The Rotary Nostalgia Thread
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G-BCOT incident at SEN
Mentioned on here earlier was the accident involving G-BCOT whilst carrying out ground runs and hover checks after maintenance at SEN outside Hangar 2, the home of HH.
It was gone 5:30p.m, pitch black when the aircraft was wheeled out for David Voy to run.
Geoff Dentith and Mary (Can't remember her surname) were the engineers supervising the run and being a mere apprentice I was walking out to my motorbike which was parked by some cars alongside where "OT" was being run on my way home.
As I walked across, Geoff D was alongside watching belt engagement etc when the aircraft went light on the skids, tilted backwards then started to go over to one side and swivel round.
At this point I dived behind a car but heard the horrendous din as the blades hit the concrete. After it went quiet I came out from behind the cars to see "OT" facing the opposite direction, back on its skids, one toe section missing and GD sitting alongside the aircraft.
Poor "OT" was sitting there looking like a palmtree with the rotorblades curled around the mast in an odd fashion.
Geoff D had a thigh injury and IIRC limped for a fair while afterwards but was a very lucky man. David Voy was an absolute star (As he always was) to get the aircraft back on its skids.
As someone else on here said, the three control tubes which went up the mast were twisted I think due to mal-assembly of the swashplate. As the aircraft went light on the skids the control tubes tried to correct orientation giving a massive cyclic input with the end result.
Lucky escape all round, with the "BDKD" incident, BBRS with a couple of scares over London with David Voy and IIRC Steve Forde I never really had a great liking for the F-28A (Sorry Dennis
) I think we had a loan Enstrom F-28A for a while (G-BALT maybe) which when we returned it to Shoreham a Pitts or something similar taxied into it not long after.
Give me the Bell 47 anyday!!!
It was gone 5:30p.m, pitch black when the aircraft was wheeled out for David Voy to run.
Geoff Dentith and Mary (Can't remember her surname) were the engineers supervising the run and being a mere apprentice I was walking out to my motorbike which was parked by some cars alongside where "OT" was being run on my way home.
As I walked across, Geoff D was alongside watching belt engagement etc when the aircraft went light on the skids, tilted backwards then started to go over to one side and swivel round.
At this point I dived behind a car but heard the horrendous din as the blades hit the concrete. After it went quiet I came out from behind the cars to see "OT" facing the opposite direction, back on its skids, one toe section missing and GD sitting alongside the aircraft.
Poor "OT" was sitting there looking like a palmtree with the rotorblades curled around the mast in an odd fashion.
Geoff D had a thigh injury and IIRC limped for a fair while afterwards but was a very lucky man. David Voy was an absolute star (As he always was) to get the aircraft back on its skids.
As someone else on here said, the three control tubes which went up the mast were twisted I think due to mal-assembly of the swashplate. As the aircraft went light on the skids the control tubes tried to correct orientation giving a massive cyclic input with the end result.
Lucky escape all round, with the "BDKD" incident, BBRS with a couple of scares over London with David Voy and IIRC Steve Forde I never really had a great liking for the F-28A (Sorry Dennis
) I think we had a loan Enstrom F-28A for a while (G-BALT maybe) which when we returned it to Shoreham a Pitts or something similar taxied into it not long after.Give me the Bell 47 anyday!!!
Thread Starter
BUCC09: Most enjoybale photos, well done! 
Perhaps Griffo will have some recollections of these operations?
Nonsense! Without such contributions the thread would be dead so (as least from my side) keep posting away! There are doubtless many others in addition to myself who thoroughly enjoy this slice of East Coast British rotary nostalgia!
Regarding BFYA, and as you probably know, she was of course an ex-Ferranti bird.
And regarding BAML .. very little out there on her, just this shot (below) of her wearing 'Heliscott' titles. Do you by chance have an impression of her?
Sadly I don't know but I am hoping that Wiggy will come to the rescue!
Perhaps Griffo will have some recollections of these operations?
Tjef wrote: Oops, sorry but appear to have taken over this thread somewhat with Helicopter Hire stuff. Please say if I have outstayed my welcome!!!
