GAROI was definitly not a Riley conversion Airfields were all interesting then... |
BDHD
G-BDHD was a BA DC10
|
|
I think these 3 aircraft were bought from BEA but where did they go when Autair sold them in 1969? I seem to remember they were used on Luton to Blackpool, Hull and Dundee routes.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...psqq1tt7hx.jpg |
Originally Posted by LTNman
(Post 9233939)
I think these 3 aircraft were bought from BEA but where did they go when Autair sold them in 1969?
AFAIK, BEA never owned them but leased them from the Ministry of Supply for use on the Scottish Highlands & Islands routes from 1962 to 1966. |
All three were sold to Colombia in 1970.
I use to visit rellies in Lancashire, staff rate 19/- return. There was a famous flypast of all three in formation just before Autair sold them. Anyone got a photo? |
The only photo that I have seen of the three Heralds' farewell formation (led by Capt Jimmy Gross) is on page 68 of 'Colours in the Sky' (pub 1997).
|
|
The 3 Heralds were re-sprayed and re-registered at East Midlands, my Dad worked for BMA in 1970 and 71 and they were 3 of many exotic a/c that Fields used to get there. I may have a picture of them somewhere in the loft, I'll see if I can find it!
|
Autair Heralds
One day in November 1970, listening to Luton Tower (120.2 back then) on my airband radio, I heard an aircraft flying circuits with the callsign Hotel Kilo 718. I think the pilot was English so it didn't occur to me it might be something interesting - probably just a flight number. It was after school and getting dark so I didn't venture up to the airport to investigate. Subsequently discovered of course it was G-APWB having been re-registered in Columbia as HK-718, flying in (so I was told at the time) full La Urraca colours.
This is G-APWC taken at the airport open day on 1/11/69, just after Autair withdrew from the scheduled service market. Hangar 89 is still under construction behind. http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1452351753 |
HP Heralds "exotic"!
Strewth, your dad must have had a slow old job. |
They went to La Urraca in Colombia. One crashed in May 1972, one in November 1973 and the third was broken up in 1982. UK registration but in basic colours of Sadia do Brasil. Refuelling stop on delivery to BAF, |
Not sure it would have been GAPWA as The 3 that went to Colombia were GAPWB, C and D, which were the three operating up until Autair ceased schedule services.
|
Level Bust - you're quite right. Although 'PWA was operated by Autair it wasn't one of their machines - HP's demonstrator. Probably leased pending delivery of 'PWB/C/D.
It was though the last survivor of the series 100 Heralds and wasderelict at Sothend by 1982/3 but (I think) subsequently restored and now displayed a t Woodley in BEA colours. |
Originally Posted by Airbanda
(Post 9236730)
It was though the last survivor of the series 100 Heralds and was derelict at Southend by 1982/3 but (I think) subsequently restored and now displayed at Woodley in BEA colours.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5682/2...463df865b1.jpg |
According to my Herald book Autair also leased G-ASKK from August to December 1963 while G-APWA saw service from April to August also in 1963.
One of the Heralds in the hangar at Luton in Au Urraca colours before its departure to Colombia http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...psjzb5pflt.jpg |
G-APWA and G-ASKK were both leased pending the arrival and introduction of Autair's Ambassadors in 1963. Autair's Ambassadors came from Globe Air who were part-exchanging them with Handley Page for Heralds. However delivery of the Heralds to Globe Air was delayed by manufacturing problems and thus the release of the Ambassadors from Globe Air was also delayed. Hence the lease of the Heralds to Autair as a stop gap.
G-APWB/C/D were purchased by Autair in 1966. Incidentally I spent several very happy hours joy-riding in the cockpits of these three aircraft on training details - ferrying AOG spares etc - before their introduction to passenger services with Autair. Happy Days! |
HP Heralds "exotic"! Strewth, your dad must have had a slow old job. |
Indeed I did, Cameroun DC3 and a Zaire DC4 to name just 2. Compared to todays a/c that all look the same I would call the Herald exotic now! Lovely a/c to fly in, big windows and a clear view with no wing in the way.
|
This is one of the best threads and I thank all the contributors. In my 42 plus years in aviation only went to LTN a handful of times but do recall Court Line and Britannia. I flew on a BIA Herald to GCI one January after a snowfall and was able to observe the clearance of same from above the wings and fuselage.
A chap climbed on top of the a/c with a large broom and swept it clear, wonderful days! |
All times are GMT. The time now is 10:34. |
Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.