EMA Aeropark Viscount

[Viscount Cornbank]

Don't know if there is actually anything inside it, but if anyone gets a shot inside 807 G-CSZB I'd appreciate it, as we don't have a non 802/806 panel for Viscount 800's. I suspect it was much like late Americanised 700's, although the 802/806 BAF crews could fly her. The only other non ex BEA 800 type I've been on was G-BBDK, an 808C (see avtar) which was a combination of a 700/810 coaming and a similar overhead to the 802/806, quite the motliest Viscount cockpit I've ever seen and full of afterthoughts.

Cheers

Fraser

[d0mokun]

I know a few people at the Aeropark that you could ask.. but as far as I know, the cockpit is very rarely opened.

I think out of all the years I spent there I only saw it open once.

Of course the Aeropark does host 'open-cockpit' days.. that might be a plan?

Kind regards
Dan.

[Garry Russell]

Hi Fraser

On Vickers Viscout.net thereis a pic of the restored cockpit of ZK-BRF

Won't link through to the photo, but here is the gallery

http://www.vickersviscount.net/Pages_Ph ... llery.aspx

I don't know if BAF changed G-CSZB after NZNAC but it was modified to full New Zealand standard and often referred to as a V.807B rather than it's V.804 build number

I guess you've seen that, but just in case

Garry

[Viscount Cornbank]

Thanks Guys

Hadn't seen that pic Garry, looks much as I would have guessed, quite like the V745 etc.

Cheers

Fraser

[Garry Russell]

Hi Fraser

The development was about the same time and they had no reason to make it different apart from customer spec and general improvement as time went on.

The base line I would have thought would have been almost the same as none of the differences between the 800 and 700D should have affected the cockpit except that radar provision was standard on the 700D and optional on the 800.

The V.807 was the only 800 fitted during construction so that type would be the closest to a 700D .

'ZB was an 804 but in New Zealand was brought up to the standard of the rest of the fleet so would have ended up like the pic, provided the restoration of 'BRF is true in that respect.

Garry

[Viscount Cornbank]

Found another picture, of a V807 which confirms that. Looks like the restored one has some non standard instruments, probably all that was available for the project, like TGT gauges instead of JPT and the single rotor synchroscope.



cheers

Fraser

[ATL98A]

I didn't know the old girl still existed. I think it was ex "Royal American". The aeroplane should really have stayed at Exeter where it had been laying in state, or should I say in a state, for some time. When it arrived at BAF Engineering for what amounted to a major rewire and major overhaul, the general opinion was that the new owner, (can't remember his name, heavy set red-headed chap) must have too much money to waste. It appeared that he had less ready cash than he aspired to. C-CSZB was at the time a major headache. The 802/806 pilots had a "differences" course, as they did with with VJB, DK and then the Hot Air Machines. Although the only simulator we had, (I ended up as its operator/supervisor) was the ex BEA 802/806 contraption that I "registered" with the CAA examiners as G-PAIN!

[Garry Russell]

It was last used by Dan Air on lease form owners Southern International before sale to Philstone International and then BAF

It was to be sold the Royal American and was painted less titles but the sale never went through.

Painted in RA at Eastleigh it was ferried to Stansted, then later ferried to Exeter and then finally to Southend still in basic RA livery.

BAF sold it to EuroAir without putting it in service and later bought it back where it entered BAF service as "Viscount Scotland"

Garry

[ATL98A]

G-CSZB. On pick up from Exeter it was ferried by BAF on behalf of ........the name I can't remember........the heavy set red-headed chap. OK, it's just come to me, his name was Sean Hulley........to all intent and purpose it was his. His idea was to get a cheap as possible check done, then lease it to BAF and thereby make his fortune. The aeroplane was in a very sad state.....despite what you may have read. I was one of the Inspectors that did an initial survey. His liaison engineer was a chap named Les Harden. He was trying to pass all sorts of "serviceable" parts that were TimeX......not having the capital to provide, when needed, off the shelf items that were in date, or hours. The wiring etc. was mess and therefore took a lot longer to get the aeroplane through the CofA. I believe it ended its BAF life flying out of ABZ on the Sumburgh run. By that time I was in Canada.

[Garry Russell]

Was that guy the Philsone International bit?....that wasn't an airline it was a company that had bought it and CSZA from the receivers of Southern International and were trying to sell them on.

I have not read anywhere or said 'ZB was in good condition and know the aircraft had to be extensively worked on before service.

'CSZA was scrapped and at the time there was surprise that ZB flew again as that was reported as due for scrapping as well

***EDIT**

In store at Southend before BAF bought it

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1125381/L/


Garry