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Post by ian531 on Mar 10, 2009 11:18:01 GMT 1
Hi All,
Who, What, When, Where, Why ?
I was going to post this on the previous forum, just never got round to it! Someone asked the same question on a previous industry forum I am a member of and it came back with some great answers.
So I'll make a start
I've been going to the airport, mainly Manchester, since I was about 4 or 5. My older brothers and my dad used to take me along most weekends (this was a very long 3 bus each way trip)when the piers were still open. I stopped going when I was about 17 or 18 when drinking became the number one hobby.
I started again in about 1993 and I now go to Manchester or Liverpool when I get the chance.
I live in Leigh and work in St Helens for a new lighting company but I have previously worked at JJB Sports (the helicopter used to land outside my office) and before that I worked in the bicycle industry for about 20 years.
Well thats me, hope you enjoy the thread and we I hope we get some intresting posts
Ian
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Post by NWAN Administrator on Mar 10, 2009 21:30:16 GMT 1
Could be interesting!
I used to live in Runcorn and went to school with MD69 in Helsby although he's older than me!! also went on several TAS (or MAS can't remember) trips with Beemer, MD69 and others.
Used to be into spotting in my teens but gave up collecting reg's when I discovered beer! Stayed interested in aircraft (and trains :-} ) however. I now live in Crewe and don't get to EGGP very often. I work for Bombardier (the rail business not aircraft) and used to be a member of the organising committee for the Crewe Works open days.
I'm obsessed with PC's and gadgets and have spent many hours developing flight sim add-ons (much to the annoyance of my wife and kids!). Flight sim development has come to a near halt recently though as I just don't have any spare time!
I think that's about it!
Cheers,
Paul
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Post by CloudWarrior on Mar 10, 2009 23:30:07 GMT 1
50 odd views but only 2 replies!!!!! I started spotting in 1977. I'd been interested in aircraft for ages, and then a friend from school introduced me to plane spotting. I was hooked. Every Sunday saw me on the terraces at MAN, and a few weekdays whenever fog caused diversions. I lived in Salford at that time so it was a bus ride into town (Manchester) and then another bus to the airport. I joined Starliner Aviation Society and went on many trips, I even got to the point where a trip to the 'Row only accounted for a handful of cops! Once I got my own car I ventured under my own steam to various places. I used to co-drive on a few mini bus tours, and had a memorable car trip around Germany. I drifted away from planes in the early 90s and started train spotting  However, in about 2002 I ditched the trains and went back to planes. Along the way I started taking pictures, and then discovered the internet. I work as a field service engineer and so am able to visit MAN and LPL on a regular basis. You'll find me parked up in a Citroen Picasso, usually with my SBS running. |
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md69
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Post by md69 on Mar 11, 2009 0:08:43 GMT 1
Could be interesting! I used to live in Runcorn and went to school with MD69 in Helsby although he's older than me!! also went on several TAS (or MAS can't remember) trips with Beemer, MD69 and others. Thanks for that Paul, my ex-mate ;D Still living in Runcorn, and apart from working away for just under 3 years (but weekends at home), have lived within 400 yards of the 27 approach for the rest of my 45½ years. Starting spotting on 13th April 1979; had been on bike rides with another mate and one day ended up on the old balcony and seeing some other lads around our age and asking "what are you doing" and the rest is history. I'd been interested in aircraft since I first flew on a Britannia 707 on 21st May 1971 so knew my types and airlines, but that was my first foray into spotting. Used to cycle regularly to LPL & MAN after that, until I learned to drive and became lazy. As Paul said, we did several coach trips - mainly TAS but a couple of MAS too. Have never had a break since then - even after discovering beer and women ;D My late wife wondered just what the fascination was but accompanied me on trips to LPL & MAN, as well as the odd airshow, and my kids both started spotting just after she died. I wasn't going to force it on them; they made their own choice. The eldest is still pretty much into in, the younger can take it or leave it, but still logs up when he sees stuff. My new partner was already into spotting (through her ex) before she met me, so the hobby continues! She was the one who was pointing stuff out to me while we were in London for Valentine's Day - I'd planned