Number 40 in a Never Ending Series

Those were the Days

Welcome , just a short blog this week showing Luton in what may be termed the end of the "Good Old Days" when airlines were run by people interested in aviation not accountants interested in the bottom line.

From a September 1968 edition of the Luton News we see an aerial view of Luton at the end of the summer season, with a Britannia Airways Bristol Britannia on one of only 5 terminal stands, another inside their hangar on the right  and an Ambassador and BAC 1-11 outside the Autair Hangar, whilst the graveyard area is still under construction and the light aircraft stand and the "ponderosa" have yet to be built.

Number 39 in a Never Ending Series

Appearing for one time only

Welcome, today we have a selection of aircraft that made a one time appearance on the hallowed tarmac of Luton. As they are spread over several years,once again its up to you how you wish to ascend the airport hill and the choice of camera.

Just off the production line, BA146 G-WISC in Air Wisconsin colours makes a fleeting appearance.

Taxying out in the early morning is Bluebell's CL44 N100BB  after delivering a cargo of Wrangler Jeans.

Another early morning departure is N7554A American Trans Air's Boeing 707.

Aeral DC8 N9110V.

As usual the rarest turn up on lousy days. Boeing 737 N70722 in Nigerian Airways colours soaks up the liquid sunshine before being repainted.

YAK 40 SP-GEA drops in for some fuel.

And finally an aircraft not often seen this side of the pond, Swearingen Metro 2  F-GTBO of Compangie Aerienne Du Longerdoc.

And so as Roger and Reggie disappear in a cloud of dust around the perimeter road we say goodbye till next time.

Always Remember Your Instructors Advice

In the event of a forced landing always aim for the centre of the field, as it is easier to nose into far hedge at low speed than go through the near hedge at high speed.

Airship Industries Cardington

Welcome, today we are off up the A600 once again, to look at the advertising colour schemes to be seen on the Airship Industries Skyship 500 Airship. The Canon A1 is loaded with film so lets fire up the Austin Metro and burn some rubber in the direction of Cardington.

We start with a take off shot of  Skyship 500 G-BIHN in Fuji Colours, it can be clearly seen that as mentioned in a previous blog that the green stripes around the nose are not symetric.

Dwarfed inside the R101's No1 shed (which you easily park 4 skyships side by side) is Skyship500             G-BIHN. with a B&Q/Comet/Woolworths Banner. Rather than paint the envelopes it was cheaper and easier to paint a banner which was tied to the envelope and could be changed in a few hours inside a hangar, or a day abseiling down the envelope outside.

The only time 3 Airships ever flew at the same time at Cardington. We see Skyship600 G-SKSD leading Skyship 500 G-BIHN in Swan Lager colours with Skyship 600 G-SKSC bringing up the rear. G-SKSD spent most of its life in No1 Hangar under a net as an envelope floating above a detached gondola, till it was assembled for this one flight for a C of A then deflated and shipped to Australia for the Alan Bond airship operation around Sydney.

Skyship 500 G-BIHN , departing for the London Marathon to advertise NOVO bars a short lived rival to snickers  which the few people that bought it didn't like the flavour.

Seen  from an unusual angle, wearing the final Airship Industries livery Skyship 500 G-BIHN photographed from Skyship 600 G-SKSC.  Note the registration is also carried on top of the envelope.

A banner used for one day only. Skyship 500 G-BIHN getting airborne enroute to the centre of the known universe, Milton Keynes, for filming a special for BBC's Tomorrows World, where the airship interior was used as a "high tech" control room  to direct the presenters around various high tech  industries located in MK.

And so as the Austin Metro rattles its way into the sunset down the A600, we say goodbye to Roger and Reggie till next time.

Number 38 in a Never Ending Series

Military Visitors at Luton

Welcome, Luton used to get a large number of military aircraft passing through during the 1970,s and 80's and here we review a small selection of what was on offer. As the photo's are spread over a number of  years you can choose your own mode of transport and camera. So lets be off up the hill to see today's selection.

First today is Aeronavale 84 one of many French Navy C47's that were regular visitors to Luton during the 70's

Hawker Hunter T7 G-BOOM seen in June 1982 was an occasional visitor.

Hawker Hunter T7 G-BOOM once again this time in May 1983 being rolled out in new colours after a respray by McAlpine Aviation.

French Navy again this time Nord262 Aeronavale 75. Although not built in large numbers the Nord's were a regular sight at Luton. Note the Swedish Airforce C47 in the background.

Continuing the theme Nord 262 Aeronavale 72.

A rare visitor is XS606 the Empire Test Pilots School  Hawker Siddley Andover, with a gust measuring instrument attached to the nose.

And so as we disappear over the horizon into the sunset, we say say goodbye to Roger and Reggie till next time.

Number 37 in a Never Ending Series