Ferranti Helicopters
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Ferranti in Masirah
Hi savoia!
I've only just noticed this thread and see that you seem to have left out a detachment of 2 Bell 206s based at RAF Masirah in 1975-6 supporting an exploratory drilling rig. To my shame, I can't remember the guy's names (poss Chris Hunt?), but they fully engaged in the life of the Mess and were guilty of inducing several very severe hangovers in a couple of young Air Traffic Flying Officers! I don't think I have any photos and am definitely unable to remember the registrations, but have very fond memories of our association.
L#cky Strike
I've only just noticed this thread and see that you seem to have left out a detachment of 2 Bell 206s based at RAF Masirah in 1975-6 supporting an exploratory drilling rig. To my shame, I can't remember the guy's names (poss Chris Hunt?), but they fully engaged in the life of the Mess and were guilty of inducing several very severe hangovers in a couple of young Air Traffic Flying Officers! I don't think I have any photos and am definitely unable to remember the registrations, but have very fond memories of our association.
L#cky Strike
Thread Starter
Atticus Conundrum
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We are still musing over issues surrounding 'Atticus' G-ATUS which in the image below is cited as belonging to Denis de Ferranti at the time the photo was taken:
Impression of G-ATUS on the Fairey Aviation apron at Manchester's Ringway Airport on 7th August 1967 (Drawing by Alfonso Damiano based on a photo by Paul Tomlin)
However, CAA records reveal that from September 1966 to May 1968 this aircraft was registered to Sir Quinton Hazell.
Paul Tomlin has kindly enlarged the shield on Atticus' fuselage and has provided a copy of the Quinton Hazell corporate logo below:
In my mind this leaves little room for doubt in that both the QH logo and the shield on Atticus depict a red dragon signifying that the craft must have been Quinton Hazell's and not Denis de Ferranti's.
About Sir Quinton:
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We are still musing over issues surrounding 'Atticus' G-ATUS which in the image below is cited as belonging to Denis de Ferranti at the time the photo was taken:
Impression of G-ATUS on the Fairey Aviation apron at Manchester's Ringway Airport on 7th August 1967 (Drawing by Alfonso Damiano based on a photo by Paul Tomlin)
However, CAA records reveal that from September 1966 to May 1968 this aircraft was registered to Sir Quinton Hazell.
Paul Tomlin has kindly enlarged the shield on Atticus' fuselage and has provided a copy of the Quinton Hazell corporate logo below:
In my mind this leaves little room for doubt in that both the QH logo and the shield on Atticus depict a red dragon signifying that the craft must have been Quinton Hazell's and not Denis de Ferranti's.
About Sir Quinton:
Credited as the man who broke the cartel of the motor parts industry, Quinton Hazell also changed the way automobile components were manufactured and sold in Britain in the post-war years. At its peak in the 1950s and 1960s his company, Quinton Hazell Ltd, sold to 160 countries world-wide and was the largest independent supplier of automobile parts in Europe.
Previously, motor spares in Britain were available only from automotive manufacturers; they came in separate greasy bits of paper, often with the vital part missing. Hazell's product, a neat box containing all that was needed for a particular job, bore the Welsh dragon as a trademark. In the Far East they were known as "Dragon" products, and since the dragon was a respected symbol they enjoyed an ever-increasing share of the market.
Hazell also developed a chain of wholesalers, and whereas previously such outfits had been anonymous - windows painted over with green paint without and oily counters within - he insisted on window displays, well-stocked stores and tidy assistants. These changes, and many others, became accepted trade practice, and it was not long before motor journals dubbed Hazell "the father of the automobile after market".
Quinton Hazell was born in Burnage, near Manchester, in 1920, and attended Manchester Grammar School where he proved his sporting prowess as an excellent swimmer and rugby player. On leaving, instead of going to university, he chose to embark on an apprenticeship in a chain of garages owned by a family friend in Colwyn Bay. He was 18 when the Second World War broke out and was sent to France with the British Expeditionary Force in 1939. Evacuated from Dunkirk, he finished his service as Battery Quarter Master Sergeant Royal Artillery.
During the war Hazell saw how the Americans presented their motor spares - well- coded and easy to use - and after demobilisation visited the United States to observe how their motor trade was organised. He returned in 1946 and, with the help of a pounds 5,000 legacy, a staff of four friends and his wife Morwenna, set up his own company to manufacture and sell motor parts. Growth was rapid and consistent. By the mid-1950s the company was employing nearly 800 staff.
