Last Channex L188 from EDI
 

Last night, G-FIZU operated the last scheduled Channex L188 trip from EDI to STN, for the Royal Mail. On the Alpha stands in STN, the duties were passed on to the latest addition to the fleet, the B737.
Typical, just when we'd got a PM menu at the Royal Scot!
It's gonna be strange not to see or hear the Channex Electras in EDI or STN.
:(

Don't get rid of your Maybury Casino Membership just yet C of G. Mines a pint of 80% with neeps ,tatties and that great favourite a deep fried Mars Bar. :D

Yes, I happened to be at Stansted last Tuesday week when the last FR flight to DUB was delayed by about 40 minutes so I had the good fortune to see and hear that fine Electra taxi in after it's flight from Edinburgh. As ever she was a lovely sight. My own place, Cork, was another good place to see Electras up to two years ago what with the Hunting and Channex aircraft taking to the air in the early evening for DUB & EMA and when Cork's R/W 35 was active what a truely fine sight it was to watch the two aircraft climb out over the city within such a short time span. It was so special that on absolutely every occasion that I saw them climbing out I deliberately stopped whatever else I was doing just to have a moment to admire the class aeroplanes so that the memories will live with me forever - by the way, I am not forgetting about all the drivers either - could not have got those classy Electras off the ground with you folk! Thanks to all the L188 drivers for all the special, happy memories.

Tom, as these special old gals have been flying for the last 40 odd years, I am sure Air Alantique will keep em going for another
40!!!! you might just see one back in Cork yet. :)

As one of the EDI tower ladies, just wanted to say it won't be the same without you guys!!!!!!!!! :(

how many Electras Channex was operating? 3 or 4, as far as i remember. but now channex have only 2 733s, so it is not 1 to 1 replacement. what's about the rest of Electra's routes?

Hi guys. Just thought I'd have my 2 pence worth.

I worked for Channex Ops between 1996-1998 at EDI under the helm of John Ferris.

I remember the days of 6 Electra aircraft on the ramp. They all departed between 8 and 9.

I'm sure I know a few of you here in pprune.

I remember working closely with ZIA and Renown as well as those brits! Ken Andy and Edd who flew N341/3/4HA.

I have many memories of Channex and I had many interesting trips on the Electra. My favourite was LBG with ZIA. Try telling them that LBG is over there and not down there(i.e CDG)

If you would like to see the Electra photos or wish to share some stories send me a email and I will post them on.

Thanks

have channex stopped operating the electra altogether or are they doing other routes
if they've stopped, whats the l188 crews doing ?

G OFRT was scrapped earlier this year and as we know from this thread G FIZU has been returned to Air Atlantique TF ELP and TF ELR have been added to the roster.

G CEXS and G CHNX are going through C checks this year (a slow process) and will continue to operate for some time yet.

Electra crews have been trained on the B 737 and A 300 in all crew positions.

Many of us flew the Electra for a long time and miss the old lady.

4screw, just make sure u miss 'essex corner' in EDI and u will b alright. :D

The Lockheed Electra, although a very fine aircraft in its day, may well become uneconomical to operate in the future due to airframe corrosion concerns as well as being a three-crew aeroplane.
Having said this however, most corrosion can be fixed.....unless in the Electra, it is associated with the main landing gear support structure/attach fittings. It then becomes very expensive.

411A,

Just a small point but Atlantic Cargo are now operating their fleet with a 2 man crew. The UK CAA approved the, according to Atlantic, minor mods a couple of years ago so there's still life in the old girls yet!

Freightdoggydog,
my Maybury card is on definite standby. YOU NEVER KNOW! Bet you won't get a drink out of SR!!
As Tom the Tenor says, they do look good with all 4screws turning and burning. When we went to a new outstation, the handlers that met us, always had a great look of concern on their faces. 'Is everything ok' was the usual greeting. 'we saw loads of smoke coming out the back!' :rolleyes:

Mr A, a.k.a. Another number, haven't seen you in years. Who are you with know?

411A, the problem is finding a replacement. The corrosion, lf possible, is worth doing as the A/C is hard to match in payload and operating costs. Unfortunately the rot won with G-OFRT.

4screw. Didn't expect to see ME last week did you! :eek: ;)

Many thanks for the two crew info RampTramp, and congrats to the UK CAA for their practical thinking. Are Atlantic operating the DC-6 two crew as well? The DC-6 was "originally" certified two crew under CAR4b but the pilots (and flight engineer) unions objected at the time as the Connie HAD to be operated three crew. Politics again.

It looks like another type will pass into disuse as well. Just learned today that Kittyhawk will run out of cash in mid-November and will park nearly all of their 17 B727 freighters. We may well have some short term work for one of these aircraft, at least until January, possibility longer.

We will need two FAA rated crews for this project.

Three engines, three crew, narrow body, a bad combination for cost effective long term work, in todays' cost effective environment, i'm afraid.

Air Atlantique operate the DC-6 with three crew but the with a pilot in the middle seat as opposed to a Flight Engineer.

ragspanner, did they use a BAF Viscount for the foundations of this little old shop? .
C of G i'm glad u kept your Maybury card as u will need it next week on the F27. The rate it's going at the moment we will all be putting in O/T chits. P.S although I said that was the last trip I reckon there is at least another 2 good years in her yet.
:)

[ 14 October 2001: Message edited by: freightdoggy dog ]

FDD,
yeah, really looking foward to it! :rolleyes:
Under severe protest though. Been assured it's a one off!?
After our trip last week, I got called out FRI PM, to cover for Billy.

FDD,
here's a thought......maybe Billy's going for the 2001 RB award, named in honour of the master of sickies! :p

Yeah it was sad to see the L188 go.... but if there's anyone here from Channex ops, then can you get the repetitive flight plan changed, or at least request a change message ealier...... it's causing us havoc in the tower!!! :)

May not be the last! I heard last week that as of New Year, NX and XS will both be back, one doing CGN-RNS-BOD-RNS-BOD and the other doing EDI-STN-EDI. That said, the Channex grapevine changes from week to week, so who knows. :D