The Rotary Nostalgia Thread
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Ahhh PNG Savoia. I was taking my 'altitude' check on top of Mt Wilhelm near Goroka (circa 14,0000 feet I think) with Gary Freeman (RIP) and he was demonstrating the technique of flying a bowl of porridge. I was trying to pay attention but kept getting distracted by bits of helicopter that littered the approach to the pad. Gary knew the history of each crash.
Concentrates the mind wonderfully
Concentrates the mind wonderfully
Thread Starter
Tjef, what a great collection of Southend nostalgia! Bravo, fantastic! 
G-BGYF featured at the genesis of this thread (page 3 in fact) where she can be seen amidst a 'sea' of JetRangers in Speechless Two's wonderful reminiscences of his Rhodesian expedition. On page 2 PPRuNer Low Flier admitted to having flown YF and referred to her as the 'Raspberry Ripple' 206! A further photo of YF (taken during the filming of "Hopscotch") appears on page 38.
BGYF was touted as being the craft used in the filming of 'The Spy Who Loved Me' but .. as she was imported in July '79 and the filming took place in 1976, I don't see how this was possible! Would you happen to know which 206 John used for this movie (filmed mainly in Sardinia)?
It is great to see this craft in her AirLog livery and which, in my view, was a more pleasing arrangement than her 'Raspberry Ripple' effect. Indeed in her AirLog colours she bears a resemblance to the late Lord Dulverton's 206 (G-AZAG) a photo of which (courtesy of Helipixman) can be seen on page 22.
Sadly, and as you probably know, sometime after returning to the US to become N152AL again, she was involved in a crash in which the pilot was killed. Details of the accident may be found here.
Regarding BDKD the 'Bad Kid' PPruNer Gaseous mentioned in June that the craft was nearing a rebuild and posted an image of her on page 37 at Battersea wearing Police titles. A further image of her appears on page 38 at Epsom and I dare say that Dennisimo has some interesting history with this craft along with John's other Enstroms.
The photo of G-AWAP at the Tradex Fair is great although I am keen to learn a little more about the function of the 'Paravision Rig'!
Of G-ANLW; this was of course John's second Widgeon - the first (G-APVD) having been sold to him by my godfather in 1972.
Here are some shots (with Shane in mind) of G-ANLW in her pre-Helicopter Hire days:
ANLW was assigned on a short term contract from Westland to Sabena in Belgium during one of the Expo fairs. (I'll have to dig up the year)
ANLW with Westlands conducting float trials
Around 1983/4 I hired a couple of different 206's from HH. Each time they were flown by a reasonably young chap but .. I simply can't remember his name and, worst of all, I can't remember the registrations of the craft. One was on shorts however and the other wore pop-outs.
Very sorry to hear about Gary. 
I remember him one time providing me with the etymology of his name 'Freeman' and, though interesting enough, seemed somewhat out of context during the middle of a C&T sortie. A quizzical glance on my part brought him back the matter at hand!
They say that PNG sorted out the men from the boys. Perhaps. What I remember is losing five friends in one year - a couple of them plank drivers. In fact I think PNG was probably one of the ultimate testing grounds for the smaller stiff wings - creeping up valleys towards a one way strips with little or no room for manoeuvre and dodging the weather (in and out of IMC) on almost every flight. One can think of better places to fly!
G-BGYF featured at the genesis of this thread (page 3 in fact) where she can be seen amidst a 'sea' of JetRangers in Speechless Two's wonderful reminiscences of his Rhodesian expedition. On page 2 PPRuNer Low Flier admitted to having flown YF and referred to her as the 'Raspberry Ripple' 206! A further photo of YF (taken during the filming of "Hopscotch") appears on page 38.
BGYF was touted as being the craft used in the filming of 'The Spy Who Loved Me' but .. as she was imported in July '79 and the filming took place in 1976, I don't see how this was possible! Would you happen to know which 206 John used for this movie (filmed mainly in Sardinia)?
It is great to see this craft in her AirLog livery and which, in my view, was a more pleasing arrangement than her 'Raspberry Ripple' effect. Indeed in her AirLog colours she bears a resemblance to the late Lord Dulverton's 206 (G-AZAG) a photo of which (courtesy of Helipixman) can be seen on page 22.
Sadly, and as you probably know, sometime after returning to the US to become N152AL again, she was involved in a crash in which the pilot was killed. Details of the accident may be found here.
