I’ve read in the aviation press recently that the group who operate DH Comet 4 ‘Canopus’ G-CPDA/XS235 have been making headway with the CAA regarding manufacturer’s approval and other beuraeucratic (spelling?) areas,clearing the way for the possibility of Canopus taking to the skies once again.What I wonder is how practical a proposition it would be.We’ve already seen the time and trouble (not to mention cash) which has had to go into the Vulcon project,so what chances are there for the Comet?
It would be great to see the Comet fly again,I have a vague memory of seeing her at Fairford shortly before she was retired and it would be great to have an example of the world’s first jetliner preserved in airworthy condition.
Over to you…
By: Ant.H - 22nd December 2003 at 20:28
I share Steve and Doughnut’s opinion in theory,but part of my question was to ask whether getting Canopus flying would be any less of a saga than the Vulcan project has been so far.If the project looks like being more straightforward,then I would support a restoration to fly.Certainly something needs to be done with her,if she’s kept outdoors she won’t last too long even if they do continue to taxi her.
By: Arabella-Cox - 22nd December 2003 at 20:22
Originally posted by DOUGHNUT
Please lets not repeat the XH558 saga and tear apart a perfectly second ground running airframe in the vein hope that it will one day fly.
Hear hear.
By: British Canuck - 22nd December 2003 at 17:01
Whom takes care of Canopus? I had read in this forum that her engines are perhaps due to some TLC (getting alittle rusty perhaps)
I would prefer to see her kept in her current colours.
By: DOUGHNUT - 22nd December 2003 at 16:31
Just reading MIKE J’s comment on the DC-3 passenger flying within the USA and the requirement to fit security doors to the cockpit. Are there different levels of commerial opperation within the FAA? I ask because if this regulation and its cost are the reason for stopping to use the DC-3, it may also affect the few passenger riding Convairs, Martins and Connies.
DOUGHNUT
By: DOUGHNUT - 22nd December 2003 at 16:25
Please lets not repeat the XH558 saga and tear apart a perfectly second ground running airframe in the vein hope that it will one day fly.
DOUGHNUT
By: dhfan - 22nd December 2003 at 15:24
I seem to recall reading that as Canopus has been modified over the years, the CAA don’t consider her to be a Comet now.
By: robbelc - 21st December 2003 at 17:32
The Rapides and Daks have been in commercial service for 50+ years so I guess the paperwork is allready in place. The Comet has not been in civil service since about 1978 so things will take longer. I would guess getting a permit to fly for use in shows would be alot easier than getting a C of A for pax work. Obviously it would not be in true commercial service just operated on a similar basis to the Air Atlantic Daks when pleasure flying.
By: Eddie - 21st December 2003 at 17:07
Originally posted by RobAnt
Well that would seem unlikely given the cost of strengthening cockpit doors, if recent reports are to be believed – half a mill.Whether thats half a mil dollars or pounds seems pretty much moot, its too expensive I would imagine.
How does the law apply to aircraft such as a Dragon Rapide? It’s still an airliner, isn’t it?
By: RobAnt - 21st December 2003 at 17:05
Well that would seem unlikely given the cost of strengthening cockpit doors, if recent reports are to be believed – half a mill.
Whether thats half a mil dollars or pounds seems pretty much moot, its too expensive I would imagine.
By: robbelc - 21st December 2003 at 16:47
It would be great to see her back in the air. I have great memories of seeing the Farnborough ones in the circuit in the 80’s.
However the only way this project seems to be viable is if she is used for pleasure flights and not purely for show appearances. But would the CAA allow this??? Is it still planed for her to go to Lasham for certification if all goes well?
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December 21, 2003 at 3:58 pm