhaps they did have something to moan about in those days as Tridents & VC-10's = proper noise!:}

cj241101

10th Mar 2016, 11:01

22/04, yes, the Five Nations England-France matches were a good bet for French airliners, although the match was only played at Twickenham alternate years in those days (might still be - not sure as I'm not a rugby fan). 28/2/71 also brought in Europe Aero Service Herald F-BLOY, Trans Union DC-6 F-BNUZ, SATA Convair 640 HB-IMM as well as the Catair Connie F-BHMI. Last time I saw a Connie at LTN.

G-AYSI - yes, I recall it being the first Britannia AW aircraft in their new red and blue scheme. I believe it was a year later that the first 737 adopted this scheme - G-AZNZ purchased from United delivered 1/3/72.

cj241101

10th Mar 2016, 11:39

As far as I am aware, LTN had never had a DC-8 visit when the first 707 diverted in on 25/1/70. Possibly a lack of suitable ground equipment may have been one reason, plus it wasn't until 1970, when the big airlines began replacing their 707's and DC-8's with 747's, that smaller carriers began to snap up second-hand examples of what had previously mainly been the preserve of the long-haul scheduled carriers.

So when the spotter rumour spread that there were 3 DC-8's planned into LTN on 8/4/70 carrying Ajax supporters to see their team play Arsenal I took it with a pinch of salt. The rumour proved inaccurate, because there were actually FIVE DC-8's in total on the day; 4 of them KLM, including a -63 series, plus one from Martinair. Add a selection of DC-9's from KLM and Martinair, a Martinair Fokker 28 and a Transavia Caravelle and it made for an interesting day. My pictures were all rubbish but here's a newspaper cutting.

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/DC-8_zpsui0fmnrf.jpg?t=1457525699http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/PH-DNA20Luton20080470_zps0ah0mhel.jpg?t=1457539402
PH-DNA 8/4/70. DC-8-63 PH-DEF is hiding behind it. Taken with a Kodak Instamatic camera having forgotten to get a new memory card for the digital one....

cj241101

10th Mar 2016, 11:59

boeing_eng I would be very grateful if you are able to supply a delivery scheme photo of G-AYSI. It would be for personal nostalgia use only, where I am trying to create a folder of photos of aircraft seen by year, ideally in the scheme carried at the time.

oldandbald

10th Mar 2016, 20:30

It is a long time ago but I was in the Tower when the Caledonian diverted in, so this is how I remember it. As with things in those days the diversions were often thrown at us with little warning. The phone call said "Caledonian" it was assumed to be a Britannia! Only when the Air Controller saw the aircraft about 8 miles out with the faint smudges of a 4 jet did he realise the type . On coming onto the Tower frquency the pilot asked for confirmation of the distances. On landing and turning at the end the Air Controller passed his congratulations to the crew to tell them they were the first 707 to land at Luton. There was a seemingly long silence before "Roger" . It didn't seem long before 707/720s were a regular sight

LTNman

11th Mar 2016, 06:45

PH-DNA 8/4/70. DC-8-63 PH-DEF is hiding behind it. Taken with a Kodak Instamatic camera having forgotten to get a new memory card for the digital one...

Something not quite right there as digital camera's didn't start to appear in the shops until around 1990.

cj241101

11th Mar 2016, 08:19

Quote:
PH-DNA 8/4/70. DC-8-63 PH-DEF is hiding behind it. Taken with a Kodak Instamatic camera having forgotten to get a new memory card for the digital one...

Just my humour attempting to make excuses for dodgy quality photos :):).

no butz

14th Mar 2016, 20:57

http://www.pprune.org/]http://i66.tinypic.com/1okchk.jpg[/IMDid anyone get any pics of the Zambian DC-8 that was scrapped outside H89 during the long hot summer of 1976?
How is this for coincidence - I was reading this thread last night and then looking through a box of old photos today and found this. Taken in Hangar 89 by Eddie Papps a Britannia engineer.
http://i66.tinypic.com/1okchk.jpg

no butz

15th Mar 2016, 12:36

Here is one of the Caledonian diversion. I have more in this sequence if anyone would like them posted.http://i63.tinypic.com/vs0vo1.jpg

Buster the Bear

15th Mar 2016, 16:15

G-ATTO Agusta Bell 47-J2 operated by Autair Helicopters and was written off when it force landed into the sea near Equatorial Guinea November 1968. First registered during 1966.
http://i64.tinypic.com/ng3u4p.jpg

From the book Colours In The Sky: The story of Autair International Airways and Court Line. In 1966 Autair obtained a contract to supply crews and expertise to King Idris 1 and Libya's Royal Flight. 5A-DAC & 5A-DAD were operated under the auspices of Libyan Arab Airlines. 5A-DAD was destroyed by Israeli Air Force during the 6 Day War 5th June 1967. The sole remaining Lear was then replaced by 2 new Falcon 20s 5A-DAF & 5A-DAG. This Lear Jet was finally cancelled from the US register during 2011.
http://i66.tinypic.com/20938d0.jpg

Aero Commander 680E (385-67) N1006S built in 1965.
http://i64.tinypic.com/axii54.jpg

Buster the Bear

15th Mar 2016, 16:21

G-ASHG prototype BAC 1-11 which first arrived at Luton on a goodwill visit for the benefit of the Hunting employees 12th September 1963 in British United colours. Just over a month later, this 1-11was involved in a fatal crash. Early 1-11 wings were made at Luton. Jet Provost chase plane. This was the first crash of a T Tail jet, a new phenomenon call the Super Stall or Deep Stall. As a result, stick shakers were developed to warn of the onset of a stall.
http://i63.tinypic.com/2mmzrdg.jpg
http://i63.tinypic.com/30bidjq.jpg
http://i67.tinypic.com/rwkysx.jpg

Buster the Bear

15th Mar 2016, 16:28

http://i64.tinypic.com/1088rwz.jpg
http://i68.tinypic.com/f8382.jpg
http://i67.tinypic.com/24q7t6v.jpg

Buster the Bear

15th Mar 2016, 16:35

http://i68.tinypic.com/2my29fq.jpg
http://i64.tinypic.com/2mxrg5i.jpg

ZeBedie

15th Mar 2016, 17:48

Here is one of the Caledonian diversion. I have more in this sequence if anyone would like them posted.

Three thoughts on that picture - the 707 looked great in BCAL livery, the taxiway looked rather narrow for it and yes please to more pictures.

vintage ATCO

15th Mar 2016, 18:28

The BCAL B707 parked on stand 1, nose out! I wasn't on duty but got a call from a mate so went to see it. Taxiway is wide enough for a B707.

no butz

16th Mar 2016, 20:14

Three thoughts on that picture - the 707 looked great in BCAL livery, the taxiway looked rather narrow for it and yes please to more pictures.
Can't manage multiple photos in one post so here's a few posts on the same subject! WD on stand 1 as Vintage ATCO recalls. Hangar 89 under construction in the background. I started work in here on 1st October 1970 and worked in the offices for a few months before Britannia moved in.http://i67.tinypic.com/2nuhd6x.jpg

no butz

16th Mar 2016, 20:21

Three thoughts on that picture - the 707 looked great in BCAL livery, the taxiway looked rather narrow for it and yes please to more pictures.
Followed by the first 707 to depart from Luton!
http://i65.tinypic.com/2qjdagx.jpg

vintage ATCO

17th Mar 2016, 12:16

Great pics, no butz.

Not seen this view before, 1949.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/stevelevien/PPRuNe%20Pics/1949%20Luton%20Airport%202.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/stevelevien/PPRuNe%20Pics/1949%20Luton%20Airport%203.jpg

22/04

17th Mar 2016, 13:30

"The BCAL B707 parked on stand 1, nose out! I wasn't on duty but got a call from a mate so went to see it. Taxiway is wide enough for a B707."

I don't think it was a BCAL707 - quite- but a Caledonian one. It would be a BCAL one a little later- a short while after being a Caledonian//BUA one!

LTNman

17th Mar 2016, 14:31

There have been some really great photos put on here in the last week or two. Thanks everyone for taking the time to put the photos up and for the comments.

Also in the top right hand corner of the second photo by vintage ATCO is the remains of the old Italian POW camp.

hatters united

17th Mar 2016, 17:26

Hi LTNMAN,

The ex Italian POW camp you refer to in the picture, isn't that the area of the old Vauxhall training school ?

vintage ATCO

17th Mar 2016, 17:45

I don't think it was a BCAL707 - quite- but a Caledonian one. It would be a BCAL one a little later- a short while after being a Caledonian//BUA one!

That's what I meant, just being lazy . . . . pedant :O

LTNman

17th Mar 2016, 17:47

The ex Italian POW camp you refer to in the picture, isn't that the area of the old Vauxhall training school ?

No, the POW site was was opposite the airport on the other side of Eaton Green Road.

vintage ATCO

17th Mar 2016, 17:48

The ex Italian POW camp you refer to in the picture, isn't that the area of the old Vauxhall training school ?

No. Pre-war pics show this area as empty fields. My mum and dad lived not far from the airport and remember the Italians walking the streets looking for work. At night they would go back to the camp. Large Italian community in Bedfordshire to this day.

boeing_eng

18th Mar 2016, 10:01

no butz...many thanks indeed for the DC-8 pic (and the others)...great stuff!:D:D

dc9-32

18th Mar 2016, 14:00

I'm trying to add a photo of G-AYSI in Britannia colours but it won't upload. Can someone do it for me if I share the link ?

