Light Aviation Show, Coventry - 29th April 1961.
Apr 7, 2024 9:26:03 GMT 1
Beemer, northbynorthwest, and 3 more like this
Post by viscount on Apr 7, 2024 9:26:03 GMT 1
As a follow-on to a report on the Kidlington Sales Show in May 1960, the following year aviation enthusiasts descended on a week-end sales event held by W.S. Shackleton's at Coventry/Baginton Airport. In just 12 months, the flood-gates had opened to a variety of imported new aircraft. Well worth first having a look at: derbosoft.proboards.com/thread/45035/kidlington-light-aviation-show-1960 to appreciate the rapidly changing face of general aviation in the UK at the time.
What follows is an account of a visit to a Shackleton Aviation sales event at Coventry in 1961 to which the MGAE ran a coach trip from Speke. The text is composed by ‘Scribe’ (very likely Phil Butler) and appeared in the Merseyside Group of Aviation Enthusiast’s monthly journal ‘Northern Aeronews’ edition of July 1961. The images by Don Stephens are from his collection and mostly appear to be his, although one at least is elsewhere on the internet as a R.A.Scholefield photo (Don and Alan were close friends and regularly swopped both prints and negatives).
A fact unlikely to be revealed by the recent population Census is the large shift in population in the last weekend in April. At various times and divers ways, well-worn paths to Baginton led the masses to Shackleton’s 1961 King-sizes sales show, and size was not the only difference this year.
Since the relaxing of import restrictions, the influx of new foreign built aircraft has steadily gathered momentum. Not until now, however, has the recession in the second-hand market been so marked. A mere TWO Tiger Moths were offered, and the total number of used aircraft for sale was less than the number of new Piper products in evidence. The thought of Pipers brings us to the current state of the new registration field. It may be significant that, whilst at the last Kidlington (May 1960) we saw our first G-ARxx marks, this year the writer logged 63. It is certainly significant that only eight of these were of British design, and of those only the Airedale was remotely new.
Mention of the Airedale provides a suitable cue for consideration of the newcomers generally. As far as Auster were concerned, more novelty attached to their designations than to the aircraft. Those who enjoy a good tale are invited to seek the cause of the designation A.61 for the Terrier. Named the Biggin in the programme, illustrated by a photograph of a 6A and constructed from Auster AOP.6 VX109 and 2 others, it was not surprising that when this landed on the Friday, it did so upside down! The Airedale itself looks remarkably familiar – as have all Austers for many moons. Designed to look like an Auster, built like an Auster and seem much more expensive, it tends to be somewhat of a dog’s dinner. This impression, incidentally, was heightened on June 17th when G-ARKE was seen at Cranfield covered in woollen tufts for airflow tests. Despite the general optimism in the press, we cannot share hopes for vast sales.
Pipers and Cessna seemed almost to be breeding, so frequently do new ones appear. Apart from the long-delayed emergence of the Pawnee into daylight, the only true newcomer was the Colt variant of the PA-22 family. Colts are selling faster than they can be disgorged from DC-7Fs at LAP, and have been bought by the Blackpool and Barton Aero Clubs. College of Air Training Apache ‘G’, G-ARJV looked very un-Piper in drab silver, the Cessna more than made up, and those who record colour schemes were somewhat put upon. The new Beech Baron left when it heard us coming, as did the Gulfstream. The remaining Beech-ware was familiar. Other trans-Atlantic items were the latest Courier, only a fortnight resident; the elegant Commander 500 in triplicate and three very attractive Aircoupes.
It was the European contingent which really took the biscuit, with a selection both varied and interesting. The vertical rising of the Dorniers was most eye-opening, although the Courier left one in no doubts as to its abilities too. Also very attractive were the other Teutonic newcomers, the Bölkow-Klemm 107 and the F207, the rear of which was still labelled Klemm 107D. Another welcome sight was that of the Moravia OK-OHA, leaving one wondering as to the precise relationship between this and OK-PHA seen at the Paris Salon. It was flanked at Baginton by a very familiar Aero 145 and a less familiar Meta-Sokol. The remainder of the demonstrators were as expected, with Piaggios (question: just which I-PIAK was this machine?), Jodels, and on Sunday the Falco, Tri-Traveller and Nipper. A late arrival on Saturday occasioned alarm – the prototype Wassmer Super IV Sancy, F-BIXX.
For the fee of 10/=, one could be run down by any of these, and could also keep a reasonable check on other arrivals. These included the newest rarity, Auster 3 G-AREI, also displaying it’s former RAF serial. Also of note Safir G-ANOK, Niarchos Dakota 5 for sale, the Globe Swift VP-YMJ – which one hopes has a wash before becoming G-ARNN and the only D.36 Turbulent, for sale at £500. One could also contrive to assault the hangars, where the Turbi was a pleasing decoration and Aztec G-AREW a notable newcomer. Proctor G-ANPP has arrived from Blackpool and the Dragonfly G-AEWZ was in a heap after a recent landing mishap.
