Mr Autogyro 'The Legendary Ken Wallis'.
Join Date: Jan 2001
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Wow what a star he was. I only saw an autogyro last week over East Wittering, which was the first time I'd seen one outside of an airshow. The man was a real hero.
The BBC have mentioned him as 'James Bond stunt pilot', although typical BBC they don't even mention the fact that he designed and built 'Little Nellie' and all the others.
BBC News - Ken Wallis: James Bond stunt pilot dies
I had the pleasure of meeting Ken Wallis at a show where he had 'Little Nellie' on static display. I asked him which was his favourite engine, as he had used a wide variety over the years. He replied 'The Subaru', so I asked what modifications he had to make to the Subaru for autogyro use. The answer was, 'Change the oil and bolt it in!'
BBC News - Ken Wallis: James Bond stunt pilot dies
I had the pleasure of meeting Ken Wallis at a show where he had 'Little Nellie' on static display. I asked him which was his favourite engine, as he had used a wide variety over the years. He replied 'The Subaru', so I asked what modifications he had to make to the Subaru for autogyro use. The answer was, 'Change the oil and bolt it in!'
Years ago when I was about 15, I wrote to him asking about his gyrocopters and he sent me a very nice handwritten reply. The same happened a few years later. Then many years later when I was working in ATC at Farnborough, I actually got to meet and talk to the great man!! What a privilege for me.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: North of Watford (Gap)
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That BBC 'obituary' is a complete travesty. A derisory piece, typical of their shambolic and shallow journalistic efforts.
Here is a slightly better one:
Ken Wallis: 007 Autogyro Pilot Dies At 97
R.I.P. Wg Cdr Ken Wallis.
Here is a slightly better one:
Ken Wallis: 007 Autogyro Pilot Dies At 97
R.I.P. Wg Cdr Ken Wallis.
Last edited by nacluv; 4th Sep 2013 at 23:00.
Join Date: Jul 2002
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: in the wild blue yonder
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Ken had a long relationship with Suffolk based company, W. Vinten Ltd. who at one stage were developing and marketing his autogyro machines.
I had the opportunity to meet him on several occasions back then...'at the height of his fame', and when I was a young 'sprog' at the lower end of the greasy pole of aviation.
I have not since encountered a more charming, erudite, passionate, gentleman. He impressed me greatly then and his passing brings me great sadness. I have on my computer a letter written only a week ago and waiting to be sent to him, sadly now not possible.
The angels will be upgrading to autogyro's now...for sure.
RIP Wing Commander Ken Wallis
I had the opportunity to meet him on several occasions back then...'at the height of his fame', and when I was a young 'sprog' at the lower end of the greasy pole of aviation.
I have not since encountered a more charming, erudite, passionate, gentleman. He impressed me greatly then and his passing brings me great sadness. I have on my computer a letter written only a week ago and waiting to be sent to him, sadly now not possible.
The angels will be upgrading to autogyro's now...for sure.
RIP Wing Commander Ken Wallis
Join Date: Mar 2000
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That BBC 'obituary' is a complete travesty.
BBC One did a better job.
BBC iPlayer - Look East - East: 04/09/2013
The link expires at 1900 today 5th September.
