PA-22 Colt 108, G-ARGO-Liverpool resident spanning 35 years

[viscount]

Piper PA-22 Colt 108, G-ARGO

Due to being Liverpool Aero Club’s first aeroplane, and based at Liverpool over a span of some 35 years, for many enthusiasts and trainee pilots, G-ARGO has become regarded as something of a symbol representing Liverpool Aero Club flying school operations throughout the ‘Sixties and ‘Seventies.

G-ARGO is a Piper PA-22 Colt 108 built at Lock Haven, Florida in 1960 with construction number 22-8034 (the 35th Colt, out of 1,848 built). Crated directly off the production line it was flown to Britain on either a Pan Am or BOAC DC-7F, arriving at Heathrow 13th January 1961. Noted two days later at Kidlington, with the British registration applied, although not officially registered until 18th January 1961 to Vigors Aviation Ltd (on 1.2.62 they became CSE Aviation). Initial C of A issued 20th January. G-ARGO was the first British registered example of the new Piper Colt, a development of the established Piper Tri-Pacer. Colour scheme was white overall, with light tan cheat-line and tail flash, with black lettering. The aircraft was notable in that it was fitted with wheel spats, unlike the Tri-pacer, although these were soon removed.

Operated from Kidlington by Oxford Aviation, whose titles appeared on the fuselage, along with ‘GO’ in larger letters than on the tail. Re-registered 6.10.61 to Rent-a-Plane Ltd, a division of Vigors Avn, and early in 1962 the ‘Oxford Aviation’ on the fuselage was replaced by ‘B.E.A.S.’ – British Executive Air Services, another CSE Company. G-ARGO over-turned at Kidlington 31st March 1962 and was taken to Rent-a-Plane at Eastleigh for repair.

The newly formed Liverpool Aero Club took delivery of Colt G-ARGO from Kidlington on 2nd March 1963, Jim Keen’s first aircraft. Initially on lease from Rent-a-Plane, it officially changed ownership when purchased early in 1965. Although placed up for sale summer 1967, it remained in the fleet long after re-equipment with Cherokees during 1969/1971. During summer 1978 it was sold to a consortium of Club members, John Backhouse, Michael Barrington and James Donogue and continued to fly from Liverpool. It was away at Sleap for a protracted C of A 27.5.79 until 30.1.80, however shortly after return to Liverpool it departed to be based at Woodvale 14.4.80. In November 1980 it changed hands, purchased by a Liverpool resident, Dr Ben Goodman. He continued to base the aircraft at Woodvale for a while, until he brought the aircraft back to Liverpool Airport 24th November 1982. The aircraft was re-sprayed sometime 1982/83, again mostly white, but with a black fuselage flash. G-ARGO returned to Woodvale 3rd May 1986, but continued to be owned by Dr Goodman. Indeed he brought the aircraft back to be resident at Liverpool again 17th February 1991. The aircraft was not flown during 1997 and 1998, and ‘GO’ left by road during November ’98 on sale to David Hockings of Heathfield, East Sussex.

Subsequently, following a year in the hands of David Hockings; in September 1999 sold to Michael Speakman of Brigg, North Lincolnshire; in December 2001 David Smith of Birmingham (based at Sleap); from April 2012 with John Crew, t/a Kauri Group of Chipping Campden. As at the last day of 2012 the total airframe time is recorded as 5,842 hours. Briefly June to August 2014 registered to Noel Butler of Solihull; then Lesley Stone of Cheltenham until August 2017. Since October 2017 the owner is listed by the CAA as Moses Magrabi with an address not far from Bournemouth Airport. At the same time as the purchase by Moses Magrabi a ‘no flight’ declaration was issued 24th October 2017. The ARC/C of A Permit to fly then expired in March 2018. However by mid 2021 the CAA ownership section is showing that the registered owner is now deceased, so it does rather look as the end is imminent for G-ARGO, a machine that has outlived most of its 1960 contemporaries. In late 2022 it is reported that the aircraft is now at Shoreham, awaiting its turn for restoration to flight, although no new owner is yet (end of December 2022) showing on G-ARGO's G-INFO entry.

It does strike me what an excellent addition to the Speke Airport Heritage Group Piper Colt G-ARGO would make and absolutely worthy of preservation at Speke. Mind you the fabric construction will not weather well if kept permanently outside, but it is small enough (maybe) to fit into a steel container when dismantled.




Two delightful shots of G-ARGO with Oxford Aviation titles, worn throughout 1960 and into early 1961 while a company demonstrator and flying school aircraft at Kidlington, being the first of the new Piper Colt aircraft that Vigors Aviation (who shortly after became C.S.E. Aviation) imported into the U.K. A Bob O'Brien Collection image.



A Bob O'Brien Collection photo of G-ARGO sometime during the 1960s in her original tan factory scheme, although the black lettering is starting to fade.



LAC Colt aircraft G-ARGO, G-ARKN, G-ARJC and Tri-Pacer G-ARGY being put away at the end of the day into No.39 Hangar. August 1967.



Repainted, but retains the Piper company scheme, G-ARGO seen in the Liverpool Flying School line-up outside their clubroom on 20th July 1972.



G-ARGO at Kidlington on 30th August 1962 undergoing some engine work. Likely just rolled outside, out of the way, as the engine cowlings are not beside the aircraft, although the steps show the inspection is underway out in the daylight. Interesting how these photos how different fuselage markings applied while at Oxford. Here with both BEAS logo and Air Oxford titling.



G-ARGO on late finals for Speke, likely crossing over Speke Hall Ave to land on 26, or it could be for 17 (although the trees there usually got in the way of photos). The aircraft was delivered to Jim Keen from Kidlington on 2nd March 1963, initially on lease and still wears the BEAS logo. This photo is dated 11th May 1963.

[ronturner]

Interesting history.

My first flying lesson was in G-ARGO. 14/7/1963 with instructor John Crediton.