The Rotary Nostalgia Thread
Thread Starter
.
De Havilland: Firstly, bravo on solving the Led Zepplin conundrum and what a great find in digging-up one of the rare images of GINA!
Secondly, BFYA, to the best of my knowledge, was never owned by Genavco/Fayed. The two aircraft supplied and managed by Ferranti were the Bell 206 G-BAKX (shown in post #742 above) and the Bell 206L G-BFAL (the UK's first LongRanger).
Ferranti were one of the pioneers who introduced twin-engine, IFR all-weather capability to the UK's executive market and, in this regard, it is almost certain that Genavco/Fayed would have chartered one or more of Ferranti's 105's from time to time. My assumption therefore is that BFYA's association with Fayed is through charter and the reference to ownership a mistake.
After the demise of Ferranti I'm not sure who took on Fayed's helicopter management responsibilities but, as you probably know, before long they began recruiting their own crews and ultimately morphed into Air Harrods.
Sav
.
SA341B AH1 XZ322 Gazelle at RAF Cosford on 12th June 2011 (Photo: Robert Beaver)
Army, Navy and Air Force Gazelles recently on display at RAF Cosford. I am intrigued by the the brown-tones, was this a common Army motif?
Also intrigued by the notice behind the cabin reading: NO POWER, NO BRAKES, NO HYDRAULICS and again by the wording on the rear door (beneath the red cross) which reads "Cabin Bulkhead".
The red cross (presumably indicating the location of the first aid kit) was a feature of Ferranti's aircraft but is not something I have often seen elsewhere.
De Havilland: Firstly, bravo on solving the Led Zepplin conundrum and what a great find in digging-up one of the rare images of GINA!
Secondly, BFYA, to the best of my knowledge, was never owned by Genavco/Fayed. The two aircraft supplied and managed by Ferranti were the Bell 206 G-BAKX (shown in post #742 above) and the Bell 206L G-BFAL (the UK's first LongRanger).
Ferranti were one of the pioneers who introduced twin-engine, IFR all-weather capability to the UK's executive market and, in this regard, it is almost certain that Genavco/Fayed would have chartered one or more of Ferranti's 105's from time to time. My assumption therefore is that BFYA's association with Fayed is through charter and the reference to ownership a mistake.
After the demise of Ferranti I'm not sure who took on Fayed's helicopter management responsibilities but, as you probably know, before long they began recruiting their own crews and ultimately morphed into Air Harrods.
Sav
.
SA341B AH1 XZ322 Gazelle at RAF Cosford on 12th June 2011 (Photo: Robert Beaver)
Army, Navy and Air Force Gazelles recently on display at RAF Cosford. I am intrigued by the the brown-tones, was this a common Army motif?
Also intrigued by the notice behind the cabin reading: NO POWER, NO BRAKES, NO HYDRAULICS and again by the wording on the rear door (beneath the red cross) which reads "Cabin Bulkhead".
The red cross (presumably indicating the location of the first aid kit) was a feature of Ferranti's aircraft but is not something I have often seen elsewhere.
Thread Starter
.
Today is the first anniversary of The Nostalgia Thread and it seemed appropriate to express one's appreciation for the many and varied contributions which have made this such an interesting read over the past 12 months.
Some of the highlights include:
The Earl of Rochester's 'Ode to Taly' on Page 1
Geoffers delivery of G-WIZZ on Page 2 and the Earl's 'Wizz the Bizz' poem
Geoffers ferry flight from Frosinone to Fairoaks with G-WIZZ c. late 70's
Speechless Two's Rhodesian Expedition: Page 3
Rhodesian ground crew assist in making ready one of ten 206's which were flown out from the UK on board DC10's in order to support the Rhodesian election process
Papal Flying and the Holy Sea King: Page 5
A brief synopsis of Papal flying and the 'Vaticopter'
Lake Como and Villa D'Este: Page 6
Il Bugati Veyron outside the Villa D'Este where Geoffers was entertained by Agusta back in the day
The delivery of G-TALY from Frosinone to Fairoaks in March 1979 by Geoffers and Ken: Page 7
Once again the slanderous pen of Geoffersincornwall was at work with the caption reading: "A moment of acute embarrassment as Ken offers to give the ground crew a hand with the bump start. A quiet word in his ear and after a conference with the engineers we confirm that a starter motor is included in the specification." My father asserts that he knew there was a starter motor fitted all along and that he was just trying to be helpful!
