DH Devon VP962 (G-OPLC)

VP 962 G-OPLC wont be doing any pleasure flying for the forseeable future, however VP 981 most certainly will be, out of Goodwood through Conciair, the even better news is that you still get to fly with me.:cool:

I’m looking forward to doing just that on August 12th.

There, ladies and gentlemen, are the dangers of idle speculation. Thanks for the calm response, Dropshort105!

VP 962 G-OPLC wont be doing any pleasure flying for the forseeable future, however VP 981 most certainly will be, out of Goodwood through Conciair, the even better news is that you still get to fly with me.:cool:

Thanks for all the info. I hope its future is secure and it won’t be broken to pay for any debts (assuming Mayfair has gone under, and has debts to pay!) I may have to pay a visit to Bournemouth whilst it is still around!

This was the last time I saw G-OPLC, St Mawgan 2006

The Dove being operated by Conciair that is avialable for charter, pleasure flights and their D Day tours is VP981 (G-DHDV) on lease from Air Atlantique Classic Flight.

DH Devon VP962/G-OPLC

Hi there,
I thought I recognised the serial – it was until recently being operated by Mayfair Dove Aviation Ltd, but as of 17th November 2010 their operating licence was suspended by the CAA (see link) I don’t know why, nor what’s happened to the aircraft since…..

Last time I saw it at Kemble during one of our events was 2009

G-INFO reports a recent change of owner:

COLUMBA AVIATION LTD
PROSPECT CHAMBERS, PROSPECT HILL
DOUGLAS
ISLE OF MAN
IM1 1ET

Change effective from 24 May 2011. It therefore seems likely that Mr.W.G.T. Pritchard of Reigate t/a Mayfair Dove Aviation Ltd has ceased to exist. They were the owners of G-OPLC from 27 July 1993 to 24 May 2011

I’d speculate that G-OPLC has either been sold to pay off accumulated debts, or transferred from the previous owners to escape seizure by creditors…

Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t there ads in Flypast magazine until very recently offering charter flights in G-OPLC?

It is also noticeable that the website (www.mayfairdove.co.uk) seems to have vanished, but apparently. a DH 104 Dove is still listed as available for charter hire at http://www.conciair.co.uk/our-fleet.htm – although that may (or may not) by G-OPLC. Certainly the aircraft in the photo isn’t – it’s in RAF Markings!

The website for Mayfair would now appear to be out of date. 😉

http://www.moviemakersguide.com/data/m/mayda0650/mayda0650a.htm

DH Devon VP962 (G-OPLC)

This is parked at Worldwide Aviation at Bournemouth.
It is in good condition, but minus it’s tail cone
I will keep an eye on it and report if there is any change
Cheers,
John

Hi there,
I thought I recognised the serial – it was until recently being operated by Mayfair Dove Aviation Ltd, but as of 17th November 2010 their operating licence was suspended by the CAA (see link) I don’t know why, nor what’s happened to the aircraft since…..

Last time I saw it at Kemble during one of our events was 2009

DH Devon VP962/G-OPLC

Hello,

As I’m currently away from my notebooks – I transcribed all the Air Min Form 78s for the RAF DH Devon Fleet some years ago – what follows is from my (somewhat Cat.3(R)) memory…

VP962 (c/no 04212) was built in 1948 and delivered to the RAF on 15th Nov 48. From 1949 to 1969 operational service included

– 2nd Tactical Air Forces Communications Squadron in West Germany (1965-68)
– HQ Allied Forces in Central Europe
– RAF Air Adviser in Pakistan

Between 1969 and 1971 the British Air Attache in Saigon, Vietnam -Air Commodore M J E Swiney OBE RAF – had the use of two DH Devons (VP962 and VP978). There’s an article and photos about that HERE: http://www.207squadron.rafinfo.org.uk/devons/VP962ms.htm

VP 962 was collected from Singapore/RAF Seletar on 22 Oct 1969, air tested and landed at Singapore/RAF Changi. Flown same day to Saigon/Tan Son Nhut, via Kuantan (Malaysia) for refuelling.

Sorties/hours by Air Attaché: 159 sorties in the period 22.10.69-15.3.71, totalling 266 flying hours. The Assistant Attaché also flew the aircraft.

VP962 served with 207 Squadron at RAF Northolt from 1972 to 1984

See here: http://www.207squadron.rafinfo.org.uk/devons/VP962_GOPLC.htm

VP962 was struck off charge/sold in 1984 and civil registered on 22 Oct 1984 as G-BLRB with its first owner. During the period 1985-90 it kept its original RAF 207 Squadron markings. Pictures of this can be see here: http://www.abpic.co.uk/search.php?q=VP962&u=code_number

It was re-registered as G-OPLC on 16 Jul 1990 when it was sold to its second civil owner. and extensively refurbished in 1992 (at a reported cost of £300,000!)

Full history from 1984 to date can be found on the CAA database G-INFO at http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=60&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=reg&fullregmark=OPLC which also records that she has flown 7798 hours in total (as at Dec 31 2007)