Regarding BFYA, and as you probably know, she was of course an ex-Ferranti bird.
And regarding BAML .. very little out there on her, just this shot (below) of her wearing 'Heliscott' titles. Do you by chance have an impression of her?
Tjef wrote: Highland Helicopters (Who were they?)
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BAML from what I remember was not a particularly reliable bird and had to be used as HH's own 206's were actively engaged elsewhere. BAML/BAZN were also used on other projects.
The ship Marc Wolfe flew through the building was an Air Hanson ship but cannot remember the reggie. I think some pipework was put on the front of the ship for the scooping up of the wheelchair scene too.
BBCA & BBUY popped up later in my life with Aeromega BBCA as itself and BBUY as HRAY (Then HMPH)
At one stage we had HUMT, HMPH & HMPT all belonging to Mightycraft (Humphrey Walters).
HMPT was a wreck when we bought it (D-HARO Rotorflug) and we took a bunch of components from Martin Pipe's old aircraft and built HMPT on the D-Reg and then exported it to the UK while in the hangar at Stapleford.
I love the 206 and still enjoy seeing/hearing them in the skies over Essex.
The ship Marc Wolfe flew through the building was an Air Hanson ship but cannot remember the reggie. I think some pipework was put on the front of the ship for the scooping up of the wheelchair scene too.
BBCA & BBUY popped up later in my life with Aeromega BBCA as itself and BBUY as HRAY (Then HMPH)
At one stage we had HUMT, HMPH & HMPT all belonging to Mightycraft (Humphrey Walters).
HMPT was a wreck when we bought it (D-HARO Rotorflug) and we took a bunch of components from Martin Pipe's old aircraft and built HMPT on the D-Reg and then exported it to the UK while in the hangar at Stapleford.
I love the 206 and still enjoy seeing/hearing them in the skies over Essex.
Thread Starter
The ship Marc Wolfe flew through the building was an Air Hanson ship but cannot remember the reggie. I think some pipework was put on the front of the ship for the scooping up of the wheelchair scene too.
BBCA & BBUY popped up later in my life with Aeromega BBCA as itself and BBUY as HRAY (Then HMPH)
Aeromega JetRangers at the Westcliff Leisure Centre c. 1980's. G-HRAY (left) G-BBCA (centre) and something else in the brown tones
And an image of Dennisimo's BBUY from her Air Anglia days:
Air Anglia Bell 206B as sold by Dennis Kenyon
I love the 206 and still enjoy seeing/hearing them in the skies over Essex.
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Highland Helicopters Ltd
Hi Sav,
Sorry to say that i have never heard of them, though there is a company offering PPL training in a R22, based in Inverness, the web site address leads to adverts, the Bell 47 G-AZVX history dosen't give Highland as an owner, history is, 30-05-72 to 05-11-82 with Helicopter Hire, then 24-01-83 to 03-02-84 with Adela Aerial Services International Ltd, Sherrington, then dereg to Cyprus, whether or not maybe Adela leased it out to Highland Helicopters, anybody know Adela Aerial or what they did?
Wiggy
Sorry to say that i have never heard of them, though there is a company offering PPL training in a R22, based in Inverness, the web site address leads to adverts, the Bell 47 G-AZVX history dosen't give Highland as an owner, history is, 30-05-72 to 05-11-82 with Helicopter Hire, then 24-01-83 to 03-02-84 with Adela Aerial Services International Ltd, Sherrington, then dereg to Cyprus, whether or not maybe Adela leased it out to Highland Helicopters, anybody know Adela Aerial or what they did?
Wiggy
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G-TELY
Grand old 109 still hovering about,
has been with Castle Air since 1989,
floating round Jersey in the Channel Islands on the 30th October, being used to view 'Sand Art' from the air.
also
the last Jet Ranger in the G-A series, has now been deregistered, G-AVSZ was still holding on until this month, although static now, she was still on the register, 1st one now is G-BARP.