The Cadbury Tales: Peter Cadbury (aka The Cad): Pages 9, 11, 13, 20, 21
Peter Cadbury (centre) accompanied by his wife Benedicta and Douglas Bader (who was best man at their wedding) at the Royal Court Theatre on 30th July 1959
John Eacott's Legs: Page 10
Charles Hughesdon: Page 10
Sabena's Rotary Fleet: Page 12
Metpol's Bell 222 Op's and the Conversation between the Commissioner of Police and the Bell Rep: Page 14
The Gregory Files - Ken Gregory and Air Gregory: Pages 14 & 20
Ken Gregory (centre) with Stirling Moss (right) and Stirling's father Alfred (left)
Gay Absalom: Pages 14, 15 and 35
Gay Absalom returns to the UK having completed a solo-cross-channel flight to Deuville, France and for which endeavour she received an award from the French Aero Club. June 1967.
The Chapman Files: Colin Chapman, Team Lotus and 'The Dancer': Pages 2 and 15
Chapman at his private airfield 'Hethel'
Paco's Corvette: Page 15
The Brantly 305: Pages 18 and 19
While this subject was 'on the go' the R44-owning musician J. Kay temporarily signed-up to PPRuNe expressing his admiration of the type.
Bolkow Nostalgia: Pages 30 and 31
The Sopwith Files - Rotary-Wing Flyer Tommy Sopwith: Pages 33, 34 and 35
Tommy Sopwith (right) stands with Sir Max Aitken founder of the Cowes-Torquay boat race
The Marquess of Bristol: Page 34
John Hervey, 7th Marquess, (1954-1999) (Earl Jermyn until he inherited the title in 1985) was the epitome of the "mad bad and dangerous to know" aristocrat who went through the family fortune in a tidal wave of over indulgence, in particular drugs.
In 1988 the Jersey police found 13g of cocaine in his helicopter at St Helier. He did seven months in the island gaol. This wasn't G-BKTK, more likely his later Hughes 500 G-BMJV. Not the best role model but certainly a character!
How it all began ..
.. an innocuous enquiry as to the whereabouts of the craft in which I performed my PPL!
To all who have contributed, thanks for the memories, and for those who still have photos and stories stashed away in boxes and in the deepest recesses of their minds .. please dig them out and post them on PPRuNe!
Finally, The Earl of Rochester suggested that his poem 'Wizz the Bizz' be sung in a style similar to that of Noel Coward's 'Mad Dogs'! Given the largely British theme to this thread perhaps its not a bad idea for the thread to have its own 'anthem' and 'Mad Dogs' might just fit the bill. Enjoy!
Today is the first anniversary of The Nostalgia Thread and it seemed appropriate to express one's appreciation for the many and varied contributions which have made this such an interesting read over the past 12 months.
Some of the highlights include:
The Earl of Rochester's 'Ode to Taly' on Page 1
Oh Taly, gee Taly, where are you now,
Some place far off or over the brow?
From I-Taly you came and G-Taly were named,
Your very first owner someone so famed.
Delivered by Geoffrey, you gave him a start,
When your little engine produced a small f*rt!
Your pilot a gardener known as Ken D,
Would deliver the Duke for afternoon tea.
Now you are known by the name of J-LEE
But to us you shall always remain G-TALY!
Some place far off or over the brow?
From I-Taly you came and G-Taly were named,
Your very first owner someone so famed.
Delivered by Geoffrey, you gave him a start,
When your little engine produced a small f*rt!
Your pilot a gardener known as Ken D,
Would deliver the Duke for afternoon tea.
Now you are known by the name of J-LEE
But to us you shall always remain G-TALY!
Geoffers delivery of G-WIZZ on Page 2 and the Earl's 'Wizz the Bizz' poem
(This verse should ideally be sung in a style similar to that of Noel Coward’s ‘Mad Dogs’)
G-WIZZ was the bizz with her pretty black paint and her very neat name so quaint!
So Geoff with the boys set off with their toys and landed in a field north of Troyes.
With her intermittent blips Geoff clambered her hips which helped to name him ‘Geoff n Chips’!
The delay of the day could have been such a gloom when up so soon sprang Melun.
Geoff acted away the Gendarmes looking grey and wishing he would leave that day!
Then in stepped a vet he was looking after met saying ‘better let them stay as yet’.
Then off to the ‘tel you could hear Geoffers yell as the Renault 4 screeched to the door!
But what the Capt’n failed to say, was that in between the cheese and wine, were his antics with a maid divine!
Then onto Britland under power where Geoffrey fought with Gatwick tower who refused that the bizz was the WIZZ!
“Now I didn’t choose this bizz called WIZZ ‘twas the owner’s little ‘tis and the problem is not mine but his!
So you’d better let me pass before this comes a silly farce, for, to be sure as it is noon and you resemble a baboon I do not want this to be posted onto PPRuNe”!
G-WIZZ was the bizz with her pretty black paint and her very neat name so quaint!
So Geoff with the boys set off with their toys and landed in a field north of Troyes.
With her intermittent blips Geoff clambered her hips which helped to name him ‘Geoff n Chips’!