All in all, this was the most pleasant event for some while, with good weather, lots of aircraft most exotic, and surprising freedom of movement. It may be wondered whether in our recent increasingly efficiency of expurgations, covering many places at enormous speed, we are not missing half the joys of simply watching aircraft. There is much more to this than the relentless pursuit of serials, and we have cause to be grateful to Shackleton’s for providing this most welcome refresher. Scribe.
2024 note: Slight editing of the original to make reading easier. One explanation might be required, 10/= (ten shillings) is now a mere 50p. When I contacted John Wiseman recently, he provided the information that he was there and in his log recorded that over the 3 days (Friday to Sunday) there were 2,088 movements at Coventry, 956 on the Saturday alone. In comparison at that time on a Saturday Heathrow handled 400-450 movements.
John Wiseman's Log of aircraft seen at Coventry during the day:
What follows is an account of a visit to a Shackleton Aviation sales event at Coventry in 1961 to which the MGAE ran a coach trip from Speke. The text is composed by ‘Scribe’ (very likely Phil Butler) and appeared in the Merseyside Group of Aviation Enthusiast’s monthly journal ‘Northern Aeronews’ edition of July 1961. The images by Don Stephens are from his collection and mostly appear to be his, although one at least is elsewhere on the internet as a R.A.Scholefield photo (Don and Alan were close friends and regularly swopped both prints and negatives).
IN BUSINESS AGAIN . . . . .
COVENTRY/BAGINTON on SATURDAY 29th April 1961
COVENTRY/BAGINTON on SATURDAY 29th April 1961
A fact unlikely to be revealed by the recent population Census is the large shift in population in the last weekend in April. At various times and divers ways, well-worn paths to Baginton led the masses to Shackleton’s 1961 King-sizes sales show, and size was not the only difference this year.
Since the relaxing of import restrictions, the influx of new foreign built aircraft has steadily gathered momentum. Not until now, however, has the recession in the second-hand market been so marked. A mere TWO Tiger Moths were offered, and the total number of used aircraft for sale was less than the number of new Piper products in evidence. The thought of Pipers brings us to the current state of the new registration field. It may be significant that, whilst at the last Kidlington (May 1960) we saw our first G-ARxx marks, this year the writer logged 63. It is certainly significant that only eight of these were of British design, and of those only the Airedale was remotely new.
Mention of the Airedale provides a suitable cue for consideration of the newcomers generally. As far as Auster were concerned, more novelty attached to their designations than to the aircraft. Those who enjoy a good tale are invited to seek the cause of the designation A.61 for the Terrier. Named the Biggin in the programme, illustrated by a photograph of a 6A and constructed from Auster AOP.6 VX109 and 2 others, it was not surprising that when this landed on the Friday, it did so upside down! The Airedale itself looks remarkably familiar – as have all Austers for many moons. Designed to look like an Auster, built like an Auster and seem much more expensive, it tends to be somewhat of a dog’s dinner. This impression, incidentally, was heightened on June 17th when G-ARKE was seen at Cranfield covered in woollen tufts for airflow tests. Despite the general optimism in the press, we cannot share hopes for vast sales.
Pipers and Cessna seemed almost to be breeding, so frequently do new ones appear. Apart from the long-delayed emergence of the Pawnee into daylight, the only true newcomer was the Colt variant of the PA-22 family. Colts are selling faster than they can be disgorged from DC-7Fs at LAP, and have been bought by the Blackpool and Barton Aero Clubs. College of Air Training Apache ‘G’, G-ARJV looked very un-Piper in drab silver, the Cessna more than made up, and those who record colour schemes were somewhat put upon. The new Beech Baron left when it heard us coming, as did the Gulfstream. The remaining Beech-ware was familiar. Other trans-Atlantic items were the latest Courier, only a fortnight resident; the elegant Commander 500 in triplicate and three very attractive Aircoupes.
It was the European contingent which really took the biscuit, with a selection both varied and interesting. The vertical rising of the Dorniers was most eye-opening, although the Courier left one in no doubts as to its abilities too. Also very attractive were the other Teutonic newcomers, the Bölkow-Klemm 107 and the F207, the rear of which was still labelled Klemm 107D. Another welcome sight was that of the Moravia OK-OHA, leaving one wondering as to the precise relationship between this and OK-PHA seen at the Paris Salon. It was flanked at Baginton by a very familiar Aero 145 and a less familiar Meta-Sokol. The remainder of the demonstrators were as expected, with Piaggios (question: just which I-PIAK was this machine?), Jodels, and on Sunday the Falco, Tri-Traveller and Nipper. A late arrival on Saturday occasioned alarm – the prototype Wassmer Super IV Sancy, F-BIXX.
