.303

.303 refers to the rifle/machine-gun calibre used by the British armed forces up to the 1950s. A Maltese short film (10 minutes, available on youtube), it was also the Official Selection at Palm Springs International Short Film Fest, as well as the Bodega Bay International Film Festival. The Aviation Museum’s DC-3 was used for internal shots.

Story: During the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943, a British sniper raises his .303 rifle, takes hasty aim, and squeezes the trigger . . .

13 hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

A Michael Bay film, this is a recreation of the attack on the US Embassy on September 11, 2012 at Benghazi, Libya, which resulted in four American citizens, including the US Ambassador, being murdered.

Aircraft used were Med-Avia’s Dash-8 9H-AEW, and Vista Jets’ Bombardier Inc. BD-700-1A10, 9H-OPE. The pilot identified himself with ATC as “Nine Hope”.

Also briefly visible towards the end of the movie is B.720- N720JR.

Unable to confirm whether helicopter AS.350, I-AMSH, which arrived in the afternoon of 09.06.15 was involved. After customs clearance, it departed MIA for the ex-airfield of Ta’ Qali where it spent the night. Engaged in filming on the 10th, departed Malta on the 11th.

Airline

A TV series that utilised the DC-3 (see also The Protectors, further down) was this Yorkshire production about a man setting up his own airline in England after the end of WWII. Two aircraft were utilised, registered G-BHUB and G-DAKS, which arrived at Luqa Airport on 29 March 1981, departing on 27 April. Filming dates were between 02-24 April. A third aircraft, a Piper PA-23-250 Navajo, G-BBAV of Pan Universal Aircraft Surveys was used as a camera ship for the air-to-air shots. The three aircraft arrived in formation over the airport.

Additionally, the production company made use of four other DC-3s, which were located at Safi, at the former MIACO aircraft maintenance company. These aircraft were registered C-FITH, N535M, N565, and a fourth unidentified DC-3, which so far has eluded proper identification. It was described as being white with a blue cheatline, making it one, of at least nine, DC-3s that were painted in such a manner.

Black Eagle

In this 1988 production, the opening shots show Air Malta B.720-B 9H-AAO landing and taxying into Park 8. Also visible were B.720 9H-AAL, and unidentified Air Malta B.720 * and B.737. Also used was the Helicopter Flight’s AB.206 Jet Ranger, 9H-AAJ.

Story: A CIA and KGB agent fight it out for some secret stuff dropped in the Mediterranean sea.

* Unidentified means that the reg was not visible. Since 9H-AAM had been wfu in 1981, 9H-AAN had been sold in 1984, then this should make it 9H-AAK.

Captain Phillips

Aerospatiale AS355F1 Ecureuil 2, I-MIAH, was seen with the now familiar nose-mounted camera Story: Based on the true events of the hi-jacking of the container ship Maersk Alabama, by Somali pirates in 2009.

Crash

For this 1986 German TV production, Air Malta’s B.720 9H-AAM was given fictitious Skyline titles and airline colours. After the shoot, the aircraft was taken over to the fire dump.

Due Bolt in Uno

A commercial for a clothes washing powder, it also involved an Air Sqn's Alouette as well as a Maritime Squadron AFM's Kondor class patrol boat. Alouette identity unknown.

Entebbe

Story: The hi-jacking of an Air France A.300 in 1976 that eventually landed in Entebbe, Uganda, and the resulting Israeli rescue operation.

A “control tower” was constructed in Park 4, standing in for Entebbe airport. This was dismantled by 06.01.17.

Faith, Hope and Charity

Strictly speaking, this was a theatrical play, rather than a film shoot.

It was in remembrance of the time when three Gloster Sea Gladiators were the only air defence against incoming Italian Air Force bombers in the early stages of WW II (a fourth Gladiator seems to have been ignored by the wartime Maltese population, and was never christened).

A mock-up of a bi-plane was built for visual purposes (Whatever it was, it didn’t look like a Gladiator much, more like a Fulmar). But then, the theatre-going crowd were unlikely to be bothered by such inaccuracies.

Hellboats

No aircraft as such were used, but images of ME-109s and JU-87 Stukas were painted as murals, representing crashed aircraft from a distance. (Information on “aircraft” kindly supplied by Godfrey Mangion.) Story: The unsung work carried out by Royal Navy Motor Torpedo Boats in the Mediterranean during WW II.