LTNman

18th Mar 2016, 16:25

If it is already on a website then just provide an address to that website address here or PM me and I will have a look and see what I can do.

pabely

21st Mar 2016, 19:54

http://www.pprune.org/9311582-post1278.html

The Sunday invasion, sterlings, linjeflyg, braathens, this flight likely to be a Viking callsign?

cj241101

22nd Mar 2016, 08:55

no butz

26th Mar 2016, 13:59

The S.A.S. DC-10's did indeed operate on behalf of Scanair (DK flight numbers, callsign "Viking") summer 1978 and summer 1979. 6 flights in'78, only 3 in '79 as I recall. Not on Sundays, though, Tuesdays mostly. See my post 664 http://www.pprune.org/8944482-post664.html

Best photo I have, unfortunately:-
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/LN-RKA2020Luton20250778a_zpsxujm1mh6.jpg?t=1458552122
LN-RKA LTN 25/7/78
The Scandinavian airlines used to switch between Luton and Stansted for the season depending where the best deal was. They all followed the recommendation of a particular travel agent whose name escapes me who used to visit London each winter to do a deal. When they finally reverted back to Stansted we were told that if we wanted the business we would have to pay them and not the other way around!

SpringHeeledJack

26th Mar 2016, 18:26

The Sunday invasion, sterlings, linjeflyg, braathens, this flight likely to be a Viking callsign?

Not to forget Conair https://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fil:Conair_Boeing_720_Marmet.jpg and Maersk Boeing 720's. Weren't a lot of these flights transporting language students from all points Scandi ?

SHJ

HZ123

26th Mar 2016, 19:13

Adding to info on some of these carriers as a PC at STN 1972/3 Brathens, Sterling, Conair were regulars, plus a number of stretched DC8's. The latter going to the states often en route from the Far East !

jpturner

27th Mar 2016, 10:16

New to this game. Just been through the entire history. Would like to add a few bits if invited! Worked in ATC Luton from 1960-73 then flying out of Luton and my memory is jogged over many things. Names like Dizzy Adicott, Ken Cartwright, flying club bars, Ricky Brimecombe (SATCO).
Look forward to joining in.

LTNman

27th Mar 2016, 10:29

Welcome to this thread jpturner feel free to agree, disagree, butt in, correct statements, reminisce, tell stories or just read and enjoy the posts. :ok:

Mike Echo

27th Mar 2016, 15:13

Something you will probably never see again, a hangar full of British made jets. Probably around 1983 McAlpine Hangar or possibly Lynton as I can't remember when they changed

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q696/MikeEcho1/PPRUNE/b198237e-b5c4-4450-9f14-3e10d3155d3a_zpsjtndqbs7.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/MikeEcho1/media/PPRUNE/b198237e-b5c4-4450-9f14-3e10d3155d3a_zpsjtndqbs7.jpg.html)

vintage ATCO

27th Mar 2016, 16:57

Welcome Jet Pipe Temperature! :) :cool:

pabely

28th Mar 2016, 03:07

Something you will probably never see again, a hangar full of British made jets. Probably around 1983 McAlpine Hangar or possibly Lynton as I can't remember when they changed

G-UKCA dereg 08-82 so before then.

boeing_eng

28th Mar 2016, 22:22

G-OWEB was around in the late 1980's (Andrew Lloyd Webber's hack).....G-UKCA de-registered in 92 (not 82)

dixi188

29th Mar 2016, 10:02

All appear to be -700 or -800 series, not a proper noisy one in sight with British engines.

mcdhu

29th Mar 2016, 10:33

They're 700s - nose gear doors stay open after gear down whereas 800s don't.
Or, for the purists, maybe the odd 'Garretted' 600 in amongst them.
mcdhu

DaveReidUK

29th Mar 2016, 11:04

They're 700s - nose gear doors stay open after gear down whereas 800s don't.
Or, for the purists, maybe the odd 'Garretted' 600 in amongst them.

G-OPOL is a re-engined Series 3B, and the two rearmost are both Viper-engined: a 600 (G-BKCD) on the right and an unidentified 400 (or earlier) on the left.

dixi188

29th Mar 2016, 16:31

My fading eyes I guess?
Had a job of getting a re-engined 400 srs. from US register to Irish in the '80s.
The IAA were not happy with the STC as BAe would not recognize the mod. Also the installed TV was a problem. Took about 6 months to get the paperwork accepted.

boeing_eng

29th Mar 2016, 17:32

Strange....I thought the AIResearch converted Hawkers in the USA were fully approved by BAe. The company was a joint partner in the program and converted all US early Hawkers up to the 400 series.....

https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1978/1978%20-%201451.PDF

dixi188

29th Mar 2016, 20:03

Can't remember the details after all these years, but I think it was EI-BRG for Anglo Irish Beef Packers.

Mike Echo

30th Mar 2016, 09:16

It just proves how bad my memory is getting. :)
HX-OFC 257064 I flew on when it was HZ-NAD in March 1983 very shortly after which it was sold to Olayan and Registered HZ-OFC.
G-BKCD 256056 was first registered as such in July 1988.
I left McAlpine not long after this so the picture I guess was taken between these dates 1983 to 1986
I'm willing to be proved wrong!
For the sad people, and I'm one, David Reid is quite correct the two furthest away are real Viper powered aircraft. If you look closely you can see the tail cones are a natural metal finish plus the left unknown one has the blow off valve cover hanging down whilst G-BKCD you can just make out the hole for the BOV, the left one also only has 5 windows so probably a 3B/400 - I really need to get out more!
I'm home this weekend and I think I may have another picture from a different angle
What does worry me is how many of these aircraft which I worked on are now "parted out"
M.E.

DaveReidUK

30th Mar 2016, 09:34

A bit more jiggery-pokery with Flickr would suggest that this is the unidentified one:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1303/5179344570_123eea6cf8.jpg

Nose section now preserved at the SYAM.

I need to get out more, too. :O

cj241101

30th Mar 2016, 09:41

Aircraft nearest on the left looks like G-BHLF, a 700B delivered to McAlpine on 11/4/80, operated on behalf of Marconi. It was re-registered G-OCAA on 22/4/92, sold in the Cayman Islands as VP-CLX 16/8/02 then the Bahamas as C6-IUN 5/11/10. Still currently registered.

Level bust

30th Mar 2016, 09:51

C6IUN is still very much active, it was parked at Fort Lauderdale Executive Fl at the beginning of March!

cj241101

2nd Apr 2016, 10:49

The Scandinavian airlines used to switch between Luton and Stansted for the season depending where the best deal was. They all followed the recommendation of a particular travel agent whose name escapes me who used to visit London each winter to do a deal. When they finally reverted back to Stansted we were told that if we wanted the business we would have to pay them and not the other way around!

The name Tjaerborg (think that's the correct spelling:confused:) rings a bell as one of the main charterers, who probably had the last say as to LTN or STN. Flying Finns I think were the charterers of the Kar Air flights - I can remember attempting the boarding announcement over the PA ("Flying Finns flight" which was a recipe for a tongue twister disaster:O). Sterling stuck with us for 5 years (1976-1981), Maersk were 1977-1979, Scanair were 1978-1980, Kar Air then Finnair operated several summers from 1978 until 2001.

Mike Echo

3rd Apr 2016, 10:11

Good Eyes
I've checked on my original photograph with magnifying glass and light and can confirm the mystery Hawker on the far left is indeed G-BOCB.
I have no memory of working on this aircraft but must have done at some time.

M.E.

WHBM

3rd Apr 2016, 10:33

I believe for the Scandinavian charters the Sunday afternoon group, which alternated between Luton and Stansted, were holiday charters to hotels in London, popular for one week shopping etc trips at a time of no LCCs and scheduled operators at Heathrow only pricing for business travellers. The midweek flights were for the student travel organisations (cheaper charter rates) and more random in their operations.

Tjaereborg rings a bell as one of the main charterersTjaereborg were the proprietors of Sterling Airways, and they did a very wide range of operations - they did Caravelle charters from Copenhagen to San Francisco (3 fuel stops along the way). Kar-Air used Finnair aircraft as, like a number of the mainstream European airlines' charter subsidiaries, they had no fleet of their own. Flying Finn in much more recent times had a go at being an LCC themselves, with MD-80s, and even operated as such from Helsinki into Stansted for a short while around 2003, but didn't last.

Mike Echo

3rd Apr 2016, 18:43

A few more to come for those like me that don't get out much :)
A little bit later in time with only One Hawker
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q696/MikeEcho1/McAlpine/46fb298f-833f-4fe9-9fe6-b246e5740388_zpsryhsnng0.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/MikeEcho1/media/McAlpine/46fb298f-833f-4fe9-9fe6-b246e5740388_zpsryhsnng0.jpg.html)

Need to crop some picture next weekend when I get more time!!!

no butz

6th Apr 2016, 13:45

http://i64.tinypic.com/14265tv.jpg

Some while ago there was mention of Argosy aircraft at Luton. Here's a scratchy shot of G-ASXP on the apron. The aircraft was delivered to BEA in June 1965 and destroyed at Stansted in December 1967 so giving some clue as to the date at Luton. I've no idea who took the photo but it was in the collection of Eddie Papps (formerly of Britannia)

Excellent website here for Argosy fans

AWA ARGOSY (http://www.argosyair.co.uk/civil.html)

LTNman

6th Apr 2016, 16:02

Great photo, what an interesting shape! I think it had the same engines as the Viscount as it had the same scream. The BMA weekend Viscounts were the only aircraft I had to put my fingers in my ears when they passed the spectators viewing area.

vintage ATCO

6th Apr 2016, 16:53

I saw Argosys at Luton on weather diversion several times. Coincidentally I was at Stansted in December 1967 on my met. observers course and witnessed the crash. It was on a training flight and just have this image of it cartwheeling. Amazing that the three on board got out unscathed.

Luton Anorak

7th Apr 2016, 12:07

The date for the BEA Argosy at Luton could have been 26th or 27th October 1965 as it diverted to Luton en-route to Heathrow from Dusseldorf due to fog and parked overnight - along with two Aer Lingus Viscounts, two BKS Ambassadors, a BKS HS748 and an Electra and Viscount of KLM.

JW411

8th Apr 2016, 16:20

I once met the F/O of Argosy G-ASXP which crashed at Stansted on 04/12/67. He was also the F/O of Argosy G-ASXL which flew into a mountain trying to land at Milan on 04/07/65. What a lucky chap!

DaveReidUK

8th Apr 2016, 18:14

He was also the F/O of Argosy G-ASXL which flew into a mountain trying to land at Milan on 04/07/65.