For the fee of 10/=, one could be run down by any of these, and could also keep a reasonable check on other arrivals. These included the newest rarity, Auster 3 G-AREI, also displaying it’s former RAF serial. Also of note Safir G-ANOK, Niarchos Dakota 5 for sale, the Globe Swift VP-YMJ – which one hopes has a wash before becoming G-ARNN and the only D.36 Turbulent, for sale at £500. One could also contrive to assault the hangars, where the Turbi was a pleasing decoration and Aztec G-AREW a notable newcomer. Proctor G-ANPP has arrived from Blackpool and the Dragonfly G-AEWZ was in a heap after a recent landing mishap.
All in all, this was the most pleasant event for some while, with good weather, lots of aircraft most exotic, and surprising freedom of movement. It may be wondered whether in our recent increasingly efficiency of expurgations, covering many places at enormous speed, we are not missing half the joys of simply watching aircraft. There is much more to this than the relentless pursuit of serials, and we have cause to be grateful to Shackleton’s for providing this most welcome refresher. Scribe.
2024 note: Slight editing of the original to make reading easier. One explanation might be required, 10/= (ten shillings) is now a mere 50p. When I contacted John Wiseman recently, he provided the information that he was there and in his log recorded that over the 3 days (Friday to Sunday) there were 2,088 movements at Coventry, 956 on the Saturday alone. In comparison at that time on a Saturday Heathrow handled 400-450 movements.
COVENTRY - SHACKLETONS SALES EVENT,
SATURDAY 29th April 1961
SATURDAY 29th April 1961
John Wiseman's Log of aircraft seen at Coventry during the day:
D-EGSE Bölkow F.207 G-ALCS Miles M.65 Gemini 3A G-ARAA Cessna 182C Skylane
D-ELLA Dornier Do.27 G-ALFA Taylorcraft Auster 5 G-ARAB Cessna 150
D-ELOQ Bölkow-Klemn KL.107 G-ALMU Miles M.65 Gemini 3A G-ARAL PA-22 Tri-Pacer 150
D-IATA Dornier Do.28 G-ALUC DH.82A Tiger Moth, hangars G-ARAU Cessna 150A
EI-ALI Beech 33 Debonair G-ALWW DH.82A Tiger Moth, hangars G-ARCA PA-22 Tri-Pacer 160
EI-ALL Beech M.35 Bonanza G-ALZG Miles M.65 Gemini 3, hangars G-ARCI Cessna 310D
EI-ALO Cessna 180A (to be rest G-APYJ) G-AMRL Auster J/5F Aiglet Trainer G-ARCK Cessna 175A Skylark
I-PIAK Piaggio P.166 G-AMSZ Taylorcraft Auster 5 G-ARCM Cessna 172B Skyhawk
N4171B Aero Commander 540 G-AMXL DHC-1 Chipmunk 22 G-ARDC Cessna 210A Centurion
OK-NHF Aero 145 G-AMZH Douglas C-47B Dakota 4 G-ARDK Aero Commander 560F
OK-OHA Moravia L.200D G-ANHI DH.82A Tiger Moth G-ARDL PA-24 Comanche 250
VP-YMJ Globe GC-1B Swift (to be G-ARNN)G-ANHL Taylorcraft Auster 4, hangars G-ARDS PA-22 Caribbean 150
G-ACMN DH.85 Leopard Moth G-ANIE Taylorcraft Auster 5 G-ARDZ Jodel D.140 Mousquetaire
G-ACTF Comper CLA.7 Swift, hangars G-ANIS Taylorcraft Auster 5 G-AREA DH.104 Dove 8
G-ADKC DH.87B Hornet Moth, hangars G-ANLB DH.82A Tiger Moth, hangars G-AREE PA-27 Aztec 250
G-AEUJ Miles M.11A Whitney Straight G-ANOK Saab 91C Safir G-AREI/MT438 Taylorcraft Auster 3
G-AEWZ DH.90 Dragonfly, yellow, hangar G-ANPP Percival P.34 Proctor 3 G-AREJ Beech B95 Travel Air