The following had appeared on a 203 squadron Yahoo group. Due to changes in Yahoo policies, the group is no longer in existence.

”When I was in Malta during the Shackleton era I got to know one on the Captains of the TTL's quite well. They had been used as Navy gun boats during the making of a film called Hell Boats. He said it was a lot of fun because the RAF crews were put into RN uniforms and were allowed to grow beards and they crewed the boats during the shooting of the film.”

”For the final scene, where they are attacking a port in Sicily, his instructions were ‘as close as you can, as fast as you can, but for C*****'s sake don't bend it!’"

”The film company weren't allowed to pay the MCU (Marine Craft Unit), but they did have a very nice crew room built for them as a thank you.”

”It was a pretty bad film, but it was fun to watch to see how many people you could recognise and to identify the locations in Malta which were used in the film, mostly as locations in Sicily. I saw it in Malta when it was first released in 1970. I think it was filmed the year before 203 Sqn moved to Malta. And I've watched it a couple of times since, just to reminisce about places in Malta.”

Heroes in the sky

A Maltese documentary about British pilots who served in Malta during WWII. Included the use of Malta Aviation Museum’s Spitfire and Hurricane as background during interviews.

Largo Winch

Frequently seen at Med-Avia, B.727 P4-FLY was used between 07-08 September 2007 for both static and take-off/landing shots. Carried “Korsk Corporation” titling on the forward fuselage. Story: A billionaire is married and his secretly adopted son must prove his legitimacy, and find his killers to prevent them from taking over his father’s financial empire.

Maltageddon

A parody of the 1998 Hollywood film Armageddon, this Maltese-language film, released in 2009, sees the saving of the planet resting on the shoulders of an assorted bunch of ill-trained misfits. Parts of the film were shot at the Malta Aviation Museum at Ta’ Qali, DC-3 T9-ABC being easily recognisable.

Malta Story

Perhaps one of the better known films about Malta during the Second World War, this 1953 production told the story of Malta’s stubborn refusal to succumb to Axis bombing. Another important aspect was the scene showing the aircraft landing at Safi Strip. This landing strip fell into disuse after the war, and was completely obliterated with the extension of runway 13/31 (previously 14/32). The approximate location of this strip, however, can be judged by the red-domed chapel (commonly referred to as Ta’ Loretu) seen in the background.

Midnight Express

In the first few minutes of the film, entirely shot in Malta, passengers can be seen climbing on board an Air Malta B.720-B AP-AMJ used in the film, the letter ‘J’ being clearly readable on the nose. Story: The true events of an American tourist caught smuggling drugs in Turkey, and his eventual escape.

Misc – Bits & Pieces

Aerospatiale SA-365N Dauphin 2, 3A-MCM. Used for filming an advert at Rinella between 09-10.09.10. In Malta between 07-10.09.10

Eurocopter AS-305B-3 Ecureil, I-VIED. Used for filming at Rinella in conjunction with 3A-MCM on 09.09.10, departed on the 10th. Arrival date unknown.

A British Airways Bell 206, G-AWGU, was brought over to photograph the Middle Sea Race on 04 October 1973.

On 21 May 1984, Air Malta B.720-047B 9H-AAL was used for either a film or a commercial. Any further information will be welcome.

An unidentified autogyro was in Malta during October 1978, for a commercial or film shoot, but no further details are available.

Aerospatiale AS-350 Eurocopter, F-GFDL, left Malta on 08 January 2002 after filming a commercial at Rinella film facilities.

Although not shot in Malta, the James Bond thriller The World is not Enough featured a CASA 212 twin turbo-prop aircraft, registered F-GOGN, which was flown by two Maltese pilots, Mark Vella Tomlin and Joseph Aquilina.

A training video for Eurocontrol ATCO was shot at Malta’s ATC, using TB-20 Trinidad N123XX. This aircraft ditched in the sea on 25.11.11

Munich

This Steven Spielberg film, parts of which were shot around Malta during July/August 2005, made use of a BAC 111 stored at the maintenance facilities at Safi on 21 July. Although registered in Liberia as 9L-LDL, it still carries the titles of its previous owner, British World. (See also WW Z below.) Story: Mossad agents on the search for the PLO terrorists who killed the Israeli athletes participating in the Munich 1972 Olympics.