on a romantic non-spotting trip, but I still made half a dozen or so going into LHR & LCY. It was also her that suggested we book a weekend away in a few weeks time to LHR - it doesn't get much better than that!!! I've been involved in updating the Aerodata database in its various incarnations since 1997, so the bug certainly goes on and on. The laptop & SBS are permanent fixtures in my rucksack when I venture further than Manchester, and they have been to Europe on numerous occasions. I've not taken the SBS to the States yet as I've not really done a spotting trip there since I've had it and the holiday this year is to Orlando, but I might just find a way to get it in my hand luggage :-) Am learning to fly with LFS, but due to the credit crunch, I've not flown for 3 months now. It's a pity, as it has been a lifelong ambition, but luxuries have to take a back seat to necessities at a time like this. |
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Post by RICEY on Mar 11, 2009 1:10:38 GMT 1
ive been spotting since well aslong as i remeber mainly at liverpool airport in the red terminal. have my grandma and grandad to thank for that as when i was younger i stayed at there house quite abit(still do sometimes). dont go to manchester that often as liverpool. i go now and then to jla when i can. used to collect the regs but after a while my datasbase i had going with them all in just kept going in circles until the a319s appeared now stopped altogether. got a few other hobbies one of which im heavily involved in. most of you probably have herd of the group im involved with merseyside transport trust. the trust provided the airporter bus which was on display last yr for 75yrs of liverpool airport also provided the shuttles to and from town and to and from the ga for the pleasure flights. we have annual running days and also do woodvale rally park and ride service using the buses.all of us are volunteers and rely on donations. see www.mttrust.co.uk for more info. im from halewood and have lived here all my life.currently go to st helens college doing car mechanics but i want to join the police as its something ive wanted to do since i was young. recently joined volunteer cadets which helps you into the police so might see me at events like southport airshow woodvale things like that |
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Post by richardheywood on Mar 11, 2009 3:49:01 GMT 1
I used to be a spotter in my early years, cycling to Speke from Woolton in the 60's. My elder brother John was a member of the MAS in the late 50's after he left the RAF in 1957. He was responsible for my interest in aviation. I have a picture of him with Phil Butler at Kidlington after a flight from Speke in the Proctor G-AIAA. I used to enjoy hanging round Hangar 50 when the Mosquito was there and remember sitting in it on one occasion.
This interest in aircraft resulted in my starting work in ATC in the Tower in 1967, before I was posted to Ulster Radar and then Manchester Radar. My spotting was halted when all my records were stolen out of my car at Biggin Hill at the 1969 AIr Fair. That was followed by 16 years working for British Caledonian before starting my own business doing travel and conference management. Now at almost 60 I am trying to retire. I have lived in Sussex since 1971, and this Forum keeps me in touch with what I consider my home airfield. My brother still lives in Hale, so it's great to visit him and jump up at every aircraft landing on 27. I have been fortunate to be able to learn to fly a few years ago and now own a 41 year old Piper Cherokee 235, G-BXYM, based at Shoreham. I have yet to fly into LJLA, but I hope to this summer.
I have very much missed logging on to the Forum over the last several weeks, and it's so nice to have it back. Thank you to Dave and Paul.
And thank you also to all those who post some really outstanding photographs here.
I am merely a bystander, but I really do appreciate the efforts that all of you make to create a place which is close to my heart.
Cheers all
Richard H
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Post by Wings11 on Mar 11, 2009 12:09:28 GMT 1
Well, i shall hop aboard this band wagon.. Only 18, and been spotting for around 4 years, Living between two places is a plus, namely Near to Haverfordwest Airport ( EGFE ) and also Woodley, so MAN is a frequent visit for me when I do get the chance. Spend a lot of time ( when i have it ) now I don't have school in the way, spotting Flyovers on UL9 and also writing a Movements site for Haverfordwest and also managing an OTT yahoo Group. Very Much into my flight sim and flying online on VATSIM and IVAO. into my 5th year of spotting, and so may it continue.  That is me summed up really. Callum |
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Post by Nino Alfonso on Mar 11, 2009 16:53:17 GMT 1
Hi all,
I am 14 years of age, Live in Liverpool.