Wiggy
has been with Castle Air since 1989,
floating round Jersey in the Channel Islands on the 30th October, being used to view 'Sand Art' from the air.
also
the last Jet Ranger in the G-A series, has now been deregistered, G-AVSZ was still holding on until this month, although static now, she was still on the register, 1st one now is G-BARP.
Wiggy
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Pitts v Enstrom
Ah yes ... how well I recall the Pitts incident. I was on my way to White Waltham to pick up Alan Endsor, the MD of RMC's Lesiure and the Thorpe Water Park. Alan was learning to fly rotary as his company RMC had purchased Spooner Aviation. .As we waited on the WW apron, I was watching a stunning aerobatic performance overhead. The Pitts landed and taxied toward us for the clubhouse. It wasn't until he had barely 50 yards to go that I decided the pilot hadn't seen the parked Enstrom, so we hurriedlly bailed out just in time to see the prop slicing chunks out of the Enstrom's nose cone. I think the Pitts pilot was that superb aerobatic guy, Richard Goode, but if not, he will know who was. And G-BALT, serial no 127 it surely was!
Oh and another little oddity. The HH 28A, G-BCOT had the dubious priviledge of being written off no less than three times.
No 1. When I opened the container ex Menominee 'twas sad to see the M/R gearbox had cut loose in heavy seas. The heavy box and smashed into just about every panel of the Enstrom's airframe. Insurers paid out for the resultant TCL
No 2. Was David Voy's night air test at Southend when the three push/pull M/R hub controls had been connected up 120 degrees out of phase. (Yes it can be done!) David must have performed a miracle to keep the old girl on its skids.
No 3. Occurred when Spooner Aviation converted the A model to the turbo-charged C version and used her on its crop spraying contract. Our pilot Derek Alexander was flying under a 33kv HT line in rain when he suffered a 'flash-down' strike. Pilot OK, but G-BCOT was totalled.
Sorry lads ... but sixty-one years and 14,000 hrs in the flying business ensures I've seen more than a few 'happenings' like the above. Best wishes and safe flying to all. Dennis Kenyon.
Oh and another little oddity. The HH 28A, G-BCOT had the dubious priviledge of being written off no less than three times.
No 1. When I opened the container ex Menominee 'twas sad to see the M/R gearbox had cut loose in heavy seas. The heavy box and smashed into just about every panel of the Enstrom's airframe. Insurers paid out for the resultant TCL
No 2. Was David Voy's night air test at Southend when the three push/pull M/R hub controls had been connected up 120 degrees out of phase. (Yes it can be done!) David must have performed a miracle to keep the old girl on its skids.
No 3. Occurred when Spooner Aviation converted the A model to the turbo-charged C version and used her on its crop spraying contract. Our pilot Derek Alexander was flying under a 33kv HT line in rain when he suffered a 'flash-down' strike. Pilot OK, but G-BCOT was totalled.
Sorry lads ... but sixty-one years and 14,000 hrs in the flying business ensures I've seen more than a few 'happenings' like the above. Best wishes and safe flying to all. Dennis Kenyon.
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Heli Hire - Part 354!!!!
N143AL was the second aircraft supplied from the Lafayette stable of Air Logistics to Heli Hire.
This was used to obtain the necessary operating licence for North Sea Ops but sadly was never used in earnest.
The 212 can be seen in delivery scheme and the HH scheme prior to being registered G-BIDC.
This was used to obtain the necessary operating licence for North Sea Ops but sadly was never used in earnest.
The 212 can be seen in delivery scheme and the HH scheme prior to being registered G-BIDC.
Thread Starter
ScotPol 1968
As part of a UK-wide series of 4 experiments during the late 1960’s to evaluate the usefulness of helicopters in normal police work, the North of Scotland played host to one such experiment. Between 21st February and 20th March 1968, RAF Kinloss in Morayshire was the base for a pair of military Scout helicopters piloted by Army Air Corps pilots, with police observers.
The Forces which participated in the experiment, and the officers involved, were: Scottish North-Eastern Counties Constabulary (Insp. Charles Inglis), Ross & Sutherland Constabulary (Insp. Charles Rhoden), Inverness-shire Constabulary (Insp. Murdoch J MacLeod) and Inverness Burgh Police (Sgt Richard Young).
