"from logs to blogs" - Elmdon over the years

1961
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Highlights of 1961-OD-ACI DC4 Trans Meditteranea, CF-TFO DC4M Overseas Avn, OD-ADO DC4 TMA,
9G-AAA Heron, N6531D DC4 Trans Atlantic A/L, HI-40 DC3, SC+103 HU-16D Albatross WGAF.
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Jan 02 - G-APXN Piper PA-27 Aztec
Jan 07 - N6502R AW650 Argosy Riddle A/L ILS runs
Jan 10 - GB+108 N2501 Noratlas 067 WGAF
Jan 22 - OD-ACI DC4 Trans Meditteranea, G-APXW EP9
Jan 24 - G-AIDL DH89A Rapide
Jan 28 - G-ARJB Dove 8
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Feb 08 - OO-HVL Piper PA-27 Aztec
Feb 09 - SC+103 HU-16D Albatross (146428) MFG.5 WG.Navy
Feb 28 - HI-40 DC3, G-ARCH Cessna 310D
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Mar 01 - GB+120 N2501 Noratlas 021 WGAF
Mar 18 - G-ARDH Dove 8
Mar 27 - N358AA G159 Gulfstream 1
Mar 31 - OO-VAN DC4 BIAS, G-APYK DC4 Starways
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Apr 08 - MM26029 C-119G Packet (46-43) Italian A.F, G-APHV Avro 19 Anson 1 BKS
Apr 09 - F-BERT Beech G18S
Apr 18 - MM26013 C-119G Packet (46-37) Italian A.F
Apr 21 - G-APXK Piaggio P166
Apr 27 - G-ARII Beech 65 Queen Air
Apr 28 - D-IBAR Beech 55 Baron
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May 02 - G-AOFA Hiller 360, GB+114 N2501 Noratlas 79 WGAF, 9700 Bristol 170/31M RCAF
May 08 - AS+459 Piaggio P149D 308 WGAF, G-AMGE P34A Proctor 3
May 12 - G-AMYW Dakota 4 Hunting Surveys
May 16 - 83069 U-8D Seminole US.Army
May 20 - 15276 C47 French A.F, 20 SO.30P Bretagne French Navy, G-ARMY DC6A
May 20 - 30 SO.30P Bretange French Navy
May 23 - PH-ACT Dornier DO27Q.4, MM26041 C-119G Packet (46-28) Italian A.F
May 30 - WV736 P.Pembroke C1 RAF
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Jun 01 - XN126 W.Whirlwind HCC8 RAF, XR232 Alouette 2 RAF
Jun 04 - CF-TFO DC4M Overseas Avn
Jun 05 - GB+249 N2501 Noratlas 185 WGAF
Jun 09 - D-ILSO B65 Queen Air, CF-TFT DC4M Overseas Avn, G-ARKH V707 Viscount
Jun 10 - N6505R AW650 Argosy Riddle A/L ILS runs
Jun 14 - 5N-ADA Piper PA23 Apache
Jun 17 - WJ343 HP. Hastings C2 RAF
Jun 18 - OD-ADO DC4 TMA
Jun 20 - N2990 G73 Mallard
Jun 21 - G-ARDE Dove 6
Jun 24 - CF-TFM DC4M Overseas Avn
Jun 30 - N6506R AW650 Argosy Riddle A/L ILS runs
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Jul 01 - G-ARLJ Piper PA23 Apache
Jul 02 - CF-TFK DC4M Overseas Avn
Jul 09 - EI-ALW Piper PA24 Comanche
Jul 19 - G-ARMT DOVE 6, MM26020 C-119G Packet (46-34) Italian A.F
Jul 21 - N9368R A.Commander 680F
Jul 28 - YU-ACD DC3
Jul 29 - YU-ACB DC3
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Aug 07 - G-APVX Dove 6
Aug 24 - MM26012 C-119G Packet (46-29) Italian A.F
Aug 26 - N90443 DC4
Aug 27 - G-AROE SuperAero 145
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Sep 01 - N9825F DH. Beaver, N6531D DC4 Trans Atlantic A/L
Sep 06 - GB+119 N2501 Noratlas 125 WGAF
Sep 07 - PH-SSM DC3, EI-ALM M65 Gemini 3C
Sep 08 - G-ARIC DC4 Eagle
Sep 19 - D-INAS Beech 50 Twin Bonanza
Sep 20 - D-ADAM DC4 Continentale D.L
Sep 21 - CP30/OT-CBJ C-119G Packet Belgium A.F
Sep 24 - F-BHVA DC6B TAI, OE-FAE V.610 Viking 1
Sep 25 - WL637 V.Varsity T1 RAF
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Oct 03 - HB-AAN V.610 Viking 1 Balair
Oct 18 - OO-SEF Cessna 310D Sabena
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Nov 06 - PH-SCC DC3 Fairways
Nov 18 - F-OBGF Bristol 170/31 Dept. 10.01, G-APRM AW650 Argosy ILS runs
Nov 28 - G-ARUA DH114 Heron 2
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Dec 02 - WV704 P.Pembroke C1 RAF
Dec 03 - G-APRN AW650 Argosy, landing trials
Dec 10 - G-AOZZ AW650 Argosy BEA ILS runs
Dec 17 - D-IEHU Beech E18S
Dec 25 - 9G-AAA DH114 Heron 2, Put inside hangar 1
Dec 27 - G-APWC HPR7 Herald BEA ILS runs
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Credit- to the "2R's" Roy & Roger

1962
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Highlights of 1962- 9G-AAB Heron, 9698 Bristol170 RCAF, G-AHEN & G-ARVP Constellation's Euravia,
YV-C-AMX V749 Viscount, 9G-AAC & AAD DC3 Ghana A/W, PH-CGB Convair 340 KLM.
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Jan 11 - PH-DAB DC3 KLM
Jan 16 - 9G-AAB DH114 Heron 2 Ghana A/W
Jan 27 - MM117367 C-119G Packet (46-4) Italian A.F
Jan 29 - D-IBYD Dornier DO28, G-APZE PA23 Apache
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Feb 04 - G-ARLS PiperPA27 Aztec
Feb 05 - G-APXK Piaggio P166
Feb 06 - PH-FST Dove 2, GC+105 N2501 Noratlas WGAF
Feb 10 - G-ARMH Piper PA27 Aztec
Feb 13 - G-ARAC Cessna 310D BUA
Feb 18 - D-ILSO B65 Queen Air
Feb 24 - G-AGRW V610 Viking 1 Autair
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Mar 02 - G-ALHS Canadair C4 Overseas Avn, also on 8/5
Mar 05 - 79005/7 Douglas C47 Swedish A.F, 9G-AAC DC3 Ghana A/W
Mar 23 - 9698 Bristol 170/31M RCAF ILS runs
Mar 30 - CP30/OT-CBJ C-119G Packet Belgium A.F