I have being interested in aircraft from round the age of 9, and since then is something i enjoy.
I am still in school, And in Woolton Air Cadets, and one day would like to be a pilot although the chances are slim. But nothing stops me from thinking positive.
I have being made more aware of aircraft with thanks to Brian Jones (viscount), the one that puts tonnes of interesting stuff on here! And has helped me greatly with both aircraft recognition and history of the airports.
I hope to stick to my Hobby, its like my best mate! I visit LPL. Regularly, armed with my bike and scanner and of June my SBS Hopefully.
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Post by owensy on Mar 11, 2009 22:32:37 GMT 1
Ok, here goes!!
Im 39 originally from woolton now living in Runcorn! Used to go the airport with my dad aged 5 but never really got into aviation til 13 and I joined Speke A.T.C. and was there for 12 years! I have this great Geography teacher who used to show us slides of aircraft (Mr Jones!!) and been interested ever since. Went on a few MAS trips and also joined Air Britain Merseyside and remember going to Fairford in I think 89 and it rained so much and I got chicken pox a day later!!
Im more into mil than civil but I dont mind a few airliners now and again!!
Cheers,
Paul
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Post by ronturner on Mar 12, 2009 9:10:11 GMT 1
Interesting spread of members' profiles , so far.
I was born in 1943 and took to train spotting for a while, until a friend suggested 'plane spotting instead. I was about 10 at this stage. Lived near Huyton and cycled to the airport every Saturday and sometimes more. On my first visit to Speke, I was totally smitten by the site of a Starways DC-4, just having started up in front of No. 2 hanger, belching smoke and flame. I was hooked.
I met life long friends at Speke, a member of MGAE, hung out in hangar 50, contributed to the "stained" window there, learned to fly in Piper Colt G-ARGO, paid for by loading newspapers on to Viscounts, DC-3s and F-27s at Speke, maintained an interest in aviation for ever, fortunate to marry a girl who encouraged me to keep flying, even when it was touch and go as to whether or not we could even pay the mortgage. Moved to Malmesbury, Wiltshire, in 1972 where we lived for over 30 years. Eventually bought Cessna 172 G-AXVB, based at a private airfield called Charlton Park, at Malmesbury. Now retired, we live at Atlantic Airpark in France, where 'VB is hangared, still in pristine condition, within my home complex and have a wonderful time amongst like minded people. All this due to a life long interest shared with good friends. The NWAN forum is a wonderful way to keep in touch. Eternally grateful to those past and present who started and niow maintain it. Many thnks
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Post by johnoakes on Mar 12, 2009 10:36:22 GMT 1
 Well Captain Turner(sorry an in joke) I can only add my few comments to yours--we have been aircraft mates (and best mates)for over 50years and long may it continue. Stared spotting at Speke in the late 50s after viewing aircraft form birth in StHelens where Globemasters and Packets were regularly shaking the house windows as they left Burtonwood.--my late mother was in the ATC during the war and says she took me to Burtonwood to see P-40s but I cannot recall those events(sadly.LOL) Ron used the aircraft loading money to fund his flying --mine went to buy books for college(still don't know who got the best bargain but I suspect it was Ron-LOL) I too contributed to the stained MSAE window and went on a continental purge where we saw live B-17s,Stratoliners and a KC-97. I have always appreciated the friends met whilst spotting and can say that I have never met a more pleasant and accepting group.Long may we keep it that way. After being a Head of 3 Special Schools and studying at 2 Universities I am now doing the things that I have always dreamed of--retired in France --living in the sunshine,gardening,fishing and visiting local airports when I can. Not idyllic but as near as I can muster-and with my French mates who are also retired its like the last of the summer wine with garlic--its amazing what mischief you can get up to without actually being arrested--LOL. Can I echo the feelings of all who contribute to the forum and say how grateful we all are to past and present organisors for their selfless dedication and hard work on our behalf.We ex pats I feel are especially grateful for the lifeline back to our mates in UK. Thanks again. John O
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Post by ronturner on Mar 12, 2009 11:51:40 GMT 1
Further to my own posting above, it thought it worth a mention that I have two lovely daughters; niether of them really interested in aviation but always loved flying with me in light aircraft, right off from when they were babes in arms.(No choice then.) However the point I am coming to is this. I have a grandson of 18 months. He is crazy about aeroplanes. They live in Orlando and little Aiden runs to the window or into the garden whenever an aeroplane or helicopter flies over, which is actually quite frequent depending upon the active runways at Orlando. Maybe this hobby runs in the genes but in my case it seems to have skipped a generation and come out in full force. I hope he can inherit my Cessna one day.