The delay of the day could have been such a gloom when up so soon sprang Melun.
Geoff acted away the Gendarmes looking grey and wishing he would leave that day!
Then in stepped a vet he was looking after met saying ‘better let them stay as yet’.
Then off to the ‘tel you could hear Geoffers yell as the Renault 4 screeched to the door!
But what the Capt’n failed to say, was that in between the cheese and wine, were his antics with a maid divine!
Then onto Britland under power where Geoffrey fought with Gatwick tower who refused that the bizz was the WIZZ!
“Now I didn’t choose this bizz called WIZZ ‘twas the owner’s little ‘tis and the problem is not mine but his!
So you’d better let me pass before this comes a silly farce, for, to be sure as it is noon and you resemble a baboon I do not want this to be posted onto PPRuNe”!
Geoffers ferry flight from Frosinone to Fairoaks with G-WIZZ c. late 70's
Speechless Two's Rhodesian Expedition: Page 3
Rhodesian ground crew assist in making ready one of ten 206's which were flown out from the UK on board DC10's in order to support the Rhodesian election process
Papal Flying and the Holy Sea King: Page 5
A brief synopsis of Papal flying and the 'Vaticopter'
Lake Como and Villa D'Este: Page 6
Il Bugati Veyron outside the Villa D'Este where Geoffers was entertained by Agusta back in the day
The delivery of G-TALY from Frosinone to Fairoaks in March 1979 by Geoffers and Ken: Page 7
Once again the slanderous pen of Geoffersincornwall was at work with the caption reading: "A moment of acute embarrassment as Ken offers to give the ground crew a hand with the bump start. A quiet word in his ear and after a conference with the engineers we confirm that a starter motor is included in the specification." My father asserts that he knew there was a starter motor fitted all along and that he was just trying to be helpful!
The Cadbury Tales: Peter Cadbury (aka The Cad): Pages 9, 11, 13, 20, 21
Peter Cadbury (centre) accompanied by his wife Benedicta and Douglas Bader (who was best man at their wedding) at the Royal Court Theatre on 30th July 1959
John Eacott's Legs: Page 10
Charles Hughesdon: Page 10
Sabena's Rotary Fleet: Page 12
Metpol's Bell 222 Op's and the Conversation between the Commissioner of Police and the Bell Rep: Page 14
The Gregory Files - Ken Gregory and Air Gregory: Pages 14 & 20
Ken Gregory (centre) with Stirling Moss (right) and Stirling's father Alfred (left)
Gay Absalom: Pages 14, 15 and 35
Gay Absalom returns to the UK having completed a solo-cross-channel flight to Deuville, France and for which endeavour she received an award from the French Aero Club. June 1967.
The Chapman Files: Colin Chapman, Team Lotus and 'The Dancer': Pages 2 and 15
Chapman at his private airfield 'Hethel'
Paco's Corvette: Page 15
The Brantly 305: Pages 18 and 19
While this subject was 'on the go' the R44-owning musician J. Kay temporarily signed-up to PPRuNe expressing his admiration of the type.
Bolkow Nostalgia: Pages 30 and 31
The Sopwith Files - Rotary-Wing Flyer Tommy Sopwith: Pages 33, 34 and 35
Tommy Sopwith (right) stands with Sir Max Aitken founder of the Cowes-Torquay boat race
The Marquess of Bristol: Page 34
John Hervey, 7th Marquess, (1954-1999) (Earl Jermyn until he inherited the title in 1985) was the epitome of the "mad bad and dangerous to know" aristocrat who went through the family fortune in a tidal wave of over indulgence, in particular drugs.
Apparently at the controls of his helicopter 'He was an inspired pilot. He couldn't do radar, though. He would steer by an AA map on his knees, while snorting coke off the map. And he would order that all the lights at Ickworth be turned on when he was getting back.'
'Once, after a major bender, he went out to his helicopter, he didn't bother to check anything, he got into it and just went straight up. He didn't notice that there were clouds, he went straight up and came out at the top. There he was, sitting in a helicopter with a blanket of white puffy clouds beneath him. He said he looked around, put it on auto-pilot. He had a cocktail shaker in the cockpit, so he shook himself a Bloody Mary, had a couple of lines of coke and called the control tower in Cambridge. And somehow he came down, going sideways at 150mph and, without crashing, he landed.'
One night he went for a flight in his Hughes at his country estate, Ickworth House. This was after a dinner that included 2 or 3 bottles of claret and a pint of port. After a groggy, hesitant ascent, it then veered forward and up, hovering no more than 80ft above ground. He turned on the searchlight illuminating the part of the house occupied by an employee of the National Trust, to whom he had been obliged to sell the house and estate. Moments later, a squawking, demented cacophony erupted as Bristol screamed: 'I hate you, you b*****d. You b*****d. I hate you, you f*****g b*****d, wake up you b*****d.'