Well it struck the top of a 700m hill, but "flew into a mountain" probably sounds better in the pub. :O

JW411

9th Apr 2016, 11:08

DaveReidUK:

Sorry old son; that was very careless of me. Hill or mountain matters not a jot if you hit it at speed and wreck the aeroplane so badly that it can't be used again. I seem to remember that he and the captain were unscathed until the captain gashed his leg stepping out through a ragged hole in the fuselage.

no butz

9th Apr 2016, 19:19

Mike Echo

10th Apr 2016, 15:09

Just a few more McAlpine orientated
The first was not my picture and I can't remember where I got it, it may well have been a publicity shot.
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q696/MikeEcho1/McAlpine/Resized/Old20McAlpine001_zpsapdyvkev.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/MikeEcho1/media/McAlpine/Resized/Old20McAlpine001_zpsapdyvkev.jpg.html)
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q696/MikeEcho1/McAlpine/Resized/AYRR20Wheels20Up001_zps8cuxassq.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/MikeEcho1/media/McAlpine/Resized/AYRR20Wheels20Up001_zps8cuxassq.jpg.html)
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q696/MikeEcho1/McAlpine/Resized/High20Winds001_zpswdrw0pgy.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/MikeEcho1/media/McAlpine/Resized/High20Winds001_zpswdrw0pgy.jpg.html)
And finally G-OPOL after a monumental amount of work
http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q696/MikeEcho1/McAlpine/Resized/OPOL001_zpsanmls3no.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/MikeEcho1/media/McAlpine/Resized/OPOL001_zpsanmls3no.jpg.html)

Sorry not great pictures well before digital

LTNman

10th Apr 2016, 15:45

The wing and engine seen in the foreground belongs to a Piaggio P-166 and was owned by McAlpine. I have never heard of a Piaggio P-166 but here is a photo of it taken at Luton with its rear facing engines. Piaggio P-166, G-APWY, Sir Robert McAlpine and Sons Ltd (http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1035587/)

sycamore

10th Apr 2016, 16:05

There`s another one in ME`s photo,other side of Dove.Regular operater from Luton in`60s.

vintage ATCO

10th Apr 2016, 16:14

McAlpines were UK agents for Piaggio and several P-166s came through Luton. I remember one having to land wheels-up on the grass when they could not get the gear down.

In the first pic I think the C310 in the middle is G-APUF (haven't looked closely). It was three-tone green. I think there may have been another similar colour however.

The HS125 G-AYRR was after John Cunningham landed it (unintentionally!) with the gear retracted. He had the Spanish Minister of Tourism on board and was early so he slowed down but the gear warning horn was annoying him so he pulled the circuit breaker . . . . . John was very polite. After the aircraft came to a halt he said on the RT "I am awfully sorry, I seemed to have made a mess of your runway."

It was a Saturday. On the following Monday he called all his pilots into his office at Hatfield (he was de Havilland's Chief Pilot), told them what he had done and on no account were they to do the same.

DaveReidUK

10th Apr 2016, 16:40

It was a Saturday.

23rd October, 1971, to be precise - G-AYRR was only a few months old at the time.

treadigraph

10th Apr 2016, 17:03

Allan Lupton

10th Apr 2016, 17:33

The HS125 G-AYRR was after John Cunningham landed it (unintentionally!) with the gear retracted. He had the Spanish Minister of Tourism on board and was early so he slowed down but the gear warning horn was annoying him so he pulled the circuit breaker . . . . . John was very polite. After the aircraft came to a halt he said on the RT "I am awfully sorry, I seemed to have made a mess of your runway."

One of the passengers was HS Hatfield Sales Manager Chris Putler who said it was such a good landing that they only realised something was wrong when they saw how tall the people outside were!

EGGW

11th Apr 2016, 06:07

I think the Piaggio G-APWY is preserved at Wroughton. I remember the sound of it flying around in my youth!!

EGGW.

DaveReidUK

11th Apr 2016, 06:53

Some time in the early/mid 60s, said Piaggio force-landed in Ashdown Forest.

It suffered only minor damage, but obviously couldn't be flown out again, so it was dismantled and returned to Luton by road.

Haraka

11th Apr 2016, 07:46

One sunny Spring Term day in 1959 ,during the morning play break at Stopsley Junior School not one , but two Piaggio pushers heralded their first arrival with that resonating drone. Flying quite low over the school it was apparent that they were different. One was a , later to be very familiar, P166: the other ( as included in my Ian Allen ABC Continental Aircraft :) ) was a P136. Quite a day for a nine year old.

no butz

11th Apr 2016, 08:52

http://i64.tinypic.com/33kxdzm.jpg

Riley Dove conversions in the McAlpine hanger. Original tails can be seen stored on the mezzanine. Photo suggests 1964 and is a Waller Studios shot - local photographers from that era.

Level bust

11th Apr 2016, 09:07

Piaggio GAPWY was still operating in the late 70s. Operated by McAlpines for Marconi if I remember correctly.

Ops Watcher

11th Apr 2016, 11:39

GAPWY was actually owned by Marconi and operated for them by McAlpine.

cj241101

11th Apr 2016, 20:15

I believe the inverted Arrow IV, OO-FLH, was a victim of the 'Great Storm' of October 1987 - I happened to have visited Luton on the day of the storm and remember that pic or very similar in the Telegraph a day or two later.

A couple more pictures of OO-FLH. Shortly after I took the 2nd picture the chain attached to the nose snapped causing the aircraft to swing dangerously close to the personnel behind it.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/OO-FLH20Luton20161087a_zps1ikljrsp.jpg?t=1460318259

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/OO-FLH20Luton20161087b_zps3qx91dc9.jpg?t=1460318718

All flights were cancelled until around lunchtime, with aircraft being turned into wind.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/EI-BSZ20Luton20161087_zpsqw7spfuv.jpg?t=1460319137

LTNman

11th Apr 2016, 20:49

Looks like a Mediterranean Express 1-11 by McAlpines. I don't think they lasted long, maybe a year or so.

dc9-32

12th Apr 2016, 07:28

The downfall of Med Express was them taking the 2nd 1-11 from the desert and ferrying it (without auto-pilot) back to LTN. It sat in the back of the McAlpine hangar and left on the back of a low loader some months later, never to fly again. Complete waste of money although I suspect egoes were driving the project rather than desire to expand the fleet.

At the same time, Med Ex were lining up to take a B737-300 but money had by then run out and rest as they say, is history.....

no butz

12th Apr 2016, 18:50

http://i67.tinypic.com/iqkk15.jpg

G-AYUW looking a little poorly near the run up bay 19th October 1988

http://i68.tinypic.com/2d7zc6r.jpg

and leaving Luton 26th June 1989

HZ123

13th Apr 2016, 05:06

I recall the one Med Express at LHR for a major service and putting on the UK register before positioning to LTN. I was told it had come from S America and was kitted out for rough strip landing, evident in the dents o the fuselage near the wheels. Any knowledge on this ?

Even then the company was short of funds as it was as I recall kitted out in surplus BA seats and not all the charges were paid. It was a great colour scheme and I recall when it eventually left how smart it looked.

At the time there was another Hangar Queen an HZ registered 1-11 which payment was slow and the undercarriage sent away for service got lost.

LTNman

13th Apr 2016, 06:56

In the above photos of the 1-11 in front of hangar 62 the hangar has gone from McAlpine signage to European Airline Engineering between October 87 and October 88.

I don't remember that company at Luton so what happened to them as they couldn't have been around that long?

Also wonder why there is a large section of paint missing by the wing? Would this have anything to do with why the aircraft was scrapped?

DaveReidUK

13th Apr 2016, 12:10

Also wonder why there is a large section of paint missing by the wing? Would this have anything to do with why the aircraft was scrapped?

Looks like a section that's been reskinned, either due to corrosion or a damage repair. Unlikely to have had any bearing on the fate of the aircraft.

After leaving Luton, G-AYUW did soldier on for a few years at Hurn as a ground testbed for water mist fire suppression systems:

http://www.planepictures.net/a/1/50/1012556367.jpg

oldandbald

13th Apr 2016, 18:07

The 467FMs delivered to Faucett was designed to have an improved runway performance and able to operate from unprepared surfaces and had a revised undercarriage with low pressure tyres. I do remember GAZUK with a fair deal of dents etc to the skin when it arrived

DaveReidUK

13th Apr 2016, 19:27

The 111-475 Series was a hot ship (by One-Eleven standards, anyway), combining the wing and Spey 512s of the -500 with the short fuselage of earlier variants and featuring the aforementioned gravel field capability.

Here's G-AZUK in an earlier life, awaiting delivery to Faucett in 1974:

http://www.bac1-11jet.co.uk/OB-R-1080%20Hurn%20Jul%201974%20BAe%20Systems%203a.jpg

David Haggerty

15th Apr 2016, 21:00

My Dad too worked on the Dart Herald, he was at Handley Pages before he went to Autair then onto Court Line. BAC 1-11's, TriStar, HS 125. He worked a bit for Lauda Air, Cyprus Airways and finished up at Airline Engineering - Monarch. His best friend was Eric Gillespie who was tragically killed at Luton.

Tempsford

17th Apr 2016, 15:29

I worked with your dad for many years at Airline Engineering. A good guy.
Tempsford

YVRLTN

17th Apr 2016, 20:18

I have a log of an Alitalia 763 at LTN mid 90's G-OITB, any information on that?

Also the OCS EMB-110's - where did they fly? I also recall a SH3 prior to Streamline, G-IOCS maybe?

Level bust

18th Apr 2016, 11:06

rog747

18th Apr 2016, 11:23

I have a log of an Alitalia 763 at LTN mid 90's G-OITB, any information on that?

I seem to recallthe B767s were leased to Alitalia, (possibly from an Australian company) and I think Monarch had the contract for the maintenance. I remember a friend of mine spent time in Italy to cover the line maintenance.
IIRC MON/OM were poised to buy new (6?) Boeing 763's but changed their minds and AZ took them - MON retained the MAEL contract afaik

cj241101

18th Apr 2016, 15:37

I have a log of an Alitalia 763 at LTN mid 90's G-OITB, any information on that?

