G'day from Westoz

[Guest Heron 1B]

G'day Guys,

 

My intro:

 

Now retired at 66, been away from flying for several years having held a CPL with Class One Instrument Rating back in the 60s - 70s. Flown most of the Cessna, Beechcraft types prior to MU2G, Shorts SC7, DH104 and DH114.

 

Did my PPL/CPL training with RACWA at Maylands and Perth Airports on DH-82a and DHC-1.

 

In process of building a fixed base B737-800 flight sim in our study at home with full approval of the boss. Flyable now but soon to be dual control.

 

Look forward to the forum posts.

 

Cheers,

 

Derek

 

(Heron 1B) :thumb_up:

 

 

[Guest Decca]

Welcome to the forums Derek.

 

Great name, and you spell it right!

 

Sounds like you had fun in your career, but now you're going to fly a desk?????

 

If I had my rathers, I'd rather be building a dual control Ultralight.

 

Just joking, I'm sure you'll enjoy all that computer-generated scenery!

 

Regards, Decca.

 

 

[Guest mike_perth]

Welcome Heron

 

Im sure youve had plenty of offers but if you ever need a 2nd officer who's willing to go simming Id be more than happy to come and help out!

 

Im curently flying out of Jandakot myself.

 

Mike

 

 

[Guest Heron 1B]

Thanks

 

G'day Mike and Decca,

 

Thanks for the welcome message.

 

BTW the Heron 1B ( my custom Avatar) is VH-CJS orig the proto-type G-ALZL back in the 50s. Cimber Air, Denmark owned it up until 1973 with reg OY-DGS.

 

Altair, the Perth charter company acquired the aircraft in May 73. Two pilots were chosen for the ferry flight to Perth, Myles Lewis and myself being the fortunate two.

 

Cheers,

 

Derek

 

 

[Guest Brett Campany]

G'day Derek, welcome along mate, good to see another West Aussie here!

 

 

[pudestcon]

Welcome Derek and as Brett says.... It's good to see another West Aussie here.

 

Pud

 

 

[Guest Heron 1B]

Thanks Again

 

G'day Brett and Pud

 

Thanks for the welcome, look forward to searching all areas for current news on the aviation front.

 

Regards,

 

Derek

 

(Heron 1B)

 

 

[Guest Decca]

What year was CJS "born", Derek?

 

And does Altair still own it?

 

Did you ferry it all the way from Denmark? What was your cruise height mostly?

 

An aircraft with quite a history!

 

Decca.

 

 

[Guest Heron 1B]

Heron 1B VH-CJS

 

G'day Decca,

 

The Heron 1B prototype first flew in May 1950 as G-ALZL and on completion of its test flights became part of the BEA fleet on Scottish routes.

 

Following the ferry flight to Perth as OY-DGS (1973) the aircraft underwent a complete overhaul/repaint by Altair and placed on the Aussie register as VH-CJS.

 

The aircraft had a service ceiling of 18,500' but we were restricted to 10,000' (no oxygen system). Most of the flight would have been around 7000' to 8000'.

 

We hand flew the aircraft as it did not have an autopilot.

 

Route: Denmark - Germany - Yugoslavia - Greece - Turkey - Iran - Pakistan - Indian Sub-Continent - Burma - Thailand - Malaysia - Singapore - Indonesia - Timor - Darwin - Perth. Many stops and layovers along the way.

 

Altair ceased operations in 1975 with the Heron going to Amalgamated Air. They had an emergency with an engine failure enroute to Perth and that resulted in the aircraft never flying again. Maybe due lack of parts or cost of replacement/repair.

 

The RAAFA Museum at Bullcreek, Perth acquired the aircraft in very poor condition having been vandalised during its time (years) sitting at Jandakot Airport. They did plan restoration work for the purpose of display at the museum but I believe that has been cancelled due lack of funds.

 

Derek

 

 

[Guest Decca]

What a shame, but what a history.

 

The ferry flight was a fantastic opportunity for you. Thanks for sharing it.

 

Maybe some rich guy will come along & the Heron will have a rebirth.

 

Decca.