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Post by viscount on Jul 20, 2010 13:17:57 GMT 1
Hamilton Compass Aviation Ltd
Air Nova Ltd
Longer lived than most of the flying schools being covered here, Air Nova developed a much respected reputation as a very professional organisation. If it had not been for a forced move away due to the lack of hangarage at Liverpool, the story may have been considerably longer.
Newly researched by Brian Jones for nwan forum using NWAN magazine and an early 1992 article by Ron Davies in FoLAs '09/27', with a few amendments from Keith Rotherham.
Air Nova, 1988 - 1999 [/size][/center] It is believed that aircraft importers, MM&G Aviation, along with resident operator, Hamilton Compass Aviation Ltd, combined in a joint venture to establish a new flying school, offering a full range of courses from PPL, through night ratings and twin ratings to Commercial Pilots Licence. Prior to the flying school 'Air Nova' taking to the air, husband and wife team, Rod and Martina MacKay in mid 1989 sold their Cessna 172 G-MALK, which they had operated since June 1984 under the name Hamilton Compass Aviation. Most the initial equipment of the flying club were imported from the U.S.A. by MM&G either by air or in crates. Once in the UK they were overhauled if required, and new British registrations applied, either at Manchester, Blackpool or Liverpool. First transatlantic import to arrive and readied for use by Air Nova was a Cherokee Arrow IV, G-BOUS, followed soon after by Cherokee Warrior G-BOVK in September 1988. Often these were ferried in across the Atlantic by Rod MacKay himself. More aircraft followed through 1989, with another Cherokee Warrior, G-BPWZ in May, and in September '89 the arrival of three Tomahawks in a sea container crate, enabled the flying school to offer PPL tuition on suitable two-seater aircraft; while in November the arrival of Beech Duchess G-BRPU enabled twin-rating and CPL 's to be offered. These seven aircraft formed the basis of the Air Nova fleet for the next ten years. Initially the aircraft were kept in No.1 hangar on the north airfield. During 1990 membership and student numbers built up, keeping the fleet busy. The failure of Liverpool based 'Walker Air Training Services' in 1990 not only provided extra business, but also the opportunity to purchase Cherokee Warrior G-WATZ. This aircraft first flying with Air Nova 23rd March 1991, after 6 months in storage. Also noted operating with Air Nova in 1991 and beyond, were aircraft owned by members, in the form of Cherokees G-BSOK and G-BEYO. A process of repainting the fleet into a blue/white/red scheme to match that on Cherokee G-BOVK commenced with Tomahawk G-BRHT in September 1991. After considerable deliberation, Radio City selected Air Nova to operate "Eye in the Sky" traffic report flights every weekday morning from early November 1991. The flight would depart at 0730 and return around 0900, with Radio celebrity (and a FoLA founder member) Ron Davies as the 'Eye in the Sky' reporter. Usually G-WATZ operated the flight, with G-BPWZ as a back-up, as G-BOVK was unavailable due to extended winter overhaul 12.91 until mid 5.92. The flights were usually flown by either Mary Tews or Chris Brady, both experienced CPL pilots. Ron Davies would report alternately on both Radio City FM's Breakfast Show hosted by DJ Tony Snell and on AM Radio City Gold's, Mark Jones's Morning Show. Winter was certainly not the best time to commence 'Eye in the Sky' flights with stormy weather and dark mornings. Invited passengers were often taken aloft in the back seats, and as I once experienced, well over an hour in gusty 'lumpy' conditions, just after an early breakfast was far from comfortable! Flights though were more often cancelled by fog than by rain or wind. A weakness of the reports was that on the very mornings that drivers faced tough driving conditions, the 'Eye' flight had to be called off! Initially the flights were sponsored by 'Redrow Homes', and from May 1992 by 'Liverpool Renault'. Unfortunately, I can find no record now noting just when the operation finished. Probably building on the experience gained by the Radio City 'Eye in the Sky' flights, during the period of the St.Helens show in July 1992 and on two weekends in August, Air Nova's Cherokees, using the call-sign 'Police 2', operated traffic spotter duties for Merseyside Police. In July 1992 Air Nova moved into