Regarding BDKD the 'Bad Kid' PPruNer Gaseous mentioned in June that the craft was nearing a rebuild and posted an image of her on page 37 at Battersea wearing Police titles. A further image of her appears on page 38 at Epsom and I dare say that Dennisimo has some interesting history with this craft along with John's other Enstroms.
The photo of G-AWAP at the Tradex Fair is great although I am keen to learn a little more about the function of the 'Paravision Rig'!
Of G-ANLW; this was of course John's second Widgeon - the first (G-APVD) having been sold to him by my godfather in 1972.
Here are some shots (with Shane in mind) of G-ANLW in her pre-Helicopter Hire days:
ANLW was assigned on a short term contract from Westland to Sabena in Belgium during one of the Expo fairs. (I'll have to dig up the year)
ANLW with Westlands conducting float trials
Around 1983/4 I hired a couple of different 206's from HH. Each time they were flown by a reasonably young chap but .. I simply can't remember his name and, worst of all, I can't remember the registrations of the craft. One was on shorts however and the other wore pop-outs.
Epiphany wrote: Ahhh PNG Savoia. I was taking my 'altitude' check on top of Mt Wilhelm near Goroka (circa 14,0000 feet I think) with Gary Freeman (RIP) and he was demonstrating the technique of flying a bowl of porridge. I was trying to pay attention but kept getting distracted by bits of helicopter that littered the approach to the pad. Gary knew the history of each crash.
Concentrates the mind wonderfully.
Concentrates the mind wonderfully.
I remember him one time providing me with the etymology of his name 'Freeman' and, though interesting enough, seemed somewhat out of context during the middle of a C&T sortie. A quizzical glance on my part brought him back the matter at hand!They say that PNG sorted out the men from the boys. Perhaps. What I remember is losing five friends in one year - a couple of them plank drivers. In fact I think PNG was probably one of the ultimate testing grounds for the smaller stiff wings - creeping up valleys towards a one way strips with little or no room for manoeuvre and dodging the weather (in and out of IMC) on almost every flight. One can think of better places to fly!
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Heli-Hire
Hi Savoia,
In 1983/84 HH had the two Jet Rangers G-BBUY & G-BBCA. "CA" was always on low skids and "UY" on Pop-Outs. I have a picture of "UY" in its splendid Orange & White scheme which I can put on here.
The "Spy Who Loved Me" 206 was G-BAML by the way and filmed in Sardinia by the ill-fated G-AWAP. G-BAZN was also used on occasions - Somerton Rayner I believe!
With regards to the Paravision rig, I only saw it used for for the Tradex in 1977 and presumably went back to Film Flight days.
It resembled someone on a parachute so maybe was used for filming parachutists in the air.
Some of the things we did in those days would have been frowned upon and highly illegal now!
I have to say that Heli-Hire/Heli-Maintenance gave me the best grounding that an engineer could have in my apprenticeship and would like to take this opportunity to thank the late John Crewdson, Gill Aldham, Nick Phillips, Dave Hitchin and laterly Richard von Isenburg for 8 fantastic years.
Also will put on some pics of the Air Log 212 which was operated just prior to the G-KATE WG30 era.
Finally, I wonder why was N152AL flying on an "Experimental" Airworthiness certificate when it crashed?
Oh, and the reasonably young chap was probably Howard Mersey who I followed to Aeromega where I worked for 11 years until 2000. Howard is now in Flight Ops at the CAA and I am a QM in a 145 Maint organisation looking after a variety of airlines across europe.
In 1983/84 HH had the two Jet Rangers G-BBUY & G-BBCA. "CA" was always on low skids and "UY" on Pop-Outs. I have a picture of "UY" in its splendid Orange & White scheme which I can put on here.
The "Spy Who Loved Me" 206 was G-BAML by the way and filmed in Sardinia by the ill-fated G-AWAP. G-BAZN was also used on occasions - Somerton Rayner I believe!
With regards to the Paravision rig, I only saw it used for for the Tradex in 1977 and presumably went back to Film Flight days.
It resembled someone on a parachute so maybe was used for filming parachutists in the air.
Some of the things we did in those days would have been frowned upon and highly illegal now!
I have to say that Heli-Hire/Heli-Maintenance gave me the best grounding that an engineer could have in my apprenticeship and would like to take this opportunity to thank the late John Crewdson, Gill Aldham, Nick Phillips, Dave Hitchin and laterly Richard von Isenburg for 8 fantastic years.
Also will put on some pics of the Air Log 212 which was operated just prior to the G-KATE WG30 era.
Finally, I wonder why was N152AL flying on an "Experimental" Airworthiness certificate when it crashed?
