Hi, OtherHalf, Great pic of the old terminal, just built by the look of it.
I did post sometime ago about an airshow at Elmdon
https://forum.birminghamhistory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=9470
It's hard to describe the sight and noise of 3 fighter jets racing at very low level round the local countryside to the finishing line at the airport. As a teenager I loved it, but some people had to be treated by St John's for shock and fright. It a wonder we survived those dangerous mad days of the 40's and 50's. Also during Krushchev's visit, I seem to remember we lost a navy diver having a look at the bottom of the Russian ship which B & K came in.
That was 'Buster' crabbe,a very well -known navy frogman.Having said he was well-known,I can't remember his full name,but I remember it caused a bit of a diplomatic incident,as it was widely thought that he had been 'done away with' by the Russians,can anybody throw a bit more light on this?The question about the first flights into Eldon were discussed a few weeks ago in the 'my first flight' thread,it was quite interesting,and worth looking up................Mal.
How many of you remember this, I have to be honest I don't. I never even got to Birmingham Airport until 1973, and then I was only flying to Jersey.
Phil
Sorry I speed read this link...it was simple pleasures in those days.Hi Suze,
So glad someone else remembers going for a picnic at Elmdon. And yes, it was, as you say, a day out. I mentioned it in post 32, on the previous page.
Ann
Dont know if it has been mentioned in a previous post,but you can still see the original white building when you come into land ! We used to live in Acocks Green and watching the planes at Elmdon was our day out! We used to dress in our Sunday best and go for a picnic.Didnt have much money ,so that was it. The other thing I remember was going to Tamworth castle for a picnic and kicking a ball about.
I believe the Air Ambulance and Polce helicoptor are also based there, plus a large maintainence hanger, also there were 2 flying schools some years ago because I had some flying lessons with one called the Warwickshire Aero Centre, the other was called the Birmingham Flying School or something like that, I dont know if they are still there. Also on the odd occasion military aircraft land they are berthed there too. Eric
Hi Suze
It was a good job that you saw the "old" terminal when you came into land
as it still houses the main control tower and the people sitting in the top bit guided you in for a safe landing.
The old terminal is still used apart from the control tower on top.
All the business aircraft and any private, medical and small charter aircraft
passengers and pilots have to pass through the old part.
The parcel freight aircraft (down to one now ) also operates from that side.
The parking apron in front of the old terminal was renamed "Western Apron" when the new bit was opened but just recently they have had a change of heart and are now calling it "Elmdon Apron"
Happy landings R0Y
Hi Roy, thanks for updated info, you mention Police Heli, where is Air Ambulance based then ??. I worked there for a season in late 80s on a/c cleaning for a firm whos name escapes me (MAL rings a bell) and I remember an Army Harrier jet with problems landing, escorted by 2 other Harriers, who peeled off and did not land, and he taxied over to the old airport, the pilot later came into our crew room for a "cuppa" whilst waiting to be picked up.
I also had lessons in a piper tomahawk and the apron was littered with light a/c, what a shame its all changed. Eric
Hi Roy, thanks for updated info, you mention Police Heli, where is Air Ambulance based then ??. I worked there for a season in late 80s on a/c cleaning for a firm whos name escapes me (MAL rings a bell) and I remember an Army Harrier jet with problems landing, escorted by 2 other Harriers, who peeled off and did not land, and he taxied over to the old airport, the pilot later came into our crew room for a "cuppa" whilst waiting to be picked up.
I also had lessons in a piper tomahawk and the apron was littered with light a/c, what a shame its all changed. Eric