the former 'Dollar Helicopters' partitioned enclave within No.1 hangar as a maintenance area, taking on, not only their own fleet, but third-party work from outside. One job on their own fleet was the respray of Cherokee Arrow G-BOUS into a smart new blue scheme in November 1995. Air Nova took-over Building No.9 as offices accommodation, while the aircraft moved into the front of No.3 hangar (with CATS in the other half). They offered a full range of services, including trial lessons, flight training, self fly hire and club facilities. Air Nova built up an enviable reputation as a very professional organisation. Air Britain Merseyside Branch (a direct predecessor of this nwan site and forum) in August 1995 could not have organised their '10th Anniversary Fly-In' without much assistance from Keith Rotherham, Air Nova's Operations Manager. A feature of the Club's activity were weekend 'fly-outs' a couple of times per year, with several of Air Nova's fleet, sometimes joined by member's aeroplanes, flying off to the same destination eg 24th May 1997 to Knock with all four Cherokees involved. After many years with the same 8 aircraft, an addition, arriving from Oxford on 24th December 1996 was G-BMZC a Cessna 421B. Early in 1997 this was active, for example in March it visited Staverton, Filton, Coventry, Glasgow and Edinburgh, while in April a few days away at Amsterdam, then Dusseldorf, Southampton and Filton. In July 1997 this twin was re-registered with an out-of-sequence serial as G-GILT, while Cherokee G-WATZ was re-registered in the main sequence as G-BXLY in September. Two unfortunate incidents in 1997 both resulted in aircraft being damaged beyond repair in forced landings. The first involved a Tomahawk, G-BRHS, on 27th April 1997 which force-landed short of runway 27 at Liverpool. Fortunately both occupants walked away unhurt. The second involved Cherokee G-BPWZ which on a flight from Kirkbride, home to Liverpool on 10th August 1997 suffered an engine problem and a force-landing in a field, resulting in much damage to the airframe. A Cessna 182P, G-BIRS, was purchased from a Liverpool based owner, during the summer 1997, presumably to replace the Cherokee. Although general aviation had continued to use the north airfield facilities long after the original terminal closed in 1986, by the end of the 1990s the developers were impatient to move in. The closure of No.1 hangar for safety reasons during 1998 forced Air Nova's maintenance facility out, moving to Hawarden where they took over the hangar formerly occupied by the recently defunct Hawarden Aircraft Services. In mid December 1998, with restoration work on the terminal imminent, Air Nova had to move out of its 'Building No.9' portacabins adjacent to the terminal, into two portacabins stacked vertically inside Hangar No.3. By April 1999, the position at Liverpool was untenable, with notice to quit the hangar, but with no proper facilities evident on the south airfield despite promises. In view of the Airport management's lack of interest in the problems of the GA community a decision was taken to move out completely to Hawarden. No.3 hangar was demolished on 9th September, leaving the club homeless, so on 12th September 1999, the entire fleet of 8 aircraft departed for Hawarden (ISOD - In service on departure). Air Nova closed down, ceased trading sometime late 2000, or more likely early 2001 at Hawarden. One feels that if Liverpool Airport management had been in a position to finance GA infrastructure ahead of the enforced move from the north to the south airfield, then Air Nova could have continued trading for many years. Aircraft Operated:
G-BIRS Cessna 182P mid.97 ISOD purchased locally
G-BMZC Cessna 421B 26.09.96 re-registered G-GILT 7.97
G-BOUS PA-28RT-201T Arrow IV 01.07.88+ ISOD, but dbr, departing Cark soon after
G-BOVK PA-28-161 Warrior II 24.09.88 ISOD
G-BPWZ PA-28-161 Warrior II 25.05.89 dbr forced landing Whitehaven 10.8.97
G-BRHR PA-38-112 Tomahawk 04.09.89 ISOD
G-BRHS PA-38-112 Tomahawk 08.09.89 dbr force landing Liverpool 27.4.97
G-BRHT PA-38-112 Tomahawk 29.09.89 ISOD
G-BRPU Beech 76 Duchess 04.11.89 ISOD
G-BXLY PA-28-151 Warrior 25.09.97+ ISOD (initially op as G-WATZ)
G-GILT Cessna 421B 14.07.97+ ISOD (initially op as G-BMZC)
G-WATZ PA-28-151 Warrior 23.03.91 re-registered G-BXLY 9.97
Majority of fleet imported via the Airport. Date given is that of return from overhaul/new marks applied.