The SNECC HQ Force Information Room at Bucksburn (Aberdeen) acted as Police Control Centre for the experiment and a Police Operations Room at the RAF base was manned by Sgt MacInnes (SNECC) and Constables A Ross (Inverness-shire) and R MacLeod (Ross & Sutherland).
As well as various operational police incidents in which the helicopter participated – which included assisting mountain search and rescue teams - another interesting use was made of the helicopter, as recorded by Inspector MacLeod:
“The Chief Constable of Inverness-shire (Andrew McClure) wished to visit Police Stations at Glenelg, Broadford, Dunvegan, Uig, Portree, Ardvasar, Mallaig and Fort William. Normally a visitation such as this would entail two days at least. However on 15th March 1968, such visitation was carried out in a flying time of approximately three hours, a considerable saving of valuable time”
The comprehensive report produced by Inspector MacLeod illustrated numerous examples which he concluded “The experiment clearly indicated the inestimable value of helicopters to the Police Service”.
Sadly we do not have the names of the Army Air Corps personnel involved but .. anyone with an inkling as to who participated, please do chip in.
(L-R) Insp M.J. MacLeod, Chief Constable Andrew McClure, Chief Inspector Hugh MacLeod (Sub divisional Officer, Fort William) and Constable Angus Macdonald, at Fort William on 15th March 1968
Inspector MacLeod and PC Ross (both Inverness-shire) in front of the Army Scout
Back row (L-R), Sgt Young, Insp MacLeod, Insp Rhoden, and Insp Inglis
Front row: The 4 Army Air Corps pilots
British Army Scout at RAF Kinloss on exercise with the Scottish Police during an evaluation programme in 1968
(L-R) Sgt Dick Young, Insp Murdo James MacLeod, Constable Sandy Ross, Insp Charlie Rhoden
With thanks to the families of the late Supt. James MacIntyre and of the late Inspector M.J. MacLeod (both of the Inverness-shire Constabulary) for these photos.
The Forces which participated in the experiment, and the officers involved, were: Scottish North-Eastern Counties Constabulary (Insp. Charles Inglis), Ross & Sutherland Constabulary (Insp. Charles Rhoden), Inverness-shire Constabulary (Insp. Murdoch J MacLeod) and Inverness Burgh Police (Sgt Richard Young).
The SNECC HQ Force Information Room at Bucksburn (Aberdeen) acted as Police Control Centre for the experiment and a Police Operations Room at the RAF base was manned by Sgt MacInnes (SNECC) and Constables A Ross (Inverness-shire) and R MacLeod (Ross & Sutherland).
As well as various operational police incidents in which the helicopter participated – which included assisting mountain search and rescue teams - another interesting use was made of the helicopter, as recorded by Inspector MacLeod:
“The Chief Constable of Inverness-shire (Andrew McClure) wished to visit Police Stations at Glenelg, Broadford, Dunvegan, Uig, Portree, Ardvasar, Mallaig and Fort William. Normally a visitation such as this would entail two days at least. However on 15th March 1968, such visitation was carried out in a flying time of approximately three hours, a considerable saving of valuable time”
The comprehensive report produced by Inspector MacLeod illustrated numerous examples which he concluded “The experiment clearly indicated the inestimable value of helicopters to the Police Service”.
Sadly we do not have the names of the Army Air Corps personnel involved but .. anyone with an inkling as to who participated, please do chip in.
(L-R) Insp M.J. MacLeod, Chief Constable Andrew McClure, Chief Inspector Hugh MacLeod (Sub divisional Officer, Fort William) and Constable Angus Macdonald, at Fort William on 15th March 1968
Inspector MacLeod and PC Ross (both Inverness-shire) in front of the Army Scout
Back row (L-R), Sgt Young, Insp MacLeod, Insp Rhoden, and Insp Inglis
Front row: The 4 Army Air Corps pilots
British Army Scout at RAF Kinloss on exercise with the Scottish Police during an evaluation programme in 1968
(L-R) Sgt Dick Young, Insp Murdo James MacLeod, Constable Sandy Ross, Insp Charlie Rhoden
With thanks to the families of the late Supt. James MacIntyre and of the late Inspector M.J. MacLeod (both of the Inverness-shire Constabulary) for these photos.