G-AFFB DH.89A Dragon Rapide G-ANSM DH.82A Tiger Moth G-AREL PA-22 Caribbean 150
G-AFSC Tipsy Trainer 1, hangars G-ANSV Auster J/5F Aiglet, hangars G-ARET PA-22 Tri-Pacer
G-AGOH Auster J/1 Aurocrat G-ANYK DH.90 Dragonfly G-AREW PA-23 Apache 150
G-AGPV Bristol 170 Freighter srs.2 G-AOCP Taylorcraft Auster 5 G-AREX Aeronca 15AC Sedan, ex CF-FNM
G-AGVG Auster J/1 G-AOCU Taylorcraft Auster 5 G-ARFC PA-22 Caribbean 150
G-AGWE Avro 19 srs.2 G-AOEL DH.82A Tiger Moth G-ARFF Beech 65 Queen Air
G-AGYH Auster J/1 Autocrat, hangars G-AOHY DH.82A Tiger Moth, hangars G-ARFJ Cessna 172B Skyhawk
G-AGYL Auster J/1 Autocrat G-AOIX Thruxton Jackaroo G-ARFK Cessna 172B Skyhawk
G-AHBL DH.87B Hornet Moth, hangars G-AOIY Auster J/5G Autocar G-ARFL Cessna 175B Skylark
G-AHGR Percival P.44 Proctor 5 G-AOKO Percival P.40 Prentice T.1 G-ARFR PA-27 Aztec 235
G-AHGW Taylorcraft Plus D G-AORO PA-22 Tri-Pacer 150 G-ARFT Jodel DR.1050 Ambassadeur
G-AHHW Auster J/1N Alpha G-AOSX DHC-1 Chipmunk 22 G-ARFY PA-24 Comanche 250
G-AHVU DH.82A Tiger Moth Coupé G-AOTG DHC-1 Chipmunk 22 G-ARGD Cessna 182D Skylane
G-AIAF Percival P.44 Proctor 5 G-AOTI DH.114 Heron 2D G-ARGL PA-22 Tri-Pacer 160
G-AIED Percival P.28 Proctor 1 G-AOTJ Taylorcraft Auster 5 G-ARGP Cessna 310A
G-AIEH Percival P.30 Proctor 2 G-AOTM DHC-1 Chipmunk 22 G-ARGV PA-18 Super Cub 150
G-AIGR Auster J/1 Autocrat G-APEV DH.114 Heron 2D G-ARGY PA-22 Tri-Pacer 160
G-AIIR Percival P.34 Proctor 3 G-APFA Druine D.52 Turbi, hangars G-ARHA Forney F.1A Aircoupe
G-AIJR Auster J/4, hangars G-APIE Tipsy Belfair B G-ARHB Forney F.1A Aircoupe
G-AILL Miles M.38 Messenger 2A G-APJR DH.82A Tiger Moth, hangars G-ARHC Forney F.1A Aircoupe
G-AIPR Auster J/4 G-APJW DH.89A Dragon Rapide G-ARHI PA-24 Comanche 180
G-AIUE Miles M.14A Hawk Trainer 3 G-APKI Auster J/5P Autocar, hangars G-ARID Cessna 172B Skyhawk
G-AJBI DH.104 Dove 1B G-APLK Miles M.100 Student 2 G-ARIN PA-24 Comanche 250
G-AJDW Auster J/1 Autocrat G-APOL Rollinson D.36 Turbulent G-ARJA Aero Commander 520
G-AJEC Auster J/1 Autocrat G-APPR WS-51 Widgeon G-ARJC PA-22 Colt 108
G-AJHU DH.82A Tiger Moth G-APUZ PA-24 Comanche 250 G-ARJD PA-22 Colt 108
G-AJKL Miles M.38 Messenger 2A G-APVY PA-25 Pawnee 150 G-ARJO Orlican L-40 Meta-Sokol
G-AJPI Fairchild F.24W Argus 2 G-APVZ Rollinson D.31 Turbulent G-ARJV PA-23 Apache 160G
G-AKGC Miles M.65 Gemini 1A G-APWV Orlican L-40 Meta-Sokol G-ARKM PA-22 Colt 108
G-AKHB Miles M.65 Gemini 1A, hangars G-APWX Lancashire EP.9 Prospector G-ARKE Beagle A.109 Airedale
G-AKHC Miles M.65 Gemini 1A G-APWY Piaggio P.166 G-ARLB PA-24 Comanche 250
G-AKIR Miles M.38 Messenger 2A G-APXP PA-22 Tri-Pacer 160 G-ARLD Helio H.395 Super Courier
G-AKKO Miles M.38 Messenger 2A G-APXS PA-22 Caribbean 150 G-ARLG Beagle/Auster D.4-108
G-AKKY Miles M.14A Hawk Tr.3, hangars G-APXY Cessna 150A G-ARLH Beagle/Auster A.61 Terrier 1
G-AKYA Percival P.44 Proctor 5 G-APYA Cessna 175D G-ARLI PA-23 Apache 150
G-ALAH Miles M.38 Messenger 4A G-APZE PA-23 Apache 160G G-ARLY Auster J/5P Autocar
G-ALAW Miles M.38 Messenger 4A G-APZR Cessna 150A XF904 Percival P.56 Provost T.1
G-ALBA DH.89A Dragon Rapide G-APZV Avro 748, prototype XK407 WS-55 Whirlwind, Alvis engines
Total = 165 aircraft recorded.
