LUTON History and Nostalgia

[LTNman]

The appendix which is also in that link shows that the aircraft was doing close to 60 knots when it sailed off the end of the runway. The aircraft started bursting tyres 753m from the end of the runway with the last one bursting 500m from the end.

[norwich]

Interesting photo LTMman ! So glad to see it didn't take out that approach lighting column ! assembled and installed with my help many years ago, can I assume that is a centre line light ?? as the aircraft came to rest 90Mtrs (270ft) from the paved end of the runway and I think the 1000ft marker bar is the other side of the lane running through the approach ???? memory is not what it used to be !!


Keith.

[LTNman]

Year anyone?


Origin of photo unknown

[Level bust]

1972? certainly no later than 1974 as both Donaldson and Court Line went bust that year.

[Luton Anorak]

Can't quite make out the name on the nose, it looks a bit like "Nike II" which would make it G-AZWA - delivered to Donaldson from Luton 22/06/1971 - so could be from that date until their demise in 1974, as Monarch (AEL) carried out their maintenance at Luton.

[PAXboy]

Amazing to notice how narrow the engine nacelles are! What particular type is this?

[Airbanda]

Amazing to notice how narrow the engine nacelles are! What particular type is this?

Boeing 707-320 series. The engines are Pratt & Whitney JT4A turbojets. The version was quickly superceded by the 320B which had first generation turbofans - P&W JT3D. Some 320 series aircraft were re-engined with the later type but others found there way to second-hand market and carriers such as Donaldson.

[Pain in the R's]

Interesting and diverse thread. There are not many single threads here that cover aircraft from Mew Gulls to Boeing 747's

[WHBM]

Originally Posted by Airbanda

Boeing 707-320 series. The engines are Pratt & Whitney JT4A turbojets. The version was quickly superceded by the 320B which had first generation turbofans - P&W JT3D. Some 320 series aircraft were re-engined with the later type but others found there way to second-hand market and carriers such as Donaldson.

As I understand it, none of the 707-320 aircraft were converted to fan engines, as that was not technically possible, I seem to recall airframe as well as engine considerations. The slightly smaller 707-120, and the smaller again 720 did have conversions made available by Boeing, which a number of operators took - American Airlines had a large fleet of both these early models, and converted the lot. Those of the Monarch fleet at Luton that came from American included these.

[compton3bravo]

I would go for 1971 personally. There was a Donaldson 707 on the pond when I arrived back from Valencia in a Monarch Brit in April 1971. What a nice line-up of three Court Line Minis and a Monarch crew bus!!

[LTNman]

Looks like there are 3 flag poles in front of the 707. Can't see why the airport would want to put flag poles there in that isolated position.

[Airbanda]

As I understand it, none of the 707-320 aircraft were converted to fan engines, as that was not technically possible, I seem to recall airframe as well as engine considerations.

You are quite right, only the 120 series and Boeing 720 short range machines were re-engined.

Memory playing tricks on me.

[22/04]

How tatty those apron vans look- any airline would be terrified of reputational damage with anything like that today.

So G-INFO has the aircraft registered as 1972, de-registered 1974. I'll have to go for 1972 though there is nothing to say it wasn't '73. In for maintenance or painting with AEL?

Splitting hairs but of course Monarch's first 720Bs (051Bs)were ex Northwest. They then operated an leased Maersk example of similar origin (G-BHGE). They eventually inherited the two ex American 023Bs (BCBA/B) operated by Invicta and Somali respectively.

They did operate two ex American 707 (123Bs) G-BFMI and G-BGCT.

Enjoying this thread- when will we exhaust our memories?

[Antek]

Maybe it's an urban myth, but I've always been led to believe that (some of?) MON's 720s were actually older than their Britannias...

[ericlday]

Remember well travelling from Luton to St Lucia on B720B. Outbound via Gander and return via Santa Maria in the Azores.
Was a great time for the crew as they enjoyed a weeks stay over in St Lucia.

[Level bust]

The 720s also occasionally come back from St Lucia direct, usually ending up coming off BNN screaming for a straight in on 08 because they were short of fuel!

[compton3bravo]

Monarch used the B720s on a contract in the 1970s I think with Cable & Wireless to fly three to four times a year from Luton to Ascension Island in the South Atlantic carrying said staff from and to Ascension. The aircraft if I remember flew via Santa Maria in the Azores for fuel and probably a flight deck crew change.

[Heathrow Harry]

anyone remember the big tents when Court introduced Tristar's..............

never realised it was the future of aviation - the tents that is

[LTNman]

How tatty those apron vans look- any airline would be terrified of reputational damage with anything like that today.

They are in better condition than the airside bus.

[HZ123]

Donaldson (ElAl) 707's

I believe Donaldson went in 72/73 as a policeman for the BAA Constabulary we travelled from LHR - STN daily for a few weeks as two 707's had been put into ElAl livery when the company folded, it was considered at the time as both a/c were at risk from an attack. One was located aside of the disused STN cross runway - with the nose wheel removed. In those days the authority's were worried about the a/c being stolen and flown off. (some may recall that in 78 an ElAl crew were attacked in Central London, with a number of fatalities)