(+) is that of first flight in those marks, with the new marks applied at Liverpool
ISOD = In Service on Departure, 12.08.99 for Hawarden
dbr = Damaged beyond repair
Associated aircraft, privately owned, but used by Air Nova in '91 and were available to Club members:
G-BEYO PA-28 Cherokee 140 (arrived 14.3.91, departed 3.7.93)
G-BSOK PA-28-161 Warrior (arrived 8.90, departed 24.12.94)
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Post by viscount on Jul 20, 2010 14:58:17 GMT 1
Liverpool Aviation Services (Flying School) Ltd
Liverpool Aviation Flying Services A relatively short lived operation, of which I have no recall, despite operating a fair few different aircraft. All their aircraft were on operating leases, so financially Liverpool Aviation was organised in a different way to Air Nova or Deltair.
Again, this is written for nwan forum by Brian Jones, compiled using monthly notes from NWAN magazine.Liverpool Aviation Flying Services, 1990 - 1992.[/center] Liverpool Aviation took delivery of its first two aircraft, both two-seat Cessna 152s in late 1990. They commenced operations at a time when there was maximium competition from well established organisiations, Liverpool Flying School, Cheshire Air Training School, Air Nova and later on additionally from Deltair. By summer 1991 the active fleet briefly stood at 4 Cessna 150s and 2 Cessna 172s in mid July, although in August more typically 3 Cessna 150 and a Cessna 172, which implies that the company had developed a reasonable amount of business despite the competition. Leading upto Christmas, December 1991, they were advertising in the local press offering trial flying lessons as a Christmas. present. One of the advantages of leasing in aircraft, is that the fleet can be quickly adjusted to match business. For the winter the fleet was trimmed down to 2 Cessna 150s and a Cessna 172. However, Liverpool Aviation Flying Services ceased trading at midday 7th May 1992. The aircraft leases were taken over by Deltair, who also offered to take the Flying School's students. Aircraft Operated:
G-BAIK Cessna F.150L 29.05.91 11.10.91
G-BBKE Cessna F.150L 20.06.91 22.07.91
G-BEUX Cessna F.172N 22.05.91 19.07.91
G-BNHJ Cessna 152 02.04.91 ISOC 07.05.92, to Deltair
G-BORI Cessna 152 18.02.91 ISOC 07.05.92, to Deltair
G-BSDO Cessna 152 11.10.90 05.06.91
G-BSDP Cessna 152 13.11.90 05.06.91
G-JFWI Cessna F.172N 12.03.91 ISOC 07.05.92, to Deltair
ISOC = In service on closure
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Post by viscount on Jul 20, 2010 15:40:44 GMT 1
Deltair Ltd Deltair first operated from Liverpool briefly in 1973, returning from Hawarden via Tilstock in 1992. If anyone can supply information on Deltair's activity in those years, do PM me, as my information is incomplete. Once back at Liverpool Airport the company grew rapidly until the tragic death of the owner, Dave Williams in a motoring accident, 1998.
