A recent thread suggested that examples of certain helicopter types deserve preservation in airworthy condition when generally withdrawn from use. How sad that no Sycamores remain airworthy in the UK. I took the attached shot of an RAF example when still in service. It was visiting an event at Old Warden. I’ve attended OW frequently since the mid 1960s but I think I took this image around 1970. The Sycamore with its early origins would surely have made an interesting member of the collection?
By: David Burke - 6th April 2005 at 21:12
The two Whirlwinds were the former Queens Flight HCC.12 and the former Jim Wilkie
HAS.7. The Austin machine is in Ireland but hasn’t flown for a little while.
By: alanl - 5th April 2005 at 23:12
Pen Pusher – the Sycamore appears to be in dayglow hence the brightness. Regarding historic helicopters – the main problem with their operation is the lack of spares in circulation and the apathy from airshow bookings. The Whirlwind 7&12 were very difficult to get servicable and spares that were usable were virtually non-existant
so regretably the two machines I was involved with were grounded.
Hi David,were these the two aircraft owned by a Mr Austin,wasn’t he involved with a circus,apologies if I am wrong!I was at one of the last Abingdon shows and it had been pi*****G down when a Whirlwind,painted as a Raf transport machine,with a very smart red leather interior, started up by us and in 5 mins we were nearly dry,what a clothes dryer!It certainly pumped out some heat from those side exhausts! What ever happened to this and the SAR painted helicopter they were a very welcome sight if only in the static park at the shows then.
Alan.
By: David Burke - 5th April 2005 at 20:10
Pen Pusher – the Sycamore appears to be in dayglow hence the brightness. Regarding historic helicopters – the main problem with their operation is the lack of spares in circulation and the apathy from airshow bookings. The Whirlwind 7&12 were very difficult to get servicable and spares that were usable were virtually non-existant
so regretably the two machines I was involved with were grounded.
By: sycamore - 5th April 2005 at 20:01
Sycamore
Learned to fly the Syc in 1964,as a basic helicopter student.Great fun but very `sweat-making`,as it has manual controls,mechanical trim wheels,mech.throttle, a CofG compensation system, got ground resonance easily if you didn`t put it down correctly, wooden matched blades, all powered by an Alvis Leonides…….Yes, I would certainly like to fly it again !!!!!
The WW10 behind in the Museum shot I flew in `67on 230 Sqdn, and then last flew it to Chivenor to 22Sqn Apr 15, `81.Flew 5 mins in XJ729 at Finningley on 17 Dec `81, after all Whirlwinds were grounded….well, we just had to get airborne after` getting ground resonance`. Strange that, never had it before in a WW10 !!!!!!
By: Pen Pusher - 5th April 2005 at 18:36
Sycamore at Hendon
Taken at RAF Museum Hendon just before Easter.
Yes the red is that bright. Something to do with the lights, I think.
By: Auster Fan - 5th April 2005 at 13:08
There’s an airworthy example in Europe isn’t there? Switzerland or somewhere? In full RAF colours and all… wonder if he could be convinced to hop the channel…!
This was mentioned a few weeks ago on another thread. The guy concerned is apparently (according to Discovery Wings – Classic British Aircraft) the only current Sycamore pilot in the world and has others waiting to be made airworthy. Would be a fabulous sight in UK skies, I must admit.
By: DJ Jay - 5th April 2005 at 02:55
That helicopter is actually beautiful
Jay
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April 4, 2005 at 11:29 pm