Alan Mann Helicopters (Nostalgia thread)
Thread Starter
Still Crazy Like a Fox (1987)
A TV Film released in 1987 in which Mann's G-TPTR appeared along with another (doubtless Mann-related) 206.
Agusta-Bell 206B JetRanger G-TPTR departs the Fair Oaks during the filming of 'Still Crazy Like a Fox' c. 1986
TPTR in pursuit of a Stampe!
An 'unknown' 206 (with distinctly 'Laura Ashlean' colours) lands in the grounds of what seems to be Leeds Castle
A clip from the 'Like a Fox' masterpiece (not!) with the flying taking place at around 5:40
Alan Mann Filmography
Any clues as to the crews of the two 206's in 'Like a Fox' as well as the registration of the 206 with the RAF roundel - much appreciated.
Agusta-Bell 206B JetRanger G-TPTR departs the Fair Oaks during the filming of 'Still Crazy Like a Fox' c. 1986
TPTR in pursuit of a Stampe!
An 'unknown' 206 (with distinctly 'Laura Ashlean' colours) lands in the grounds of what seems to be Leeds Castle
A clip from the 'Like a Fox' masterpiece (not!) with the flying taking place at around 5:40
Alan Mann Filmography
Any clues as to the crews of the two 206's in 'Like a Fox' as well as the registration of the 206 with the RAF roundel - much appreciated.
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'TR is being flown by RV. Interesting that it is rigged with a nose camera mount and a Continental side mount for the action sequences.
The grey 206 (in very much Ashley colours) is being flown by AD.
The grey 206 (in very much Ashley colours) is being flown by AD.
Thread Starter
TRC thanks for that info. 
Hopefully we will be able to track down some further Mann-made films!
Regarding the 'other' 206 .. it didn't really require that much investigation, just a browse back to page 4 where Laura Ashley's 206 debuted .. and one can clearly see that its G-BMKM.
Laura Ashley's 'Mann-managed' 206 as used in the film 'Crazy Like a Fox' - albeit without the pop-outs or roundel!
.. And I'm guessing that this equipment may have been interchaned with 'KM' for some of the scenes with the Stampe and TPTR?
A wee reminder of the late G-FILM:
Alan Mann's SE313B Alouette II G-FILM at Fairoaks in July 1981 (Photo: Courtesy of Wingnut)
Hopefully we will be able to track down some further Mann-made films!
Regarding the 'other' 206 .. it didn't really require that much investigation, just a browse back to page 4 where Laura Ashley's 206 debuted .. and one can clearly see that its G-BMKM.
Laura Ashley's 'Mann-managed' 206 as used in the film 'Crazy Like a Fox' - albeit without the pop-outs or roundel!
TRC wrote: Interesting that it is rigged with a nose camera mount and a Continental side mount for the action sequences.
Brian Rose wrote: I spent many happy days at AMA, working with Peter Allwork and the guys in helicopters.
Alan Mann's SE313B Alouette II G-FILM at Fairoaks in July 1981 (Photo: Courtesy of Wingnut)
Thread Starter
A summary from the accident reports reads:
Accident Date: 1st March 1989
Accident Location: Nuneaton, Warwickshire
G-TPTR Accident Summary
A vehicle was being filmed on a test track and the helicopter was flown alongside to the left at 50ft agl at an IAS of 40kts. The surface wind was reported to be 240° at 15kts.
Following a short period flying sideways in front of the vehicle, the captain turned right, down wind, in order to pass down the right hand side of the vehicle. The aircraft started to sink and, despite turning into wind and applying full power, the captain was unable to arrest the rate of descent. Full collective pitch was applied to cushion the touchdown and the aircraft landed in a level attitude on soft ground.
When it came to rest, on its left side, the captain shut down the engine and turned off the electrics. Both occupants, who were uninjured, vacated the aircraft.
The captain considered that a vortex ring condition may have developed, from which he had insufficient height to recover.
Following a short period flying sideways in front of the vehicle, the captain turned right, down wind, in order to pass down the right hand side of the vehicle. The aircraft started to sink and, despite turning into wind and applying full power, the captain was unable to arrest the rate of descent. Full collective pitch was applied to cushion the touchdown and the aircraft landed in a level attitude on soft ground.
When it came to rest, on its left side, the captain shut down the engine and turned off the electrics. Both occupants, who were uninjured, vacated the aircraft.
The captain considered that a vortex ring condition may have developed, from which he had insufficient height to recover.