Oh, and the reasonably young chap was probably Howard Mersey who I followed to Aeromega where I worked for 11 years until 2000. Howard is now in Flight Ops at the CAA and I am a QM in a 145 Maint organisation looking after a variety of airlines across europe.
Last edited by tjef2808; 10th Nov 2011 at 10:32.
Thread Starter
Tjef many thanks for clarifying (at long last) the identity of the aircraft used in the filming of the 'Spy Who Loved Me.' 
Yes it all comes back. Didn't realise that I had been in both these craft! An image of BBCA appears on page 41 and on page 16 BBUY (in which Dennisimo had some involvement) can be seen wearing her Air Anglia livery. Please do post a shot of her!
I think many of us could say something similar. The 'age of innocence' has all but past and with it much of the (sometimes) frivolous spontaneity which at times could be quite entertaining! It has all become somewhat 'serious' for many in recent decades.
From the accident report:
Well if you speak with him please convey that Bob Smith's godson extends his regards.
From page 28:
Westland WG30-100 G-BIWY at the 'Beehive', London Gatwick, in May 1982 (Photo: Richard Vandervord)
In 1983/84 HH had the two Jet Rangers G-BBUY & G-BBCA. "CA" was always on low skids and "UY" on Pop-Outs. I have a picture of "UY" in its splendid Orange & White scheme which I can put on here.
Some of the things we did in those days would have been frowned upon and highly illegal now!
Finally, I wonder why was N152AL flying on an "Experimental" Airworthiness certificate when it crashed?
The operator reported that the helicopter was being used for the development of a helicopter autopilot system ..
Oh, and the reasonably young chap was probably Howard Mersey ..
Anyone know of any pictures of WG30 G-KATE while she was owned by Helicopter Hire but was mostly leased to British Airways Helicopters?
Dennisimo mentioned John's daughter (whom he taught to fly) and Helicopter Hire's WG30 G-KATE (below).
Helicopter Hire's WG30 G-KATE (so named after John's daughter) seen at Plymouth on 2nd June 1984. John Crewdson's name appearing beneath the forward door. (Photo: Chris England).
If I have my facts straight the craft was leased from Westland before being sold to British International in 1989. Check out the curvature on the main rotor blades compared say with an S76!
Helicopter Hire's WG30 G-KATE (so named after John's daughter) seen at Plymouth on 2nd June 1984. John Crewdson's name appearing beneath the forward door. (Photo: Chris England).
If I have my facts straight the craft was leased from Westland before being sold to British International in 1989. Check out the curvature on the main rotor blades compared say with an S76!
Westland WG30-100 G-BIWY at the 'Beehive', London Gatwick, in May 1982 (Photo: Richard Vandervord)
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Heli Hire Advert - 1980 BHAB Handbook
Those were the days!!!
John Crewdson in the Alouette picture on an oil platform. We were heavily involved with "Sealand" the gun fortress off shore which Roy Bates and his wife turned into a principality!
In the workshop picture are David Hitchen, John Dunkley and Fred (Cannot remember his surname).
Last edited by tjef2808; 10th Nov 2011 at 19:43.
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G-BBUY
As promised the beautiful "UY" complete with "Otis Lifts" sticker ready for the Open Golf at Sandwich. We were based at Leeds Castle.
"CA" was very dour in comparison (I have never liked the 206 on low skids!) and I think was painted a dark blue when we bought it.
"YF" was in a different scheme for someone but I cannot remember who.
Thread Starter
Eccellente Tjef!
I really am enjoying your Helicopter Hire memorabilia, great stuff, and yes this is how BBUY was clothed when Howard performed the honours for my early 80's charters.
Now c'mon Tjef, spill the beans on some of the more light-hearted antics that the late great JC got up to - he must have done something amusing .. at least once!
Shane; I'm still making enquiries regarding your interest in G-APTE, the Westland Widgeon you posted on page 49 and which was working with Shamrock Helicopters.
I sent a 'round-robin' email to the 30 odd photographers I usually pester for permissions to post on PPRuNe and so far what I have is this ..
In the meantime you might enjoy this British Pathé clip of your craft making her way to the isle of Inishturk off the coast of County Mayo in 1961:
BRITISH PATHÉ CLIP OF G-APTE
Ahh Inishturk! The island of the wild boar, home to the Emerald Isles finest catches of lobster and former dwelling place of the patron saint of Columbia Helicopters! Rumour has it that when a mining company offered to develop the vein of gold which runs through the heart of the island the inhabitants said [Irish accent on] "Ah now, it'll be alright there. We don't need to spoil God's handiwork just because the little leprechauns get itchy feet whenever they walk on our land!".
