LUTON History and Nostalgia
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G-AYSI photo
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.
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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.
"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.
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707's at LTN
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.
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.
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.
CJ.....I know an ex BAL employee who probably has a pic of the B707 (its before my time 
)
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!
)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!
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28/2/71
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.
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.
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first DC-8'S at LTN
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.
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....
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.
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....
Last edited by cj241101; 10th Mar 2016 at 15:58.
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aircraft noise etc.
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.
Last edited by cj241101; 10th Mar 2016 at 15:59.
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First 707 to land at Luton
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
Last edited by oldandbald; 10th Mar 2016 at 21:03.
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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...
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digital in 1970?
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
.
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
.
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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.
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.
Aero Commander 680E (385-67) N1006S built in 1965.
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.
Aero Commander 680E (385-67) N1006S built in 1965.
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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.
Here is one of the Caledonian diversion. I have more in this sequence if anyone would like them posted.
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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.
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First 707 to land at Luton
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