Flying From EGMC
I did my basic flying (ppl) at s.l.a.c with Ted Clack and Stan Diggings in 1969 then returnedto instruct at southend aero club in 1970 the Great Freddy Laker was at A.T.E.L then and Jack Jones Chanel Airways I often wonder what became of other great characters of that era Laddi Marmol Mike Abbot Clive Wren the ATC chaps Paul Cavanagh Dave Dunlop Dave Thompson "Welky" Winch and Mike Tuson to name but a few oh happy days flying was much more fun then less restricted and cheaper (what Wasn't)Oh happy days
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RE: RE: Flying From EGMC
Hello Terry,
I have just picked up your memories of EGMC.
I also leant to fly at SLAC with Edward Clack. Stan Diggins took me up for my first flight in a Cherokee. Edwards brother, Bernard, was also there doing some part time instructing. I obtain a CPL from Oxford, did a little ground instructing at SLAC, and my first job as first officer was with Channel. When they went broke I had a job with British Midland, still flying the Viscount 800. From there I joined Britannia Airways and this is where the other names, Mike Abbot, Stan Diggins and Bernard Clack came back again. Stan Diggins eventually flew with me as a First Officer on the B737. (It was a very proud moment for me when the guy who took me up for my very first lesson ended up as my First Office.) I went on to be a Captain on the B767 but I believe Stan lost his licence due to health reasons. Mike Abbott became captain and was based in Manchester. Likewise Bernard Clack and all three of us are now retired. I believe Edward Clack had eyesight problems and don't know if he is still alive. There was a husband and wife who used to help run SLAC but I cannot remember their names.
There was another guy at SLAC named Mike Beale who had a wife named Anne and they both had PPLs. I would like to know if you have heard of these two. The old "creasy spoon" building has now been removed, which is a place I spent many happy hours. As a young boy I can remember seeing Carviars flying over our house, in what was then called Cockethurst Avenue just off Kent Elms Corner, often with one engine out.
Regards.,
David
Comment from David Carter on Saturday, 11th February 2012.