Accident Location: Nuneaton, Warwickshire
G-TPTR Accident Summary
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TPTR - BER
I went to the site with loss-adjusters. Visually the aircraft looked just a little 'bent' but I was wary. Rightly so, as it turned out; there was an uncorrectable 10 deg of twist and distortion in the airfrrame (longituduanally) when mounted in our repair fixture (jig) at manns.
Total loss agreed. Pity since she was a good machine and trouble-free (if any helicopter can be so described) But thanks S for the official summary - I hadn't read it before now - VFR
Total loss agreed. Pity since she was a good machine and trouble-free (if any helicopter can be so described) But thanks S for the official summary - I hadn't read it before now - VFR
Thread Starter
Agusta 109A Mk II G-HBCA at Birmingham International Airport on 5th September 1986 (Photo: Courtesy of Paul Massey)
HBCA was bought from Mann's in November 1985 and sold on to ADT Aviation at the beginning of 1989. This ship doubtless replaced BCA's LongRanger G-TBCA - formerly a Ferranti-managed craft.
Thread Starter
HBUS
G-HBUS debuted on page 6 courtesy of Helipixman's collection wearing Mann's colours while flying in to Epsom. But in the colours below is how I remember her:
Bell 206LI G-HBUS at Brands Hatch c. early 80's
Toleman Transporters (I think they mainly transported cars) bought Mann's 206 G-TPTR (formerly G-LOCK) in August '81 trading-up to G-HBUS in July the following year. HBUS had previously been owned by Willowbrook coach builders.
I don't recall whether Toleman had a dedicated driver or if they simply utilised Mann's pool, either way I used to hear the craft regularly on the airwaves in the early 80's and saw her many-a-time at Fairoaks.
Other characters (barely visible) in this shot are: A BA S76 (behind HBUS) and in the lower park (l-r) G-BAKF, G-ROGR, a Bristow 206 and a Hanson 206 further behind.
Bell 206LI G-HBUS at Brands Hatch c. early 80's
Toleman Transporters (I think they mainly transported cars) bought Mann's 206 G-TPTR (formerly G-LOCK) in August '81 trading-up to G-HBUS in July the following year. HBUS had previously been owned by Willowbrook coach builders.
I don't recall whether Toleman had a dedicated driver or if they simply utilised Mann's pool, either way I used to hear the craft regularly on the airwaves in the early 80's and saw her many-a-time at Fairoaks.
Other characters (barely visible) in this shot are: A BA S76 (behind HBUS) and in the lower park (l-r) G-BAKF, G-ROGR, a Bristow 206 and a Hanson 206 further behind.
Thread Starter
Tarmac's Agusta 109A MkII VP-CCK at the Mannstead on 27th September 1997 (Photo: With thanks to Barry Collman for his kind permission to use this image)
Joining Mann's 'construction 109's' would have been N109AB, John Laing's 109 II an image of which can be seen on page 6.
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AMH - Gold Wings
I had the pleasure of working as Niki's personal pilot for 6 months in 1982 during which he presented me with these ........ did anyone else manage to get hold of a set?
Last edited by Geoffersincornwall; 18th Nov 2011 at 09:50.
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Ferry G-BGGX and G-BGGY
Between 1st and 5th March 1979 I had the pleasure of ferrying not one but two new Agusta-Bell 206Bs from Frosinone (near Rome) to Fairoaks. Sorry about the yellow caste on the photos.
Chris Hodgkinson was on gardening leave from his VC10 billet in BA and was recruited to fly BGGY whilst I flew BGGX.
First stop was Milan via Genoa to meet Brian and collect export certificates. Then on to Lugano, Geneva, Lyon, Troyes, Beauvais and LGW to clear customs.
Note the sophisticated local mod for the radio installation. No heater, no nav equipment (no GPS!!) - all completion work carried out by AMH.
Spectacular crossing of the Alps
A quiet night was had by all - en route R & R. Local businessman and PPL student Brian Beale joined us in Milan to help with the nav and ration the red wine.
Safe arrival at Fairoaks.
Chris Hodgkinson was on gardening leave from his VC10 billet in BA and was recruited to fly BGGY whilst I flew BGGX.
First stop was Milan via Genoa to meet Brian and collect export certificates. Then on to Lugano, Geneva, Lyon, Troyes, Beauvais and LGW to clear customs.
Note the sophisticated local mod for the radio installation. No heater, no nav equipment (no GPS!!) - all completion work carried out by AMH.