'Once, after a major bender, he went out to his helicopter, he didn't bother to check anything, he got into it and just went straight up. He didn't notice that there were clouds, he went straight up and came out at the top. There he was, sitting in a helicopter with a blanket of white puffy clouds beneath him. He said he looked around, put it on auto-pilot. He had a cocktail shaker in the cockpit, so he shook himself a Bloody Mary, had a couple of lines of coke and called the control tower in Cambridge. And somehow he came down, going sideways at 150mph and, without crashing, he landed.'
One night he went for a flight in his Hughes at his country estate, Ickworth House. This was after a dinner that included 2 or 3 bottles of claret and a pint of port. After a groggy, hesitant ascent, it then veered forward and up, hovering no more than 80ft above ground. He turned on the searchlight illuminating the part of the house occupied by an employee of the National Trust, to whom he had been obliged to sell the house and estate. Moments later, a squawking, demented cacophony erupted as Bristol screamed: 'I hate you, you b*****d. You b*****d. I hate you, you f*****g b*****d, wake up you b*****d.'
How it all began ..
.. an innocuous enquiry as to the whereabouts of the craft in which I performed my PPL!
To all who have contributed, thanks for the memories, and for those who still have photos and stories stashed away in boxes and in the deepest recesses of their minds .. please dig them out and post them on PPRuNe!
Finally, The Earl of Rochester suggested that his poem 'Wizz the Bizz' be sung in a style similar to that of Noel Coward's 'Mad Dogs'! Given the largely British theme to this thread perhaps its not a bad idea for the thread to have its own 'anthem' and 'Mad Dogs' might just fit the bill. Enjoy!
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Kings Caple, Ross-on-Wye.orPiccots End. Hertfordshire
Posts: 458
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Back from the dead I suppose
Hi all and many thanks to 'S' for his kind words on the Royal Aero Club award. Not sure I deserve the honour, but it was nice anyway, especially meeting the wonderful Wingco, Bob Foster, one of the original 'few' Also my apologies for not being able to respond to a couple of PP requests. But just to say after 43 days without an internet provider, 17 phone calls to SKY totalling three hours, (true) no less than three replacement 'routers' four ADSL filters, and one engineer visit, I simply had to change to BTs excellent Hub 3 model. All is now well ... a process that eventually solved the problem in just 36 hours.
Now G-BDKD was the first 'vertical console' 28A model I imported circa 1974. All later models became the 280 'Shark' shape with the vertical console as standard. Bad Dog was originally sold to a Nick .... (at Lydd) and I'm struggling to recall the surname, but I first met him when he was racing a Mini at Lydden Hill circa 1968 and lapping quicker than my single-seat BT21! If you're out there Nick, my warmest regards.
For 'S' ... I'll trawl back through the last few weeks posts and come back on any items I've not been able to cover while being offline.
Oh and meantime I duly met up with 'The Hoff' ex GR4 man and CO of 9 Squadron up at Marham. A really nice guy and subject to getting use of a rotary for him, we'll be flying together hopefully soon. James kindly allowed me to spend an afternoon with the 1X Squadron pilots and a little over an hour on the Thales GR4 Sim ... 400 knots 100 feet above the Welsh valleys and my head hadn't stopped spinning was still spinning the next day!
Regards to all 'Nostalgias' Dennis Kenyon.
Now G-BDKD was the first 'vertical console' 28A model I imported circa 1974. All later models became the 280 'Shark' shape with the vertical console as standard. Bad Dog was originally sold to a Nick .... (at Lydd) and I'm struggling to recall the surname, but I first met him when he was racing a Mini at Lydden Hill circa 1968 and lapping quicker than my single-seat BT21! If you're out there Nick, my warmest regards.
For 'S' ... I'll trawl back through the last few weeks posts and come back on any items I've not been able to cover while being offline.
Oh and meantime I duly met up with 'The Hoff' ex GR4 man and CO of 9 Squadron up at Marham. A really nice guy and subject to getting use of a rotary for him, we'll be flying together hopefully soon. James kindly allowed me to spend an afternoon with the 1X Squadron pilots and a little over an hour on the Thales GR4 Sim ... 400 knots 100 feet above the Welsh valleys and my head hadn't stopped spinning was still spinning the next day!
Regards to all 'Nostalgias' Dennis Kenyon.
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: uk
Posts: 573
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
G NORM
Dennis, In answer to a request for info on G NORM. G NORM was operated by Norman Bailey Helicopters based at Eastleigh Airport, Southampton. It was collected from Air Hansons at Brooklands on 22 April 1983 by myself and Mark Thatcher was co pilot. The flight to So'ton was 35 minutes. On 11 May 1984 it crashed in Derbyshire whilst on private hire. Damage was extensive and it was beyond economic repair
Thread Starter
.