Argonaught G-ALHS - photo David Miller

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Apr 05 - G-ALCU Dove 2
Apr 22 - G-AMKS Dove 1B Fairey
Apr 23 - D-GABA Piper PA23 Apache
Apr 29 - G-AMAC AS57 Ambassador Dan Air

Do27 OY-AFZ - photo David Miller

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May 01 - XN819 Argosy C1 RAF ILS run
May 02 - GC+111 N2501 Noratlas 074 WGAF
May 05 - G-ARWJ DC6A Eagle
May 06 - G-ARVP L-049 Constellation Euravia
May 10 - G-AJGT Dove 7X, G-AKSS Dove 1B, G-AOYD Dove 6
May 13 - OY-AFZ Dornier DO27, took off on the taxiway app 50 yards.
May 15 - MM26006 C-119G Packet (46-7) Italian A.F, G-ANPV DH114 Heron 2

Euravia Constellation G-ARVP - photo Terry Lee

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Jun 04 - G-AROS DH114 Heron 2
Jun 05 - G-APTH A.Bell 47H, G-ARDE Dove 8
Jun 08 - G-ARWK DC4 Lloyd Intl, G-ALPN DC3 Silver City
Jun 10 - G-AKNB DC3 Silver City
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Jul 04 - GC+113 N2501 Noratlas WGAF, D-IBAH Cessna 310G
Jul 05 - GB+115 N2501 Noratlas 081 WGAF
Jul 07 - 9G-AAD DC3 Ghana A/W
Jul 13 - WV471 P.Provost T1 (M-G) RAF
Jul 14 - 42822 Convair C-131D USAF, G-ANAE DC3 Silver City
Jul 20 - OO-HVL Piper PA23 Apache
Jul 24 - G-ARII Beech 65 Queen Air, low run
Jul 27 - G-ANOK Saab 91D Safir, G-AHEN L749A Constellation Euravia

Lockheed Constellation G-AHEN - photo Terry Lee

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Aug 16 - 79007/8 Douglas C47 Swedish A.F
Aug 17 - WV494 P.Provost T1 (P-R) RAF
Aug 19 - 192 N2501 Noratlas (64-IB) French A.F, G-ARYU Cessna 320
Aug 22 - XP443 Argosy C1 RAF ILS run, GC+238 N2501 Noratlas 013 WGAF
Aug 30 - XP439 Argosy C1 RAF ILS run
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Sep 01 - G-ARZJ Brantley B2
Sep 03 - PH-VLC Dove 1 Martins A/C
Sep 08 - YV-C-AMX V749 Viscount ILS run
Sep 13 - N623W G159 Gulfstream 1, G-AOVY Dove 6
Sep 22 - G-ANUR L749A Constellation Skyways
Sep 24 - XP441 Argosy C1 RAF ILS run
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Oct 04 - PH-CGB Convair 340 KLM
Oct 06 - XN605/9 Jet Provost T4 RAF, G-ARGS PA24 Comanche
Oct 17 - G-ARGW A.Commander 500B
Oct 29 - F-BJEV A.Commander 680E
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Nov 11 - XP348 W. Whirlwind HAR10 RAF Rescue, PH-CGF Convair 340 KLM
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Credit- to the "2R's" Roy & Roger

1963
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Highlights of 1963- Royal Jordanian AF Herald 109, KN665 Douglas C47 RCAF, Several Iranian A.F
aircraft including 5-102 C-130B Hercules, 5-06, 5-12 & 5-13 Douglas C47, 53312 U-IA Otter US.Army.
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Jan 12 - OO-SCQ CV440 Sabena, diversion from Manchester, G-AJLV Dove 6 MOA
Jan 21 - 109 HPR7 Herald c/n165 R.Jordanian A.F, delivered the next day
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Feb 04 - G-AGWE Avro 19 Anson 2 Decca NAV.
Feb 13 - 79006/7 Douglas C47 Swedish A.F, G-AROU Beech 65 Queen Air
Feb 13 - G-ALHY Canadair C4Derby Avn, landed on 3 engines .
Feb 17 - EI-AMM Piper PA24 Comanche
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Mar 02 - G-AHKX Avro 19 Anson 2
Mar 21 - G-ARFZ Dove 8
Mar 30 - SE-ECA Piper PA27 Aztec
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Apr 13 - SE-EDF Piper PA24 Comanche
Apr 28 - PH-CGD CV340 KLM
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May 02 - G-AOYC Dove 1B BUA
May 03 - EI-AMR ATL98 Carvair Aer Lingus, first visit
May 09 - XN638/14 Jet Provost T4 RAF
May 19 - G-ALHG Canadair C4 Derby Avn, G-ALHS Canadair C4 Derby Avn
May 20 - D-IBIZ Beech 95 Travel Air, D-IKOW Beech 65 Queen Air
May 21 - G-AOTI DH114 Heron 2D
May 22 - PH-SCC DC3 Fairways, landed on one engine, PH-SSM DC3 Fairways
May 27 - 5-06 Douglas C47 Iranian A.F from Wymeswold, KN662 Douglas C47 RCAF,
May 28 - 0-50943 Douglas C47 USAF, from Belfast
May 29 - 5-11 Douglas C47 Iranian A.F, to Wymeswold
May 30 - G-APON DC6A Eagle A/L
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Jun 05 - XR135 Argosy C1 RAF ILS run
Jun 07 - G-AMJU DC3 BUA
Jun 11 - D-ILLE Beech 80 Queen Air
Jun 25 - CP35/OT-CBO C-119G Packet Belgium A.F
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Jul 06 - 53312 U-IA Otter US.Army, N8341A Cessna 170
Jul 07 - G-ASHM L200A Morava
Jul 09 - EC-AVA DC6B TASSA
Jul 10 - 94991 U-8D Seminole US. ARMY
Jul 11 - GA+125 N2501 Noratlas 123 WGAF
Jul 14 - 76144 U-6A Beaver US.Army, 6416 U-6A Beaver (60416) US.Army, F-BKRV L200A Morava
Jul 15 - G-ALTT DC3 ILS run F/T Wymeswold
Jul 16 - TX225 A.Anson C19 RAF (NED07) Dayglo, PH-VLC Dove 6 Martins A/C
Jul 17 - G-ARJH PA22 Colt, full emergency landing, lost starboard main wheel.
Jul 18 - G-AOFI Dove 2 ILS run
Jul 22 - G-ALZL DH114 Heron 1B ILS runs, G-APMO P66 President ILS run
Jul 26 - XR659/55 Jet Provost T4 RAF, D-IDNL Beech 50 Twin Bonanza Air Lloyd,
Jul 26 - G-AHOW V498 Viking 1 Eros A/L

