Varsity G-APAZ replaced by HS748

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Having read this fascinating story of the history of G-APAZ and subsequent crash and although possibly before his time, I was wondering if Garstonboy had anything to do with the procurement of HS748 G-ASJT as it's replacement. Incidentally G-APAZ has a little local history in being stored at Hawarden from mid July 1956 to spring 1957.

The history of G-APAZ;

glostransporthistory.visit-gloucestershire.co.uk/Air_Gloucesters%20Near%20Miss%20Vickers%20Varsity%20G%20APAZ.htm

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Interesting story that, and one I hadn't heard before. From what I remember it was a trials-cum-demonstrator aircraft for Smiths, but I don't think it saw the light of day very often, which is possibly why it ended up with the RAF. I cannot recall seeing it during my spotting days, and I don't think it ever came to Woodford. It was before my time at BAe, but I don't recall anyone ever talking about it in the office.

Strangely enough, I was doing some work with Directions at DSA a few years ago and I saw the aircraft outside the hangar, little realising its history, since it was carrying a 'false' registration.

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Seems strange that Directions would spend all that money on her getting her ready for flight, reregister her as N748D, then fly her from Boscombe Down to DSA. Use her as a training aid for less than two years then ready her for flight again, fly her to Southend then scrap her.

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Feb 24, 2015 13:59:17 GMT 1 @tristar said:

Seems strange that Directions would spend all that money on her getting her ready for flight, reregister her as N748D, then fly her from Boscombe Down to DSA. Use her as a training aid for less than two years then ready her for flight again, fly her to Southend then scrap her.

Indeed it does. I shall refrain from commenting any further!