There were 6 Alitalia 767-300's which were leased from Ansett Worldwide, G-OITA/B/C/F/G/L. They first appeared during 1995, with the first 2 originally Australian registered as VH-ITA/B. They were pretty regular on maintenance with MAEL, my last record was of G-OITG on 20/8/96. They were all transferred on to the Italian register late 1996-early 1997, by which time the maintenance at Luton had ceased.

G-OITF Luton 6/8/95.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/G-OITF20Luton20060895_zps4bvoht4g.jpg?t=1460906553

cj241101

18th Apr 2016, 15:52

Also the OCS EMB-110's - where did they fly? I also recall a SH3 prior to Streamline, G-IOCS maybe?

Willow Air operated 3 Bandeirantes on behalf of Overseas Courier Services in 1995/6, G-OCSI/Z and G-OHIG, plus the SD3-30 G-IOCS, flying I think to Dublin and Brussels.

G-OCSI Luton 16/2/95
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/G-OCSI20Luton20160295_zpsbk4x8wtp.jpg?t=1460907692

LTNman

18th Apr 2016, 16:29

That hanger in the background was built I think for London Aviation and was part of a much larger structure that had the framework built but was never finished. Think it was going to be a FBO.

Can't ever remember an aircraft using the hangar and the last time I looked, which was many years ago, it was full of airline seats.

KeMac

18th Apr 2016, 16:31

I was wondering if anyone on this thread could help me to pin down a very rough date please? I visited Luton in 68/69 and we were allowed to go around a couple of hangars were I logged a BN 2 (It had some kind of a code or CN maybe of 51-154) and a Jet Ranger with what looked like some code of CC7 and I had put in brackets beside it (G-AXXO). Much of what I logged that day seemed to be regular visitors or based (eg 1-11s G-AXMF, G-AXCP, G-AXMH B737 G-AVRN, G-AVRO etc but I did note Herald G-ABEBE and DC-6 LN-FOL – if anyone could even give me a month/year it would be helpful.
Many Thanks

ifonly

18th Apr 2016, 17:37

Islander 51-154 was registered as G-AYBL on 15/04/1970 before going to Germany in August that year, and Jet Ranger G-AXXO was registered on 16/02/1970, so your visit was probably early 1970.

cj241101

18th Apr 2016, 19:00

Further to the above, the Herald would have been D-BEBE (ex Bavaria) which was present from March-October 1970 (27/3/70 my first sighting, wasn't there on 22/3/70). Islander G-51-154 departed to Oxford on 3/4/70 along with G-AXXG, both had been parked outside the McAlpine hangar. Yellow Court Line 1-11 G-AXMH was delivered on 11/2/70.

D-BEBE 27/3/70
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/D-BEBE20Luton20270370_zpse7vngzo3.jpg?t=1460920111

LTNman

18th Apr 2016, 19:36

(27/3/70 my first sighting, wasn't there on 22/3/70)

That doesn't read right, are you saying it arrived between 22nd March and the 27th or it arrived on the 27th but left later with an incorrect date given?

cj241101

18th Apr 2016, 20:00

That doesn't read right, are you saying it arrived between 22nd March and the 27th or it arrived on the 27th but left later with an incorrect date given?

D-BEBE I first saw on 27/3/70. My previous visit to the airport was on 22/3/70 when it wasn't present, so yes, it must have arrived between these 2 dates. It was at Blackpool when I visited there on 26/10/70, and was registered to British Island as G-AYMG on 13/11/70.

Air Pictorial (May 1970) mentions the Islander G-51-154 as ferrying Bembridge-Luton for painting on 17/3/70. I can't find any reference in Air Pictorial to the Herald's arrival date.

Luton Anorak

19th Apr 2016, 09:01

hatters united

19th Apr 2016, 10:01

LTNMAN; you are correct about the hanger, it was built for London Aviation Centre and the company was owned by a couple of brothers, can't remember their names at the mo, but they were going to " take over aviation " as we know it !!

As far as I recollect, it was built to that size and not with a view to enlarge it. There have been a couple of companies in the offices down either side, one I seem to recall brought over used Mooneys from the states and then sold them on. Also there were times the odd aircraft was hangered there and of coarse it did have aircraft in it when London Aviation Centre organised the aircraft auction at the premises.

I am fairly sure I have also seen helicopters in the hanger at some point ( besides the police one that is ).

Georgeablelovehowindia

19th Apr 2016, 12:12

Monarch only had two 767-300s on order. They were diverted to startup EVA Air when Monarch decided to go with the Airbus A300-600R instead.

cj241101

20th Apr 2016, 07:19

D-BEBE arrived at Luton from Tel Aviv via Venice 26/3/70 where it had been on lease to Arkia since 16/11/67. The German registration was cancelled on 31/03/70 as sold abroad after a check 2 had just been carried out by Israel Aircraft Industries, and was allowed a ferry flight only as a complete overhaul was required. It departed to Blackpool for British Island Airways 23/10/70 still registered as D-BEBE (without a new permit to fly as such???)

Luton Anorak, thanks for filling in the gaps in the information. Having seen D-BEBE was still at LTN on 22/10/70, it came as a bit of a disappointment to find "another" ex-Bavaria Herald at Blackpool 4 days later was actually the same aircraft that had sat at LTN for 7 months.

LTNman

20th Apr 2016, 08:23

As far as I recollect, it was built to that size and not with a view to enlarge it.

This really is in the distant past but I remember steelwork being erected where the main body ran approximately where the airside frontage of the cargo terminal is and then at either end it was angled at 45 degree angles. This structure was never finished and was around for a good year or two and maybe more than that before it was taken down. It was quite narrow but had a large frontage. One of the wings was located where London Aviation was before that structure was itself knocked down to provide a new home for Harrods.

What I am struggling to remember was whether London Aviation was built after the steelwork was taken down or whether London Aviation's hangar was a part conversion of the angled wing.

I wish I had taken a photo of the abandoned steelwork as I have never seen a photo of it.

hatters united

20th Apr 2016, 10:09

LTNMAN,

Trying to think back in the past when I worked next door to that hanger and now you mention the steelworks. I have a feeling that there was going to be a second hanger ( never built ) but you might well be correct in that the steelwork perhaps was erected.

I am certain that the hanger was originally built for the newly formed company London Aviation Centre but now thinking back maybe the offices either side was added on a little later when L.A.C. ceased and there was a need for more offices on the airport.

As said earlier, there was a company importing Mooneys based in the hanger and I think perhaps Delta Helicopters also relocated into the Hanger/Offices.

KeMac

20th Apr 2016, 15:43

Many thanks indeed to all who helped pin an approximate date down for my visit. I lived in Scotland at the time and this trip for me was like a night at the opera. If nobody minds I just wanted to show what I saw that day. My friend and I were allowed to look around a couple of hangars provided we didn’t touch anything and stayed out of the way. It was a great day, so in addition to what I mentioned in my earlier post I logged:
Comet G-APDO
Jetstream G-ATXJ
HS 125 G-AXPU
HS 125 G-AWUF
1-11 G-AXMJ
1-11 G-ATPL
1-11 G-AXMJ
1-11 G-AXMI
1-11 G-AXCK
1-11 G-AXLM
B737 G-AWSY
Britannia G-ANCH
Britannia G-AOVN
Britannia G-AOVH
Britannia G-ANBA
Britannia G-ANBF
Britannia G-AOVI
Britannia G-AOVT
Britannia 5X-UVH
Britannia G-AOVF
Britannia G-ANBO
Britannia G-ARXA
Britannia G-ANBJ
Jet Ranger G-AWUC
Cherokee G-ASFL
Cherokee G-AXRL
Aztec G-ASRE
Aztec G-AWXW
Aztec G-ATXG
Apache G-ARBN
Apache G-ASDI
Apache G-ASMO
Comanche G-APUZ
Dove G-ARUM
Dove G-AVHV
Dove G-ATGL
Dove G-ATGJ
Bell 47 G-AWRZ
Bell 47 G-ASOL
Messenger G-AJKL
DC-3 G-AMCA
Horizon G-ASJY
Cessna 172 G-ATLR
Cessna 172 G-ASZW
Cessna 150 G-ASSO
Cessna 150 G-ARZF
Cessna 150 G-ASVF
Cessna 150 G-ASUE
Cessna 150 G-ATRK
Cessna 150 G-ASTV
Cessna 310 G-ATCS
Islander G-AXWO
Tri-Pacer G-ARDT
Tri-Pacer G-APUT
Tri-Pacer G-ARCG
Fournier G-AVNY
Fournier G-AVLW
Jet Ranger G-AVTE
Piaggio 166 G-AVSM
Piaggio 166 G-APWY

LTNman

20th Apr 2016, 15:47

12 Britannia's, now that would have been a sight to behold.

Luton Anorak

20th Apr 2016, 17:12

KeMac - I think the date you were at Luton may have been 31/03/1970 (which was a Tuesday) - as most of your list ties up with this date - LN-FOL Douglas Dc-6A Fred Olsen was in that day from/to Brussels, Islander G-AXWO was parked up outside the McAlpine hangar with G-51-154 inside being painted, 5X-UVH African Safari Brit was inside the Monarch hangar on a check, G-ANBA & G-AOVF (ex British Eagle) were stored - most of the rest of your list were based at the airport.

KeMac

20th Apr 2016, 19:50

Luton Anorak - I am very grateful to you for the date. Many Thanks
Keith Mac

Luton Anorak

20th Apr 2016, 20:38

LTNman - This was taken 02/03/1988 by the late Dave Gearing - is this the additional structure you were thinking of?

152

LTNman

20th Apr 2016, 21:33

Well done, yes that's it except it is in a straight line and I thought it was angled at the ends which clearly it is not. I though there was more of it than in this photo but I might be thinking of the plans rather than the actual build. Maybe there was a hanger planned at each end?

cj241101

21st Apr 2016, 19:55

5X-UVH African Safari Brit was inside the Monarch hangar on a check.

