Blimey, seem to remember never screwing them down, just tape up the joins.

Nutloose:

Yep... In 88 they were bodge taped down all around. Maybe, since they started so many shooting wars, they put some metal plate there to help out the crewman, they might need screwing down...

Yes, there's no way those Pumas will last more than five minutes, is there? :rolleyes:

Over the thirty seven year period that I flew various marks of Puma, both military and civil, I knocked up over 12,000 hours with aircraft having various national registrations painted on the side. During that time I cannot remember a moment of concern. There were the odd hiccups; but not enough to make me stub my cigarette out.

Let's not talk about the S76.

Congrats to the pilot in order
 

From what I've heard the pilot handling did a great job to save the crew, given the aircraft was not wanting to fly. Well done you. :ok:

Same as in parachuting... Any landing you walk away from is a good 'un... :D

Fareastdriver...............
 

I couldn't agree more; the Puma has been fabulous..I've flown in it since we bought the aircraft in 1971....I've had vortex ring (I reported sick for that one!) and one engine failure in all those years after we had subjected the old girl to all sorts of abuse in the name of operations. Fabulous helicopter it's just a pity the yoof of today don't seem to be able to handle her with a skill level above basic.
Nothing wrong with the Puma if you think there is then I suggest you look in the mirror for the real problem........
I did not intend to upset anyone but if I have - TUF!!;)

Never said it was bad, just a bit tinny compared to the Wessex, and maybe past it's sell by date a tad too, but never mind, here, I have uploaded some pics for you to reminisce over... :ok:

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/f.../CWxw202-1.jpg

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/f...rtspitches.jpg


http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/f...xttotheSea.jpg

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/f...xttotheSea.jpg

:p

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/f...artingcopy.jpg

Nutloose, thanks for the photos. 15 Wessex to do the work of one Puma. Must have been a warm day. :p

Puma would have been a long way in front - or u/s :oh: !

Mind you, judging by the debris trail, that was a clumsy landing in the second Puma picture....

I have a feeling I may have been no 24 (in a Puma) in that formation. All was well until the lead Wessex flared a bit. By the time the ripple got to me, chaos reigned!

Was that the famous 24 ship line astern formation led by either the station commander or OC Flying Wing; 8 Wessie follow by two packs of 8 Pumas.

I was No 2 in the first Puma pack and the overall leader decided he was ahead of schedule so he slowed down. By the time it got to No 8 Wessex he was standing on his tailwheel in the air. As a Puma requires three days notice in writing to slow down my No 1 and I passed him either side and then waited as he chased after his compatriots with his lever held against the roof. We presumed everybody behind got their act back together because the actual flypast was quite acceptable.

Erm 15 in the picture.............. was chased by a Puma if memory servs me correctly and was the Departure of 72 Sqn from Odiham.

Any further 'speculation' on the cause?

CBTL, check your PM

So is that you giving out some 'secret' knowledge, or telling him to stick his speculation hunting where the sun don't shine until the official report comes out?