Ringway's GA area windows and entrance to Viewing galleries

[spikem]

First of all a big thank you to all the members for a great site which I never knew existed I've been looking for history of Manchester airport for some time trying to recall happy memories from the 60s.

During that time ( if I remember correctly ) at the left hand side of the terminal was the entrance to the viewing area through a turnstile Just prior to this on the left there were a few large thick glassed windows where you see a few private aircraft used for pleasure rides. Which incidently my dear mother used to save her hard earned money to treat me to a ride in one of them every once in a while.

Does anyone have or know of any photographs of these areas, a plan of the airport showing them or the identity of the aircraft used for the pleasure flights? I'm struggling to recall the name of the operator as well, mind you it was 50 years ago.

Thanks all

[davecalveley]

Northern Executive Aviation used to do Sunday afternoon flights in their Cherokee G-ARVS in the 60S

[ian531]

Have you tried this website

www.ringwaypublications.com/

Be prepared to lose a few hours of your life!

Ian

[northbynorthwest]

Prior to NEA operating a Cherokee as mentioned by Dave, there was a company that I believe was called Airviews of Manchester who operated an Auster on pleasure flights. This must have been the early sixties. I have very vague memories of seeing that aircraft operating from that area.

[davecalveley]

So Spikem.....you just need to remember did you step on the wing to get into a Cherokee or was the wing above you in the Auster??

[Deleted]

Jul 9, 2016 12:01:37 GMT 1 northbynorthwest said:

Prior to NEA operating a Cherokee as mentioned by Dave, there was a company that I believe was called Airviews of Manchester who operated an Auster on pleasure flights. This must have been the early sixties. I have very vague memories of seeing that aircraft operating from that area.

Well here's the Airviews Auster - circa 1961 I would guess:

[viscount]

Airviews Ltd go right back to immediately post war, with Auster G-AGXN acquired April 1946. During the mid 1950s they had a fleet of upto 4 Dragon Rapides and a Dove which operated scheduled services, charters and pleasure flights. Despite financial problems in 1957 and 1959 (and disposal of the twins), Airviews continued to operate G-AGXN for 20 years, right through to June 1966. They briefly operated other Austers too, with G-AJYK summer 1950 and G-AMPV 1960-1961, both being lost in accidents. When G-AGXN was sold mid '66, it was replaced by G-AOBV which in September 1970 was in-turn replaced by Beagle Husky G-ASNC.

Northern Executive Aviation (NEA) were formed at Barton early in 1962 with a single Cherokee 160 G-ARVS and moved to Ringway in June 1962 with the Cherokee used for charter work during the week and pleasure flights at weekends. In October 1965 they acquired their first Piper Aztec twin. The Cherokee 160 was replaced by a larger Cherokee Six 260 G-ATRW in May 1966 which took over the weekend pleasure flight trade. The Cherokee Six was sold April 1969, leaving NEA with a fleet of air taxi twin aircraft.

Summary made from the entries in 'British Independent Airlines since 1946' Tony Merton Jones, MAS/LAASI publication, 1976.


You might be interested to know that Auster G-AGXN is still flying and based in the London area with the 'Gentleman's Aerial Carriage Touring Group'. Some recent photos can be accessed via the links at the bottom of this page: publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?catid=1&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=detailnosummary&fullregmark=AGXN Strangely enough, G-ARVS is still airworthy in Kent, but now re-registered G-JAKS, and G-ATRW still flies with owners in the London area too.


Finally, 'Garstonboy', what an absolutely charming photo of G-AGXN with the old Manchester terminal behind, and answers "Spikem's" request well.

[spikem]

Many thanks for the info It would have been the cherokee, I don't think my mother would have dared to go in the Auster. Another memorable trip that comes to mind is a pleasure flight on Southport Beach but I'm sure that will be covered in anther section

[viscount]

You are correct in thinking that pleasure flying from Hesketh Park, Birkdale Sands and Southport Beach are (partly) covered elsewhere on nwan.

Try these links for discussion and photos:

derbosoft.proboards.com/thread/12581/birkdale-sands

and the post relating to North West Air Services and subsequent discussion (some on a second page):

derbosoft.proboards.com/thread/3394


During the '70s and '80s other aircraft, usually provided by Blackpool based operators, used Piper Tri-Pacer and Cessna 172 aircraft for pleasure flying from Southport Sands.

[newpin]

After reading spikem's post regarding pleasure flights from Manchester it prompted me to rummage through my old photos and look for the record of my first flight which was in NEA's PA28.
One photo is a copy of their handout postcard and the other is yours truly alighting after the flight.Apologies for the quality.
newpin

[CloudWarrior]

I recall doing a pleasure flight from MAN in the late 70s. Can't remember the aircraft, it was twin engined. possibly an Aztec. We boarded from the domestic pier. We stayed aloft a bit longer than normal due to arriving traffic, doing 3 holds over Handforth flats. Happy carefree days.

[groundhugger]

G-AOBV Auster 

tried uploading a couple of photo's from photobucket  alas  failed  and given up .

[mt65]

Cloudwarriors aztec that he flew on was G-AZSZ. I seem to remember that i was on the same flight as him!