Again this account freshly prepared for this nwan forum by Brian Jones using monthly comments in the NWAN magazines of the time.DELTAIR, 1992 - 1998[/size][/center] In 1972 Dave Williams purchased a Beagle Pup G-AZEU and based it at Liverpool. Under the name Deltair the Pup was used by the Cheshire Air Training School and proudly wore their 'Cheshire Cat' logo on the tail. At the May 1973 Liverpool Air Show, the Pup formed part of a 3 aircraft "WW I" scenario of crazy flying, the Pup bearing oversized period RFC 'roundel' markings, chasing and "shooting down" two 'Iron Cross' marked Cessna 150s - entertaining stuff. Towards the end of 1973 the Pup left Liverpool for Hawarden and very soon after departed for new owners at Plymouth. There may have been other Beagle Pup aircraft owned by D.A.Williams/Deltair but two were G-AXDU summer 1973 to late 1982/early 1983 and G-AZEW from the end of 1979 until late 1985/early 1986. These aircraft were joined by the purchase of Cessna G-BIBW summer 1980, followed by Cessna 152s G-BGLH spring 1983 and G-BFHU autumn 1985. Together, these aircraft formed the basis of an flying training school operation at Hawarden for many years. At times GA operators at Hawarden had to operate within an environment of strict and inflexible BAe security, which was not always easy. Deltair moved to Tilstock Airfield, however being unlicenced any circuits undertaken their could not be counted towards PPL qualification. Consequently, Deltair moved on, and into Liverpool Airport, flying in with G-BIBW on Tuesday, 14th January 1992 and G-BFHU two days later. The other Cessna 152 G-BGLH arriving by road, being on an extended rebuild. Deltair moved into half of No.5 Hangar (formerly occupied by Telair, Merseyside Aviation Industries and Aviation West). Other aircraft moved into Liverpool to be hangared with Deltair, including Pup G-AXNP and Baron G-UROP. An interesting arrival a few days later for Deltair was Robinson R.22 G-UPCC on 19th January from Barton, so broadening the portfolio into helicopter training, later operated in conjunction with Talk Helicopters. Rather unfortunately, in a somewhat bizarre ground incident, at 1815 hours on 22nd January Deltair's Cessna 172 G-BIBW was accidentally taxied into the back of C.A.T.S.'s Cessna 150 G-BDNR on the parallel taxiway. While G-BIBW was back in the air a month later, G-BDNR was damaged beyond economic repair. At Liverpool Deltair set about a programme of expansion. Following the R.22 came a Super Cub G-ARVO in May, enabling tail-dragger conversion training to be offered, while also in May Deltair took on the students and fleet of the defunct Liverpool Aviation Flying Services, two Cessna 150s and a Cessna G-JFWI. So for the summer the fleet stood at: 2 Cessna 172, 4 Cessna 150 (one on rebuild), a Super Cub and the Robinson R.22. Futher changes saw one of the Cessna 150s and the Cessna 172 taken on from Liverpool Aviation Flying Services not staying long, leaving before the end of 1992. However in November 1992 Deltair's own Cessna 152 G-BGLH returned to the air, and a Tomahawk arrived, in the form of G-BKAR. In order to operate twin ratings, Barton based Aztec G-ODIR was based with Deltair 7th August to 18th August, 16th September to 2nd November and again during March 1993. The fleet expanded again, with the delivery of Tomahawk G-BTJJ on 17th August 1993. However just a few days later Cessna 152 G-BGLH was destroyed by fire following an engine failure on take-off and subsequent emergency landing at Liverpool on 22nd August 1993. Tomahawk G-BTJK arrived from Ravenair at Manchester for 10 weeks lease from early October. By this time Ravenair was taking on third party maintenance and brokering the occasional aircraft sale in addition to fully functioning as an aero club offering both fixed and rotary wing training. Fleet changes, planned and unplanned continued during 1994. Departures were the Super Cub G-ARVO to White Waltham on 1st June 1994 and the Robinson R.22 G-UPCC which hit the ground infront of the control tower, while on a training detail, on 6th June 1994, both occupants walked away, but the helicopter was damaged beyond repair. A third Tomahawk arrived in the form of G-BKAS on 26th July, although did not enter service until 24th October. The great surprise was the arrival of two former Botswana Self Defense Force Bulldogs in the form of G-BHXA and G-BHXB, both delivered from Sandown IoW on 27th September, followed by third, G-BHZS this time from Bembridge, IoW on 28th November. While G-BHXA was very much a hangar queen, not flying for over 3 years, the other two alternately spent