Dove G-AOFI - photo Terry Lee

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Aug 13 - G-ARJA A.Commander 520
Aug 15 - KN665 Douglas C47 RCAF
Aug 17 - D-IBAL Cessna 310F
Aug 18 - G-AMAH AS57 Ambassador Dan Air
Aug 19 - KG441 Douglas C47 RCAF
Aug 20 - 83060 U-8D Seminole US.Army
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Sep 01 - G-APID DC4 Trans Meridian
Sep 06 - GA+252 N2501 Noratlas 124 WGAF
Sep 09 - CP27/OT-CBG C-119G Packet
Sep 29 - PH-VIF V803 Viscount KLM, D-GABI Piper PA23 Apache
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Oct 14 - 5-12 Douglas C47 Iranian A.F
Oct 16 - GC+242 N2501 Noratlas 052 WGAF
Oct 19 - XP634/40 Jet Provost T4 RAF
Oct 23 - G-AHCZ DC3
Oct 26 - 5-13 Douglas C47 Iranian A.F
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Nov 08 - CP43/OT-CEC C-119G Packet Belgium A.F
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Dec 04 - XR141 Argosy C1 RAF ILS runs
Dec 16 - 0-51116 Douglas C47 USAF to Brussels
Dec 26 - 5-102 C-130B Hercules, 5-12 Douglas C47 Iranian A.F ILS run
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Credit- to the "2R's" Roy & Roger

1964
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Highlights of 1964- 9698 Bristol170 RCAF, Iranian AF C130 5-102, 55001 DHC4 Caribou Swedish A.F,
F-BFOT Bristol 170 AIir Fret, Aviaco EC-AQN Super Constellation, KG634 Douglas C47 RCAF.
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Jan 06 - 5-102 C-130B Hercules Irannian A.F, inally departed to Rome, after a twelve day stay.
Jan 16 - 79003 Douglas C47 Swedish A.F
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Feb 02 - 9698 Bristol 170/31M RCAF, also on 15/3, KN662 Douglas C47 RCAF, also on1/3
Feb 02 - KG634 Douglas C47 RCAF, also on 1/3
Feb 25 - HB-AAH HPR7 Herald Globe AIR, G-ARER V708 Viscount BUA
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Mar 01 - 10972 Douglas C47 RCAF, 10291 Douglas C47 RCAF, also on 31/3
Mar 02 - GC+107 N2501 Noratlas WGAF
Mar 15 - G-ASNO Beech 55 Baron
Mar 31 - F-BAXR DC3 Rosseau Avn
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Apr 06 - 06048 Cessna U-3B USAF, from Upper Heyford, G-ASMD Cessna 310D
Apr 06 - PH-MAA DC3 Martins, also on 8/4
Apr 08 - G-ARYC HS125 First visit of typen
Apr 11 - WJ343 HP. Hastings C2 (Rafair 3615)
Apr 16 - GC+111 N2501 Noratlas WGAF
Apr 26 - N711Z L1329 Jetstar, demonstration to J.C.Bamford, G-ARJB Dove JCB

Dove G-ARJB of JCB - photo David Miller

Apr 28 - 55001 DHC4 Caribou Swedish A.F
Apr 29 - GC+120 N2501 Noratlas WGAF, G-ASNS Riley 65
Apr 30 - PH-MAE DC4 Martins

Jetstar demonstrator N711Z - photo Roy Kesterton

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May 12 - 76093 U-8D Seminole US.Army
May 14 - PH-LPS Beech C18S
May 15 - 153/F-RAYQ N2501 Noratlas (61-YQ) French A.F
May 19 - F-BICZ Piper PA23 Apache
May 25 - GC+103 N2501 Noratlas 054 WGAF, GC+104 N2501 Noratlas 056 WGAF, also on 1/7
May 30 - G-ANAE DC3 BUA

BUA DC3 G-ANAE - photo David Miller

May 31 - EC-ASS DC6B Aviaco, also on 27/9, G-ASIU Beech 80 Queen Air
May 31 - I-DIMU DC6B SAM, also on 23/8

Aviaco DC6 EC-ASS - photo David Miller

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Jun 07 - F-BFOT Bristol 170/31 AIir Fret

Alir Fret B170 F-BFOT - photo David Miller

Jun 12 - F-BJKZ DC6B Airnautic
Jun 14 - EC-AQN L-1049G S.Constellation Aviaco, also on 21/8 I-DIMI DC6B SAM, also on 12/7
Jun 14 - EI-ANK DC3 Aer Turas
Jun 17 - F-BJEV A.Commander 680E
Jun 19 - F-BFGV DC3
Jun 26 - F-BLOE DC6B Airnautic
Jun 28 - EI-ALL Beech 35 Bonanza
Jun 30 - 23639/F-RAJD Douglas C47 French A.F, D-INAX B80 Queen Air, also on 18/11

Aer Turas DC3 EI-ANK - photo David Miller

Shannon Air DC4 EI-ANL - photo David Miller

Jul 13 - GC+235 N2501 Noratlas 019 WGAF
Jul 17 - XM518 B.Britannia C1 (Bristol13) ILS RUN
Jul 18 - N8208H/EC-WXP DC7 Tassa, N9605Y Beech 55 Baron, 72577 U-6A Beaver US.Army
Jul 21 - GB+242 N2501 Noratlas 178 WGAF
Jul 24 - F-BKBQ DC6A Airnautic

DC6 F-BKBQ Airnautic - photo David Miller

Jul 29 - 97006 C-467 Swedish Air Force

Swedish Air Force C-47 - photo David Miller

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Aug 13 - LN-DBE B50 Twin Bonanza
Aug 17 - G-ASTY HS125
Aug 18 - XP349 W. Whirlwind HAR10, N7478Y Piper PA30, GB+247 N2501 Noratlas 183 WGAF
Aug 20 - F-BKJK Wassmer Super IV
Aug 21 - SE-EIN PA30, EI-ANI PA23 Apache, also on 27/9, G-AROH Dove 1
Aug 23 - OY-AOP Beech 95 Travel Air, I-DIMU DC6 SAM

SAM DC6 I-DIMU - photo David Miller

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Sep 11 - PH-ILO DH114 Heron 2C Phillips, F-BELY Boeing 307
Sep 16 - GC+105 N2501 Noratlas WGAF, GC+250 N2501 Noratlas 095 WGAF
Sep 23 - CF-CEM Dornier DO28B, F-BEYK SIPA 901, to become G-ASXC, G-APNJ Cessna 310D ILS run
Sep 27 - PH-VII V803 VIiscount KLM
Sep 28 - 173/61-QF N2501 Noratlas French A.F, WD402 A Anson C19 RAF, G-ASSA Piper PA30
Sep 29 - G-ASNM Sikorsky S-61N BEA

Boeing 307 F-BELY - photo David Miller

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Oct 01 - G-ASRD Bellanca 260
Oct 17 - G-ASXC Sipa 901
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Nov 02 - G-ASKZ AW650 Argosy ILS runs
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Dec 06 - HB-AAK HPR7 Herald Globe Air
Dec 09 - 79004 DouglasC47 Swedish A.F, GC+246 N2501 Noratlas WGAF
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Credit- to the "2R's" Roy & Roger

