YOUR article on this most famous workhorse of the air (Echo, June 25)brought back vivid memories of my first flight with a commercial airline back in the 1950s.
Assembling in a Nissen hut at Leeds-Bradford Airport, passengers were told there would be a 20 minute delay in flight arrival due to head winds.
Airborne, the steward emerged from the flight deck to announce that the journey time would be two hours 45 minutes.
On board were personnel from a renowned aircraft engine maker, who inquired in jocular fashion if it would help if we got out and gave a push.
Coffee was served from Thermos flasks along with digestive biscuits.
When that engine started, a long flame from the exhaust shot past singeing the tail, apparently causing no damage.
Those were the days.
Brian Howarth, Consett.
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