The maiden test flight of one of Short Harland’s most famous planes, the Skyvan, had been delayed for around a week due a series of conditions including snow, ice, fog and strong winds. However, James Greene and the UTV cameras were on hand to record its first flight when it actually happened and Greene managed to catch the test pilot, Denis Tayler, for a quick interview as he stepped down from the plane. Even following this successful take-off though, the flight was cut short due to a snowstorm after just fifteen minutes. This was the time of the Big Freeze and the weather had no appreciation of the historic nature of the flight.

An Ulster Television Production.

• Broadcasting Authority Ireland