1965
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Highlights of 1965- G511 HS125 Ghana A.F, 10307 C130 RCAF, TN-AAD DC6 of Air Congo
9G-AAD DC3 Ghana A/W, VH-RZA LA4 LakeSkimmer, N1281 DC6B International A/L.
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Jan 18 - SE-CFT DC3D Torair
Jan 21 - D-GARA Piper PA23 Apache
Jan 30 - G-ASPC PIiaggo P166B ILS runs
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Feb 11 - LN-SUK DC6B Braathens, SE-BSN DC3 Torair, also 15/2
Feb 15 - 193/64-BW N2501 Noratlas French A.F
Feb 16 - GB+122 N2501 Noratlas 119 WGAF
Feb 19 - G-ASSM HS125
Feb 27 - F-BFUZ Nord 1102
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Mar 02 - G-ASXM AW650 Argosy BEA ILS runs
Mar 24 - F-BMCD Beech 55 Baron
Mar 31 - 10307 C-130E Hercules RCAF, one touch & go then to Aldergrove & Prestwick.
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Apr 02 - XP769 Beaver AL1 (AA393), G-ASWJ Beagle 206 ILS runs
Apr 09 - G-ASFY DC4 Air Ferry
Apr 12 - GC+249 N2501 Noratlas WGAF, G-ASWW PA30

Channel Airways Viscount G-APZC - photo David Miller

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May 01 - VP960 Devon C1 (LML13)
May 02 - G-APZC Viscount Channel Airways
May 03 - SE-EIY Piper PA27 Aztec
May 06 - F-BLOA Mooney M20C
May 09 - PH-SAB F27 Schreiner A/L
May 16 - EC-AZK V83 Viscount (AVIACO1126), also 6/6, 27/6, OY-DPN DH11 Heron 2 Scan Fly
May 16 - XS711 Dominie T1 RAF ILS run, G-ADDI DH84 Dragon
May 19 - XP356/B-W Whirlwind HAR10 RAF
May 24 - D-IMRO Beech 80 Queen Air
May 25 - G511 HS125 Ghana A.F (Tibbet 53) ILS run, from and to Harwarden.
May 31 - PH-SAD F27 Schreiner A/L, also 20/7

Aviaco Viscount EC-AZK - photo David Miller

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Jun 01 - TN-AAD DC4 Air Congo, to Wymeswold
Jun 05 - G-ANRS V732 Viscount Eagle
Jun 06 - N1281 DC6B International A/L
Jun 07 - HB-OVW Piper PA24 Comanche
Jun 13 - OY-ADH Cessna 180
Jun 24 - EI-ANR LA4 Lake Skimmer
Jun 25 - D-ILPU Beech 55 Baron
Jun 29 - XS768 Basset CC1 RAF ILS run .
Jun 30 - CP24/OT-CBD C-119G Packet Belgium A.F

British Eagle Viscount G-ANRS - photo Mick Coy

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Jul 15 - XP807 Beaver AL1 Army
Jul 17 - PH-DSO DC7 KLM
Jul 20 - PH-DAC DC3 Schreiner A/L
Jul 25 - 37939 U-6A Beaver US.Army, F-BLQS Nord 1101
Jul 26 - G-ASYA A.Commander 560F
Jul 28 - GB+114 N2501 Noratlas 079 WGAF, GB+118 N2501 Noratlas 087 WGAF
Jul 29 - GB+232 N2501 Noratlas 162 WGAF
Jul 30 - GB+111 N2501 Noratlas 141 WGAF

KLM DC7 PH-DSO - photo David Miller

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Aug 03 - GB+107 N2501 Noratlas 127 WGAF
Aug 04 - GB+233 N2501 Noratlas 163 WGAF, CP18 C-119G Packet OT-CAR Belgium A.F
Aug 05 - GB+247 N2501 Noratlas 183 WGAF, GB+112 N2501 Noratlas 075 WGAF
Aug 05 - VH-RZA LA4 LakeSkimmer
Aug 08 - PH-SAE DC7 Schreiner A/L
Aug 21 - G-ASMC P.Provost 1, G-ATFM Sikorsky S-61N BEA

WGAF Nor Atlas GB+107 - photo David Miller

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Sep 10 - F-BBDH DC4 Airnautic
Sep 21 - GC+109 N2501 Noratlas WGAF
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Oct 03 - XS727 Dominie T1 RAF ILS run
Oct 05 - D-COME HS125, 9G-AAD DC3 Ghana A/W
Oct 09 - XG502 B. Sycamore HR14 RAF, VP976 Devon C1 (FXL01) RAF, G-APZU Dove 6
Oct 17 - G-ASSI HS125 ILS runs
Oct 20 - G-ASXV Beech 65 Queen Air

British Eagle DC6 - photo Terry Lee

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Nov 03 - GC+233 N2501 Noratlas WGAF
Nov 13 - N73M G159 Gulfstream 1
Nov 26 - D-ILMY Beech 90 King Air,G-AGWE Avro 19 Anson 1 ILS run
Nov 27 - G-ASHZ ATL98 Carvair BUA, G-ASKK HPR7 Herald ILS runs, G-APRM AW650 Argosy BEA ILS runs
Nov 30 - XR441 SEA Heron C20 (Navair820)
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Dec 06 - D-INES Bech 50 Twin Bonanza
Dec 13 - GB+248 N2501 Noratlas 184 WGAF, 40546 C-130E Hercules Swedish A.F
Dec 17 - GB+106 N2501 Noratlas 063 WGAF
Dec 22 - N706L Lear Jet 23
Dec 31 - G-ATLC Piper Piper PA27 Aztec ILS run
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Credit the "2R's" Roy & Roger

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Introduction

"from logs to blogs"

A look back in history at Elmdon airport, Birmingham. Starting at 1955 and ending at 2010 when the bhx movements blog was started. It has been born from the passion of our more senior members to retrace history. A log of the more interesting movements will be built up, accompanied by photographs. If anyone has old logs and/or photographs and wishes to share them, please make contact with Ian or Mick.

We have also added special events, e.g the Kings Cup air race, G8/NATO summits, Ryder Cup Golf, Football finals, Accidents & Incidents to name but a few.

Credit to the following publications, 'A celebration of Birmingham International', 'Past, Present & Future', 'Birmingham International Airport'. Also to the various photographers over the years.

Acknowlegements: Ian Farquarson, Mick Farley, Roger Chapman, Roy Kesterton, Andrew Jones, Simon Neville, Nigel Osborne, Phil Cross, Peter Collins, Alec Wilson, Simon Butler, Tony Green, Terry Lee, David & Sue Shephard, Coptercrazy, Kevin Farley, David Miller, Tim Newman and to everyone else who has sent in information.

The early years

Birmingham (Elmdon) airport opened for business on 1st May 1939. Although 800 acres of land were available to develop the airport only 215 acres were initially used. The cost of buying the land was £130,613, £28,314 for preparing the site, £144,647 for buildings, roads and equipment and £18,861 for lighting. A further £39,181 was expected to be spent on additional land. The whole project was expected to cost £361,816. Three grass runways of 3000ft in length plus a fourth at 4,700ft were in use.