time away at White Waltham, Tollerton and active at Liverpool with Deltair. During 1995 Deltair took over the whole of Hangar No.5, previously the rear section was used by a freight forwarder. This enabled more outside maintenance work to be taken on. Engine problems forced the pilot flying G-BTJJ on 19th August 1995 to make a forced landing at Poulton, Cheshire. Little damage was sustained, and the aircraft returned to Liverpool by air two days later. A little more serious was an incident that befell Tomahawk G-BKAR on 16th October 1995 which suffered a nose wheel collapse during a heavy landing at Liverpool. Damage was not severe, and again the aircraft was repairable. A further aircraft, a Cherokee was added when G-AYAV was delivered from Biggin Hill on 21st December 1995. After a protracted overhaul it reflew as G-DLTR on 17th June 1996 and joined the Deltair fleet. Unfortunately Tomahawk G-BTJJ suffered engine trouble on 29th May 1996 while en route from Liverpool to Welshpool. In the resultant force landing the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. In mid summer '96 Deltair had a diverse fleet of 8 aircraft of which 6 formed the active fleet: a Cessna 150, a Cessna 172, a Cherokee, two Tomahawks and 3 Bulldogs (one stored, one active, one away). This fleet remained constant right through 1997 and into summer '98, providing PPL training, instrument and night ratings, self fly hire and a full range of membership activities. The club owner and proprietor, Dave Williams, tragically died in a road accident in France during July 1998. Although Deltair continued to operate for a while, in September operations were wound down and ended. Over three days 30th September, 1st and 2nd October the whole fleet of 8 aircraft, including the hangar queen Bulldog, flew off to storage at Hawarden, along with a member's Beagle Pup G-AZOX. First to be sold and depart was Cessna 172 G-BIBW to a new owner in Winchester, although it took a while for all the fleet to find new owners. Meanwhile at Liverpool, Hangar No.5 was demolished in January 1999, erasing all trace of Deltair's residency on Liverpool Airport's north airfield. Aircraft Operated at Liverpool:
G-ARVO PA-18 Super Cub 95 09.05.92 01.06.94
G-BFHU Cessna F.152 ISOA 16.01.92 ISOC
G-BGLH Cessna 152 ISOA 14.01.92 22.08.93 W/o by fire, landing accident Liverpool.
G-BHXA B.121 Bulldog 27.09.94 ISOC did not fly during '95, '96 or '97.
G-BHXB B.121 Bulldog 27.09.94 ISOC at times leased away at White Waltham
G-BHZS B.121 Bulldog 28.11.94 ISOC at times leased away at White Waltham
G-BIBW Cessna F.172N ISOA 14.01.92 ISOC
G-BKAR PA-38-112 Tomahawk 04.11.92 ISOC
G-BKAS PA-38-112 Tomahawk 26.07.94 ISOC
G-BNHJ Cessna 152 ISOT 5.92 11.10.94
G-BORI Cessna 152 ISOT 5.92 late .92
G-BTJJ PA-38-112 Tomahawk 17.08.93 29.05.96 Dbr forced landing en-route to Welshpool
G-BTJK PA-38-112 Tomahawk 08.10.93 17.12.93 short-term lease from Ravenair
G-DLTR PA-28 Cherokee 180E 17.06.96+ ISOC (Originally arrived 21.12.95 as G-AYAV before repaint)
G-JFWI Cessna F.172N ISOT 5.92 17.09.92
G-UPCC Robinson R.22 19.01.92 06.06.94 Dbr landing accident at Liverpool
ISOT = In Service on Take-over Dbr Damaged beyond repair
ISOC = In Service on Closure W/o Written off
ISOA = In service on Arrival + First flight in new marks
Associated aircraft, privately owned, thought to have been used at times by Deltair and
available to club members:
G-AXNP Beagle Pup (at Liverpool 26.1.92 to 6.5.94)
G-AXOZ Beagle Pup (at Liverpool 23.5.93 until to Hawarden with rest of fleet 1.10.98)
G-BOIL Cessna 172 (at Liverpool 7.4.92 to 3.2.93)
G-ODIR PA-23 Aztec 250 (used by Deltair at times, in the period 8.92 to 3.93
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Post by viscount on Jul 20, 2010 16:06:37 GMT 1
Advanced Flight Training A small flying school, but well worthy of inclusion here.
These notes compiled for nwan forum by Brian Jones, using NWAN magazines of the period.Advanced Flight Training, 1993 - 1996[/size][/center] A small flying training school set up by Mary Tews and Tim, Andrew and Richard Nolan. Cherokee G-BCGJ arrived at Liverpool from Dundee in November 1993, while their other aircraft was already locally owned by Mary Tews, trading as G-TEWS Flying Group. Advanced Flight Training operated from the North Airfield buildings. Cherokee G-BCGJ left for Gamston on sale, March 1996 - but quite when Advanced Flight Training ceased to trade is unclear. Aircraft used:
G-BCGJ PA-28 Cherokee 140 11.11.93 28.03.96 owned by Timothy, Andrew & Richard Nolan
G-TEWS PA-28 Cherokee 140B already locally operated by Mary Tews t/a G-TEWS Flying Group.