Paqpaq

A Maltese language motoring TV series. On 17th December 2006 (the anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first flight appropriately enough) the programme featured the Air Squadrons’ Bell 47G-2 AS7201, which has since been retired from active service, and donated to the Malta Aviation Museum. The programmes web site URL was also written on the 47’s canopy. Aerial shots taken by (unidentified) Alouette. The segment also included aerial shots of an Alouette and AB.212

Powerboat Racing – 1992

The first edition of the International Offshore Powerboat race was held in Malta on Sunday 21 June 1992.

Apart from the Air Squadrons’ and Italian Military Mission’s helicopters to provide SAR facilities, Bell 206 Jet Ranger, I-LLEO arrived on the 18th to provide an aerial platform for the cameras. This particular helicopter would again be seen the following year for the same event.

Also used was Malta Air Charter’s Mi-8 CCCP-24637.

Powerboat Racing – 1993

This was the second time the International Offshore Powerboat race was held in Malta as part of the Championship series.

The main race day was on June 27 and it attracted more visitors that the previous year. A number of helicopters acted as camera ships as well as providing rescue facilities. The following is a list helicopters used.

Bell 206 Jet Rangers G-BRMH, I-CELF and I-LLEO, AS.350B Ecureuils I-GLCL and 3A-MAC as well as AFM AB.47G-2s 9H-AAE and 9H-AAF, Alouettes 9H-AAW and 9H-AAX as well as two AB.212ASW from the Italian Military Mission, MM81210 and MM81215/15-16.

Also following the race from a higher altitude was Piper Lance 9H-ABU.

Powerboat Racing – 1994

The third international offshore powerboat race was held over the weekend of 18 and 19 June, 1994.

Acting as camera ships and providing rescue facilities for the main event on Sunday were Aerospatiale AS.350B2 Squirrel I-GLCL, Agusta A.109A-111 I-TOLU, AFM Air Squadron’s AB.47G-2s 9H-AAF and 9H-AAG, SA.316B Alouette III’s 9H-AAV and 9H-AAW, Nardi Hughes NH.369M 9H-ABY and Italian Military Mission AB.212 MM81211/15-11 from the 15 Stormo.

Following at a higher altitude was Piper Lance 9H-ABU.

Powerboat racing – 2007

Used to film the races was A. Aerospatiale AS-350BA Ecureuil I-GLOP in May 2007.

Sweeney 2

Air Malta Boeing 720 AP-AMJ appeared in a sequel to the film based on the television series. Story: Regan & Carter head a Flying Squad investigation into a series of bank raids by a team of well-armed villains who are flying in from the continent.

Swept Away

One of the early scenes shows a Gulfstream IV or V both taking off and landing, although reg is not visible. Saw this film (on DVD) for having been partly shot in Malta. Story . . . never mind!

The Battle for Malta (documentary)

Aired on BBC Two and BBC HD on 7th January 2013, this hour-long documentary examines what would have happened had Malta been forced to surrender to Nazi Germany during WWII. Me-108 G-EMTE was brought over for filming purposes.

Also making an appearance was Spitfire G-ASJV/MH434 which was participating in the Malta air show. It has since been learnt that filming of this documentary was delayed from July until September specifically to coincide with the Spitfire’s appearance.

The organisers asked the producers to share some of the expenses involved in bringing the aircraft to Malta but they refused.

The shots of the Spitfire flying over the Grand Harbour were taken when the aircraft was doing a flight requested by one of the owners.

The Fifth Missile

An Armed Forces of Malta helicopter, AB.206A JetRanger, 9H-AAJ, was painted up as a US Navy machine for this television mini-series shot in Malta in 1985. It carried serial number 751. The colours worn by 9H-AAJ were a mix of water paint and dishwashing liquid soap, to facilitate the colour’s removal after filming had ended. Story: The crew of a US Navy nuclear submarine is struck by toxic poisoning from their newly painted vessel.

The Investigators

Harry Falzon’s Cessna’s 172, 9H-AAD, was used in the pilot episode at the former airfield of Hal-Far in 1973. A DC-6 can be seen in the background undergoing maintenance at MIACO.

The Martian Chronicles

Having been based in Malta during WWII, and paid another visit in a Canberra in January 1953, Wing Commander Kenneth H. Wallis was next to visit Malta in 1969, regarding the possibility of opening an autogyro production line in Malta. Sadly, nothing came of this project. His next visit was to be in November 1978to fly an autogyro for this film.

Wing Commander Wallis had already flown his autogyros for a number of films, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice.

