Dennis Kenyon
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Dennis Kenyon
I've strung together a couple of posts from the 'Kenyon Files' on the Nostalgia Thread to create this dedicated thread in celebration of the Maestro's big 'round number' occasion (which falls today).
I hope this thread may also serve to provide opportunity for freshman flyers (newbies) to pose any questions that may have for the Kenyon!
I hope this thread may also serve to provide opportunity for freshman flyers (newbies) to pose any questions that may have for the Kenyon!
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Dennis Honoured by the Royal Aero Club
On Wednesday 11th May 2011 at the RAF Club in London,
Wing Commander Robert (Bob) Foster presented the Venerable Dennis 'Dennisimo' 'The Menace' Kenyon, with the Royal Aero Club's Diploma.
Wing Commander Robert (Bob) Foster presented the Venerable Dennis 'Dennisimo' 'The Menace' Kenyon, with the Royal Aero Club's Diploma.
Dennis Kenyon started flying in the RAF in 1952 and has flown some 85 aircraft types from Tiger Moths to early military jets. In 1972 he joined Spooner Aviation from where he developed one of the UK's most successful helicopter sales distributorships becoming synonymous with the Enstrom brand he promoted. Dennis is qualified as a Helicopter ATPL, Instructor and Type Rating Examiner. He is also an acclaimed display pilot and evaluator.
Dennis has flown 32 differnet types of rotary aircraft and has amassed in excess of 13,000 flying hours. He has performed at more than 1,200 airshows and has appeared in several feature films. He has represented Great Britain in four World Helicopter Championships, winning the aerobatic freestyle title in 1992.
In 2005 he set up a flying scholarship to sponsor to helicopter PPL standard those with a passion for rotary-wing flight. He continues to convey his experience through writing articles on helicopter test flights, flight theory and flight safety.
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Thread Starter
A Round-up on Kenyon
The Maestro in Austria during the World Helicopter Championships
Dennisimo displaying G-BYKF at North Weald on 23rd May 2004 (Photo: Jo Hunter)
The Maestro with scholarship winner Georgie Dixon
Two Jags Dezza!
Dennisimo's Jaguars
“I acquired 1 DRK through a private advert in the Sunday Telegraph in 1972,” says Dennis. “I bought it from a lovely blonde lady in Ilfracombe for £250. I always have a little smile when I think back on that special occasion!”
"The striking combination of great registration and E-Type Jaguar has even caught the eye of the boys in blue. One Sunday afternoon, I was driving past Kenley Airfield in Surrey, when a police car coming the other way stopped me. I wondered what on earth I'd done. The police driver wound down his window and called out, ‘Excuse me Sir, I just wanted to have a drool!’"
“I purchased the E-type new in 1970 as an ex-demonstrator. It is a 1969 ‘One and a Half’ convertible model, serial E2054. It is still virtually as new and absolutely original. Many are the times I've been told ‘I bet you’ve pulled some girls in that car’. My standard reply was .. ‘They’re not rust patches down the side of the bonnet: they’re conquest notches!’.”
“I have taught quite a few motoring racers in my time” Dennis recalls. “The late Barry Sheene, God bless him; the 1986 F1 world champion Alan Jones, who I was with when he won the USA Formula One Grand Prix in the car park of Ceasars Palace in Las Vegas! Also Jonathan Palmer and the rally man, Tony Pond. Even Mark Thatcher, who bought his Bell Jet Ranger from my company.”
I have to drop in this image (below) from 1977 at Biggin Hill (taken on the day I first met you) when you were flying the ubiquitous G-BENO from whence the Colonel dervied his 'Dennis the Menace' nickname.
Dennis is observed bowing his head (see below) just prior to commencing his display. Word is that he was reciting one of his pre-display prayers which went something like this: "Dear God please let me perform an outstanding display, one that will attract the attention of the most gorgeous girl in the crowd so that she will feel compelled to come and look me up when I'm done. I'll treat her right - I promise!"
The Menace about to commence his trademark performance at Biggin Hill on 14 May 1977 (Photo: Peter Nicholson) ps: In those days the Kenyon used to pick-up a bucket of water with the left skid prior to performing his pirouettes!
And finally, the Maestro in action in September 2010:
Question: The Menace would have been 48 (or a number which rhymes with 48) when performing the above display. How many people do you imagine are delivering such performances at this age? Precious few one imagines. Bravo Dennis!
