DRK
 

a bit late den ive been away, many happy returns, god bless , heres to the next eighty yrs heli speed iii

Denissimo .. I thought you might like to read this:

Returning to the skies, the oldest jet fighter in the world: British built Meteor to fly again 70 years after its maiden flight

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/...46_634x451.jpg
Refuelling Gloster Meteors aircraft at Druffield in Yorkshire

The Meat-boxes
 

Ah my dear friend Savoia ... you have that lovely knack of bringing a tear to my eye with your wonderful pics of pure 'nostalgia.' ... I find it difficult to recall there was a time as a teenager at 209 AFS Weston Zoyland when I was actually I/C one of those great flying machines. Just think lads ... the sheer joy of having a 600mph fighter jet strapped to a 19 year old's bum!

But it wasn't always fun ... I also recall the night when, as a student, I found myself held overhead the Weston Zoyland circuit at 20,000 feet ... short of fuel too ... when both engines promptly flamed out! Someone up there loved me though!

For the 'reggie buffs' on here, my log book tells me I trained on the single seat Mk4 versions being the VT series alongside the dual Mk 7 of the WA & WN series. Halcyon days indeed ... Pass me a hanky! Dennis K

Congratulations on your 80th birthday, Dennis, you are a great credit to our industry.:D

Jerry Cutler
Canada

The OAP division
 

Thanks for the kind words Jerry ... I'd have to say and as I've said on here before, it is very much due to my friends and the pilots on here that encourage me to keep flying. When the big retirement day does finally arrive, I promise you all a real big bash. Somewhere like the 02 dome sounds about right. But don't hold yer breath out there! Regards to all. DRK.

PS. And I celebrated last Monday with an engine failure while on an air test. Just shows it pays to keep a practicing!j

Denissimo !!

You seem to have had more than your fair share of real life failures of various kinds over the years - glad you are okay. :ok:

Still got it Dennis!!! :E

Keeps you young and on your toes I guess! Glad to hear you're safe and well! :D

Thanks for all the inspiration, past, present and future!

375

Another one of Denissimo's displays to add to the collection.

Denissimo: If you are out walking your dog today then turn your eyes skywards .. because .. in a few hours time a 'Brit Chook' will be slinging an interesting piece of kit around your neck of the woods:

Jet flies in - by helicopter (From Cotswold Journal)

BBC Film

BBC News - Gloster Meteor lifted from Imjin Barracks by helicopter

Best thing Dennis you still out enjoying your flying!

Are you still contemplating a move back down south to warmer climes?

:ok:

COF tittle-tattle
 

Yes Tim ... still enjoyng the industry - in fact yesterday took an enjoyable sortie at Denham flying an R44!

Thanks to one and all on here for the good wishes when I reached that big 'orrible number. Really hope to read you all again in 2023! Hope springs eternal as they say! Take care all PPs. DRK

Denissimo! Many Happy Returns on this your special day .. and every best wish for the coming year!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-w...+with+SMAC.jpg
The 'Maestro' with MD500N G-SMAC

*Don't worry - I'm not going to ask about keeping your fingers warm! :ok:

What a great thread!

It's re-ignited the grey cells from 16 years ago when my dad let me skive off school and took me to Helitech '97 at Redhill.

I can still remember an awesome display by Dennis in his Enstrom helicopter on a somewhat wet and windy day. I don't think I've ever seen a helicopter move like that since!