This might be to some interest for the Lysander fans.
Today, I was at the Oldtimer Fly inn at schaffen Diest in Belgium when I got the chance to talk with some people of the Sabena Old Timers (SOT). The team still exists after the ‘death’ of Sabena. The group is now part of Sabena Technicks which is still a living company.
I had the chance to speak with one of the mecanics of SOT. He told me that good progress has been made on the restoration of their Lysander. The fuselage is almost completly done. The group hopes to fit the engine during the winter. The first engine tests are expected to take place at the end of 2004 or early 2005. The good news is that they hope to get the Lysander ready for the 2005 airshowseason. 🙂
So with a little luck, OO-SOT will be flying next year. I hope they can complete their project. The team had some difficult times and I wish them all the best for the future.
J.V.
PS: See this nice bage I bought last year to support them:
By: Stieglitz - 15th August 2004 at 06:40
Almost forgot this (as I was so pleased to bring the Lissy news 😉 )
The SOT have currently some more projects. They are busy with two DH82a tigermoths. One of them is almost ready. The team has a restored and running Gipsy Major for the machine. I’ve seen pics of its recent engine tests.
Next to al tis, the team has a Lockheed Lodestar. This restoration to airworthy condition will start when the Lysander is completed. This project will be a big challenge because they never worked on a plane with such a size. It is a project that might take some years to complete and it is intended to paint it in SABENA colours when it is completed.
So you can’t say they don’t have great plans!
J.V.
By: Stieglitz - 14th August 2004 at 22:06
Great news! Here’s to seeing a pair of Lysanders in formation over Duxford again at Legends 2005. 🙂
Yep, would be a nice thought for the next Legends. Let’s hope the plane get’s ready in time. But I think it is great news that the SOT are still active and capable of bringing this beauty back! I think in the far future, there could be a formation of to Lysanders and 2 Gladiators. Wouldn’t that be nice. 😎 But I don’t think TFC gladiator is going to fly in time for the Legends 2005 😮 .
J.V.
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August 14, 2004 at 6:50 pm