Thread Starter
More Unwieldy Widgeons ..
Roy Bradley with a Widgeon during his tenure as a test pilot with Westland in the 1950's. Prior to Westland Roy had flown with Helliwells and before that with the Fleet Air Arm (1941-46)
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Tjef
That "Eye of the Needle " Widgeon must surely have been the last airworthy example of the type (Widgeon or Dragonfly) in 1981, very interesting.
Anyone think there were examples flying after this?
Anyone think there were examples flying after this?
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Sav,
Amazing Video! Great to see actual film of APTE from the time and to see how the people lived. Thanks for putting the word out on info on her, looking forward to what else might come back from everyone.
I haven’t seen "The Guard" yet, heard its top notch, though as I now live in London I was surprised to see a giant Irish Garda uniform as I rounded the corner in the tube station
As for pix of Widgeons, here’s a few I dug up, including one on floats. Plus Norman Parkinsons iconic fashion photography featuring G-APTW over Paris in 1960. Plus Ferrantis G-APVD when she was new in 1959 and a private Dragonfly plus a couple more-enjoy.
P.S I would like to reiterate Savs encouragement to all in terms of posting, more the merrier I reckon (hoping this older stuff isn’t too distant to be interesting)
Shane
Anyone know the pilot here? Wonder how comfortable or uncomfortable this young lady is!
Amazing Video! Great to see actual film of APTE from the time and to see how the people lived. Thanks for putting the word out on info on her, looking forward to what else might come back from everyone.
I haven’t seen "The Guard" yet, heard its top notch, though as I now live in London I was surprised to see a giant Irish Garda uniform as I rounded the corner in the tube station
As for pix of Widgeons, here’s a few I dug up, including one on floats. Plus Norman Parkinsons iconic fashion photography featuring G-APTW over Paris in 1960. Plus Ferrantis G-APVD when she was new in 1959 and a private Dragonfly plus a couple more-enjoy.
P.S I would like to reiterate Savs encouragement to all in terms of posting, more the merrier I reckon (hoping this older stuff isn’t too distant to be interesting)
Shane
Anyone know the pilot here? Wonder how comfortable or uncomfortable this young lady is!
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John Crewdson
After viewing the Pathe clip in the previous page I came across this little gem. John Crewdson, his 47 and its roadgoing helipad!
NEW HELICOPTER (aka MOBILE HELICOPTER and HELIPORT) - British Pathe
NEW HELICOPTER (aka MOBILE HELICOPTER and HELIPORT) - British Pathe
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Shane's Pic
Hi all ... 'this little pic' is one of the HH classics ... In fact an enlarged version of Gill Aldam embracing the Tour Eiffel with pilot John Crewdson at the controls sits proudly on the wall at the Aviator Hotel at Sywell Aerodrome. There's also a published pic of Gill in her modelling heyday posing while enclosed in a cube of ice! (Gill was a film stunt girl tho') And another with John Crewdson hauling a 30ft diameter metal ring as a camera mount. I seem to remember the River Thames is in the background. Regards to all 'Nostalgia' posters. Dennis Kenyon.
Thread Starter
Shane, some fabulous Widgeon images there and how apt that you were able (albeit unawares!) to tie it in with the discussion on John Crewdson. Well done!
Given that we recently looked at G-AWAP it seemed only reasonable to re-post an image from earlier in the thread when (as with the recent photo) she wore Film Flight titles. I received a PM enquiring as to whether I knew anymore about Film Flight .. sadly I do not but, if there's anyone out there who does then, as always, please do chip in!
Film Flight's Alouette II G-AWAP at an undisclosed location prior to being purchased by John Crewdson (Photo: The Helipixman Collection)
On the previous page Chopper2004 enquired about a Bell 222 used by Air Hanson during the making of a movie which TRC identified as "Ishtar".