KeMac thanks for submitting your list for this date. Always interesting to find out about airport movements from long ago. Didn't know the Fred Olsen was in - I didn't visit that day even though it was school holidays. Back of the Monarch hangar should have had Air Spain Brit EC-BFJ which was there the next day with EC-BFL in the front of the hangar.

Luton Anorak

21st Apr 2016, 21:34

Dated - 15th December 1975

159

160

161

treadigraph

21st Apr 2016, 23:52

What's the other 737 above the wings of the KLM DC-8? Is it the Niarchos 737 VR-BEG?

boeing_eng

22nd Apr 2016, 13:01

The 737 would have been VR-BEH at that time (A regular with BAL Engineering)

Great pics LTN Anorak...(more please!:}:})...Looks like a magnificent VC10 climbing out in the second pic!

Interesting to see all the diverted Tridents...I presume the CAT IIIB capability didn't happen until after 1975?

SpringHeeledJack

22nd Apr 2016, 13:41

Great pics LTN Anorak...(more please!)...Looks like a magnificent VC10 climbing out in the second pic!

Seconded! What a diverse selection of aircraft. Whose VC10 might that have been, BOAC ? EAA ?

SHJ

Luton Anorak

22nd Apr 2016, 14:03

SHJ - The VC-10 was XR807 Royal Air Force on a trooping flight to Germany - this was a very busy day for diversions from Heathrow and Gatwick:
5 x Aer Lingus B737
3 x Northeast Viscounts
2 x Northeast Trident
2 x British Airways Trident 1C
3 x British Airways Trident 2E
8 x British Airways Trident 3B
2 x Cambrian BAC1-11
5 x British Midland Viscount
1 x Alitalia DC-8
1 x Alitalia DC-9
1 x SAS DC-9
1 x SABENA B737
1 x KLM DC-8-63
4 x KLM DC-9
1 x SATA Caravelle
1 x Dan-Air HS748
and an RAF Andover diverted from Northolt

treadigraph

22nd Apr 2016, 14:36

Thanks boeing_eng, yes I recall now that BEG replaced BEH.

Anorak, thirded!

Continues to be a great thread!

LTNman

22nd Apr 2016, 15:12

What looks like an Invicta 707 in the middle photo close to the NW corner.

Luton Anorak

22nd Apr 2016, 19:21

LTNman - Yep, G-BCBA Boeing 720-023B Invicta International - it spent a lot of time at Luton - it was looked after by Airline Engineering Ltd (Monarch). Here are a few more photos of diversions -

175
Dated 29th December 1976

176
Dated 31st December 1978

LTNman

22nd Apr 2016, 19:25

Engine run up bay 1962 style. I guess that is McAlpine's hanger in the photo so the run up bay must be close to where Monarch's training school is today.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/ksmithltn/13062135_1669677066630665_1018190478119379589_n_zpsvpxppy5b. jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/ksmithltn/media/13062135_1669677066630665_1018190478119379589_n_zpsvpxppy5b. jpg.html)
Luton News

SpringHeeledJack

22nd Apr 2016, 21:33

Just a curious general question regarding the diversions, did they return to their scheduled destinations, or would they have ferried to LHR (or wherever) and then back on schedule ?

SHJ

vintage ATCO

23rd Apr 2016, 12:36

Bit of both, really.

vintage ATCO

23rd Apr 2016, 12:45

LTNman

In this pic you can see the 'old run up' bay in the background. They use to test roicket engines there. Must have been noisy! It is also the area where the pics of the Connies being broken up were taken.

The pic is from July 1960 and is the official opening of the hard runway.

Credit: The Luton News

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/stevelevien/PPRuNe%20Pics/Luton%20Airport%20Jul%201960%20rwy%20opening.jpg

LTNman

23rd Apr 2016, 14:00

Oh yes I can see it. Luton might have been a bit sparse on movements in the 60's and before but my God what an interesting place it must have been to work or visit there. No McAlpine hangar in the above photo so it must have been built within the next 2 years.

vintage ATCO

23rd Apr 2016, 17:42

McAlpine's would be in what became the Luton Flying Club hangar and LFC were in the back of Hangar 9. I believe the McAlpine hangar was dismantled and came from Blackbushe, or that might have been the original McAlpine/LFC hangar. Anyone know?

sycamore

23rd Apr 2016, 19:17

vATCO,from what I remember,McA`s hangar was always on the West side,,and LFC used the smaller hangar to the NE of the old tower; also used by `Chrisair`,and possibly other light a/c.(Mrs Chrisair usually wore `sprayed-on` leopard skin trousers.....!).

vintage ATCO

23rd Apr 2016, 21:18

No, McAlpine's originally had the hangar to the east of the tower and the Flying Club were 'round the back' in hangar 9. The McAlpine hangar on the west side must have been built late 61 or 62 if the photo is correct.

I now remember Mrs Chrisair in the spray on leopard skins trousers and was clearly significant in my formative years!!

sycamore

24th Apr 2016, 11:04

vATCO,some things are more memorable than others....!!

treadigraph

24th Apr 2016, 11:53

So where are the pics of Mrs Chrisair! :p

sycamore

24th Apr 2016, 15:57

Too much camera `shake`...

OUAQUKGF Ops

25th Apr 2016, 09:38

A quick trawl and no luck in finding a photograph of Claire Roberts pilot of G-ADDI. It seems that she also flew part-time for Dan Air on their Airspeed Ambassadors.

I must be but one of the thousands of lucky passengers who took to the air with Mrs Roberts in her beautiful aeroplane.

no butz

25th Apr 2016, 16:06

No luck either in finding a photo of G-ADDI with suitably attired aircrew. But I did find their first aircraft - G-AIYS Leopard Moth used for the 1961 season. It was sold late in 1961 and the photo is dated March 1962 so may not have been in the ownership of Chrisair if the date is correct.

http://i68.tinypic.com/2j2swaw.jpg

Simtech

25th Apr 2016, 16:12

G-AIYS still extant, based at Henlow.

LTNman

25th Apr 2016, 16:38

G-ADDI is also still flying in the USA as seen in this great on board video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vSnVcxU-fTE

?v=vSnVcxU-fTE&feature=youtu.be

ZeBedie

25th Apr 2016, 21:12

Monarch only had two 767-300s on order. They were diverted to startup EVA Air when Monarch decided to go with the Airbus A300-600R instead.

My recollection is that the 767's were ordered well after the A300's.

Raymond Dome

26th Apr 2016, 10:51

This is an excellent thread!
Luton Anorak's picture of 31st December 1978 brought back memories. We operated LTN NAP LTN in Monarch 1-11 G-BCXR that evening. Delayed by the snow, we busted a gut in a vain attempt to get back before midnight. Had Radio 2 tuned on one of the ADF's to hear Big Ben chiming midnight as the passengers disembarked. Happy Days!

Offchocks

26th Apr 2016, 22:02

Raymond Dome I also remember that winter. Having just joined Monarch on the 1-11 we couldn't do our base training in the UK due to the snow, so off to sunny Perpignan. What a fantastic time we had down there, the base training was fun and a great intro to the airline!;)

cj241101

28th Apr 2016, 21:41

Here's a random picture I've just been reminded of listening to the Liverpool football match tonight. G-AMFV brought Liverpool supporters to the FA Cup final on 8/5/71 along with Cambrian Airways Viscounts G-AOYG and G-AOYP. The Donaldson 707 was G-AYVG which had been on a check with Britannia.

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/1020G-AMFV20Luton20080571_zpsuykjtdqq.jpg?t=1461861304

Level bust

29th Apr 2016, 09:17

That is a rare picture of Kestral's Dak, they didn't last long, although I think they did fly a Viscount for a short while.

I did fly in the Dak on a pleasure flight out of East Mids, on the day BMA received their first Boeing 707. I went up the front to just as the captain was stoking his pipe before throwing the match out the window!

cj241101

29th Apr 2016, 15:41

That is a rare picture of Kestral's Dak, they didn't last long, although I think they did fly a Viscount for a short while.

Yes, they started ops in Nov 1970 and ceased in Nov 1972. The Dak was ex Gibair (and briefly C47 Aviation and Fairflight during summer 1970) and was in a more attractive scheme (IMHO, of course) than their sole Viscount G-AVJB which was red and white with the "Kestrel" a smaller logo in black on a white tail. After Kestrel folded, the Dak briefly flew for the Belfield Trading Co., still with the Kestrel colours and logo (Photos: Douglas C-47A Skytrain (DC-3) Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Belfield-Trading-Co./Douglas-C-47A-Skytrain/0752539/L/&sid=48602bead0a38f061e728cd225a0fdd2)), before getting scrapped at Lympne (Ashford) in August 1973.

JW411

29th Apr 2016, 17:08

I used to visit Gibraltar frequently when I was flying Argosys in the RAF. DC-3 G-AMFV used to fly to Tangier and back several times a day for Gibair. One night, some of the RAF lads had too many beers, got a tin of paint and a brush and painted "YO" in front of GIBAIR. The crusty old captain was less than happy when he did his walk-around in the morning.

vintage ATCO

3rd May 2016, 06:26

Jet Provost T.3s in 1961. I think is was the occasion when the CFS Aerobatic Team, The Pelicans, from Little Rissington visited Luton and gave a display. I think I saw it!

Napier's Lincoln, Euravia hangar being built. Anyone ID the Mooney?

Credit: BAE Systems Heritage Centre, Warton, Percival Hunting Photo Archive.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/stevelevien/PPRuNe%20Pics/JP%20T3%20Pelicans%201961%20lcm.jpg

cj241101

3rd May 2016, 09:46

Anyone ID the Mooney?

Looks like G-APVV Mooney M.20A Mark 20, G-APVV, Private (http://abpic.co.uk/photo/1056854/) (credit abpic). One of only 3 Mooneys registered in the UK by the end of 1961.

vintage ATCO

3rd May 2016, 10:13

Yes, the originator of the pic enlarged it and it is G-APVV.