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Post by markmai on Mar 12, 2009 17:24:43 GMT 1
Hi Guys I have virtually lived in Runcorn all my life, except for 16 months in France and 2 years in Southampton. I am married with 2 little girls. The youngest loves aeroplanes so she is a good excuse to go to the airports. ;D I have been spotting since around '79. My grandparents used to live in Bray Road in Speke under the old approach of the north airfield. I guess thats where my interest started. I have a very keen interest in photographing aircraft. I must have around 15000+ photo's. I got my younger brother of 20 years interested, so I have someone to travel with. He is on this forum as stemai. Thats about it really. Mark  |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2009 0:32:05 GMT 1
Like Ron, one of the older members on here. First flight was in G-ANZP one day, when I was hanging around by the bottom of the old balcony, and the guy who was flying it on a pleasure flight for air cadets asked if I wanted to go with them in the spare seat. From a confirmed train spotter, I became a confirmed plane spotter; the fact that I lived on Speke Road (opposite what is now the retail park) may have had something to do with it! I then went on to help Harry Patterson with his pleasure flights in the Foxmoth G-AOJH, and some of us used to meet in the cafe he had 'under the bridge' in Garston.
Like Ron, I too loaded the newspapers on a Saturday night to fund my travels. I was a member of MGAE/MSAE, and spent a lot of time in hangar 50 with the two Fed Fruit Ansons and the Rapide, with Cliff Watson and Cedric Flood, who taught me to fly. From this I got a job with Cambrian (but not flying), and apart from a spell of seven years in the paper industry (when aviation wasn't very kind to me), I have spent my entire working life in aviation. I was lucky enough to get a job with BAe (as was) selling 748s and ATPs, and then the 146. I was seconded to the The Queen's Flight for six months, and flew all over South America doing demos. I also took part in the Queen's visit to Russia in 1994. I was Station Manager for TAP at Manchester for two years, but when they closed the route, I went back to BAe selling the 125, which was probably the best job in the world.
Since then I have been doing consultancy work, and am currently working for a Portuguese company (not NJ!) selling 125s again.
It's good to see LPL doing well again. I can remember a time in the early 60s when it almost closed, and I still have the copy of a letter I wrote to the 'Echo' saying why the council should keep it open. The site is excellent, and it's good to see it back, and to read about what's going on.
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Post by mynameisnemo on Mar 13, 2009 2:49:51 GMT 1
Hi all,
I'm 24 years of age and originally come from Liverpool but now live In Runcorn (right on the flightpath for 27)...
I started spotting from a early age due to my dad taking me down to eggp to watch concorde come in for the grand national meet (earliest age was 2 that i can remember) and visting RAF Scampton where he was based in the 70's....
I've been visiting Liverpool regulary for the past 14 or so years at different times, But for a year i was working down at the airport while studying for a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering... And had a chance to maintain the Boeing Stearman and help re-fabric the Piper Cub G-ARAO while it was there....
During my many visits to the airport i've taken around 5,000 or so aviation based photo's while down there and have a few photo's from inside the hanger.. (which if anyone would like to see them i'd be more than happy to post them)
John
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