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Cricket with Kenyon
Denissimo wrote: "Just a 'titbit' to add to the aerial shot of Dunsborough Park at Ripley. I especially recall the events, since at the time I frequerntly opened the batting for the Ripley Village cricket team. The pitch and clubhouse, which are still very much there, sat in the open space just over the wall to the south east. The steady stream of choppers arriving didn't help ones batting concentration for sure. At the time I was a fixed wing flyer and didn't convert to rotary til 1972."
Savoia responded:
Savoia responded:
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Happy Birthday Dennis!
Denissimo! You've made it! Bravo Amico!
Ah well friend, I know you were disappointed not to participate in the WHC this year but .. your achievements over what is quite literally a life-time of aviation remain deeply impressive!
My kindest regards to you and every best wish for the coming year.
Sav
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Congratulations DK!
One of the original old school gents.
Our paths have crossed several times in 'the bazaars' and you've always had a smile on your face - keep up the good work!
Cheers
One of the original old school gents.
Our paths have crossed several times in 'the bazaars' and you've always had a smile on your face - keep up the good work!
Cheers
Avoid imitations
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Many congratulations, Dennis!
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Dennis,
Congratulations from all of us here at the Enstrom factory! You are the stuff of legends around here.
It's always fun to watch new employees google Enstrom, run across one of your videos, and ask, "Can you really do that?" Thank you for being our Champion all these years, and we look forward to many more.
Sincerely,
Dennis Martin
International Sales/Program Manager
Enstrom Helicopter Corp.
Congratulations from all of us here at the Enstrom factory! You are the stuff of legends around here.
It's always fun to watch new employees google Enstrom, run across one of your videos, and ask, "Can you really do that?" Thank you for being our Champion all these years, and we look forward to many more.Sincerely,
Dennis Martin
International Sales/Program Manager
Enstrom Helicopter Corp.
Thread Starter
I received a message from the Kenyon this morning and he says he's not being rude .. just finishing off some important business in a place called Corfu. 
He should be with us by next week.
He should be with us by next week.
What a good ambassador for the helicopter industry
Phoned him up regarding buying a machine I felt the information was just good first hand advice.
No pressure to buy from him, it left a feeling that you were dealing with a man of integrity.
Phoned him up regarding buying a machine I felt the information was just good first hand advice.
No pressure to buy from him, it left a feeling that you were dealing with a man of integrity.
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My Big 'Eight Oh'
Ah ... dear gentlemen out there. My apologies for not being able to acknowledge Savoia's birthday tribute having decided to spend my 'eightieth' in the sun. Some deity in Corfu felt he should also mark the occasion by arranging for my 737 to receive a pretty hefty lightning strike on take off which delayed my return and the writing of these words. Fellow pruners, I don't quite know how to respond to your posts ... but perhaps just to say I became a little emotional and hung my head with something of a tear when reading your super comments. I don't deserve them all.
I've loved my helicopter flying, and apart from the personal horror of losing my son in March 2000, I can still say the last twenty years have been the most enjoyable of my flying career. Much of this is due to many of you guys (and a few gals) out there who I have met, worked and flown with over the years and whose company has given me so much pleasure. I can even take pleasure from Savoia's friendly jibes and indeed feel privileged to be his target. Ours is a wonderful industry ... so many professionals, great personalities, characters and general fun guys. In the nicest way, I love you all and close by saying 'thanks' ... As some of you will know, I am still flying and displaying for that matter and if the good Lord allows may even be doing the same when my 'Big 90' arrives.
God bless you all and safe flying for ever. Dennis Kenyon.
I've loved my helicopter flying, and apart from the personal horror of losing my son in March 2000, I can still say the last twenty years have been the most enjoyable of my flying career. Much of this is due to many of you guys (and a few gals) out there who I have met, worked and flown with over the years and whose company has given me so much pleasure. I can even take pleasure from Savoia's friendly jibes and indeed feel privileged to be his target. Ours is a wonderful industry ... so many professionals, great personalities, characters and general fun guys. In the nicest way, I love you all and close by saying 'thanks' ... As some of you will know, I am still flying and displaying for that matter and if the good Lord allows may even be doing the same when my 'Big 90' arrives.
God bless you all and safe flying for ever. Dennis Kenyon.
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DRK
Don't know about that TC, maybe the second D in DD! Thanks for the birthday wishes tho'. So now I've passed the 80 bit, I think I'll turn back and head for 21 again. Take care all. Dennis K