60 years on…….

[CharlieOneSix]

I received a pleasant surprise letter in the post today. It was an invitation - which I’ve accepted - to a champagne and canapés reception at Bristol Airport to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Electricity Board Helicopter Unit there - now called the National Grid Helicopter Unit. Coincidentally the letter arrived on the 50th anniversary of me leaving their employ. Bar two, all those I worked with have passed on but it should still be enjoyable.

In my day it was two Bell 47J2s and an early Bell 206A. How times change - now they operate 5 EC135.

[G-CPTN]

In my day it was two Bell 47J2s.

Not quite a 'Whirlybird' (Sioux) - but I suspect if you removed the fairings . . .

[CharlieOneSix]

Ah, 'Whirlybirds' with Chuck and PJ on TV 1957-60. My inspiration as a young teenager! As well as the open framework Bell 47G 'they' also flew the 47J. This was the era of wooden main rotor blades where if you parked the helicopter outside overnight you alternated which blade was tied down to the fuselage so if it rained they weren't too much out of balance during each first flight of the day. The droop of the wooden main rotor blades is obvious on Chuck and PJ's 47J here....

47J.jpg (22.26 KiB) Viewed 1317 times

[G-CPTN]

Ah, 'Whirlybirds' with Chuck and PJ on TV 1957-60.

Never missed it!

Along with the Lone Ranger and Highway Patrol (Broderick Crawford).

[PHXPhlyer]

Ah, 'Whirlybirds' with Chuck and PJ on TV 1957-60.

Never missed it!

Along with the Lone Ranger and Highway Patrol (Broderick Crawford).

Ripcord and Everglades could substitute for Whirlybirds. Same buddy shows with just different vehicles.
Add in Sky King, Sea Hunt, and Flipper.

PP

[Karearea]

I remember watching Whirlybirds, and Sea Hunt!