Sir Freddie Laker Dies
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Sir Freddy Laker
A sad loss for Aviation , a true pioneer, the first to offer affordable flying to the masses with his Sky Train. I still remember him marshalling his own BUA BAC 1-11's during a groud handlers strike at Gatwick. If I remember right he got his start in Aviation with the Berlin Airlift using Lancastrians and Yorks .
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707-138B in the post above and here is BAC 1-11 320L I think at STN during training.
Despite having spent a few hours in Britannia's G-ANBN and 'BM I do not appear to have any pics apart from a newspaper clipping from the time both were impounded down in Africa. One was in Entebbe after diverting following an engine shutdown. Upon inspection, the locals were none too impressed with the freight being carried. And that's another tale!
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Southend: Freddie had date at airport
Brought to you by the Evening Echo
SIR Freddie Laker, the aviation entrepreneur whose career took off at Southend Airport, had planned to come back and open the new terminal and railway station.
Sir Freddie, who died last week at his home in Miami aged 83, maintained a soft spot for the place where he formed Aviation Traders after the Second World War.
He frequently flew back to Southend for reunions with past staff members years after he retired.
Airport development officer Karen Medwith said: "Sir Freddie told us some time ago he would be delighted to come back to Southend and open the new terminal and railway stataion. We will ensure he is commemorated when it opens in 2009."
Published Monday, February 13, 2006
Brought to you by the Evening Echo
SIR Freddie Laker, the aviation entrepreneur whose career took off at Southend Airport, had planned to come back and open the new terminal and railway station.
Sir Freddie, who died last week at his home in Miami aged 83, maintained a soft spot for the place where he formed Aviation Traders after the Second World War.
He frequently flew back to Southend for reunions with past staff members years after he retired.
Airport development officer Karen Medwith said: "Sir Freddie told us some time ago he would be delighted to come back to Southend and open the new terminal and railway stataion. We will ensure he is commemorated when it opens in 2009."
Published Monday, February 13, 2006
Last edited by Red Four; 17th Feb 2006 at 21:25.
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Originally Posted by GK430
One was in Entebbe after diverting following an engine shutdown. Upon inspection, the locals were none too impressed with the freight being carried. And that's another tale!
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Gruntie, That's amazing. Do you still have the photo? It was my old man in the left hand seat having been held as a "guest" of the Ugandan police. If you need proof, I have his logbooks and will give you the exact date they departed. I'd love a scanned copy.
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'BN arr on Dec 30th '66 and finally dep on Jan 8th '67 for 3 engined ferry to Khartoum, Benina and LGW taking 17 hrs 15.
Whilst on the topic, does anyone know / remember anything about 1-11
G-AVBY and latterly 'BW and the flying down in the Congo in '67 and '68. Why were some flights made at "low level"?
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Originally Posted by johno617tonka
how many parents have been able to 'afford' to take their families to the likes of disneyland
thanks Sir Freddie
RIP
from a Laker Liker
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GK, yes I still have it.......somewhere in the family archives. Give me a week or so, I'll find, scan & send you a copy. Though don't hold your breath - I was never famous for my photographic skills................
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Originally Posted by HZ123
If Freddie is watching I am sure he would find it ironic that once again BA is alleged to be involved in a cartel but this time at cargo.
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This has to be saddest event in recent aviation history.
I well remember going to Manchester as a kid and looking at the Skytrain fleet and wishing my folks earnt enough to get on one!!
It's amazing that certain things stick in your mind, and I remember coming home from the dentist after having a tooth out as a kid to the evening news that Laker had gone bump. A week later going to MAN and looking at 3 or 4 DC 10's lined up on the far side of the apron, impounded by the airport. I even have a picture somewhere of them.
I find it amazing that on this site, where there are always contrasting views on whatever is being discussed that this thread is 4 pages long, and not a bad word has been uttered against Sir Freddie. That, more than anything, speaks volumes about the man and his legacy.
Going back to earlier comments, I think it is fair to say that Stelios, Branson, MOL and others owe this great man a huge debt, and it would be a great tribute if they were to publically aknowledge this fact.
Finally, there are others here who met the man, worked for him and knew him. I never even got close to riding on one of his planes, but the legacy he leaves behind will forever benefit air travellers. Maybee we should start a petition for Branson to paint one of his planes in Laker colours, I can't think of a more fitting tribute, can you??
RIP Sir Freddie. You are already sadly missed.
I well remember going to Manchester as a kid and looking at the Skytrain fleet and wishing my folks earnt enough to get on one!!
It's amazing that certain things stick in your mind, and I remember coming home from the dentist after having a tooth out as a kid to the evening news that Laker had gone bump. A week later going to MAN and looking at 3 or 4 DC 10's lined up on the far side of the apron, impounded by the airport. I even have a picture somewhere of them.
I find it amazing that on this site, where there are always contrasting views on whatever is being discussed that this thread is 4 pages long, and not a bad word has been uttered against Sir Freddie. That, more than anything, speaks volumes about the man and his legacy.
Going back to earlier comments, I think it is fair to say that Stelios, Branson, MOL and others owe this great man a huge debt, and it would be a great tribute if they were to publically aknowledge this fact.
Finally, there are others here who met the man, worked for him and knew him. I never even got close to riding on one of his planes, but the legacy he leaves behind will forever benefit air travellers. Maybee we should start a petition for Branson to paint one of his planes in Laker colours, I can't think of a more fitting tribute, can you??
RIP Sir Freddie. You are already sadly missed.
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Sir Freddy Dies
I was a Yank who flew Bac-111's for Sir Freddy & married one of his gorgeous Stewardess' (F/A's to the under 60 crowd), who became the mother of our 5 children. Sir Freddy was at our wedding and gave us a most generous $ gift!! Long live the memory of a beloved and trusted member of our very close-knit fraternity!!! Hip-HooRay 3 times..... Vref130 & Pricilla say goodbye.
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Hobie,
Great pic of 'BY - I'll pm you.
Whilst on the photo topic, does anyone have a photo of G-AXMU which was on lease to GK but in a tropical scheme with a Pelican or other schematic down full length of the fuselage. Got some great comments taxiing out in it one night.
Great pic of 'BY - I'll pm you.
Whilst on the photo topic, does anyone have a photo of G-AXMU which was on lease to GK but in a tropical scheme with a Pelican or other schematic down full length of the fuselage. Got some great comments taxiing out in it one night.
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Originally Posted by GK430
Hobie,
Great pic of 'BY - I'll pm you.
Whilst on the photo topic, does anyone have a photo of G-AXMU which was on lease to GK but in a tropical scheme with a Pelican or other schematic down full length of the fuselage. Got some great comments taxiing out in it one night.
Great pic of 'BY - I'll pm you.
Whilst on the photo topic, does anyone have a photo of G-AXMU which was on lease to GK but in a tropical scheme with a Pelican or other schematic down full length of the fuselage. Got some great comments taxiing out in it one night.