Over the next 15 years the business continued to expand and probe new markets. In 1972 Quinton Hazell Ltd won the Queen's Award for Industry, for export achievement. The following year the company was taken over by Burmah Oil. Hazell found that life in a big corporation did not suit him and started to look around for new challenges. He took a stake in the Supra Group, a small company making sound insulation, under-seal and paint for the motor trade. A motor component side was added and, never one to do anything half-heartedly, Hazell began competing against his own Burmah-owned subsidiary, Quinton Hazell Ltd.
Outside his own business area, Hazell was well known in the West Midlands for his trenchant views on British industry and the decline of its manufacturing base. He also played an active part in public life, serving for many years as Chairman of the West Midlands Planning Council and being appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Warwickshire in 1982. He was appointed CBE for political services in 1978 and was knighted in 1995.
Previously, motor spares in Britain were available only from automotive manufacturers; they came in separate greasy bits of paper, often with the vital part missing. Hazell's product, a neat box containing all that was needed for a particular job, bore the Welsh dragon as a trademark. In the Far East they were known as "Dragon" products, and since the dragon was a respected symbol they enjoyed an ever-increasing share of the market.
Hazell also developed a chain of wholesalers, and whereas previously such outfits had been anonymous - windows painted over with green paint without and oily counters within - he insisted on window displays, well-stocked stores and tidy assistants. These changes, and many others, became accepted trade practice, and it was not long before motor journals dubbed Hazell "the father of the automobile after market".
Quinton Hazell was born in Burnage, near Manchester, in 1920, and attended Manchester Grammar School where he proved his sporting prowess as an excellent swimmer and rugby player. On leaving, instead of going to university, he chose to embark on an apprenticeship in a chain of garages owned by a family friend in Colwyn Bay. He was 18 when the Second World War broke out and was sent to France with the British Expeditionary Force in 1939. Evacuated from Dunkirk, he finished his service as Battery Quarter Master Sergeant Royal Artillery.
During the war Hazell saw how the Americans presented their motor spares - well- coded and easy to use - and after demobilisation visited the United States to observe how their motor trade was organised. He returned in 1946 and, with the help of a pounds 5,000 legacy, a staff of four friends and his wife Morwenna, set up his own company to manufacture and sell motor parts. Growth was rapid and consistent. By the mid-1950s the company was employing nearly 800 staff.
Over the next 15 years the business continued to expand and probe new markets. In 1972 Quinton Hazell Ltd won the Queen's Award for Industry, for export achievement. The following year the company was taken over by Burmah Oil. Hazell found that life in a big corporation did not suit him and started to look around for new challenges. He took a stake in the Supra Group, a small company making sound insulation, under-seal and paint for the motor trade. A motor component side was added and, never one to do anything half-heartedly, Hazell began competing against his own Burmah-owned subsidiary, Quinton Hazell Ltd.
Outside his own business area, Hazell was well known in the West Midlands for his trenchant views on British industry and the decline of its manufacturing base. He also played an active part in public life, serving for many years as Chairman of the West Midlands Planning Council and being appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Warwickshire in 1982. He was appointed CBE for political services in 1978 and was knighted in 1995.
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Last edited by Savoia; 22nd Sep 2011 at 13:25. Reason: Replace image
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Last few minutes of archive film from Man Alive documenary film from 1969 out of the BBC archives shows Sebastian Ferranti flying a helicopter. Might be worth a look.
BBC - Archive - Aerial Journeys - Bird's Eye View | Man on the Move
Helicopter bit starts at 44.18
BBC - Archive - Aerial Journeys - Bird's Eye View | Man on the Move
Helicopter bit starts at 44.18
Thread Starter
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Paul many thanks for this.
We shall see if we can get permission to stream this segment on our site. I think it would make a great addition to the material we are collecting.
Brgds
S.
Paul many thanks for this.
We shall see if we can get permission to stream this segment on our site. I think it would make a great addition to the material we are collecting.
Brgds
S.
Thread Starter
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The Ferranti Files:
I am seeking to conclude the inventory of rotorcraft owned by the Ferranti family and which were primarily used for their personal transport. (ie: not the Ferranti Helicopters fleet).
