Prototype Drover fitted with the problematic variable-pitch propellers. (Milton Kent Photo)

'Launching of seaplane.' The Danish air force operated six Sea Otters for rescue and Catalina pilot training purposes between late 1946 and 1952. Photo by: Ib Hansen / Aarhus Arkivet

Manchester University Air Squadron Tiger Moth on an air-to-air photo sortie near its base at Manchester Barton aerodrome. It served MUAS from November 1947 until replacement by Chipmunk T.10's in January 1951. Built by Morris Motors at Cowley in 1941. Sold in 1953 becoming G-AOEG. Photo obtained from a MUAS pilot over 50 years ago.

Manchester-based Sivewright Airways operated C-47A "Ecclesia" between July 1947 and April 1951 on worldwide charters and on the Berlin Airlift. Sold to Malaysian Airways as VR-SCG. Obtained from Sivewrights in the 1950s.

BCI Airways were operational from their base at Manchester (Barton) between June 1947 and closure in January 1949. They flew this Gemini and a Dragon Rapide on charter and pleasure flights.

The prototype Sparrowhawk, completed in August 1935 to compete in the next month's Kings Cup Air Race. Owned immediately postwar by Mr C.G.M.Alington who was a Fairey Aviation test pilot, and was often based at Ringway. Sold to Fred Dunkerley in late 1950 for transformation into the M.77 Sparrowjet.

Built in January 1939 for Airwork Ltd. Impressed as Z7256 in WW2. Operated by BCI from September 1947 until January 1949 based at Barton. Sivewright Airways Ringway based Rapide G-AKMG is also visible outside the 1938 original terminal, tower and hangar.

Based at Barton. Operating pleasure flights from Ringway wearing a medium/dark blue colour scheme.

Delivered to Western Airlines on 28 June 1948. Sold to Hughes Aircraft Co in February 1961. This pre-delivery shot was obtained from Convair over 60 years ago.