Dash7 at Blackbushe

[controller]

The heading photo today depicts a Dash 7 at Blackbushe and there have been a number of Twin Otter movements in recent years.   Does anyone know why we do not see such movements now?   Does anyone know the registration of the Dash 7 as I can't find it in my logs.  Thanks.

[exeglkflyer]

Reg of the Dash 7 was C-GNBX as shown in the photo. I also remember it from the days when I used to keep logs.

This was a Farnborough Airshow-related movement, and we all know that The 'Bushe doesn't see many of those now.

The Twin Otters that came 3 or 4 years ago were one-off charters from Cornwall operated by Skybus if I remember correctly.

I doubt if anyone can predict when these sort of ops may be booked to operate from the airfield in the future.

[controller]

OK thanks very much. Maybe its my monitor but I cannot read the reg from the piccy. It sure would be nice to see some more "heavies"! HNY.

[rocky14]

Have a peep at p129 PotD . HNY to all!

[PB]

If ever an aeroplane was made for airfields similar to Blackbushe of today, the Dash 7 would have been a leading contender! Multi engined magic, quiet and serene, she'd come and go and hardly be noticed by the ears that prickle if any aeroplane comes in range...

We've seen numerous 'regional' visitors over the years, and nothing would be more pleasing to me than seeing such provide a service from our runways..The word "viable" is used in terms of Blackbushe's use in the future, today's super quiet regionals would no doubt assist with "viability", but we have a way to go next year getting Blackbushe off the ground at all regarding her viability as a General Aviation centre..

Who knows what the future may have in store? I was fortunate enough to fly in the Dash 7 during her stay at Blackbushe - she arrived shortly after the Blackbushe Air Festival - and had she been here earlier the crew would have flown her in the display programme. Anyway, flying in a passeger carrying multi engined aeroplane from Blackbushe was something I never thought I'd do, and looking at a pair of powerful turbo props on either side as we taxied out to 08 made one think of the many times big pistons had done this and how good it would be if Blackbushe were able to do this regional thing 'for a living'..

It's now New Year 2018/19, leading to a momentous decision by the Planning Inspector in a few short months from now. Hangars, maintenance, and some 'non-temporary' offices for today's residents are the pressing priority.

Going back to the Dash 7 in flight, I commuted from Heathrow to Plymouth some years ago when Brymon flew the Dash 7 on the route, Plymouth having a basic, simple, but functional passenger handling infrastructure for her Dash services.. The one thing I noticed if sitting abeam the Dash 7's wing was vibration at cruise power, one's breakfast insisted on slowly vibrating its way to the edge of the tray table...The subsequent Dash 8 created an environment in which breakfast was less inclined to wander off!


The Antarctic Survey Twin Otter flew into Blackbushe this summer as it needed some warm sunshine before heading south once more!! It certainly looked as if the type suited Blackbushe..??




Whatever the future has in store..Happy New Year!!!

PB