The first arrival was Swallow G-ACXE, the first scheduled arrival was Great Western & Southern Airlines Dragon Rapide from Liverpool and Manchester, leaving for Brisol, Southampton, Ryde and Shoreham. Next arrival was Railway Air Services DH.86 Neptune from Croydon on route to Liverpool, Belfast and Glasgow.Sadly the onset of war curtailed further schedules from materializing.

The ceremonial opening was carried out by The Duchess of Kent on the 8th July 1939. Other dignitaries consisted of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, Air Minister Sir Kingsley Wood plus 60 invited guests. Sadly the weather spoilt the opening with heavy rain and a low cloud base, prevented most aircraft from arriving. The air display to celebrate the opening consisted of Fleet Air Arm Skuas, C.40 Autogyro, Piper Cub, 8 Spitfires, Blenheim, Lysander, Hurricane, Whitney, Blenheim and Hampden bombers. Other visitors included the DH.95 Flamingo, DH.86, Rapides, Dragon and Dragonfly.

The war and post war years

Two months after the opening Elmdon was requisitioned by the Air Ministry and all civil flying ceased. The 14th Elementary Flying School for the RAF and Fleet Air Arm took up residence with Tiger Moths. Close by Austin built a factory on the North side of the railway line. The factory was used for the final assembly of Stirling bombers and later Lancaster bombers. The aircraft were towed to the Elmdon site via a bridge over the railway line for test flying. The grass runways had been replaced by two concrete ones. The airfield stayed under military control until 1946 when it was handed to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It was the late 1940's before scheduled services re-commenced again. A number of small companies operated flights to destinations such as the Isle of Man, Isle of Whight,the Channel Islands, Blackpool and Weston-super-Mare. A variety of aircraft were used on the flights from Austers to Dragon Rapides. British European Airways (BEA), controlled all domestic traffic and gradually took over the more profitable routes. 1949 saw the first international route to Paris, operated by a BEA Dakota G-AHCU. The service was poorly supported and other Continental routes were ruled out. In 1949 Aer Lingus introduced a service to Dublin again using the Dakota, EI-ACL operated the 1st service. In contrast to BEA woos, the Dublin service proved to be a great success.

The 1950's

Despite the poor support for the Paris service, new services were gradually introduced using Dakotas to Belfast 1950, Jersey 1950, Glasgow (via Manchester) 1952, Edinburgh (via Glasgow) 1953, and Northolt 1953. Again services were poorly supported resulting in cancellations or additional stops. From 1953 the Paris service originated from Manchester and saw the Dakota being replaced by Airspeed Ambassadors on the route.

In 1954 BEA replaced the Ambassadors with the Vickers Viscount on domestic services and its International route to Paris, cutting the flight time to just 75 minutes.
1954 saw Aer Lingus also replace the Dakota with the Vickers Viscount, flight time on route was 50 minutes. By 1956 BEA had introduced the Viscount on new services to Dusseldorf and Zurich. However the downside of Viscount services to the Continent was Elmdons runway length, it could not support fully laded operations. During 1958 the runway was extended by 800ft and Continental services suspended, re-commencing in 1959 when the extension was completed. Over the coming years flights were added to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Basle and Milan.

The 1960's - the jet age

On April 2nd 1960 Birmingham City Council took over the running of the airport. Lost was the name Elmdon Airport to be replaced by the name Birmingham Airport. 1961 was a significant year, the first jet airliner visited Birmingham in the shape of an RAF Comet, born was the jet age. 1962 saw the arrival of the first BEA Vanguard, the biggest aircraft to use the airport, but could not operate fully laden. Again a decision was taken to extend the main runway to 7400ft to allow jet operations, the extension was completed in 1966. This allowed scheduled airlines and tour operators to introduce jets on its flights from Birmingham, approx 300 jet flight were to operate that summer, including BUA BAC 1-11's and Spantax Coranado's. The first jet to use the extension was a BEA Trident from Heathrow, flight time 15 minutes. 1966 had also saw the introduction of scheduled flights to Amsterdam, flown by KLM using the Lockheed Electra, replaced by the DC9 in 1967. 1967 also saw BEA start serving the Malta route with Comets. Also during that year Air France commenced Caravelle services to Nice, while Iberia operated to Palma with the same aircraft type. 1967 also saw Birmingham's first trans-Atlantic flight in the shape of a Caladonian Britannia diverted in from Montreal. Later that year saw the first BOAC B707 to visit the airport arriving from New York with freight. Another new jet type to grace the tarmac was Seaboard World Airways DC'8s operating from Chicago with freight. 1969 saw the viist of the 1st BOAC VC10 G-ARVE to promote the airlines new service to New York.

The 1970's-The I.T revolution

The 1970 saw the commencement of a four times summer only weekly service to New York via Manchester. The service struggled to attract passengers and was routed out via Prestwick. Finally in 1973 the route was pulled due to massive losses. The inclusive tour market was really picking up with large numbers of charter airlines being seen at Birmingham on a reguar basis. Flights were operated to Mediterranean hotspots and the USA. An impressive list of Airlines operated the flights including, Air Malta, Air Spain, Aviaco, Aviogenex, Balair, Braathens, Cyprus Airways, Inex-Adria, JAT, SAM, Spantax, Trans Europa and World Airways, plus several British companies. Types used included BAC 1-11's, B720's, Britannias, Caravelles, Coranado's, DC-7's, DC-8's, DC-9's, Tridents, TU134's and Viscounts. The terminal was now bursting at the seams at passenger figures soared to 1 million per year. Urgent action was required to extend the terminal. During the winter of 1972/3, Birmingham became a major diversion field for flights diverted away from the London airports. 45 diversions were handled in one day alone with others being turned away. As a young lad I would go down a help load the coaches with bags as the terminal was at bursting point. On many occasions the short runway would be lined with diverted flights.1978 saw the first visit of type in the shape of a B747 belonging to Qantas, VH-EBH. Followed the next year with scheduled flights to Toronto with CP Air.

The 1980's-the supersonic era

1980 saw the visit to Birmingham of the first supersonic airliner Concorde, an Air France example F-BTSC operated a charter flight. This was soon followed by British Airways examples operating pleasure flights for those who wanted to sample supersonic flight. BEA despite its dominance in Birmingham soon began to struggle, many flights were withdrawn at the start of the decade. 1982 saw Air India operating twice weekly services via Moscow to Delhi and Amristar using B707's. These services lasted to 1984 before being withdrawn. Passenger figures continued to soar and ended the decade at 3.5 million. A new passenger terminal on the east side of the airfield close to the railway station and the National Exhibition centre was given the go ahead in 1980 at a cost of 29 million. The terminal was handed over to the airport on the 11th January 1984, while the 1st departure was on the 22nd March of that year when a BEA BAC 1-11 departed to Bordeaux. The open day and airshow was held over the weekend of 28-30 May 1984 in pouring rain and gales just like the opening of the original terminal way back in 1955. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh officially opened the new complex on the 30th May. After the opening of the New terminal, International operators started to open up new routes including, Air France, Iberia, Lufthansa, KLM, Swissair and Air Canada. 1987 saw a two week strike that closed Manchester airport for two weeks, Birmingham handled 618 extra movements during this period, which equated to 60,00 passengers.

