Slingsby Kirby Kitten

Well that for a coincidence ….. and talking of presents, I bought myself off eBay Air-Britain “The British Civil Aircraft Registe G-APAA to G-APZZ”. Sounds irrelevant, but highly relevant to a 60s spotter.

Yes, I now know. I had the book as a Christmas present!

The Final Answer

This aircraft did indeed exist and it’s history is to be found in ‘British Private Aircraft 1946-70’ Vol 2 by AWJG Ord-Hume published 2013, a mine of information. There are photos (PP 162-3) of the remains of the aircraft. Owner was apparently John Chapman who sadly died on take-off at Old Warden in 1966 in a Cessna 172. As a child I was given joyrides by John in his Aerona C3 from Clothall strip at Baldock, and in Swallow G-AFCL at Old Warden.

Shall I take that as a no?

Shall I take that as a no?

Just looked in the book British Gliders and Sailplanes 1922-70. It says that only one Kirby Kitten was built but not completed! The airframe was built, but was heavier than first planned.The engine was never fitted.

Jackson’s ‘British Civil Aircraft 1919-1972’ (my bible!) goes on beyond the quoted statement to say:

“The airframe, c/n 1, hung in the roof of the Slingsby factory until registered 11.1.49 to the Speedbird Flying Club Ltd. as G-ALGA and taken to Denham to be completed and flown. The scheme fell through but the machine was still extant near Luton in the 1960s”.

So what became of it?

Just looked in the book British Gliders and Sailplanes 1922-70. It says that only one Kirby Kitten was built but not completed! The airframe was built, but was heavier than first planned.The engine was never fitted.

Dart Kittern G-AEXT was in fatal crash in 29/11/64. It was rebuilt by Eric Burkitt for the second time. Eric was one of the former employees of Dart Aircraft. The plans came from Manfred Weyl (AR Weyl’s son). It flew again in the mid 80’s. My father built parts G-AMJP. I have only seen drawings of the Slingsby Kitten. I also have read it was in store near Luton.
Dave

Not trying to thread drift, but I thought it was a good excuse to post these piccies of G-AEXT as she’s such a nice little aeroplane. 🙂

It looks as if G-INFO has got its knickers in a twist. It cites G-ALGA[X] as a Dart Kitten, whereas my records indicate that it was manufactured by Slingsbys. The only UK registered Dart Kittens were G-AERP, G-AEXT and G-AMJP – which were destroyed in crashes in 1952, 1964 and 1966 respectively. So what became of the Slingsby Kirby Kitten?

I’m sure Alan Hartfield will tell you that rumours of the demise of G-AEXT are somewhat premature. Particularly as he’s currently in the process of selling it! 😉

What accident?

The accident in Post 2 to the Piper with the same reg.:)

Interesting that G-INFO give the registration now as G-ALGAX, presumably because it has been cancelled and re-issued to the aircraft in the accident.

http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=60&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=detail&regmark=ALGA&dereg=true&dataindex=1

It looks as if G-INFO has got its knickers in a twist. It cites G-ALGA[X] as a Dart Kitten, whereas my records indicate that it was manufactured by Slingsbys. The only UK registered Dart Kittens were G-AERP, G-AEXT and G-AMJP – which were destroyed in crashes in 1952, 1964 and 1966 respectively. So what became of the Slingsby Kirby Kitten?

Interesting that G-INFO give the registration now as G-ALGAX, presumably because it has been cancelled and re-issued to the aircraft in the accident.

http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=60&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=detail&regmark=ALGA&dereg=true&dataindex=1

What accident?

Interesting that G-INFO give the registration now as G-ALGAX, presumably because it has been cancelled and re-issued to the aircraft in the accident.

http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=60&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=detail&regmark=ALGA&dereg=true&dataindex=1

I believe so. G-ALGA is the registration given in Jackson’s ‘British Civil Aircraft’ (1974), volume III, at p.442. That’s confirmed by ‘British Civil Aircraft Registers since 1919’ (1985).

Got the registration correct?:D

http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/publications/bulletins/april_2007/piper_pa_15__g_alga.cfm