I’m guessing I have around 3,000 hours as captain of these things. ‘Favourite’ memories? Operating almost exclusively to and from LCY was certainly fun, and the nose down attitude on intercepting the glide - very un-jet like - was hilarious! As were some of the smaller ski destinations in Switzerland. Three engine ferries were interesting. Frozen elevators in the cruise! The overwhelming smell of urine emanating from inside the aircraft on opening Door 1L on cold mornings. Oh, and climbing in and out of the aircraft through the E & E bay and cockpit floor!
Boy did the cockpit feel close to the tarmac in comparison with other jets. You could have dropped the aircraft from 300’ and as long as it landed on the undercarriage you’d walk away! There’s a wonderful video of a Swissair landing into LCY. I can’t watch it without laughing out loud!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4c0eaofrdToI believe that 146 left LCY a few weeks later……
On a barge!
My favourite description of the Fisher Price Starlifter/Jumbolina was that of an old lady carrying four very heavy bags of shopping!
I find myself smiling so much, I suppose I must have liked the old girl really!