Spectacular crossing of the Alps
A quiet night was had by all - en route R & R. Local businessman and PPL student Brian Beale joined us in Milan to help with the nav and ration the red wine.
Safe arrival at Fairoaks.
Last edited by Geoffersincornwall; 20th Nov 2011 at 00:11.
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G-TPTR
This was Niki's own 206 purchased in 1982 and retained its original blue and white colour-scheme (ex Toleman's I believe) with the addition of the gold AM monogram. When it came back to UK at the end of 1982 it was repainted in these 'proper' AMH colours.
The picture was taken at the new Athens Heliport built by Niki in conjunction with Athen Aviation Services (Lakis Stergiopoulos) at some later date when either Chris Snape or Paul Hardcastle needed a leave relief.
The picture was taken at the new Athens Heliport built by Niki in conjunction with Athen Aviation Services (Lakis Stergiopoulos) at some later date when either Chris Snape or Paul Hardcastle needed a leave relief.
Thread Starter
Well done Geoffers!
I remember the brochure well.
Would you be able to give us an idea of your taskings ex-Athens. Were these assignments purely for Niki Papadakis or was there a charter/commercial element as well?
Also, you were with Mann's during an important period in their history you must have some interesting stories involving clients etc.
And finally, old man Mann - what he much involved in the day-to-day running of things? I never saw him around the Mannstead (Savage seemed to be the main continuity during my years of exposure).
I ask because of the info I am gathering on Alan Mann for the site we are building which will recount their history.
With thanks.
I remember the brochure well.
Would you be able to give us an idea of your taskings ex-Athens. Were these assignments purely for Niki Papadakis or was there a charter/commercial element as well?
Also, you were with Mann's during an important period in their history you must have some interesting stories involving clients etc.
And finally, old man Mann - what he much involved in the day-to-day running of things? I never saw him around the Mannstead (Savage seemed to be the main continuity during my years of exposure).
I ask because of the info I am gathering on Alan Mann for the site we are building which will recount their history.
With thanks.
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SAV
Yes I have many tales to tell but I'm not sure that PPrune is the right place to tell them - can't afford the lawyers these days.
I think that it would be wrong to imagine that 'out of sight is out of mind' when it comes to Alan's oversight of AMH. I reckon he had a pretty good grip on things. I found him a great man to work for and one that was easy to respect.
When I look back over 42 years in the business my two and half years at AMH were the best fun. Not always smooth sailing and definitely not well paid but every day was different and every trip a challenge. My mate Gazza was always very supportive and folk like NPT, Paul Midgers, Ackers etc made it a great place to work.
On the whole maintenance was excellent with Roy and Chris very able and Tom et al great fun to work with. One unfortunate hydraulic failure (ex-Battersea) in a 206 and a few hot batteries and chips but apart from my 'adventure' with Norman Foster in the Bell 47 nothing to write much about. Well, not in these pages anyway!!!
G
I think that it would be wrong to imagine that 'out of sight is out of mind' when it comes to Alan's oversight of AMH. I reckon he had a pretty good grip on things. I found him a great man to work for and one that was easy to respect.
When I look back over 42 years in the business my two and half years at AMH were the best fun. Not always smooth sailing and definitely not well paid but every day was different and every trip a challenge. My mate Gazza was always very supportive and folk like NPT, Paul Midgers, Ackers etc made it a great place to work.
On the whole maintenance was excellent with Roy and Chris very able and Tom et al great fun to work with. One unfortunate hydraulic failure (ex-Battersea) in a 206 and a few hot batteries and chips but apart from my 'adventure' with Norman Foster in the Bell 47 nothing to write much about. Well, not in these pages anyway!!!
G
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Back in early 1975 there was an accident at AMH with an in-flight breakup of a Bell 47 which resulted in the death of an ex-RN QHI and his female student. I had been at AMH shortly before this as I was flying one of their 206's, G-BBBM, for a few days and had chatted to the 47 pilot just before he got airborne on that trip.
I cannot remember his name - anyone know it? I think Peter was his first name and maybe his surname began with F?
I cannot remember his name - anyone know it? I think Peter was his first name and maybe his surname began with F?
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Charlie
Before my time but seem to remember that an AMH B206 broke up in flight with some of the Plessey directors on board round about that time. The Peter F. rings a bell. - excuse the pun. Never heard about a B47 breaking up but one of our students managed to total 'RI' on the sloping ground one day - maybe that's where the B47 crash story came from?
G.
G.