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Photo Album
Concorde comes home to Filton
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Just 30 years after it's first flight out of
Filton, Bristol, many thousands of her fans were there for the sad occasion of
her very last flight, ever. I joined the many, young and old, all with an
affection for the 'Old Lady' on this sentimental return to the place of her
'birth'.
I was lucky to mingle with Aerospace employees
past and present as we trekked down a long wet runway to take pole position
alongside the runway upon which she would finally touch down. There had been
some heavy showers, it was cold and there were some huge grey clouds threatening
out to the west. Nothing could dampen the spirits of the assembled workers,
pensioners, families, enthusiasts and devotees of the dream machine that was
'coming home' on this bitter sweet day. Flags flew as did the windsock,
helicopters thrashed above, photographers in privileged positions set up with
their long lenses. It was 1230 pm. Radio Bristol kept us entertained with a continuous
commentary of the event over the Tannoy loudspeakers.
I chatted with an elderly man next to me who
had worked on the engine development. He was so proud and pleased to be there.
he had a small hip flask full of Brandy to ease the effect of the cold wind, but there was no
way he was going to miss this occasion!
Some of my pictures can also be seen on the
BBC Bristol web site.
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Hi Mike ,
nice site
and nice pictures ,i was on the other side of the Runway as I am an Airbus
employee and was also listening on a radio (I am also a licensed amateur)
what a morning ,emotions were certainly running high , I joined BAC as an
inspector in 1974 and worked on Concorde while we also walked past the
noses every night on our way to the car park - we had high hopes then as
we had options for many aircraft - scuppered (some say) by jealous America
!!
There you go, there's
been others as well - VC10,X11 (BAC 1-11 replacement etc) but she was a
great achievement - don't forget built in parts at Weybridge ,assembled at
Filton and tested at Fairford, I used to stand on the Mendips and watch
the test Aircraft flying , all in primer - happy days.
just for
info at Filton we design - A320,A330,A340 and now A380 and A400M wings and
also build a number of major parts, we will be taking on the full build
of A400M wings as well ,Airbus are a major European success and with the
A380 have now produced what's being called the eighth wonder of the world
- I'm lucky enough in my own small way to be part of that success ,as a
young man on Concorde and slightly older as Procurement Quality Manager
for new programmes (started with A2XX as it was six years ago) - my dad
said to me (he was in aviation all his life) 'you'll meet some great
people, have some wonderful experiences but never get rich !' right on all
counts !!!,I should write a book about it all it's been quite exciting .
Only
started this to say nice pics but got carried away ,Cheers ,
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Ron Hardie - Bristol |
Dear Mike,
Came across your site in a roundabout way while looking
for information on the Concorde exhibition at Filton. Very enjoyable it
was too - just one minor little thing which I'm sure you would want to
correct - your picture of the Spitfire revving up (while waiting for
Concorde to land for the last time) is accompanied by a caption
describing it as having a 'rotary' engine. In fact the Spit is powered
by the legendary V12 Rolls-Royce 'Merlin', which also powered the
Hurricane and (four of them!) the Lancaster bomber. [Thanks, David, duly
corrected]
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David Gethyn-Jones |
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I join the many enthusiasts in the walk along
the disused runway. |
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The waiting stairway says it all; Concorde
comes home. |
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Choppers everywhere, all awaiting their
various clients who want that 'special' viewpoint. |
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The crowd awaits 'the word' as to when
Concorde is nearing Filton. She left Heathrow at 1130 am and is due here
at 1300.
It is now 1230. |
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Cameramen prepare to go onboard. It can't be
long now. |
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A sudden gust of squally wind sets the
umbrellas into a rather useless shape! |
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We hear that Royalty is present, but
no-one knows who. Could this be a Royal arrival? |
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The Press have smartly commandeered this
open topped bus. |
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and suddenly, the shout goes up: 'There she
is!' Concorde 216 is approaching at some 300 mph. |
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She soars over our heads in a stupendous
flypast... |
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...that close! |
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Meanwhile, as Concorde goes on her final
circular tour of Bristol, a plane some thirty years her senior starts her
V12 Rolls Royce 'Merlin' engine.
Hairs bristle on the back of our necks as
one of the very few flying Spitfires enters the arena. |
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That famous and heroic silhouette passes by
as she taxis to a take off position. |
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There she goes... The roar of her engine
triggers many appreciative comments from the crowd around me. |
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We were treated to a fabulous flying
display by another 'old girl'. barrel rolls, looping the loop and a
victory dive. |
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Suddenly, it was time for the main event.
Concorde had done a final circuit of her home city and was now coming in
from a stormy eastern sky. |
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Droop nose duly drooped... |
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...as you can see! |
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Almost there |
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The banners say: 'Welcome Home' |
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This is 'the' moment as the wheels touch
down. |
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A few minutes later, she has turned round and
has attracted a few curious birds of the feathered kind. |
 
| Visitors comments |
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Hi Mike,
As an avid lover of Concorde and one who has
watched her many times may I say thanks for your tribute to her.
I enjoyed the pics and hope your site will
be enjoyed in years to come.
Great work, thanks, Phil
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I have just discovered your website and must
congratulate you on the content and quality of your Concorde last flight
pictures, bet you wish you had taken the formation with the Red Arrows
pics or just to be there.
I have grown up with Concorde, as I used to
live at Lechlade on its maiden flight, watching the test flying and
meeting two of the pilots, John Cochrane and Peter Baker, the latter I got
to know quite well, he drank at my local on Fridays. I have also been
lucky enough to fly on it from Filton, just before the French accident.
I was there at Filton on that last memorable
day last November and I must admit unashamedly that I wiped my eye.
Concorde is something very close to my heart
and I thank you for helping me relive that last day.
Pete Kitchen from Gloucester |
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