Oh and Shane, I saw a movie the other day called 'The Guard' (a story set predominantly in Galway). I've not enjoyed a movie that much in a long time - fantastic!
I really am enjoying your Helicopter Hire memorabilia, great stuff, and yes this is how BBUY was clothed when Howard performed the honours for my early 80's charters.
Now c'mon Tjef, spill the beans on some of the more light-hearted antics that the late great JC got up to - he must have done something amusing .. at least once!
Shane; I'm still making enquiries regarding your interest in G-APTE, the Westland Widgeon you posted on page 49 and which was working with Shamrock Helicopters.
I sent a 'round-robin' email to the 30 odd photographers I usually pester for permissions to post on PPRuNe and so far what I have is this ..
I was told that Westlands offered G-APTE to Aer Lingus to see if they would help develop a market for the helicopter and that through them it flew with another company for a while. Its all a bit sketchy but I remember being told something like this.
BRITISH PATHÉ CLIP OF G-APTE
Ahh Inishturk! The island of the wild boar, home to the Emerald Isles finest catches of lobster and former dwelling place of the patron saint of Columbia Helicopters! Rumour has it that when a mining company offered to develop the vein of gold which runs through the heart of the island the inhabitants said [Irish accent on] "Ah now, it'll be alright there. We don't need to spoil God's handiwork just because the little leprechauns get itchy feet whenever they walk on our land!".
Oh and Shane, I saw a movie the other day called 'The Guard' (a story set predominantly in Galway). I've not enjoyed a movie that much in a long time - fantastic!
Air Hanson Bell 222A rigged like Airwolf for movie -but what movie?
Came across this in Paul Beaver's Attack Helicopters published in 1987 by Arms & Armour and the photograph note says that this Air Hanson PLC Bell 222A was rigged up for a movie but does anyone know what production did this star in?
Cheers
Cheers
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Westland WG-30
That's what I like about this place.
I've been flying helicopters for almost 20 years now but have never heart about or ever seen a Westland WG-30 before.
I've been flying helicopters for almost 20 years now but have never heart about or ever seen a Westland WG-30 before.
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Hi Spunk,
You have not missed much!!
The WG30 was yet another british, low production aircraft which failed to make the grade.
HH had it in mind for a contract for offshore however when the figures were worked out, fully laden it could get out to the rig and halfway back when fuel would run out!! Bring on the 212 (N142AL/G-BIDC) Pics to follow!
How many people knew HH had a 212?
KATE had a number of problems such as a replacement mis-machined gearbox casing which affected the flight controls and it nearly beat itself to death on the ground. Horizontal stabiliser had a habit of falling off when the titanium spar failed (Yes, titanium failure) due to the amount it vibrated.
KATE also was blessed with sliding doors on both sides and having flown in it the noise and vibration was terrible. I thought the Bo105 (Boiled egg with a stick up its a!s!) was bad enough when you flared until this!
You have not missed much!!
The WG30 was yet another british, low production aircraft which failed to make the grade.
HH had it in mind for a contract for offshore however when the figures were worked out, fully laden it could get out to the rig and halfway back when fuel would run out!! Bring on the 212 (N142AL/G-BIDC) Pics to follow!
How many people knew HH had a 212?
KATE had a number of problems such as a replacement mis-machined gearbox casing which affected the flight controls and it nearly beat itself to death on the ground. Horizontal stabiliser had a habit of falling off when the titanium spar failed (Yes, titanium failure) due to the amount it vibrated.
KATE also was blessed with sliding doors on both sides and having flown in it the noise and vibration was terrible. I thought the Bo105 (Boiled egg with a stick up its a!s!) was bad enough when you flared until this!
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G-BFYA - On the subject of Bolkow Bo105.............................
"YA" The workhorse that replaced "AWAP" and acted as "Hele Tele" cameraship for London Marathon's, Boat Races galore!
Got a fair few thumps on the head from the skid on this beastie whilst load lifting on Foulness Island.
Capt Phil Bartley was the usual jockey for this beast!
Best job we ever did with this aircraft was the original British Airways flying towers of money. Anyone remember that?
Basically, in the advert all you saw was a pile of money coming into land at an airport.
I truth, we had a large wooden structure covered in dollars lookalike paper and flew up and down the 06/24 at SEN.
Fine until a strop broke!!!
