
October 1958 to May 1967
Continental Airlines
N249V - c/n 361 - a V.812 series Viscount
United States registered
December 1955
Continental Airlines placed an order for fifteen Type 812 aircraft, which were to be marketed by Continental as the 'Viscount II'.
Production Aircraft No. 72 - the 72nd production 800 series Viscount built,
was the 22nd 800 series Viscount fuselage assembled at Weybridge, Surrey, England,
and the 72nd 800 series Viscount assembled at Weybridge, Surrey, England.
Production Order No. F09/812. Sales Order No. F09/94B. Stock Order No. F11/35B.
7 October 1957
Fuselage assembly commenced at Weybridge, Surrey, England.
6 February 1958
Fuselage to Erecting Shop 'E' at Weybridge, Surrey, England.
10 September 1958
First flight from Brooklands Airfield, Weybridge, Surrey, England.
It landed at Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England for fitting out and test flying.
2 October 1958
Handed over to Continental Airlines fitted with weather radar and integral front 'airsteps'.
The plush first class cabin, designed by Charles Butler & Associates was laid out in two plus two configuration with a capacity for 52 passengers, who enjoyed a sumptious meal en-route. A lounge area at the rear allowed for four people to sit on two curved side couches when the aircraft was cruising. A small window was added on each side.
3 October 1958
Noted at Blackbushe Airport, Hampshire, England before moving on to Prestwick Airport, Ayrshire, Scotland during its delivery to the USA.
Continental Airlines 'Golden Tail' livery
19 April 1959
During the takeoff run at Albequerque Airport, New Mexio, USA and just before the V1 decision speed was reached both the nosewheel tyres burst. The takeoff was aborted but the nose undercarriage leg then collapsed resulting in curled propellers and shockload damage to the Rolls-Royce Dart engines.
There were no reported injuries to the 31 passengers and 3 crew on board.
Repaired, including replacement Rotol propellers and Rolls-Royce Dart engines and returned to service.
circa 1962
Painted in the Continental Airlines 'Golden Tail' livery.
20 May 1967
Sold to Channel Airways.
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