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Post by viscount on Jul 20, 2010 16:41:30 GMT 1
Merseyside Aviation Ltd Yet another flying training school to establish at Liverpool in the 1990s. Noteable if only for a name similar to our own Merseyside Aviation Society, even though we effectively ceased trading at the end of 1986!
Newly compiled by Brian Jones for nwan forum from NWAN magazines of the period.Merseyside Aviation, 1994 - 2000[/size][/center] Merseyside Aviation acquired their first aircraft on lease in October 1994 and immediately set about establishing themselves as the 'new kid on the block'. For the first eight months, just the one Tomahawk was in service, however as business grew and the summer months offering more opportunities for flying, a second was leased for two months in Summer '95. Shortly after this aircraft was returned, a Cherokee Arrow arrived, although owned by J.Paulson, it flew with the company offering experienced private pilots a larger, faster aircraft for touring. At this time Liverpool Flying School, Cheshire Air Training School, Air Nova and Deltair provided formidible established competition. On 27th May 1996 the original Tomahawk G-BOYT made a skillful forced landing beside the A55 North Wales coast road, but was written off. Further Tomahawks, G-BWNR and then G-BNEK were used for training during the summer '96 on short leases. For the winter '96/97 activity was scaled down with just the Cherokee Arrow being available. However in April 1997 Tomahawk G-BWNR returned. The fleet never expanded beyond two aircraft, although the mix of 2 seat Tomahawk trainer and the Cherokee Arrow for touring suited members. Despite great uncertainties over the move of GA organisations into a permanent location and a lack of amenities adjacent to the grass parking area on the South airfield, Merseyside Aviation continued through 1998, however for periods in 1999 the Tomahawk was used by Liverpool Flying School to cover for a shortage of their own, before leaving for Manchester 31st October 1999, earlier the Cherokee Arrow moved out to Hawarden 5th July 1999, this seemed to mark the end to a brave attempt to establish a new venture in the face of well established, larger, competitors. However the following summer season, Merseyside Aviation were back, this time with Tomahawk G-BOMO from February through to June, except for a few days 15 to 18th March when away for checks and G-BWNR briefly returned to substitute. I can find no further mention of Merseyflight aircraft in our records, unless operating an already resident aircraft on loan. Confusingly, as recently as July 2010 "Flyer Magazine" in a 'Learn to Fly Guide', list Merseyside Aviation as a current flying school at Liverpool Airport, although don't give any indication of aircraft types offered, nor list a website. Aircraft Used:
G-BBEL PA-28R-180 Arrow 22.08.95 05.07.99 owned by J.Paulson
G-BMNP PA-38-112 Tomahawk 30.06.95 28.07.95
G-BNEK PA-38-112 Tomahawk 26.10.96 07.11.96
G-BOMO PA-38-112 Tomahawk 22.02.00 11.06.00
G-BOYT PA-38-112 Tomahawk 18.10.94 27.05.96 Dbr forced landing, North Wales
G-BPER PA-38-112 Tomahawk 19.08.95 29.09.95 f&t Welshpool owners
G-BWNR PA-38-112 Tomahawk 16.04.97 31.10.99
PS Don't confuse Merseyside Aviation with current operator, Merseyflight, 2008-date, or indeed the Merseyside Aviation Society 1956-1986. Both have their own entries elsewhere on this site. |
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Post by viscount on Feb 10, 2012 12:19:38 GMT 1
A couple of prints of a few of the Deltair aircraft.  Their Bulldogs were ex military aircraft, and still bore their camouflage colours - although gradually fading. Here is G-BHXB at the Ashcroft Farm Fly-in on Sunday 9th July 1995.  While this G-BHZS, having been repainted in a copy of the original 'war-bug' colours. Noted on Grand National Day 30th March 1996 - I think the photo is from the Speke Hall Bund looking down on the link taxiway.  There is just one I've found on print of an Air Nova aircraft. Here on approach to 27 is one of the twins, a Beech 76 Duchess, G-BRPU, captured on 19th October 1995. Added much later on edit, a few of Air Novs's aircraft:  G-GILT a Cessna 421C, operated July 1997 until the September 1999 move to Hawarden.  Another of their Beech 76 Duchess G-BRPU, with the closed-up terminal behind. |
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Post by viscount on Mar 6, 2012 10:48:53 GMT 1
Initially at Liverpool with Walker Air Training, hence the registation G-WATZ, but 23rd June 1996 when this photo was taken, it was operated by Air Nova from Liverpool, later being changed to G-BXLY.  |
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Post by Airbus A346 on Apr 21, 2020 15:23:54 GMT 1
DELTAIR 1992 - 1998 The great surprise was the arrival of two former Botswana Self Defense Force Bulldogs in the form of G-BHXA and G-BHXB, both delivered from Sandown IoW on 27th September, followed by third, G-BHZS this time from Bembridge, IoW on 28th November. While G-BHXA was very much a hangar queen, not flying for over 3 years, the other two alternately spent time away at White Waltham, Tollerton and active at Liverpool with Deltair.
