DH.86A c/n 2334 G-ADUF "Dido" of Imperial Airways was one of three aircraft airborne when the W/T transmitter failed on 17.5.38. It meant no contact for 37 minutes but none of the aircraft had any difficulties, the pilots of the time being self-reliant and seldom needing assistance from the ground.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Express Air Liner / D.H.86 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1934

Bloch 220 No. 2 F-AOHB "Gascogne" was the first production aircraft. Early production c/ns 2 to 6 and the prototype were identifiable by the sloping windscreen. The Air France pilot of 'HB was logged by the Croydon controller for taking off without a green light clearance on 12.5.38.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bloch MB.220 - ФранцияFrance - 1936

Bloch 220 No. 8 F-AOHH "Savoie" with the final production upright windscreen used on nos.7 to 17. On 17.5.38 the Air France pilot was logged by Croydon for departing from his cleared flight level. In pre-war years it was not uncommon for pilots to deviate from clearances to maintain visual flight clear of cloud on the grounds that they were responsible for safety. Before radar, precise positioning was seldom possible and relied on the occasional report.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bloch MB.220 - ФранцияFrance - 1936

Beech B.17R c/n 50 G-ADLE, seen with the floats used on its 1935 Round-the-World flight by then owner Sir Harold Farquhar and pilot Fritz Bieler. The floats were fitted over the retracted undercarriage and were removed at Harbin in northeast China to complete the tour as a landplane. G-ADLE was based at Croydon with Surrey Flying Services but after sale to Fisher export approval was delayed following information that it was intended for the Spanish Republicans. Its CofV was renewed 12.5.38 and a temporary export licence granted the next day, hence the Customs clearance recorded in the Log on 14.5.38.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing - СШАUSA - 1932

DH.84 Dragon II c/n 6110 G-AEMI at Croydon with Air Dispatch, showing the Rapide-like round-cornered windows that distinguished it from the Mk.I. It was reported on 19.5.38 that it took-off "down slope" but the significance of this is not explained, nor why it was necessary to record that the take-off was satisfactory.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Dragon / D.H.84 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1932

Puss Moth G-AAXO c/n 2041 is seen taking off in the 1930 King's Cup, flown by Geoffrey de Havilland with racing no.79. At Croydon on 19.5.38 pilot Mayo in this aircraft disgraced himself by turning right after landing. As following aircraft landed to the right, the standard rule was to turn left after landing, and this is still the case on grass airfields unless radio control instructs otherwise.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Puss Moth / D.H.80 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1929

Air France Wibault 282.T12 F-AMHL comes to a halt on the Croydon apron with the centre engine already stopped as chocks are positioned and ground staff approach with steps and luggage trolleys

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Wibault Wibault 280 - ФранцияFrance - 1930