What I have is as follows:
Sebastian de Ferranti
G-APVD Westland S-51 Widgeon (1963-72)
G-ATFV AgustaBell 47J2A (1965-69)
G-AVSN AgustaBell 206A (1967-70)
Denis de Ferranti
Brantly B2
EI-AVN Hughes 500C
EI-AWA Bell 206A
AS 350B G-MSDJ (1989-2000)
AS 350B G-SMDJ (1999-2003)
Mark de Ferranti
AS 350B G-SMDJ (2003-2011)
I am still searching for details on Denis' Brantly, as well as the dates of ownership for AVN and AWA.
I have now discounted the Brantly 305 (G-ATUS) from Denis' fleet as there seems to be no evidence supporting this. I am assuming therefore that the presence of 'Atticus' at Manchester Barton was simply a visit by Sir Quinton Hazell and that Denis in fact owned a B2.
Sav
The Ferranti Files:
I am seeking to conclude the inventory of rotorcraft owned by the Ferranti family and which were primarily used for their personal transport. (ie: not the Ferranti Helicopters fleet).
What I have is as follows:
Sebastian de Ferranti
G-APVD Westland S-51 Widgeon (1963-72)
G-ATFV AgustaBell 47J2A (1965-69)
G-AVSN AgustaBell 206A (1967-70)
Denis de Ferranti
Brantly B2
EI-AVN Hughes 500C
EI-AWA Bell 206A
AS 350B G-MSDJ (1989-2000)
AS 350B G-SMDJ (1999-2003)
Mark de Ferranti
AS 350B G-SMDJ (2003-2011)
I am still searching for details on Denis' Brantly, as well as the dates of ownership for AVN and AWA.
I have now discounted the Brantly 305 (G-ATUS) from Denis' fleet as there seems to be no evidence supporting this. I am assuming therefore that the presence of 'Atticus' at Manchester Barton was simply a visit by Sir Quinton Hazell and that Denis in fact owned a B2.
Sav
Last edited by Savoia; 9th Apr 2011 at 15:30.
I think Denis owned Hughes 500 EI-ATY as well but will have to check with "a reliable source"
- Yes, confirmed, EI-ATY definitely belonged to Denis, and was subsequently put on the UK register sold to a garage owner in Lytham St Annes
- Yes, confirmed, EI-ATY definitely belonged to Denis, and was subsequently put on the UK register sold to a garage owner in Lytham St Annes
Last edited by farsouth; 10th Apr 2011 at 11:42. Reason: Confirming information
Thread Starter
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For the few who remember my godfather, he has today turned 90!
Lt. Col. Robert (Bob) Smith
Former Managing Director, Ferranti Helicopters
Born: 6th May 1921
For the few who remember my godfather, he has today turned 90!
Lt. Col. Robert (Bob) Smith
Former Managing Director, Ferranti Helicopters
Born: 6th May 1921
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What................ no Cavalry Officer's cap???
I hope he's got his shoes on this time, or is that why the picture is cropped at the knee .
Happy Birthday L/Cpl Smith.
Ask him 'What's the name of his ship', then 'what's the cargo'.
I hope he's got his shoes on this time, or is that why the picture is cropped at the knee .
Happy Birthday L/Cpl Smith.
Ask him 'What's the name of his ship', then 'what's the cargo'.
Thread Starter
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Not the cap from his days with the Royal Artillery but the one employed during his tenure with Ferranti. The cap badge, fashioned from solid silver, depicted the 'Ferranti Fleur-de-lys' and was topped with a ruby (worn by the Colonel, his Chief Pilot Squadron Leader Salt and Ferranti's Operations Manager Major Warburton). In the badges of the remaining crew the ruby was substituted with a garnet.
Clear evidence that you imbibed with the Colonel. So many moons ago since I heard those words that it moistens the eye TRC!
Rgds
Sav
Not the cap from his days with the Royal Artillery but the one employed during his tenure with Ferranti. The cap badge, fashioned from solid silver, depicted the 'Ferranti Fleur-de-lys' and was topped with a ruby (worn by the Colonel, his Chief Pilot Squadron Leader Salt and Ferranti's Operations Manager Major Warburton). In the badges of the remaining crew the ruby was substituted with a garnet.
Ask him 'What's the name of his ship', then 'what's the cargo'.