Aircraft Operated at Liverpool:G-BHXA B.121 Bulldog 27.09.94 ISOC did not fly during '95, '96 or '97. G-BHXB B.121 Bulldog 27.09.94 ISOC at times leased away at White Waltham G-BHZS B.121 Bulldog 28.11.94 ISOC at times leased away at White Waltham
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Post by justice on Apr 26, 2024 21:27:21 GMT 1
Some fictional additions, or are they ?..............
G-GILT, Cessna Golden Eagle C421B owned by Venutime, whilst arriving from Dusseldorf was impounded by UK customs at Birmingham airport in 1998, the two owners Stephen Halford & Gene Gibson were the only occupants onboard and were stopped, each carrying bags collectively reportedly to be holding GBP 5M worth of cocaine. (Liverpool Echo).
The aircraft was impounded. Both men were tried in 1999 and found guilty, each received sentences of 25 YEARS !
During the court hearing it was stated that 37 similar flights had taken place !
The fate of G-GILT.......seized, sold, now (as of April 2024) registered N421C flying in the USA.
The Red haired, fiery tempered, Mr. Douglas Apter was a "Handy Man" and an unlicensed airframe mechanic employed to work for Rod McKay of Nova, Mr. Apter was directly responsible for the engine failure of G-BPWZ as he had performed an illegal engine overhaul of the engine in the Birkenhead garage premises of Hamilton Compass car rental, essentially the parent company of Air Nova, both companies were owned by Mr. Rod McKay. It must be assumed the engine log book certificate was forged and went uncovered and never was investigated by the insurance company at the time.
The chief engineer of Air Nova at the same time was Duncan Brown, he was (Maybe) likely unaware of the illegal overhaul but was coerced into signing off the engine change for fear of loosing his job which he needed to pay his mortgage for a new house he'd recently bought near Alsager, Duncan eventually left Air Nova, went to work for British Aerospace.
The day following the crash of G-BPWZ in Cumbria, Mr. Apter supported by a 2 mechanic's from Air Nova used a flat bed vehicle, borrowed from a local Garston gearbox garage, traveled to the crash site to remove the wings and "Recover" the aircraft back to the Air Nova Liverpool hanger, without CAA or AAIB inspection or approval in an effort to conceal the illegal engine rebuild. The engine failure was caused by the failure of a cam follower that should have been replaced when the crankcases were split during the overhaul. The failure of the component caused catastrophic internal engine damage causing the engine failure. The pilot suffered only a broken ankle with 4 POB, a VERY lucky escape.
Mr. Apter was seen on various occasions straightening aircraft propellers and generally performing illegal and dangerous work on aircraft during the years he was employed by Mr. Mckay whom saw the considerable financial savings Mr. Apter's many efforts provided, this was recognised by Mr. McKay giving Mr. Apter a brand new Bright Red Mercedes 190E Diesel Motor vehicle.
This is some of the darker sides of Air Nova.
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Post by ian531 on Apr 27, 2024 18:50:20 GMT 1
Very interesting.
Iām sure the NWAN legal team are reviewing this post š
Ian
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Post by Beemer on Apr 27, 2024 20:03:33 GMT 1
Well, Mr Justice, your 1st post and you have been a member for 10 years and you have given us some interesting reading.
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