Dennisimo, welcome back!
In recent pages we have discussed Tommy Sopwith and I suppose it would be great to hear whether you have any recollections of this rotary-wing character, son of Sir Thomas Sopwith! Industry Insider mentioned that Tommy lost a finger courtesy of a set of main rotors and I recall the Colonel relating such a story to me but was unaware that it was attributed to Tommy. He seems to have been based in the Brighton/Shoreham environs so perhaps there are some memories!
Similarly, Ah de Havilland and I were both wondering whether you had any recollections of the "Mad bad and dangerous to know aristocrat" the Marquess of Bristol (page 34) who at one time flew a Hughes 500C (G-BKTK) which you would later go on to sell to Barry Sheene when it became G-STEF?
While on the matter of 500's, do you recall G-BESS (below) which used to belong to one of your partners at Skyline (Peter Millward). He came in to Booker one day and hit a small post with the tail rotor (perhaps you remember the chain-link affair that existed for a while around the heli-park opposite your hangar). He then proceeded to observe the cool down while the tail began to rattle itself to pieces. I think it was 'Nobby' who ran out to tell him to shut the thing down before matters escalated!
Hughes 500D G-BESS seen at Cranfield on 3rd September 1977. Imported by Sloane Aviation then sold to Micro Consultants of Surrey and on to Dennis' former business partner Peter Millward in 1981. Ferranti's AB206B G-AWJW in the background. (Photo: Keith Sowter)
Head Turner: If you are referring to Mark Thatcher scion of mother Mags then, to link it with my previous post, he was the only other student I recall (at the time) who was training on G-TALY. If however by '83 he was already qualified then perhaps he was performing his 206 conversion in early '84 as opposed to undertaking his PPL. For whatever reason Thatcher kept bashing Antonio 'Nobby' about my age quizzing whether I was old enough to be his student. To be fair I had only just turned 17 but looked about 15!
Dennisimo, welcome back!
In recent pages we have discussed Tommy Sopwith and I suppose it would be great to hear whether you have any recollections of this rotary-wing character, son of Sir Thomas Sopwith! Industry Insider mentioned that Tommy lost a finger courtesy of a set of main rotors and I recall the Colonel relating such a story to me but was unaware that it was attributed to Tommy. He seems to have been based in the Brighton/Shoreham environs so perhaps there are some memories!
Similarly, Ah de Havilland and I were both wondering whether you had any recollections of the "Mad bad and dangerous to know aristocrat" the Marquess of Bristol (page 34) who at one time flew a Hughes 500C (G-BKTK) which you would later go on to sell to Barry Sheene when it became G-STEF?
While on the matter of 500's, do you recall G-BESS (below) which used to belong to one of your partners at Skyline (Peter Millward). He came in to Booker one day and hit a small post with the tail rotor (perhaps you remember the chain-link affair that existed for a while around the heli-park opposite your hangar). He then proceeded to observe the cool down while the tail began to rattle itself to pieces. I think it was 'Nobby' who ran out to tell him to shut the thing down before matters escalated!
Hughes 500D G-BESS seen at Cranfield on 3rd September 1977. Imported by Sloane Aviation then sold to Micro Consultants of Surrey and on to Dennis' former business partner Peter Millward in 1981. Ferranti's AB206B G-AWJW in the background. (Photo: Keith Sowter)
Head Turner: If you are referring to Mark Thatcher scion of mother Mags then, to link it with my previous post, he was the only other student I recall (at the time) who was training on G-TALY. If however by '83 he was already qualified then perhaps he was performing his 206 conversion in early '84 as opposed to undertaking his PPL. For whatever reason Thatcher kept bashing Antonio 'Nobby' about my age quizzing whether I was old enough to be his student. To be fair I had only just turned 17 but looked about 15!
Thread Starter
Celtic Rangers .. of another kind!
Wigan I am responding here in anticipation of further linkages which may well steer us further away from the Mann theme.
Well done on your research regarding Western Air. Its intriguing because there seem to be so many of these firms which one has never heard of before. All relative of course.
WOSP has appeared several times on this thread, initially on page 4 where she is barely visible behind a Gleneagles 206 being wheeled-out to launch by an army of ground-handlers in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The same image can be seen in post #756 above.
PPRuNe member Paco spent some time flying WOSP and he may have an idea as to the history behind Western. Have there been many Glasgow-based helicopter operators that you know of over the years?
Another shot of WOSP. She was one of the first 206 III's in the UK:
Burnthills operated B206B III G-WOSP at the Strathallan Airshow in Auchterarder on 8th July 1984 (Photo: Alec MacKellaig)
Well done on your research regarding Western Air. Its intriguing because there seem to be so many of these firms which one has never heard of before. All relative of course.