Rgds
Sav
This thread has caused me a bit of head scratching (not good, 'cos it removes some of the limited remaining hair
)
I had expected to find some mention of a Jet Ranger piloted by a female member of the Ferranti family. Reason being that, sometime between '68 and '71, the, then annual, helicopter Garden Party/Fly In was held at RAF Tern Hill. Of the two memories of the day, one was dropping our smoke grenade UPWIND of the VIP guest enclosure
, the other was the arrival of said Jet Ranger and being goggle-eyed at the tall, blonde lime-green trouser suited lady pilot
!! Limited memory cells tell me that she was of the Ferranti clan - Yes??? or senile confusion???
) I had expected to find some mention of a Jet Ranger piloted by a female member of the Ferranti family. Reason being that, sometime between '68 and '71, the, then annual, helicopter Garden Party/Fly In was held at RAF Tern Hill. Of the two memories of the day, one was dropping our smoke grenade UPWIND of the VIP guest enclosure
, the other was the arrival of said Jet Ranger and being goggle-eyed at the tall, blonde lime-green trouser suited lady pilot!! Limited memory cells tell me that she was of the Ferranti clan - Yes??? or senile confusion???
Thread Starter
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CJ: I am not saying that the Ferranti family have never had a female flyer but .. my impression is that they have not. I did mention earlier in the thread that Denis de Ferranti compelled his aging driver to obtain a licence but I'm not sure if he extended this 'enforced flying service' to anyone else.
In my view the most likely candidate, and someone who fits your description and timeline, is Gay Absalom - the UK's first female commercial helicopter pilot.
If it was Gay who turned-up at Tern Hill and if she did arrive in one of Ferranti's Dijon-yellow 206's then this was perhaps by special arrangement and which is perfectly possible given that my godfather knew Gay.
Hopefully there may be someone with clearer recollections who can assist.
Sav
CJ: I am not saying that the Ferranti family have never had a female flyer but .. my impression is that they have not. I did mention earlier in the thread that Denis de Ferranti compelled his aging driver to obtain a licence but I'm not sure if he extended this 'enforced flying service' to anyone else.
In my view the most likely candidate, and someone who fits your description and timeline, is Gay Absalom - the UK's first female commercial helicopter pilot.
If it was Gay who turned-up at Tern Hill and if she did arrive in one of Ferranti's Dijon-yellow 206's then this was perhaps by special arrangement and which is perfectly possible given that my godfather knew Gay.
Hopefully there may be someone with clearer recollections who can assist.
Sav
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Mrs Ferranti had a PPL & flew their 206 with me in 1976 in the south of France. Denis wanted her to do at least one solo circuit which after several weeks of practice, she did very nicely once she had regained her confidence. I think his daughter could also fly but she didn't on this occasion. Mrs Ferranti was a charming lady, so nice to my wife & boys.
Thank you, Sav. Ms Absalom it could well be. Difficult to tell from the photo how tall she is - the lady I mentioned was distinctly tall and elegant, blonde and ... I suppose, stunning would be apt!! As you may have guessed, I was quite impressed!!
As you may have guessed, I was quite impressed!!
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Paddy McLoughlin
Hi,
I think I might be able to help you with your search for Paddy McLoughlin. If you are still interested, please get in touch with me.
Kind regards,
Lisa
I think I might be able to help you with your search for Paddy McLoughlin. If you are still interested, please get in touch with me.
Kind regards,
Lisa
Thread Starter
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Dear Lisa
We would love to establish contact with Paddy and in which regard I have sent you a PM.
Thank you for your assistance.
Krgds
Savoia
Paddy McLaughlin
Flew helicopters with the Royal Air Force until 1969. Became an instructor and spent two years at the Central Flying School. Joined Bristow Helicopters gaining experience in the Middle East and the North Sea. Joined Ferranti in 1973 where he became Bo105 fleet operations manager.
Dear Lisa
We would love to establish contact with Paddy and in which regard I have sent you a PM.
Thank you for your assistance.
Krgds
Savoia
Paddy McLaughlin
Flew helicopters with the Royal Air Force until 1969. Became an instructor and spent two years at the Central Flying School. Joined Bristow Helicopters gaining experience in the Middle East and the North Sea. Joined Ferranti in 1973 where he became Bo105 fleet operations manager.
Join Date: Dec 2001
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Paddy had a nasty experience when he ditched a Bristow Puma off Karatha. While doing a gentle breast stroke, he swallowed too much sea water containing Jet A1. He ended up with his own training flight school in Jandakot. Lost track of him after that.
John kept his mouth shut & was ok.
John kept his mouth shut & was ok.
Last edited by Nigel Osborn; 10th Jun 2011 at 01:46.