1996 EU Summit

EU Summit May 6th-7th

May 06 - 93-7026 C650 TuAF, T-18.1 F900 SpAF, 102001 Gulfstream 4 SAF, 0125 Falcon 20 RDAF,LX-GDL C550, 249 Gulfrstream 3 IAC, OE-GCI C550, 034 FA50 FAF, D-CDEN LJ31, HB-VJI LJ31,17+02 VFW614 GAF, SX-ECH F900, MM62012 DC9 IAF, C-1 F27 RNAF, CS-01 HS748 BAF, ZD704 HS125 RAF, 17403 FA50 PAF, 27 FA50 FAF, 240 BE20 IAC, 78 FA50 FAF

May 07 - TF-DCA BE90, 12+04 CL60 GAF, LZ-D-050 TU134 BuAF, 0420 TU154 Czech AF, LN-VIP LJ55, 0601 TU154 Slovak AF, 038 YAK40 PAF, C-3 F27 RNAF, N31LJ LJ31

1996 European Championships

VILLA PARK (Holland v Scotland v Switzerland)(Croatia v Czech R)

Jun 10 - G-AZPK B146, F-GCVM SE210, D-ABNX B757 Condor, G-MAJS A300 Monarch,OO-VLE FK50 VLM, F-GNEM DC10, OO-OLJ B737, OO-IBL JS31, PH-HVG B737 Transavia, G-BUPS AT42, PH-OZA B737, G-BVOV HS748, PH-AHI B757 Air Holland, G-MOND B757 Monarch, G-BIFH SH30, N186AT L101 American Air Tran, D-ADUP F27, TF-ABH L101 Air Atlanta, PH-DNB FK50 Denim Air, C-8 FK50 NAF, OO-IBJ JS31, PH-HVF B737 Transavia, G-MONS A300 Monarch, PH-OZB B737, G-ZAPG SH60, D-IAAV C441, PH-RAZ SW4, PH-FWM MU2, PH-ATM BE20, PH-GYN PA31, N9210Y PA31, PH-FWC C406, OY-CKY Falcon 20, D-ICSM BE20, D-IAMU C421, PH-ECO PA31, OY-JRS B190, PH-IDA PA31, PH-PTE PA31, PH-ABD PA31, PH-DAE PA31, OY-JEO SW4, OO-DFE C421, PH-JMV PA31, PH-PTC PA31, OY-AUP SW4, F-GMRD BE58, D-COOL LJ55

Jun 13 - PH-MCF B747 Martinair, G-MONX A320 Monarch, PH-HVT B737 Transavia, OO-VLE FK50 VLM, PH-AHI B757 Air Holland,PH-IDA PA31, PH-RAZ SW4, PH-BRN B350, D-IHLK C421, TF-ABH L101 Air Atlanta, G-CEAP L101, OO-KNM C441, PH-XPI PA31, PH-HBB TB20, G-MOND B757 Monarch, G-UKLJ A320 Air UK, F-GOMA B146, G-BWJA B737, G-MONC B757 Monarch, HB-IIB B737, HB-ILJ F27, HB-IUH MD81, G-BPND B727, OY-JRS B190, PH-MCT MD11 Martinair, PH-FWC C406, OY-JEO SW4, PH-DNB FK50, HB-INS MD80 Swissair, D-IAMU C421, N528WA C210, N9095Y PA32, OO-ILJ B737 Air Belgium, PH-MFX C650, PH-ABD PA31, HB-VIS C550, PH-DAE PA31, OY-EBA F27, PH-TKC B757 Transavia, HB-VIC C501, G-OBWA B1-11 BWA, G-AYOP B1-11 BWA , PH-MCS MD11 Martinair, N9210Y PA31, F-BPVG B747 Air France, PH-JOE C425, OY-NPB SW3, D-ICSM BE20, HB-IIC B737, PH-ECO PA31, PH-GYN PA31, PH-EEF PA31, D-AITH C414, PH-PRM PA44, I-FFRI LJ24, N541JA BE60, HB-VJZ C560, PH-AIJ PA34, PH-MCH B767 Martinair, PH-HVN B737 Transavia, PH-PTE PA31, HB-LQJ PA34, PH-ATM BE20, OY-BJT SW4, G-OZBA A320 Monarch, OO-VLN FK50 VLM, EC-261 C525

Jun 18 - HB-INR, HB-ISX, HB-IUH MD82 Swissair, HB-IKM MD83, EI-TLB A320, HB-VGS Citation,F-GFBO BE90, MM62153 G222 IAF, HB-IJE A320, OE-LRS DHC8, HB-VKP, HB-VLE C550's, F-GILJ B300

Jun 21 - OK-TCD TU154, OK-VCP TU154, OK-BYA CL60, OK-BYV IL62, OM-AHK B727, CS-ATG FA20, CS-TEQ B737 TAP, D-AIAH A300 Lufthansa, OO-LFL C441, N6315X C421

1998 G8 Meeting

May 15 to 17th
May 01 - 86-8019 C-5B
May 06 - RA-96012 IL96
May 10 - RA-86710 IL62
May 11 - 159357, 159351 VH-3D, 71-0924, 70-01626, 73-1648 MH-53J
May 12 - 86-0015 C-5B, RA-78817 IL76
May 14 - 159351 SH-3D, 82-8000 VC-25A, 72-7000 VC-137B, 20-1102 B744 JAF, 20-1101 B744 JAF , C-FTNL L101 Air Transat
May 15 - RA-86710 IL62, RA-96012 IL96, RA-86561 IL62, 15005 A310 RCAF, F-RADA A310 FAF, OO-LFR LJ25, F-RAFQ F900 FAF, 12+04 CL60 GAF, MM62013 DC9 IAF, 85-6973 VC-137B, N350JF LJET, N117AH WW1224
May 16 - 159351 VH-3D
May 17 - F-RAFL FA50 FAF, F-RADA A310 FAF, RA-78817 IL76, 66-0149 C141B, 86-0022 C-5B, RA-78835 IL76
May 18 - 86-0019 C-5B

