Museum’s tend to provide research access to aircraft and archives for free, other than costs incurred in photocopying etc, it would be reasonable for Hendon to fully recover their paid staff costs if they did choose to open up their wing for your requirements.

Equally if Hendon wanted you to open up your wing for them you might as easily ask whats in it for you to incurr that same 20 hours of work? I dont really see the relevence to that point?

The relevance is easy, my time equally is not free and not unlimited. Someone suggested that information in the hands of restorers ends up being lost. Whilst that may be true in some cases, it is equally true in the case of museums. However, generally I find the level of technical knowledge is usually extremely high in the case of restorers especially about the current project.

Couple that with flying the aeroplane and you need to have the operational knowledge to do before and after flight inspections, and the skill to actually fly the beast.

That’s a lot of knowledge and in the circles of restorers that knowledge is maintained and passed on. Sure its not the general public, its a select group.

To join that group its a case of having a purpose of being a member and then establishing ones credibility. Having done that a wealth of knowledge is available. Tire kickers soon get short shift!

Its not just a case of a glitsy paint job and a bit of corrosion control, systems actually need to function, engines and electrical circuits need to be working (safely), things like windscreens need not only be intact, but actually serviceable

cheers