As I said before, fun days they were!!!
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More Heli Hire
Oops, sorry but appear to have taken over this thread somewhat with Helicopter Hire stuff. Please say if I have outstayed my welcome!!!
Truth is it was such a diverse operation to work for with Crop Spraying one minute, load-lifting, working on film sets joy-rides, Power Line & gas patrols there were never any dull moments.
Anyway, more pictures.............................
Highland Helicopters (Who are they?)
Truth is it was such a diverse operation to work for with Crop Spraying one minute, load-lifting, working on film sets joy-rides, Power Line & gas patrols there were never any dull moments.
Anyway, more pictures.............................
Highland Helicopters (Who are they?)
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Helicopter Hire
For sure, JC's company Helicopter Hire was a star of the 1970s. I got to know the team really well, JC and his super lady Gill Aldam, Phil Bartley and Marc Wolf and David Voy. For a couple of years they were my best Enstrom customers having operated, 28A, G-BCOT (crop spraying, G-BBRS with the Met police, ditto G-BENO) All the family were flyers, beautiful daughter Kate who took her first few lessons with me at Shoreham and No. 2 son Nick Crewsdon who also learned to fly with me on the 300C at Shoreham. Nick is now a pretty experienced rotary man with many licence types and lots of film work to his credit. I keep in touch with Gill who keeps her good looks as well as she ever was.
In the late 1970s John and I did some flying together on one of the Enstroms for the film 'Rollerball' - the first version. Had 'Energy Corporation' logo on the nose which on one occasion prompted a Blackbushe refueller to say he could send the charge on to the corporation! In the 1970s, he introduced me to some early Police flying with the Strathclyde Force, the London Met and the infamous Big G Chief Constable at Kidlington. I have to say I learned so much from a great aviator.
Daughter Kate is a qualfied hospital GP and son No 1 flies the airbus with Virgin. JC's list of film credits is legendary and if the Mods will allow, I'll shortly post around two dozen films where John did both camera and story ship flying.
Sadly it all ended when John was lost with the Aerospatiale following a M/R hub failure while on a water sampling flight. Yes a wonderful business and a wonderful family. Oh and there is a Crewdson Road in Crawley.
Hope these imputs help keep this superb thread upfront. BW to all. Dennis Kenyon.
In the late 1970s John and I did some flying together on one of the Enstroms for the film 'Rollerball' - the first version. Had 'Energy Corporation' logo on the nose which on one occasion prompted a Blackbushe refueller to say he could send the charge on to the corporation! In the 1970s, he introduced me to some early Police flying with the Strathclyde Force, the London Met and the infamous Big G Chief Constable at Kidlington. I have to say I learned so much from a great aviator.
Daughter Kate is a qualfied hospital GP and son No 1 flies the airbus with Virgin. JC's list of film credits is legendary and if the Mods will allow, I'll shortly post around two dozen films where John did both camera and story ship flying.
Sadly it all ended when John was lost with the Aerospatiale following a M/R hub failure while on a water sampling flight. Yes a wonderful business and a wonderful family. Oh and there is a Crewdson Road in Crawley.
Hope these imputs help keep this superb thread upfront. BW to all. Dennis Kenyon.
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Johnny Crewdson
Nick & Kate Crewdson have been getting all the mentions on here but most of my dealings have been with Johnny who I believe was John's son from his first marriage.
Met him at HH when he was walking around the workshops sporting a "CRASS" tee-shirt.
Many years later I came across him again during my Bristows days and again at Aeromega.
He was always a friendly understated chap who always did the job well.
I think he spent a lot of time on the deadly "Gas Contract" where I think he flew for Dollar plus other operators. Also believe that he did some time on the North Sea.
Not seen Johnny for a good few years but personnally have been out of helicopters for coming up to 12 years now.
In answer to Savoia's earlier question regarding JC's antics, he was a very quiet man but a damn fine pilot. As HH progressed he became more the businessman than the flier.
Met him at HH when he was walking around the workshops sporting a "CRASS" tee-shirt.
Many years later I came across him again during my Bristows days and again at Aeromega.
He was always a friendly understated chap who always did the job well.
I think he spent a lot of time on the deadly "Gas Contract" where I think he flew for Dollar plus other operators. Also believe that he did some time on the North Sea.
Not seen Johnny for a good few years but personnally have been out of helicopters for coming up to 12 years now.
In answer to Savoia's earlier question regarding JC's antics, he was a very quiet man but a damn fine pilot. As HH progressed he became more the businessman than the flier.