1999 EUFA Cup Final

VILLA PARK
May 19 - N73M G5, D-AWDL B146 WDL, I-LIAC FA20, G-OMJB BH06, I-SNAX F900, N560MM C550, I-SNAW F2TH, I-LIAD LJ35, I-AROO C550, I-AVJE LJ25, D-IRKE C525, T-18.1 F900, EC-FQX L1329, EC-GNK F2TH, D-IHHS C525, C-GTSR L101 Star A/L, CS-TEB L101 Air Medeira, D-AHFK B738 Hapag Lloyd, D-AWUE B146 WDL, EC-FXY, EC-GVI MD83 Spanair, EC-GHM B762 Air Europa, EC-GRX, EC-HCN, EC-HCP B734 Futura EC-GUO, EC-HAN B734 Air Europa, EC-HBC B738 Air Europa, EC-HCR A320 Iberworld, EI-CEK, EI-CMM, EI-CMZ, EI-CNR, MD83 Eurofly, EI-COJ B734 Air One, EI-CRD B763 Eurofly, EI-TLE A320 Britannia A/W, EI-TLT A320 Trans Aer, F-GKLJ, F-GSEA, F-GSUN B747's Corsair, F-GKTA B733 Air One, F-GPVC DC10 Air Liberte, F-GRSE A320 Star A/L, I-DACR MD83 Alitalia, I-DEMN B747 Alitalia, I-DUPE MD11 Alitalia, N242GD B734 Blue Panorama

2002 Ryder Cup Golf

Belfry
Sep 20 - LX-PRS C550, SE-DVP DA10, N910JW F900
Sep 21 - N300K GLF5, N800PM GLF2
Sep 22 - EC-HGI C550, CS-DNY C560, N326K F900, C-FIDO LJ60
Sep 23 - G-EVLN GLF4, N521DB B727, HB-VHV H25B, G-OMAK A319, N326K DA900
Sep 24 - N1125S G150, D-ISCH C25A, PT-SUC E135, C-FIDO LJ60, N331P GLF4
Sep 25 - N777KK GLF4, HB-VIS C550, HB-VMH C550, N521DB B727, PH-HMA C550, N82RP F900
Sep 25 - N252JS GLF5, G-LCYA F900, EI-WGV GLF5, EI-CVT GLF4, N404QS GLF4
Sep 26 - N170SW GLEX, N330FX CL60, EI-WJN H25B, CS-DNR F2TH, N2518M WW1124
Sep 26 - HB-IUX F900, CS-DNJ H25B, CS-DNR F2TH,N90AM GLF5
Sep 27 - N255CC CL60, HB-IBQ FA50, HB-VJI LJ31, N122RS GLF4, N777KK GLF4, N176CL F900, G-RIBV C560
Sep 27 - N178HH GLF3, N436QS GLF4, HB-IVN F2TH, EI-PAX C56X, N601WM CL60, N119CS C525
Sep 28 - G-BJIR C550, HB-IUT GALAXY, G-LCYA F900, EI-CVT G-4, N418QA G-4, VP-BKZ GLF5
Sep 28 - N132JC GALAXY, N900VL F900, N501PC GLF4
Sep 29 - N500LS B737 BBJ, N275NM C750, N200UP FA50, N96UT FA50, HB-VHV H25B,N590HM GLF4
Sep 29 - HB-IBG F900, N436QS GLF4, EI-RNJ H25B, OY-LJG LJ45, HB-IVM F2TH, N750NS C750
Sep 29 - G-POAJ CL60, N46WC H25B, D-COKE LJ35
Sep 30 - N403QS G-4, HB-VNI C56X, HB-IUX F900, N368CE B733, N40DK LJ55, EC-FZP C525

Birmingham's 70th Anniversary

9th September 2009
A6-EDE Airbus A380861 Emirates Airlines
G-ADND de Havilland DH-87B (Marked W9385.)
G-AERV Miles M.11A
G-AGTM de Havilland DH-89A Air Atlantique Classic Flight
G-AKWS Auster 5A/160 (Marked RT610.)
G-ARGY Piper PA-22160
G-ATSR Beech M35
G-AWFP Rollason CondorD.62B
G-AWFZ Beech A23-A19
G-AYTR Menavia CP.301A
G-BBMO de Havilland Canada DHC-1 (Marked WK514.)
G-BCDJ Piper PA-28140
G-BFHP Champion 7GCA
G-BKJB Piper PA-18135
G-BNVB American Aviation AA-5A
G-BROR Piper J/3C 65
G-BTZX Piper J/3C 65
G-BVAF Piper J/3C 85
G-CBEF Scottish Aviation SA.120T.1 (Marked XX621.)
G-CHAP Robinson R44
G-MOOV Czech Aircraft Works SportCruiser
G-UTSY Piper PA-28R-201

