THE ROCHFORD HUNDRED FLYING GROUP


A POTTED HISTORY


The Rochford Hundred Flying Group was founded at Southend Airport in Essex in 1964 following the closure of the local municipal flying school. Its first aircraft was the Auster 5D G-ANHX.


G-ANHX was sold shortly after the Auster J/5B Autocar G-AMFP was acquired in July 1969. For 18 out of the previous 20 years, G-AMFP had been based at Southend, initially with Aviation Traders, and from 1955 with Southend Corporation who often used it for joyriding over the pier and seafront. This aircraft was lost in a non-fatal crash in the Jura mountains on August 10th 1972 while in transit between Geneva and Macon.



Following the loss of G-AMFP, the RHFG leased the Rollason built Druine D.62B Condor G-AWSR from the Tiger Club while they looked for a new aircraft of their own. A.J. Jackson is pictured with the aircraft shortly after it was delivered to Southend.


 

The Beagle A.61 Terrier 2 G-ASAK was acquired in 1973. This aircraft, which had been completely rebuilt, remained in service with the RHFG for 22 years until 1995. During this time the aircraft was maintained by Jim Franks (in the white coat), a veteran of the Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment at Felixstowe and a former Chief Engineer of the Southend Municipal Flying School.



more images of the Colt


The Group acquired its last aircraft, the Piper PA-22-108 Colt G-ARKK, in 1995. It was sold in March 2002,

Roger Jackson was involved with the RHFG from its inception, initially through his father, and then from 1973 on his own account. Roger was the Group's Secretary from 1978 until its disbandment in 2002.



Return to the brief biography of A.J. Jackson

Return to HOME PAGE