Story: Manned probes are sent from Earth to Mars, to establish a human colony on the red planet.

The Mystery of the Missing Ace

On 20 May 2003, the Malta Aviation Museum was one of the locations used for the shooting of a documentary about the life of Wing Commander Adrian Warburton, a Royal Air Force World War II pilot, who spent three years based in Malta. He was the CO of 69 and 683 Squadrons. A reconnaissance pilot, he went missing in a Lockheed P-38 Lighting over Germany on 12 April 1944, and it wasn’t until November 2002 that his remains were finally discovered. Although the Aviation Museum had requested that his body be buried in Malta, it was at the Commonwealth War Cemetery at Durnbach, Germany, where he was shot down, that he was finally laid to rest, with full military honours. The documentary had actors Ben Stuart as Wing Commander Adrian Warburton, and Irene Christ as Christina Radcliffe, Adrian’s girlfriend. It was aired on BBC 2 on 14 November 2003, as part of that station’s Timewatch series.

The Protectors

A sequence for this TV series was shot on 30 December 1971 at the old civil terminal, using a DC-3 of the LAVCO airline (Libyan Aviation Company), registered N484F. For the shoot, the aircraft’s airline tiles and registration on the port side were painted over.

The Silent Enemy

After spending several months in storage at Safi Maintenance Unit following its crash landing at RAF Luqa on 13 January 1956, a Neptune aircraft was sold in May 1957 to Remus Films who dumped it over the cliffs at Hal-Far for underwater shots. The British Film Institute (www.bfi.org.uk) thinks it was used for this film. Story: The true story of how Commander Lionel Crabbe with two other divers fought off Italian Navy frogmen placing mines against Allied ships in 1941.

Treasure Hunt

Before The Fifth Missile and Black Eagle, JetRanger 9H-AAJ had already faced the cameras in September 1983, when it was used to transport the female presenter of this British TV series for an episode that was shot in Malta.

Trenchcoat

Having already faced the cameras as AP-AMJ (Midnight Express, Sweeney 2) an Air Malta B. 720 is seen landing at Luqa and taxing in Park 8 as 9H-AAN. Shot in Malta in 1983. Story: A woman aspiring to be a mystery writer, on a two-week visit to Malta, ends up being embroiled in an “international plot”.

TROY

The filming of this epic in June-July 2003 brought some welcome aviation giants to MIA. Volga-Dnepr An-124, RA-82044, and British Airways B.747-400, G-CIVR were used to transport equipment and cast respectively to Mexico, after their shoot in Malta had ended. Also used for air-to-ground shots was a specially modified helicopter, an Aerospatiale AS-355F-2 Ecureuil 2, I-VREM. Story: How one woman caused the destruction of the city of Troy.

U-571

25 March 1999 saw a real gem of an aircraft landing in Malta – a WWII-vintage Fiat G.55, two-seat, single-engined aircraft, representing a Luftwaffe aircraft, complete with Iron Crosses and swastika. Bearing Italian registration I-MRSV, it flew daily, sometimes twice during its stay here. Also used in connection with the filming was Italian-registered helicopter Aerospatiale Ecureuil, I-NDIO. A couple of angry letters in the Maltese press, quite rightly pointing out that America didn’t get embroiled in the war until December 1941. Story: A US submarine crew capture an Enigma machine from a U-boat in 1940/early 1941.

Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya (Will You Come from the Sky?)

A Tamil romantic comedy, about a Christian girl and Hindu boy, parts of which were shot in the Maltese Islands in April/May 2009. An AFM Alouette was also utilised by the production company.

WW Z (World War Zombie)

Cameraship 3A-MXC of Heli Air Monaco arrived on 26.06.11 (a Sunday), being joined by 3A-MJP a few days later. Shortly after its arrival ‘JP was re-sprayed as an Israeli military helo, including Star of David, but retaining its civil identity. Although they landed at MIA, they would be based in what in Malta are known as the Trade Fair grounds, Naxxar (under guard).

BD-700, N86TW, brought Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt to Malta on 11.06.11.

Also used were two Bell UH-1. One carried civil identity ‘D-HAQO’ representing a helicopter blown up during the terrorist attack that killed Israeli athletes during the 1972 Olympic Games. It is a dead certainty that it was used in Stephen Spielberg's feature film Munich.

The second one is thought to be c/n 5232, serial no. 66-0749.

Also brought over for filming purposes connected with the film was A.310, CS-TEX.