WOSP has appeared several times on this thread, initially on page 4 where she is barely visible behind a Gleneagles 206 being wheeled-out to launch by an army of ground-handlers in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The same image can be seen in post #756 above.
PPRuNe member Paco spent some time flying WOSP and he may have an idea as to the history behind Western. Have there been many Glasgow-based helicopter operators that you know of over the years?
Another shot of WOSP. She was one of the first 206 III's in the UK:
Burnthills operated B206B III G-WOSP at the Strathallan Airshow in Auchterarder on 8th July 1984 (Photo: Alec MacKellaig)
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: around and about
Age: 71
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
G-WOSP
S
I've a mind that the owner of G WOSP was called McGilverary (sp?); perhaps Tommy? Something like that comes to mind, but it was a long time ago
(Brain cells only fuctioning on 3 cylinders) - VFR
I've a mind that the owner of G WOSP was called McGilverary (sp?); perhaps Tommy? Something like that comes to mind, but it was a long time ago
(Brain cells only fuctioning on 3 cylinders) - VFR
- VFR
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Kings Caple, Ross-on-Wye.orPiccots End. Hertfordshire
Posts: 458
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thoughts
Just to upate on a few of my associated recollections on the individuals and rotary types mentioned. Yes while working with Archie McKenzie's March Helicopters up at Sywell. Original name came when Mike Smith and Archie set up the new business ... Mike & Archie ... I flew his Lordships Hughes 500 and great fun it was hobnobbing about with a Royal Crest on the side.
When visiting his Endeavour Motor car business in Brighton, Tommy Sopwith often parked his AS350 for the day, close to the A27 entrance of Shoreham Airport. As has been mentioned, he was a regular flyer from Shoreham in the late 1970s/early 1980s.
Many stories of Mark T abound. In 1984. being a regular client at Skyine Helis, when on leaving the offices for a practice H2/H4 Heli Lane navex, I called back to Mark ... "Got your map?" His simply replied. "There's more than a few people out there who say the worst thing I can carry is a map!" This followed his well reported car rally foray into the Sahara.
Peter Millward's Hughes 500D, G-BESS was one of the Skyline fleet. In 1984, Peter was unfortunate to lose the engine while flying over Oxford. He put it down safely. However the college who owned the land wouldn't allow entry of the recovering truck without an exhorbitant indemnity. We solved the problem by removing the engine and lifting G-BESS using a second H500 and lowering her on to the platform lorry standing by on a nearby road.
Oh and I have now met James 'The Hoff'. ex CO of 1X Squadron up at Marham. I spent the day with his Squadrom pilots ... not one being over thirteen I swear! I was kindly allowed to spend an hour on the Thales GR4 Sim. Absolutely FAB.
An end titbit. Taking tea in the Squadron crew room, one of the pilots said ... "I'm told you used to fly the Meteor ... when was that?" "1954" ... I had to admit." He raised his eyes. "Over fifty years ago ... My Dad wasn't even born then." Now that has to be the line to end all lines!
Best wishes to all.
Dennis Kenyon.
When visiting his Endeavour Motor car business in Brighton, Tommy Sopwith often parked his AS350 for the day, close to the A27 entrance of Shoreham Airport. As has been mentioned, he was a regular flyer from Shoreham in the late 1970s/early 1980s.
Many stories of Mark T abound. In 1984. being a regular client at Skyine Helis, when on leaving the offices for a practice H2/H4 Heli Lane navex, I called back to Mark ... "Got your map?" His simply replied. "There's more than a few people out there who say the worst thing I can carry is a map!" This followed his well reported car rally foray into the Sahara.
Peter Millward's Hughes 500D, G-BESS was one of the Skyline fleet. In 1984, Peter was unfortunate to lose the engine while flying over Oxford. He put it down safely. However the college who owned the land wouldn't allow entry of the recovering truck without an exhorbitant indemnity. We solved the problem by removing the engine and lifting G-BESS using a second H500 and lowering her on to the platform lorry standing by on a nearby road.
Oh and I have now met James 'The Hoff'. ex CO of 1X Squadron up at Marham. I spent the day with his Squadrom pilots ... not one being over thirteen I swear! I was kindly allowed to spend an hour on the Thales GR4 Sim. Absolutely FAB.
An end titbit. Taking tea in the Squadron crew room, one of the pilots said ... "I'm told you used to fly the Meteor ... when was that?" "1954" ... I had to admit." He raised his eyes. "Over fifty years ago ... My Dad wasn't even born then." Now that has to be the line to end all lines!
Best wishes to all.
Dennis Kenyon.
Thread Starter
.
Va bene Vittorio! (ie. no problem VFR). What with WASP, WOSP and BUZZ .. and then there was a Wasp Helicopters (an altogether separate outfit so I believe) it can become a little confusing.