LTNman

3rd May 2016, 10:49

Another fascinating photo from Luton's glorious past. Just wish I had a Tardis. :ok: When did the Lincoln get scrapped? Was it scrapped at Luton?

treadigraph

3rd May 2016, 11:58

The Napier Lincoln was G-APRJ which eventually joined the Southend Museum; when that folded it moved on to several collectors, including Doug Arnold intended for use in his ex Charles Church Lancaster rebuild; I think it is (mostly!) now in Australia.

There was a large pile of Avro bits and pieces outside Doug Arnold's hangar at Biggin Hill around 1990 - not sure exactly what it contained but I believe Lancaster and possibly the Lincoln too...

Luton Anorak

3rd May 2016, 12:03

DaveReidUK

3rd May 2016, 14:20

Napier sold (or donated) the Lincoln to the College of Aeronautics at Cranfield in November 1962. It was retired from active service with them 9th May 1967 when it was flown from Cranfield to Southend and gifted to the Southend Aircraft Museum for preservation.

And sadly now rotting away in Australia, awaiting restoration:

http://www.ausairpower.net/AARG/Avro-Lincoln-B.2-RF342-2014-2.jpg

boeing_eng

3rd May 2016, 17:33

I'm sure some sections of that concrete apron in the pic with the JP's survive today!:}:}

philbky

3rd May 2016, 20:14

Mooney PVV was delivered to Manchester from the US using extra tanks and, presumably a pee tube. Was a local sensation at the time with the press covering the arrival.

The AvgasDinosaur

3rd May 2016, 20:17

Hello folks,
This an amazing thread, thanks for creating it and keeping it going.
Does any one recall one of BY 737s being leased to Pelican Cargo for a short time. It must have been one of the convertibles G-AXNA OR 'NB. It had BY colours but Pelican titles and tail? I imagine it was painted at Luton.
Does anyone have a photo of the old girl ?
Did they ever operate cargo for BY ? What was the reasoning behind ordering them , they must have been heavier than the standard 204s?
Many thanks for your time and trouble,
Be lucky
David
"The AvgasDinosaur"

Captain Capstan

3rd May 2016, 20:57

The freighters did operate cargo charters during the winter. They were about a ton heavier than the standard aircraft plus they had dash 9 engines and were basic aircraft so were a bit limited on range.

oxenos

3rd May 2016, 21:41

"I'm sure some sections of that concrete apron in the pic with the JP's survive today!"

boeing eng, may I direct your attention to my post # 122 on this thread

LTNman

4th May 2016, 04:54

I'm sure some sections of that concrete apron in the pic with the JP's survive today!

My nearest comparison shot of the above photo with parts of the main apron being replaced when taxiway echo was added.

http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u540/nospamuk/P8250003_zpsqhr5wmk4.jpg (http://s1320.photobucket.com/user/nospamuk/media/P8250003_zpsqhr5wmk4.jpg.html)

The AvgasDinosaur

4th May 2016, 06:03

Two things I had heard about the DC-7 incident - firstly the Captain had pushed his seat back and when trying to reach the brake pedals when the aircraft started to accelerate he was too far back to do anything and secondly an Aer Turas crew member hitching a ride broke an arm while standing up in the back of the cockpit when landing! How true I don´t know but it was 41 years ago but still remember it was a very windy March Saturday night. Wasn´t the aircraft delivering the Irish Sunday papers which Aer Turas had a contract?

The guy that was injured was Hugh O'Brien QT captain, later went on to great things at Monarch. Buy him a pint or three and you can have the full story with expletives included.
Be lucky
Dave
"The AvgasDinosaur"

22/04

4th May 2016, 12:09

Seem to remember the Britannia 737s carrying horses. A lot of horses used to pass through Luton- Aer Turas, did a lot of that traffic.

Do they not travel as much these days or go via quicker surface links?

Luton Anorak

4th May 2016, 15:01

277

Dated 20th October 1975

LTNman

4th May 2016, 15:27

I would call that the main apron but as there were no south stands in those days I guess they could be described as the south eastern stands.:E

mpenage

4th May 2016, 19:38

August 1972 - Madrid

http://s32.postimg.org/kyf3jxk2t/Aug_1972.jpg

From my own collection

vintage ATCO

4th May 2016, 20:20

cj241101

5th May 2016, 20:55

The guy that was injured was Hugh O'Brien QT captain, later went on to great things at Monarch.

Don't mean Hugh O'Neill, do you? A320 captain last I heard of him. Can't recall a Hugh O'Brien at Monarch.

EGGW

5th May 2016, 21:51

It was Hugh O'Neil, retired these days. top bloke.

EGGW.

The AvgasDinosaur

6th May 2016, 06:17

That's him Pre senile amnesia on my part sorry gents.
Be lucky
David

no butz

6th May 2016, 09:47

no butz

6th May 2016, 09:53

Four Percival Proctor Vs awaiting delivery to the Arab Airways Association at Luton in 1948. First control tower on the right and the chimney in the distance is the boiler house of the Spittlesea Isolation Hospital. Credit: BAE Systems Heritage Centre, Warton, Percival/Hunting Archive

Lovely picture vintage ATCO but to be pedantic the chimney is the gas decontamination building used after the war with the white buildings as the flying club. The Spittlesea Hospital is just visible on the far left skyline.

http://i63.tinypic.com/3wu91.jpg

Here 'tis - Aerofilms photo taken in 1946. The Tigers are G-AHDE and G-AHDF

vintage ATCO

6th May 2016, 10:19

R re the decontamination plant but are you sure that is the hospital? I was told this is the hospital with the building I knew as Spittlesea, the house which became the airport admin, out of shot to the left. In your pic we seem to be looking NW and that to me puts the position of the hospital out of kilter.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/stevelevien/PPRuNe%20Pics/1946%20Luton%20airport%20with%20Hospital.jpg

LTNman

6th May 2016, 13:25

What's that circle 2 photos up? Looks like it is outside the airport boundary.

no butz

6th May 2016, 14:06

[QUOTE=vintage ATCO;9367907]R re the decontamination plant but are you sure that is the hospital? I was told this is the hospital with the building I knew as Spittlesea, the house which became the airport admin, out of shot to the left. In your pic we seem to be looking NW and that to me puts the position of the hospital out of kilter. [QUOTE]

Another good pic - someone was busy that day. The buildings in your last photo are the isolation wards - before they were demolished in 1971 you could find poison bottles and syringes lying about - wouldn't do today!

The Hospital building is out of shot on the left and that is what became Airport Admin. I'm pretty sure that as it was a three story building that is the only one that came above the skyline from the other side of the airfield.

no butz

6th May 2016, 14:09

What's that circle 2 photos up? Looks like it is outside the airport boundary.
http://i63.tinypic.com/29xdmk7.jpg
Yes outside the boundary - looks like a vehicle test track. Located in what is now Vauxhall Way. Just for orientation the Spittlesea hospital buildings are in the centre - flying club just north east of that. The bend they sit on is now passing the Monarch headquarters and the lane winding along the bottom is Dane Street which was cut by the runways and reappears on the south east side.

Out of interest the photo was taken in 1947 by a 82 Sqdn aircraft flying at 16,400ft.

LTNman

6th May 2016, 15:10

For those interested in life before Luton Airport here is a Hybrid map with today's view laid over the top showing the area around the late 1800's. As can be seen just by the engine run up bay was Falconer's Hall. In those days the road to the fire station just kept on going and crossed the concrete runway before it was built as seen at the bottom.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w504/nospamuk1/map%20view_zps7ivjhoiw.jpg (http://s1079.photobucket.com/user/nospamuk1/media/map%20view_zps7ivjhoiw.jpg.html)

no butz

6th May 2016, 15:22

For those interested in life before Luton Airport here is a Hybrid map with today's view laid over the top showing the area around the late 1800's. As can be seen just by the engine run up bay was Falconer's Hall. In those days the road to the fire station just kept on going and crossed the concrete runway before it was built as seen at the bottom.

I've never heard of Falconers Hall. As the airport expanded it kept buying up pockets of land but I don't recall mention of a Hall - had it gone by 1936 maybe?

LTNman

6th May 2016, 16:18

It was knocked down late 19th early 20th Century. Hosted By Bedford Borough Council: Greathampstead Alias Falconers Hall Manor (http://www.bedfordshire.gov.uk/CommunityAndLiving/ArchivesAndRecordOffice/CommunityArchives/Luton/LutonIntroduction/GreathampsteadAliasFalconersHallManor.aspx)

no butz

6th May 2016, 17:59

vintage ATCO

6th May 2016, 20:13

I think the Spittlesea building was only two floors but I wasn't far enough up the totem pole to have to go there often.

The dotted lines in your aerial pic, butz, is the grass runway 15/33.

no butz

6th May 2016, 22:28

I think the Spittlesea building was only two floors but I wasn't far enough up the totem pole to have to go there often.

The dotted lines in your aerial pic, butz, is the grass runway 15/33.

I suspect you only visited the second floor - the real work was done on the third!

The photo is part of a large montage which also shows the 18/36 and 08/26 landing directions.

oldandbald

6th May 2016, 22:48

The building had three floors, the third floor was in the roof space with dormer type windows. I think I recall admin and accounts being on that third floor when it was the Airport Management building. There are photos on Google image search.

Wageslave

8th May 2016, 12:46

What did the decontamination building decontaminate?

kenparry

8th May 2016, 13:23

Did they ever operate cargo for BY ? What was the reasoning behind ordering them , they must have been heavier than the standard 204s?

Yes, occasionally. Things other than horses, too. I remember we did a series of night newspaper flights LTN - GLA in the early/mid 80s, with about 8 tonnes of papers printed in London for the Scottish market. (To be fair, those were mostly done with pax aircraft, the papers loaded in bundles in the pax seats).

