John Ridings
 

John is, as TTO says, in VZ. I am in regular contact by email and phone, I am sure he looks in on us PPRuNers so watch your PM's. As TTO, I can forward message for you if required. John has many adventures under his belt since Bristows mainly of a nautical nature and some of them will make your hair curl

GGR

Late 1970's, Sumburgh. The photos were taken on very average equipment 30 years ago, so sorry for the quality.

http://968eha.bay.livefilestore.com/...rgh%201977.jpg

http://968eha.bay.livefilestore.com/...rgh%201977.jpg

http://968eha.bay.livefilestore.com/...20Sumburgh.jpg

http://968eha.bay.livefilestore.com/...rgh%201977.jpg


Apologies to the eagle-eyed amongst you, who will of course recognise the imposter in the bottom right corner of the last photo. This is actually the-then BAH 212 G-BAFN. The green and white BEAS 212 alongside was by then a sort of Bristow machine, the famous G-BALZ no less.

A couple from Djambi, Sumatra. 71/72. Pete Frean, middle. Russ Smith, bottom.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/cumpas/nmnhg.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/cumpas/hgc.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/cumpas/dgdf.jpg

......and World War II vintage throat mikes!

supurb bits of kit!!

Throat mics were great!

Yes - particularly if someone was airsick!!
GAGS
E86

S-76 Lagos DNMM
 

Here is a shot of a Bristow S-76 departing Lagos

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...8/DSCF0201.jpg


And when you though airline travel just couldn't get any worst, especially for the Americans.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...8/DSCF0208.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/c...G_NEW_0001.jpg


This is EP-HBF after a rebuild at Redhill, about to depart Stansted on a ferry flight to Iran, in the capable hands of Pete Frean. See previous postings.

'Allo 'allo muckeeer. Is that Jean Dennel?

Where did BF crash? Was that on the BICC job building a power line?

Anyone know whatever became of Master Bates?

I seem to remember it was the BICC job. Gunter Burmeister was flying it when the tail rotor shucked itself off the aircraft and Gunter narrowly escaped tumbling all the way down the mountain side. As I recall....the aircraft had been way over-torqued prior to Gunter arriving on the job. He had come to a stationary hover as he was either setting down a load of steel or dumping a bucket of concrete....when the world starting spinning on him. The aircraft rolled over several times and fetched up agains a huge rock which stopped its rolling down the mountainside.

We came awfully close to losing Gunter that day!

Chris Murray
 

Just a quick one heard Big Chris had a retirement party in SY last week after 22 years SAR with Bristow's and the new mob.

Apologies no Pictures!:rolleyes:

BTW it's 'Bristow' not Bristow's - if you're going to exalt his long service, at least get his employer's name correct:ugh:



Response to management bashing removed. Let's keep this thread on track :ok:

Senior Pilot

From shetlopedia.com
 

S61-N Helicopter G-BHOG leaving the "taxi rank" Lerwick.
http://shetlopedia.com/images/thumb/...Bristow%29.jpg

Beas Bell 212 (G-BCMC) 1978
http://shetlopedia.com/images/thumb/...EAS_Helic..JPG

originals here Sumburgh Airport - Shetlopedia - The Shetland Encyclopaedia

and from http://www.11sphinxbtyweb.co.uk/4957.html
 

As it was related to me by the guys on the ground, Gunter stuck his tail into the tower being constructed.

I wouldn't normally post here but this Caz Caswell Photograph (posted with permission) may be of interest:
http://www.douglas-ian-holland.co.uk...ac10-gavne.jpg
G-AVNE Bristow Wessex 60 flying over what will become the site of the North Terminal London Gatwick- summer 1973

Opssys

Corrobrate Your Statement!
 

Foggy Bottom,

I was in Iran flying Alouettes on the same contract as Gunter when the accident occurred. I have first hand knowledge from multiple sources....not hearsay information....and all of the sources including persons involved in the investigation that stated the same thing.

The gear box separated from the aircraft causing the aircraft to spin.

The aircraft had been overtorqued/over pitched by a pilot earlier and an inspection had taken place. That was stated to me by the Engineer that did the inspection.

I am well known here amongst the Bristow gang.

Perhaps you might provide us corroborating information to support your statement suggesting Gunter hit the tower thus causing the accident. That statement flies in the face of what I know to be the facts of the matter and wrongly impugns his reputation.

I was there, I talked to numerous people involved, including Gunter....then and later over the many years we worked together.

As a reminder....Gunter still works for Bristow and quite easily is the most senior pilot still with the company in years of service. I would be surprised if there is anyone with the length of service he has with the company.

I look forward to your response.

Is that not second hand information?

So did you see the accident first hand?