Ah yes well, the march of time is relentless Dennisimo and it doesn't take long before one realises that life has us on this carousel which jollies us from cradle to grave with alarming efficiency! Still, hopefully, we get to collect some memorable moments along the way and which 'album of life' we might sometimes share with those who have the strength to endure our various tales.
Well done to The Hoff for hosting you with his former Squadron.
Apparitions of the elves and their safety culture even then! Shame.
Dennis in his Meteor!
By the way Dennis, if you do have any images from your Meteor days please email me - we should preserve them along with the rest of your photos.
Celtic Rangers ... continued ..
Another obscure (to me) Highlands outfit were Kestrel (on the other side of the bluff to you Wigan):
Inverness-based 'Kestrel Helicopters' evidently operated this Bell 206B G-AWUC seen here at Inverness in the summer of 1974 (Photo: Peter Nicholson)
Va bene Vittorio! (ie. no problem VFR).
What with WASP, WOSP and BUZZ .. and then there was a Wasp Helicopters (an altogether separate outfit so I believe) it can become a little confusing.Ah yes well, the march of time is relentless Dennisimo and it doesn't take long before one realises that life has us on this carousel which jollies us from cradle to grave with alarming efficiency! Still, hopefully, we get to collect some memorable moments along the way and which 'album of life' we might sometimes share with those who have the strength to endure our various tales.
Well done to The Hoff for hosting you with his former Squadron.
However the college who owned the land wouldn't allow entry of the recovering truck without an exhorbitant indemnity.
Dennis in his Meteor!
By the way Dennis, if you do have any images from your Meteor days please email me - we should preserve them along with the rest of your photos.
Celtic Rangers ... continued ..
Another obscure (to me) Highlands outfit were Kestrel (on the other side of the bluff
to you Wigan):Inverness-based 'Kestrel Helicopters' evidently operated this Bell 206B G-AWUC seen here at Inverness in the summer of 1974 (Photo: Peter Nicholson)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland
Posts: 943
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kestrel were an extremely nice company with very friendly staff. I had the pleasure of flying their 47 a few times. Unfortunately the business in the building next door didn't appreciate the noise! I can't remember if I flew that 206. I believe they moved into some offshore work. Must find my 1977 log book!
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Scotland
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
G-AWUC
Summer of '74, the JR was registered to Air West Ltd., in Dorset, the bottom of England, so must have been leased into Kestral at Inverness, the top of Scotland, first time I have heard of Kestrel, must have been a small operation, it wasn't until December 1975 that PLM started up, any connection maybe?
As for operators at Glasgow, I think McAlpine had G-OMAV or G-BMAV based there at some stage,just remember Burnthill's, which became Gleneagle's, when they returned - as it were - to Edinburgh, Clyde started up, and moved out of Glasgow to the City centre heliport,Edinburgh had Lakeside Helicopters for while. they had G-WOSP as one of their JR's, and the sad demise of Lothian, wonder where G-LILA is?
Wigan
As for operators at Glasgow, I think McAlpine had G-OMAV or G-BMAV based there at some stage,just remember Burnthill's, which became Gleneagle's, when they returned - as it were - to Edinburgh, Clyde started up, and moved out of Glasgow to the City centre heliport,Edinburgh had Lakeside Helicopters for while. they had G-WOSP as one of their JR's, and the sad demise of Lothian, wonder where G-LILA is?
Wigan
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I recall McAlpine having G-BBHW, a Gazelle, based at Glasgow.
The first time that I encountered G-BMAV was when PDG first had her around 2000.There was a Squirrel based during the late eighties G-NIAL that was registered to Timothy Laing Aviation which was connected to PLM if I recall correctly. It later became G-PLMD
During the mid seventies, shortly before Burnthills was set up, there was a Jet Ranger G-AYCM based at Glasgow. It was registered to Fras-air limited which I assume was Hugh Fraser's company.
Tarman
The first time that I encountered G-BMAV was when PDG first had her around 2000.There was a Squirrel based during the late eighties G-NIAL that was registered to Timothy Laing Aviation which was connected to PLM if I recall correctly. It later became G-PLMD
During the mid seventies, shortly before Burnthills was set up, there was a Jet Ranger G-AYCM based at Glasgow. It was registered to Fras-air limited which I assume was Hugh Fraser's company.
Tarman
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Age: 60
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kestrel Helicopters
I read somewhere that Kestrel were owned by or under the same ownership as Peregrine Air Services.
They were reported as operating a pair of JetRangers - G-AWUC and Lord Dulverton's G-AZAG. I have no confirmation of the later.
I didn't know they had a Bell 47, and would be interested to learn more.
They were reported as operating a pair of JetRangers - G-AWUC and Lord Dulverton's G-AZAG. I have no confirmation of the later.
