Seaforth Docks 3rd September 2010

[Speke-EZY]

Hi everyone,

An S-61 wearing "Coast Guard" titles was reported to me last night in the ACL cargo handling yard. The only identity said to be visible was "OO",presumably the last two characters of the registration. The most likely explanation is that G-BEOO which,according to the CAA,was cancelled years ago as sold in the USA,has been re-imported and restored to its old marks. But I've not been to look at it...

Cheers,Keith

[viscount]

Could well be the source of information was this forum, as the same information and speculation was posted first-hand by Airbus last night, but on the "Further airfield, UK & Eire - Civil" section, with a very similar title.

Airbus is keen for further independent eye-ball witness to report if the last two (earlier part of the regn painted over) are 'OO' or the hypothesised 'CO'? The S-61N and the Bell Jet Ranger are in the same compund, and are visible from the main Seaforth Coast Road at the major Seaforth Dock entrance fly-over/roundabout.

[rafaleuk]

Just driven past today (4/9). Looks to me like "DO" are the letters. This could tally with part of G-BDOC's registration. That is still current on the register and has been an HM Coast Guard machine to boot.

Might be worth keeping an eye to see if this gets cancelled in the next few days.

Cheers

Peter

[G-PHIL]

Hi All

I saw this on the way home today and it looked like OO, it arrived on the back of a Lorry which i saw the other day but never got a chance to see the registration.


Phil

[rafaleuk]

According to PPRUNE, 'BDOC has been in storage at Aberdeen (along with G-BDIJ) and recently sold to Carson Helicopters in the USA, a firm which specialises in mods for the S-61.

I might try and get down again tomorrow to see if the machine has the "last two" on the nose which might help to clarify the id of this machine.

Cheers

Peter

[Airbus]

I started a thread yesterday under "Further airfield, UK & Eire - Civil" section.I will stay with this thread now. May be Dave Graham will pick it up and be able to transfer the info over.

Another visit to Seaforth Docks this evening in the light to confirm it was G-??OO







If G-PHIL seen it arrive on the back of a Lorry the other day that should rule out it being G-BEOO arriving back in the UK?

I could not see the"last two"letters on the nose.


As it looks like it is waiting for the ACL boat for shipment to the States with N56GH Jet Ranger?

Ken

[Biggles]

I was about to suggest Specsavers visits had these pics not been uploaded. OO -CO- D0 ??

[Beemer]

It's on the FAA Registry web site as N261F for EP Aviation. Certificate issue date 17-06-2010. Airworthiness date as 03-11-2009 so it looks like it was in the USA. Regards Beemer.

[rafaleuk]

Apologies for my eyesight chaps! The photos do reveal the letters as 'OO! However, 'OC did have a a very "square" "C", so I'm wondering whether there's been some jiggery pokery with regard to trying to conceal its true identity, a common tendency these days. Maybe someone's been active with a spray can or black tape?!

Judging by the photo on Airplane Pictures, I wouldn't have thought a returning G-BEOO is a valid candidate. Photo of N261F can be found at:

www.airplane-pictures.net/image43895.html

Just been down again this morning and both helicopters have been moved out of the compound and onto the quayside in what looks like preparation for loading onto the berthed ACL ship.

Anyway, judge for yourselves - I just don't know now!

Cheers

Peter

[viscount]

Having had another look at photos of G-BDOC on airliners.net and other googled sites, I think there is no doubt the aircraft is G-BDOC with the C joined up. Colour scheme matches, position of regn matches, blocked out HM (infront of 'Coastguard') matches, style of lettering in the regn matches.

Whoever maliciously subtley altered the regn certainly caused the speculation and confusion intended well beyond Aberdeen.

Well done Airbus for both the original report and the photos. Not the first former Aberdeen helicopter that has passed through Seaforth Dock which has caused confusion and speculation as to a correct identity.

[rafaleuk]

And the G-INFO site now lists G-BDOC as cancelled from the UK register on 7/9/10 and transferred to the USA.

Cheers

Peter