Why buy them? At the time, the government claimed that the BAC-111 would do the same job as the all-pax 737-200 and would impose stiff import duties on the Boeing product. Brtannia argued successfully that there was no QC version of the 111, so 'NA and 'NB were able to avoid the penalty. Yes, they were about a ton heavier in empty weight than the all-pax version.

Also, there were a couple of winters when one of the QC aircraft would be kept in the cargo config for short-notice freight work. My recollection is that not much work came of it.

LTNman

8th May 2016, 16:30

Didn't those 737's stink of horse sh!te when the seats were put back?

compton3bravo

9th May 2016, 07:44

I remember seeing both QCs being used to bring in McDonalds products I think from Germany during a dock strike in the early 1980s when there was no amount of unusual registered aircraft at Luton ferrying in freight. Anyone care to elaborate.

no butz

9th May 2016, 11:27

What did the decontamination building decontaminate?
I've never seen much mention of them but all airfields seem to have had them - to process staff after a gas attack I suppose. They often seem to have had the tall chimney too - maybe burning clothes etc?

thegypsy

9th May 2016, 12:53

I remember those Cargo B737's vividly as on night of the hurricane in Oct 87 was it I was on my third consecutive night flight out of EMA and was due to take this -9 Cargo to Malaga.

We did not have computerised flight plan in those days.As Captain I looked at the charts and had an inspired guess that the headwind all the way to AGP was around 80/100kts!!

Because of this there was no way I could make it without stopping and refuelling somewhere. Chose Gatwick as engineers there to do refuelling etc. There was horrible turbulence thanks to the hangars on left side on approach and a huge crosswind but nothing like what happened later on in the night.

Then to compound matters engineers put on 800kgs too much fuel and we were overweight for take off!!

Whilst trying to see if we could de fuel pressure dropped like a stone and temperature rose by a huge amount so only option was to take off the bars and catering which took time to arrange. All of this was eating up time and eventually we got airborne and the first 10000 ft were horrendous.

On the way back to EMA I listened to the actual at Gatwick and the wind was around 90kts.

My summer house in garden in E Sussex ended up in field next door.

That is my memory of NA and NB

cj241101

12th May 2016, 09:20

during a dock strike in the early 1980s when there was no amount of unusual registered aircraft at Luton ferrying in freight. Anyone care to elaborate.

Not an exhaustive list, have the following sightings from my anorak log during the July 1984 dock strike:-

18/7/84 N8417 B707 Global International, N15ST Hercules Transamerica dep 19/7
19/7/84 N707ZS B707 Jet Cargo
20/7/84 9XR-JA B707 Air Rwanda (twice)
23/7/84 F-BUOR DC8-55F SF Air and on 24/7
27/7/84 F-GFAR Hercules SF Air dep 28/7

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/N15ST20Luton20180784_zps4uci3czh.jpg?t=1462958847

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/9XR-JA20Luton20210784a_zpsq62wg6ru.jpg?t=1462992625

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/N707ZS20Luton20190784_zpsietxctzc.jpg?t=1462994981

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/F-GFAR20Luton20280784a_zpsonp75fko.jpg?t=1462993117

SpringHeeledJack

12th May 2016, 16:13

Love the old photos from the 70's/80's. The Jet Cargo 707 seems to have been a Formosa/Taiwan craft beforehand and the Rwandan 707 perhaps an ex-Air France steed ?

SHJ

Discorde

12th May 2016, 16:19

LTN today (12/05/16)

http://steemrok.com/LTN%2012-05-16

cj241101

12th May 2016, 17:15

The Jet Cargo 707 seems to have been a Formosa/Taiwan craft beforehand and the Rwandan 707 perhaps an ex-Air France steed ?

Spot on, Jet Cargo was ex China Airlines B-1824 and the Rwanda was ex Air France F-BLCF.

Haraka

13th May 2016, 11:45

When I were a lad we used to walk across the fields from Crawley Green Road to get to the airport.......

vintage ATCO

13th May 2016, 18:10

We did!

I remember playing football on Powdrill's fields when we saw a Tri-Pacer landing, our first. We ran up to the airport in football boots to spot our first Irish Tri-Pacer.

Haraka

14th May 2016, 05:48

Tri-Pacer. I was with Haraka Senior when I saw my first ( at Luton)
His comment:
" Horrible! Looks like a beetle on three matchsticks."

cj241101

14th May 2016, 09:10

" Horrible! Looks like a beetle on three matchsticks."
This beetle on 3 matchsticks was owned by the Luton Flying Club for some 15 years until August 1978. Sadly written off in a landing accident at a private strip near Aberdeen on 18/5/08.
The snow was what was left of the 14 inches that fell on 4/3/70 - I seem to remember the airport being closed for 3 days.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/G-ARDT20Luton200270_zpspfblhkga.jpg?t=1463153764
G-ARDT Luton 8/3/70

lotus1

14th May 2016, 14:43

Great pictures of the safair herc last time I saw this at Luton was in 86 same day instone flew the Bristol 170 flew in

cj241101

14th May 2016, 15:34

Great pictures of the safair herc last time I saw this at Luton was in 86 same day instone flew the Bristol 170 flew in

SFAir easily confused with Safair:-
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/ZS-RSG20Luton20271277_zpsboh9rxgw.jpg?t=1463153501
ZS-RSG 27/12/77

creweite

14th May 2016, 18:49

Discorde's photo of Luton is great! I flew my qualifying cross country from White Waltham to Cambridge with an intermediate stop at Luton, back in 1955. It surely has changed since then!

OUAQUKGF Ops

14th May 2016, 18:52

In the caverns of my mind I seem to remember a BY Britannia stranded for several days in that snow well up the taxiway near to the runway.

vintage ATCO

14th May 2016, 20:11

Flown in G-ARDT many times including going off grass 24 four up. We sort of went round the fire station . . .

treadigraph

14th May 2016, 23:41

Funnily enough, saw a TriPoke heading down the coast at Worthing today. Haven't seen one for ages. My old man had a share in a Colt for a while in the early 1970s.

dixi188

16th May 2016, 00:04

I've not been to Luton for nearly 4 years.
Where do DHL park now, as there seems to be a big new hangar where we used to park the A300s?

LTNman

16th May 2016, 04:36

The stands are still there but are now at an angle in front of the hangar but both pointing in a different direction to each other. The hangar belongs to FBO Signature.

vintage ATCO

17th May 2016, 12:49

Iraq 600, the first of 20 Jet Provost T.52s for the Iraq Air Force. F/F Luton (as G-23-1) 16.7.64, delivered via Dijon 31.8.64.
Wonderful clarity.
Credit: BAE Systems Heritage, Warton - Hunting Percival Archive

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/stevelevien/PPRuNe%20Pics/Iraq%20AF%20JP%20c1964.jpg

no butz

23rd May 2016, 19:01

Demo aircraft on their way to Farnborough in September 1982. On show to Britannia and Monarch.
http://i65.tinypic.com/2v7v0v5.jpg

LTNman

23rd May 2016, 19:10

Reminds me when another demo 767 visited Britannia and everyone had to wear high viz jackets to walk up the steps to the aircraft. It looked odd to say the least as they all looked like passengers.

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w504/nospamuk1/luton95_zpsa4esw3vl.jpg (http://s1079.photobucket.com/user/nospamuk1/media/luton95_zpsa4esw3vl.jpg.html)

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w504/nospamuk1/luton106_zpsumi4lllw.jpg (http://s1079.photobucket.com/user/nospamuk1/media/luton106_zpsumi4lllw.jpg.html)

Offchocks

23rd May 2016, 22:33

no butz I was there that day, the aircraft must have been positioned to other stands as my Monarch 1-11 was parked next to them. I wandered over to have a squiz and marvelled how futuristic the flight deck looked compared to the 1-11.
I also remember a Monarch Hostie giving me an orange juice which I promptly spat out ....... she had forgotten she had put a "little extra" in it!:= Anyway after that, off to sunny Spain I go in the 1-11.

YVRLTN

26th May 2016, 04:29

What was the first Airbus to land at LTN? And if different, the first pax flight?

oldandbald

26th May 2016, 17:01

cj241101

26th May 2016, 19:12

I may be wrong but I have feeling that TEA (Trans European Airways) brought one of their A300s into Luton in the late 70s. I am sure someone out there will confirm or not. OO-TEF was c/n 2 and was a rare A300B1.

OO-TEF ON 10/5/78, football supporters (Bruges IIRC) playing Liverpool at Wembley, Cup Winners cup final probably.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/OO-TEF20Luton20100578_zpsjryxqlj0.jpg?t=1464204457
OO-TEF Luton 10/5/78

Aircraft also visited twice on the night of 16-17/10/86, not sure why

cj241101

26th May 2016, 19:39

What was the first Airbus to land at LTN? And if different, the first pax flight?

First one I saw was Bavaria-Germanair D-AMAY on Easter Monday 11/4/77

OpsSix

27th May 2016, 19:25

I remember going on the 767-400 for a look around. They were handing out goodybags as you entered and turned right into the cabin.
I got on, got a bag, asked to look in the flight deck then got another bag as I came out and into the cabin.
Haven't got a clue what I did with them!

no butz

31st May 2016, 15:34

First one I saw was Bavaria-Germanair D-AMAY on Easter Monday 11/4/77
I reckon you're right cj - here it is coming past the Spectators.

http://i67.tinypic.com/33lh4zq.jpg

jonesyema

31st May 2016, 15:55

I remember the first B757-200 (G-MONB), landing at exactly 0757 on its delivery flight to Monarch, with Captains DD (Don) McAngus and Ted Kingston at the controls. Proud day for us Monarch Engineers.