I didn't know they had a Bell 47, and would be interested to learn more.
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Scotland
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
JR G-AYCM was with Fras-Air 2/73 to 2/76, another one was G-AWRV new to A.Gilmour,Glasgow, 12/68 to 3/69, then to Sagil Helicopters Ltd, Glasgow 4/69 to 1/70, maybe more will pop up as we go along.
Wigan
Wigan
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Age: 60
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fras-Air & WASP Helis
Yes Fras-Air was owned by Sir Hugh Fraser of House of Fraser fame.
The company was sold to Air Charter Scotland in the 80s - this was the ACS run by Geoff Rosenbloom and not the current company of that name.
There's a story that Sir Hugh turned up in his JetRanger at Glenforsa airfield, Mull with several men, they all jumped out & a/c departed. The airfield demanded a lading fee but hey refused to pay on the grounds that the a/c had not actually touched down. The matter was settled when Sir Hugh bought doubles for everyone at the bar.
I too have posted some more info on Western Air Scotland Partners t/a Wasp Helicopter Hire on the Alan Mann thread.
The company was sold to Air Charter Scotland in the 80s - this was the ACS run by Geoff Rosenbloom and not the current company of that name.
There's a story that Sir Hugh turned up in his JetRanger at Glenforsa airfield, Mull with several men, they all jumped out & a/c departed. The airfield demanded a lading fee but hey refused to pay on the grounds that the a/c had not actually touched down. The matter was settled when Sir Hugh bought doubles for everyone at the bar.
I too have posted some more info on Western Air Scotland Partners t/a Wasp Helicopter Hire on the Alan Mann thread.
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Age: 60
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh I meant to add that the Timothy Laing owner of G-NIAL was the 'L' in PLM Helicopters. The P was Capt John Poland, and the M was MacKenzie.
There were several Laings and MacKenzies amongst the directors and shareholders of PLM but Timothy Laing was the largest single shareholder and together the Laings had 60% of the shares.
There were several Laings and MacKenzies amongst the directors and shareholders of PLM but Timothy Laing was the largest single shareholder and together the Laings had 60% of the shares.
Thread Starter
.
Wigan, well done, again! Had totally forgotten about McAlpine's involvement in the Highlands.
Tarman, great stuff! I've posted McAlpine's Gazelle (below).
ADH, brillant!
Am also keen to learn more about everything mentioned above and to discover the registration of the Bell 47 which Nigel flew for the 'nice people' at Kestrel.
SA341G belonging to McAlpine Aviation stationed at Glasgow in the mid-70's (Photo: Martin Stephen)
Ferranti had a 206 based in Edinburgh during the 70's which, to the best of my knowledge, performed liaison/communications with one or more of their factories.
Wigan, well done, again! Had totally forgotten about McAlpine's involvement in the Highlands.
Tarman, great stuff! I've posted McAlpine's Gazelle (below).
ADH, brillant!
Am also keen to learn more about everything mentioned above and to discover the registration of the Bell 47 which Nigel flew for the 'nice people' at Kestrel.
SA341G belonging to McAlpine Aviation stationed at Glasgow in the mid-70's (Photo: Martin Stephen)
Ferranti had a 206 based in Edinburgh during the 70's which, to the best of my knowledge, performed liaison/communications with one or more of their factories.
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Kings Caple, Ross-on-Wye.orPiccots End. Hertfordshire
Posts: 458
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DRK & the Meteor
Hallo again Savoia,
I'll go through the old archives and see if I can locate a Meteor shot ... but it won't be the one you illustrate. That was a Mk 8 ... I flew the Mk4s!
Like everyone ... just love this thread which sure stirs up some wonderful memories of people, places & aircraft. I had my finger on the G-BUZZ machine which I owned and AOC operated at Redhill in the early and mid 1990s. I understand it later got its rotors tangled up with another heli at WAP. Any news on that happening?
Regards. Dennis Kenyon.
I'll go through the old archives and see if I can locate a Meteor shot ... but it won't be the one you illustrate. That was a Mk 8 ... I flew the Mk4s!
Like everyone ... just love this thread which sure stirs up some wonderful memories of people, places & aircraft. I had my finger on the G-BUZZ machine which I owned and AOC operated at Redhill in the early and mid 1990s. I understand it later got its rotors tangled up with another heli at WAP. Any news on that happening?
Regards. Dennis Kenyon.
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: eu
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kestrel and PLM Helicopters
Kestrel was the predecessor to PLM. I don't think there was ever a Bell 47 for Nigel and Timothy Laing was not the L of PLM, that was his uncle Hector Laing, although Timothy did become chairman of PLM/PDG. Regarding Peregrine and Kestrel, they were only the AOC holder to which Kestrel was attached to initially.