Just to say that the craft used was most likely one of the two below:
Air Hanson's Bell 222A G-BLSY at Balckbushe c. early 80's
Bell 222A G-OSEB at Birmingham International on 28th October 1988 (Photo: Paul Massey)
The photogrpaher of the image above (Paul) mentioned: "This photo was taken in a bit of a rush as the aircraft arrived just as I was leaving the airport."
OSEB was previously BNDA and went on to be OJLC when bought by John Laing and is now registered to Heron Helicopters c/o the Herne Bay Golf Club and flies as G-NOIR.
Given that we recently looked at G-AWAP it seemed only reasonable to re-post an image from earlier in the thread when (as with the recent photo) she wore Film Flight titles. I received a PM enquiring as to whether I knew anymore about Film Flight .. sadly I do not but, if there's anyone out there who does then, as always, please do chip in!
Film Flight's Alouette II G-AWAP at an undisclosed location prior to being purchased by John Crewdson (Photo: The Helipixman Collection)
On the previous page Chopper2004 enquired about a Bell 222 used by Air Hanson during the making of a movie which TRC identified as "Ishtar".
Just to say that the craft used was most likely one of the two below:
Air Hanson's Bell 222A G-BLSY at Balckbushe c. early 80's
Bell 222A G-OSEB at Birmingham International on 28th October 1988 (Photo: Paul Massey)
The photogrpaher of the image above (Paul) mentioned: "This photo was taken in a bit of a rush as the aircraft arrived just as I was leaving the airport."
OSEB was previously BNDA and went on to be OJLC when bought by John Laing and is now registered to Heron Helicopters c/o the Herne Bay Golf Club and flies as G-NOIR.
What about the Widgeons used in the thrillers based on the Alistair Maclean books such as
Where Eight Bells Toll
The pseudo RN SAR Widgeon.
Also was that Alouette II above owned Film Flight, used as the AAC one used in the same film delivering Phillip Calvert (played by Sir Anthony Hopkins) to the hq at the opening, or was it a genuine AAC Alouette II?
Caravan to Vaccares
Who owned that French Widgeon flown by the bad guys who delivered our hero into the deadly matador competition at the end?
Where Eight Bells Toll
The pseudo RN SAR Widgeon.
Also was that Alouette II above owned Film Flight, used as the AAC one used in the same film delivering Phillip Calvert (played by Sir Anthony Hopkins) to the hq at the opening, or was it a genuine AAC Alouette II?
Caravan to Vaccares
Who owned that French Widgeon flown by the bad guys who delivered our hero into the deadly matador competition at the end?
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When Eight Bells Toll
The pseudo RN SAR Widgeon. Also was that Alouette II above owned Film Flight, used as the AAC one used in the same film delivering Phillip Calvert (played by Sir Anthony Hopkins) to the hq at the opening, or was it a genuine AAC Alouette II?
Caravan to Vaccares
Credited to Helicopter Hire Ltd (so same as above). Graham Hill the F1 driver is credited as playing the helicopter pilot!
Last edited by TRC; 16th Nov 2011 at 18:41. Reason: Added the bit about G-AWAP
Thread Starter
Chopper2004; No time to respond to this interesting question tonight but .. for now:
When Eight Bells Toll Alouette II
When Eight Bells Toll Widgeon
Westland Widgeon carrying Harold Macmillan on a visit to the North West flying over the Manchester Ship Canal. According to the North East Aircraft Museum this helicopter appeared in the film "When Eight Bells Toll". The steamer on the Ship Canal is the Steam Ship 'Salford City'. The estuary and mud banks in the background are those of the River Mersey
When Eight Bells Toll Alouette II
When Eight Bells Toll Widgeon
Westland Widgeon carrying Harold Macmillan on a visit to the North West flying over the Manchester Ship Canal. According to the North East Aircraft Museum this helicopter appeared in the film "When Eight Bells Toll". The steamer on the Ship Canal is the Steam Ship 'Salford City'. The estuary and mud banks in the background are those of the River Mersey