Accidents and Incidents

March 5 1960 -A Douglas C-47A (registration G-AMSF) operated by Don Everall Aviation crashed on takeoff from Birmingham International Airport due to engine failure; all three crew and 28 passengers survived, but the aircraft was written off.
9 January 1973 - A Viscout of British Midland Airways G-AZLR suffered a landing accident at Elmdon Airport, Birmingham during a positioning flight from Leeds.As the aircraft touched down the port main undercarriage collapsed and the aircraft skidded along the runway and slewed off to the left, and onto the grass. There was no fire but the aircraft was very close to the runway and the airport was closed. It was only a positioning flight crew and all on board were unhurt. After an extensive investigation it was determined that the port undercarriage leg was not locked down properly. This showed in the cockpit but no blame was attached to the crew as they had noted the unsafe cockpit light and checked the port wing indicator before they landed which showed it was in a safe position The mechanical indicator on the port wing had frozen solid overnight at Leeds and broke when the undercarriage was retracted, thus giving false information to the crew. The aircraft returned to service after repairs.
29 November 1975 - The accident occurred when the aircraft returned at night to its home base after an international private flight and the pilot attempted to make a landing in fog. Three unsuccessful approaches were made using the Instrument Landing System (ILS) but on each occasion the pilot made an overshoot.
After initiation of the third overshoot the aircraft lost height and struck the ground 670 feet to the right of the runway and 4,800 feet beyond the threshold. The aircraft caught fire and was destroyed. All four occupants lost there lives.
The report concludes that the reason for the loss of height could not be determined but in the light of the handling pilot's medical history it is considered possible that he became incapacitated and that the other pilot was unable to maintain control of the aircraft.
21 March 1985 - Cessna 150 G-AZHF crashed on to a warehouse roof while making an emergency landing to runway 15 at Birmingham. The flight from Prestwick en-route to Coventry initially diverted to Liverpool due to a low pressure oil warning. After rectification 'ZHF' carried on to Coventry, as he approached Birmingham the pilot declaired an emerency with a rough running engine. While attempting to land on runway 15 all power was lost and the pilot initiated a landing in the dark on to a football pitch. At the last momement the pilot stalled the aeroplane in an attempt to land on the football pitch, but caught a tree and was cartwhelled in to the warehose roof. The pilot walked away with minor injuries, the cause of the accident was fuel starvation due to empty tanks. The pilot had not accounted for the diversion to Liverpool, taxi etc and ran out of fuel.
27 November 1985 - C404 G-BKTJ belonging to Donington Aviation Crashed on take-off from Birmingham Airport (BHX/EGBB), Elmdon, Birmingham, West Midlands on route to Norwich Airport with a crew of 1 and 11 passengers. Of the 12 persons on board, 4 were seriously injured, the aircraft came to a stop in an alotment at the end of the runway.
The subsequent AAIB report attributed the accident to accumulated icing on the wings and flying controls. This prevented the aircraft from gaining sufficient airspeed to gain altitude and climb away from the airport.
4 January 2002 – A Bombardier CL604 Challenger business jet crashed on take-off from runway 15 at Birmingham. The aircraft with registration N90AG was on lease by AGCO corporation and was carrying two company executives, two pilots and an observer. After arriving from Palm Beach International airport the previous evening, the aircraft was parked overnight at Birmingham where ice formed on the wings due to the cold weather conditions. The following morning the pilots did not request de-icing of the aircraft before their flight to Bangor airport in Maine. The ice on the wings caused one wing to dip on take off, the aircraft inverted, crashed into grass beside the runway and caught fire. There were no survivors. Sleeping pills taken by both pilots the night before the crash are thought to have been a factor in reducing the pilots' judgment.
23 February 2006 – Mahan Air Airbus A310 operating a flight from Tehran, Iran, was involved in a serious incident while on approach to Birmingham International Airport. The aircraft descended to the published minimum descent altitude of 740 ft despite still being 11 nm from the runway threshold. At a point 6 nm from the runway the aircraft had descended to an altitude of 660 ft, which was 164 ft above ground level. Having noticed the descent profile, Birmingham Air Traffic Control issued an immediate climb instruction to the aircraft, however, the crew had already commenced a missed approach, having received a GPWS alert. The aircraft was radar vectored for a second approach during which the flight crew again initiated an early descent. On this occasion, the radar controller instructed the crew to maintain their altitude and the crew successfully completed the approach to a safe landing. The accident investigation determined that the primary cause was use of the incorrect DME for the approach, combined with a substantial breakdown in Crew Resource Management. Three safety recommendations were made.
15 June 2006 – A TNT Airways cargo B737 300 made an emergency landing at Birmingham with damaged landing gear.The aircraft, registration OO-TND, had been flying from Liege in Belgium to Stansted. Due to poor visibility at Stansted the flight diverted to East Midlands Airport As the weather at East Midlands was also poor, the aircraft performed a full autopilot approach. During this approach the autopilot momentarily disengaged causing it to deviate from the course. The aircraft hit the grass to the side of the runway, which caused the right main gear to detach. The crew initiated a go-around, declared an emergency and diverted to Birmingham. After it landed on Birmingham's main runway, the airport was closed for a number of hours. The pilots were unharmed. However, the company ascribed the incident to human error and both pilots were dismissed.The official report into the accident highlighted a number of factors contributing to the accident - poor weather forecast information; a message passed from Air Traffic Control to the aircraft at an "inappropriate" time; the pilot accidentally disconnecting the autopilot when attempting to respond to the message; the pilot losing "situational awareness" and failing to abort the landing.
19 November 2010 – A Cessna Citation aircraft, registration G-VUEM, crashed at Birmingham Airport during final approach in thick fog. Reports from West Midlands Police were that there were two casualties, one critical. The aircraft was bringing a human liver from Belfast airport, for a transplant operation which was subsequently completed successfully.The airport reopened at around mid-day the following day.
21 September 2012 - A Monarch chartered jet skidded off the runway at Birmingham Airport when it touched down from Nice in the South of France this afternoon.The Aurela Boeing 737 LY-SKA, leased to Midlands-based Monarch Airlines by the Lithuanian operator. The packed flight ZB 467 careered off the tarmac after it touched down in heavy rain and the runway was closed. All flights were suspended for more than two hours while airfield emergency services assisted the crew to evacuate the aircraft. Its wheels overshot the runway and got stuck in a grass verge alongside the tarmac. A spokesman for the airport confirmed that there were no injuries among the passengers on board the 23-year-old jet leased by the Midlands-based airline.“We are working with Birmingham Airport to move the aircraft and is fully assisting with the authorities. As a standard precaution emergency services have attended the aircraft,” she added. Heavy lifting gear eventually towed the stricken aircraft away from the vicinity of the runway, two hours after it had touched down.

Local Airfields

Castle Bromwich Aeroplane Factory - The City of Birmingham III Spitfire.

As the Second World War approached, the Air Minister (Sir Kingsley Wood) asked Lord Nuffield (William Morris) if he would establish a new shadow factory to produce aeroplanes. This was to be built between Fort Dunlop and Castle Bromwich airfield. Construction commenced on 14 July 1938 and an initial order for 1,000 Spitfires was placed on 12 April 1939.

Castle Bromwich Aeroplane Factory was then the largest of its kind in Britain.

It covered 345 acres and employed 12,000 people. The site plan shows main offices, drawing offices, tool rooms, stores for finished parts, areas for the assembly of wings and fuselages, and covering of tailplanes and fins, drape shops (for covering of parts including petrol tanks), canteens, surgeries, sports and social clubs, and power-generating plants.

During March 1940, Vickers-Armstrongs was placed in charge of the factory. The factory built somewhere between 11,555 and 11,939 Spitfires, over half of the total number produced. Often 50 Spitfires a week were made with a peak of 320. In 1941, 200 Avro Lancaster Mk II bombers were ordered, by the end of the war 300 Lancaster of various marks had been built. Fifty Seafire 45s were also made.

In 1943, a bomb was dropped on the factory, causing some production to be dispersed to other sites around the Midlands. There had been a fatal bombing at the factory on 13 August 1940, in which six workers were killed.

When aircraft were completed, they were towed across the main Chester Road to the airfield where they were flown by test pilots and delivered to the RAF by Air Transport Auxiliary pilots. Alex Henshaw was Chief Test Pilot from 1940 to 1945, personally putting more than 10% of the aeroplanes produced through their paces, and providing some spectacular air displays with Spitfires.

Post war...The aeroplane factory was closed in 1945 and became a car factory. It was first sold to Fisher and Ludlow Ltd, which was acquired by BMC in 1953. Later, it became part of Jaguar. Part of the original site was also bought by Dunlop to extend their premises and house their research programme.

source:ForcesWarRecords.

June 1951 and Birmingham was chosen for a trial service linking Birmingham and London. Three flights a day with tickets costing £2/10s single, or £4/10s return.

Helicopters operated from a dedicated site on a recreation ground in Hay Mills, 3 miles from the city centre.

Flight Magazine described the Hay Mills ‘RotorStation’ as “two asphalt touchdown points and a small wooden traffic building.”

The daily flights stopped at Northolt Airport, West London, before reaching Heathrow.

Authors of a university paper, Martin Dodge and Richard Brook are puzzled by the location of Birmingham’s heliport.

“It was only a couple of miles away from Birmingham’s existing airport at Elmdon,” The location probably matched the ‘make do’ circumstances of the time, contingent on available land that was vaguely suitable.”

The grand plans were scaled down somewhat. The journey from Hay Mills and Northolt took 70 minutes in a Westland-Sikorsky S-51 copter, which could only carry 4 passengers.

Under used and propped up by Government subsidies, the passenger service was scrapped in April 1952.

Costs were high and operating precautions severe.

"from logs to blogs" - Elmdon over the years

Elmdon Building

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