SAL XX614
 

Similar to a recent post for info, my own SA Bulldog, XX614, has also just emerged from a lengthy (& expensive) refit and upgrade. I believe it started life with Manchester UAS, but I would certainly appreciate any info. I also think it served with the RAFC Cranwell at some stage.

It is important that we, the custodians of RAF heritage, maintain a full history of our steeds. Moreover, we should also look after these fine aeroplanes. I purchased mine in January and have spent a fortune on it... without the slightest regret

Drop me a line if you have any memories.

Hi Blunty,

Did my first 4 trips at CFS in July 1989 in XX614 whilst it was on the strength of CFS at RAF Scampton.

It was also the aircraft in which I did my pre-aeros competition work-up at CFS on 20 Oct 1989, which was the last time I flew it.

XX614 was allocated to Manchester and Salford Universities Air Squadron during 1976-1979 and possibly before and after those dates. Check PM

Hi Guys,

Thanks for that. I'll reply to Mike by email.

Derek

Hi Beagle,

I think that when I have XX614 resprayed (back to bare metal) I might paint it in CFS colours seeing as I was never on Manchester UAS. Hope that does not offend Mike.

Just decided to have a trawl through my logbook and have found XX614 in there a few times. She was definitely on the 'staff' at CFS @ RAF Scampton in 1991. I did my night convex with OC CFS Bulldog Sqn and night solo in her.

Funny what triggers memories though, the 'Dog was the first aircraft I flew that was fitted with strobes rather than anti-col lights. Checking my logbook this AM brought back the memory of night flying through or under a snow shower (well it was March, in Lincolnshire) and watching the snow flakes freeze, in red or white, in the flash of the strobe. IIRC the first time I really experienced that particular phenomenon.

Very envious of all you 'Dog owners out there and seriously regret not having bought "my" aircraft when they all went up for sale. If anyone knows of a "share" anywhere that might be up for sale, I might be interested (obviously depending upon location).

As I am on a rather extended holiday I can't get to my log books for a few weeks, but as I was at CFS Scampton just before beags (208 course I think) I am sure I've flown her.

Looks back over a totally pointless post.

Age. Don't you hate it?

Sharpend

Re respray: have Bulldog XX513 in RAFC colours complete with its ring of no confidence. You require to get dispensation to operate in mil colours and you will find that it has to be as it was when it left the service. Would suggest you check this out before you start the respray.

Enjoy the flying.

Me

I think it's more that it has to be in an authentic military paint scheme, which is why Chippies and Tiger Moths can be seen in all manner of RAF/RN colour schemes. The Delta Jets black Hunter T.7 had to have its roundels and serial number removed last year when it received its Union flag tail fin for that reason.

RAF Colours
 

XX614 is already in RAF colours and approved by the RAF and CAA. I have spoken with the CAA and they are quite happy for XX614 to be displayed in RAFC colours, especially as it was in that scheme in 1990.

Additionally one has to obtain approval from any other country one overflies if one is flying without national markings. I have just received approval from the French.

Thanks anyway for the info

I flew 7 trips in XX614 during my CFS course in 1995 - we'd just moved down to Cranwell then. When I went back to instruct at CFS a few years later she'd moved on, not sure where to. XX513 was there then, flew in her quite a bit including a little unusually 7 consecutive sorties in 5 days.

Arkroyal wrote:

But you were already ancient when you marched up the hill 35 years and three months ago ;)

Hi,

I presume the RAFC were the ones with a light blue band round the fuselage just in front of the tail?

I have a slide of one like that coded 16 but can't see the serial. If that is XX614 let me know and I'll scan it and send you a copy.

rgds Ron

Photo of it here, but not sure if it is whilst in service, as the airfield looks a bit foreign.

UK Serials

Roland,
I have sent you a PM regarding a Bulldog share

Stretching the old memory a bit here, but I think Manchester UAS (MUAS, not MASUAS at that time) got their Bulldogs in the Spring of 1974. XX614 was, I think, the Boss's steed - Sqn Ldr Dick Gowring. 615 was Mike Kirk's, 616 was Steve Fisher's, 617 was Rod Newman's. Rod, you probably remember better than I do if you're looking at this.

Is that the same Steve Fisher who ended up as Director of the Shell corporate fleet?

Yes the same Steve

A couple of photos of XX614 at Finningley about May 1976 on the occasion of the Reid Aerobatic Trophy. The Reid was (and maybe still is) an annual competition between the northern England UASs (Liverpool, Manchester, Northumbria & Yorkshire).


http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h7.../XX614-001.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h7.../XX614-002.jpg

I may have been one of XX614's first studes. She was the first Dog I flew when MASUAS converted to the type in the summer of 1974. My first flight on her was 26/6/74. If you ever need a P2, give me a PM.

Have fun!

Skua