For me, the star of this collection, an original Sabena S-58, later transferred to the Belgian AF as B-12. It was sold as D-HAUD to Meravo Helicopters and after withdrawal was displayed on the Frankfurt airport observation deck for many years. Over recent times it has been restored to its original livery, although for some reason the full registration OO-SHL is only carried on the port side

Photographer unknown - ex Sabena OO-SHL

During the late 1950s this Sikorsky was active for Sabena. That is the reason she is now painted in this color scheme. The full registration is only painted on port-side. After flying for Sabena this Sikorsky was taken over by the Belgian Air Force as B-12. From 1978 till 1984 she was active for Meravo Helicopters as D-HAUD and after withdrawn from use displayed on Frankfurt airport observation deck for many years.

On 3 March 1957 all eight S-58 helicopters just bought by Sabena flew from the Brussels heliport to Paris in formation as a publicity stunt. Famous Life photographer Loomis Dean was invited. OO-SHG and SHH are also seen. Photo by: Loomis Dean / Life

This S-58 was originally delivered to Sabena as OO-SHL in 1957and then to the Belgian AF B12/OT-ZKL in 1963. In 1978 it entered service with Meravo as D-HAUD but in 1984 became familiar to many as part of the Air Classik Collection on display on the visitors deck at Frankfurt airport and then preserved by the Fire Department. Fortunately there is life in the old bird yet as it is currenlt undergoing restoration at the very friendly Flugwelt Altenburg-Nobitz.

Life photographer Loomis Dean had a day out with Sabena's new S-58 helicopters. These are fitted with 'doughnut' inflatable flotation bags made by Air Cruisers, Belmar, New Jersey. Photo by: Loomis Dean / Life