Speedbird London - End of an era..
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Planet Earth
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As a former flight ops controller for an airline on the continent with a three letter callsign who shared 8921 with Speedbird at night, I always enjoyed listening to a highly professional lady with a beautifull voice who not only gave comfort to those calling for assistance, but also to all those of us
sitting in front of our radios on lonely nightshifts. Believe it or not, but I really do miss HF. ACARS is so remote and abreviated, the personal touch is missing. New toys are not always better than the old ones!
All the best.
EB
sitting in front of our radios on lonely nightshifts. Believe it or not, but I really do miss HF. ACARS is so remote and abreviated, the personal touch is missing. New toys are not always better than the old ones!
All the best.
EB
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Chester, Cheshire, UK
Age: 68
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As one who knew, from the back of the plane, those halcyon days of aviation in the late 50's and early 60's plying the London - Aden route, and eventually London - Darwin with BOAC, I knew about Speedbird. As a (very) young Junior Jet Club member it would have been negligent of me not to!
On more than one occasion while sitting in a cockpit jumpseat (they were much more trusting times back then), including in a Comet 4 somewhere over the Indian Ocean, I can recall listening to the Captain calling Speedbird London and being mesmerised by the fact that they could actually hear us from all that way!
To Aerial-Bender and all those who served with you, and went before you, commisserations on the end of an era (another one!
) and I hope thing fall into place for you from here on.
On more than one occasion while sitting in a cockpit jumpseat (they were much more trusting times back then), including in a Comet 4 somewhere over the Indian Ocean, I can recall listening to the Captain calling Speedbird London and being mesmerised by the fact that they could actually hear us from all that way!
To Aerial-Bender and all those who served with you, and went before you, commisserations on the end of an era (another one!
) and I hope thing fall into place for you from here on.
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Sussex
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Ex Operator
As an ex operator for Speedbird, I enjoyed my 2 years doing what can only be described as a unique job. Shame it all had to end but thanks to the team I worked with and all who used Speedbird over the years. Now involved in pilot training, simulators and type ratings I have discovered another side to the aviation industry which is just as interesting.
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: It wasn't me, I wasn't there, wrong country ;-)
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A B and all at EX SPEDDBIRD
You were always there, when in deepest LOS/KAN/FWK/AC/NBO & loads of others with no phones/tlx etc nip on to any acft with domestics on crank up & call you folks, f***ing bloody magic job, 
PFM!!!!
My sincerest best regards to all, who are ex (always will be
) SPEEDBIRD RADIO.
STO Radio are a nice bunch, met most of them on site, hope you all (most who wish to) settle in with them.
Sincerest thanks for many years of heart and brain surviving support, I wish you all.
the those who closed you down.
Hey and thank you for the cricket scores!!!!!!!
PFM!!!!My sincerest best regards to all, who are ex (always will be
) SPEEDBIRD RADIO.STO Radio are a nice bunch, met most of them on site, hope you all (most who wish to) settle in with them.
Sincerest thanks for many years of heart and brain surviving support, I wish you all
.the those who closed you down.Hey and thank you for the cricket scores!!!!!!!
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Glasgow
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Transmitter site
It appears that Speedbird London is doomed! - Rumour has it that B.A.'s contract with the 3rd party company, (post Speedwing Comm's) soon runs out and it looks likely that the new contract for HF SSB LDOC provision is going abroad to; "Somewhere in Scandinavia".
Anyone got memories or anectotes connected to in-flight (or on-ground) contacts with the guys and gals at Speedbird London? I'd like to compile an archive for future reference so's not to let a British institution dissapear without trace.
Anyone got memories or anectotes connected to in-flight (or on-ground) contacts with the guys and gals at Speedbird London? I'd like to compile an archive for future reference so's not to let a British institution dissapear without trace.
An article about the Speedbird London HF service:- https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightP...20-%202793.PDF
As I remember it, the men and women who were the radio operators were situated on the 4th floor in the north east corner of TBA at Heathrow. I have used Speedbird London from both ends, as it were - down route in the air and on the ground, and also as a manager trying to help crews with problems in many varied places on the globe. I fully endorse the many compliments that have been paid by users on this thread to those who gave such an excellent service, day and night, and at all times of the day.
Aerial-Bender, either you or one of your colleagues should write a book about your experiences, I am sure there are many tales to tell.
Many thanks to you all.
As I remember it, the men and women who were the radio operators were situated on the 4th floor in the north east corner of TBA at Heathrow. I have used Speedbird London from both ends, as it were - down route in the air and on the ground, and also as a manager trying to help crews with problems in many varied places on the globe. I fully endorse the many compliments that have been paid by users on this thread to those who gave such an excellent service, day and night, and at all times of the day.
Aerial-Bender, either you or one of your colleagues should write a book about your experiences, I am sure there are many tales to tell.
Many thanks to you all.