Raymond Dome

31st May 2016, 21:26

It was certainly DDM in command but not Ted in the other seat as he was still on the 737 then. Believe it was Capt Geoff Hall (aka the Silver Fox) in the other seat.

vintage ATCO

1st Jun 2016, 07:35

Percivals built five Jet Provost T.52s for the Sudan Air Force, all delivered between Nov 63 and Jan 64. DC3 ST-AAG in the background along with BEA Viscount G-AMOH, presumably a Heathrow diversion.
Credit: BAE Systems Heritage, Warton - Hunting Percival Archive

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/stevelevien/PPRuNe%20Pics/JP%20Sudan%20AF%201963.jpg

vintage ATCO

1st Jun 2016, 07:40

101 Jet Provost T.51 for the Kuwait Air Force, FM1031 Provost Malaya Air Force and WH912 Canberra B.2. 1962. The only scant info I can find about the Canberra it was used by Huntings, not Napier. Anyone know more?

Euravia (later Britannia) hangar being built in the background.
Credit: BAE Systems Heritage, Warton - Hunting Percival Archive

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/stevelevien/PPRuNe%20Pics/JP%20Kuwait%20Prov%20Malay%20Canberra%201962.jpg

vintage ATCO

1st Jun 2016, 15:58

A well known airframe, no. 20 off the production line in 1953, G-AMZM was a Provost T.1 used by Hunting Percivals as a camera platform and demonstrator to Turkey in '53. It even completed in the National Air Races in 1955 and 1956.

Civil registration was cancelled in 1961 as it was converted to military spec and sold to Royal Malaysian AF as FM1036. Believed preserved at Kinrara as M13-06.

Credit: BAE Systems Heritage, Warton - Hunting Percival Archive

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/stevelevien/PPRuNe%20Pics/GAMZM.jpg

cj241101

1st Jun 2016, 15:58

I remember the first B757-200 (G-MONB), landing at exactly 0757 on its delivery flight to Monarch, with Captains DD (Don) McAngus and Ted Kingston at the controls. Proud day for us Monarch Engineers.

It did a flypast before coming into land.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/G-MONB20Luton20220383a_zpsjvasulxs.jpg?t=1464709311
G-MONB Luton 22/3/83
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/G-MONB20Luton20220383c_zpssaxtfr3r.jpg

one of the aircraft it replaced looks rather uncared for in the engine run bay; can't be sure but I think it was G-AZFB. All 3 of the original Monarch 720B's were sold to Jet 24 in the US, getting cannibalised for the KC-135 programme.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah165/colin_jones5/N2466620Luton20130383b_zpsl3oc5zz8.jpg?t=1464710117
N24666 Luton 13/3/83 ex G-AZNX

Haraka

1st Jun 2016, 16:59

"The only scant info I can find about the Canberra it was used by Huntings"
I'll ask around as I haven't got a clue.
One (very) wild guess might be a connection to Hunting weapons testing.....
P.S. I remember Barry Radley climbing out of that Provost after an aeros display and the old man introducing me to him :
"Bloody rough up there today!" he said.
Such things stick in the mind of a small boy......

LTNman

1st Jun 2016, 18:17

Didn't a Canberra set an altitude record from Luton? I might be wrong here but I seem to remember a couple of rockets where attached to it.

vintage ATCO

1st Jun 2016, 18:35

Yes, WK163 with twin Napier Scorpion jet engines. Here is it being tested at Luton.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/stevelevien/PPRuNe%20Pics/WK163%20Canberra.jpg

To be restored, apparently https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djAntunvnMc

vintage ATCO

2nd Jun 2016, 20:01

I have posted this before but it was a scanned pic from a newspaper. This is from the Luton News Archive.

27 Feb 1952 Comet 1 G-ALYP flown into Luton (and landing on grass) by John Cunningham after fog obscured both Hatfield and Heathrow. It left the following afternoon.

On 10 Jan 1954 this aircraft was lost off Elba whilst en-route Rome Heathrow.

Luton Airport's 'new' control being constructed, the old tower is visible beneath the wing of the Comet. Avro York and two Percival Pembrokes in the background.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/stevelevien/PPRuNe%20Pics/Comet%20at%20Luton.jpg

LTNman

2nd Jun 2016, 20:46

Hard to believe that anyone would land a large passenger jet on grass now. I guess there was a different psyche in those days about grass

Wageslave

3rd Jun 2016, 23:12

No, I think it is just an indication of how precious and less practical we have become. What's the problem with grass as long as the substrate is solid enough? The Russians design most of their fast pointy things to do it as routine...

l.garey

4th Jun 2016, 04:54

Talking of Comets landing on grass, there was the famous case of the first Comet 2, XK655 (ex G-AMXA) landing on the grass at Strathallan in 1974, and breaking its undercarriage.
Another high performance jet designed for unprepared runways is the new Pilatus PC-24, the prototype of which I saw at Geneva last week (although i don't think they have tried a grass landing yet).

Laurence

22/04

6th Jun 2016, 12:36

Does anyone know when Jet Provost production/testing ceased at Luton? Remember a JP at LTN during a rare visit with my Uncle in 1965 rolling off 26 with a right turn in front of the tower I think- remember it being orange.

vintage ATCO

6th Jun 2016, 17:29

1965 with the last of a batch of 20 JP T.52 for the Iraq Air Force. The Air Britain book states that the first five T.5s flew at Luton in 1969; they did not. There was no Hunting Percival activity when I started in 1967.

welkyboy

6th Jun 2016, 22:22

DaveReidUK

7th Jun 2016, 06:37

I think the Comet that damaged its undercart at Strathallan actually hit an earth bank with the wheels before touch down, I saw a video of its arrival, and from recollection its port u/c collapsed on landing after hitting the bank..

Looks like that video might have been back-to-front. :O

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/9/3/1/1039139.jpg

LTNman

7th Jun 2016, 08:15

Short runway I guess. Reminds me of the Blooklands Vanguard that landed short. The video shows the tyre marks across the grass and the holes the tyres missed when some trees had to be removed for the approach.

?v=fmakSwlYLs0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmakSwlYLs0

no butz

8th Jun 2016, 13:47

This is a picture of the Scorpion rocket motor Canberra and the crew from the record breaking altitude flight - pilot Mike Randrup and observer Walter Shirley. The record was set on 28th August 1957 and reached 70,300 feet. (Photo via Mrs Shirley)

http://i64.tinypic.com/rr4m53.jpg

The Airport also hosted a 40th anniversary event in 1997 when the Canberra returned and there was a small display in the spectators building.

http://i64.tinypic.com/29ngncp.jpg

Peter Gibb the aircraft owner and the Mayor of Luton. The Scorpion motor is on display. (These two photos by Peter Ryan)

http://i64.tinypic.com/dentll.jpg

LTNman

8th Jun 2016, 18:05

I was there for that 40th anniversary event in 1997. I had never seen a Canberra engine start and even though it was 19 years ago I seem to remember that some sort of cartridges had to be fitted somewhere to start the engines. Did I imagine it but if it was true what did the cartridges actually do?

vintage ATCO

8th Jun 2016, 19:19

This is a Canberra starter cartridge from Luton in 1993 (open day). It just discharges a load of gas into the turbine to spin the thing up. Must clean this up!

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/stevelevien/PPRuNe%20Pics/2016-06-08%2020.09.57.jpg

vintage ATCO

8th Jun 2016, 19:29

A 'one off' twin tailed Percival Prentice Luton Airport 1947/48.

VN684 c/n PAC/007 was a 1st pre-production aircraft which was awaiting collection at Luton 27.8.47. It returned to Luton on 21.5.48 for fitting of the twin tails for handling tests. Declared Non-Effective Airframe 1.12.49 it went to Halton as 6703M 3.12.49.

In the background is Avro 19 G-AHKX still extant at Old Warden.

BAE Systems Hertitage, Warton - Hunting Percival Archive

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/stevelevien/PPRuNe%20Pics/Prentice%20VN684%201948-49.jpg

DaveReidUK

8th Jun 2016, 20:36

no butz

8th Jun 2016, 21:03

This is a Canberra starter cartridge from Luton in 1993 (open day). It just discharges a load of gas into the turbine to spin the thing up. Must clean this up!

I got one when he left the next day - they told me Coke was the best thing to clean it with!

Offchocks

9th Jun 2016, 03:44

Out of interest, does anyone know the length of the Brooklands runway at the time the Vanguard landed?

l.garey

9th Jun 2016, 06:47

The Chipmunk was one of the notable aircraft that also used the Coffman cartridge starter, at least while in use by the RAF. They were converted to an electric starter when civilianised. I recall that if the engine did not start when the first cartridge fired we had to wait a specific time before trying again. There were 6 cartridges in a rotary magazine. The Chipmunk made far less smoke and noise than the Canberra though!

Laurence

arem

9th Jun 2016, 12:51

We had a few cartridge starting chipmunks at hamble in the mid sixties as well - frightening bloody things!!

dixi188

9th Jun 2016, 14:02

Brooklands / Weybridge runway was about 2600ft, including the taxiway at the railway end, at the time of the Vanguard landing.
From where it touched down on the grass was about 2900ft.
I measured this from google earth.
I was operating through East Midlands Airport a few days before and saw the Vanguard practicing short landings.
The last tech log entry in the defects column read "Nil, as usual"
Happy days.

DaveReidUK

9th Jun 2016, 15:37

We had a few cartridge starting chipmunks at hamble in the mid sixties as well - frightening bloody things!!

Yes, having been up close and personal to a number of Chipmunks and (on one occasion) a Canberra doing cartridge starts I'd say that, while the Canberra produced more smoke, the Chippy was at least as noisy. No ear defenders in those days. :O

LTNman

9th Jun 2016, 17:51

vintage ATCO

9th Jun 2016, 18:29

Luton Airport 1948 although the two Tiger Moths, lower right outside the first Luton Flying Club, are featured on Britain From Above and the date given is 1946. Spittlesea Isolation Hospital also lower right.

The longest runway here appears to be 15/33.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/stevelevien/PPRuNe%20Pics/1948%20Luton%20Airport.jpg

no butz

9th Jun 2016, 19:37

I started this thread in November 2013 so I am proud to submit the 1500th reply and the 1501st post

The views will pass 300,000 in the next few days so I just want to thank everyone that has contributed to this fascinating thread or just viewed its diverse contents.

And well done to you LTNman for starting the thread - just goes to show what an interesting history this airport has had.:D