October 28, 2012 at 4:06 pm
Came across this one and thought other’s might be interested…
By: richw_82 - 2nd November 2012 at 09:27
The video is an old one. This was before WL790 went to Midland.
bureaucratic issues were the ones involving the CAA and the fatigue life issue – meaning a return to the UK would have seen WL790 grounded unless replacement spars and other structure was done.
WL790 was kept at Midland with the CAF and borrowed hangar space a couple of times. She was retired to Pima Air Museum at the end of 2007, which to date is the last flight by a taildragger Shackleton. 1722 in South Africa did a couple of flights in 2008 before being grounded.
Currently there are no flying Shackletons anywhere in the world. 🙁
By: Flying_Pencil - 2nd November 2012 at 03:17
Saw her Midland 2005, twice!
Then again in 2009 (I think) when I came to hop ride in B-24A Diamond Lil
Good to see she will have a better place to stay.
Word is the owners had too many bureaucratic issues, and possibly they did not want to join CAF, maybe? CAF did offer rap space, but the hangar was full with Fifi, Lil, and maybe some other big bird. Ask in WIX.
Very intimidating grandson of Lancaster. Surprised it has a nose gear version of Shak too.
BTW, see how the tail was twisting under strain of those mighty Griffins??
Some WIX postings about said Shack
http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4815
http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5077
http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1608
Last said:
The Shackelton at Midland is indeed owned by Air Atlantique, and on loan to the CAF becuase the CAA will not give them a Permit to Fly in the UK. It was for a time based at the Polar Avaition Musuem up here in Minnesota. As for it being the only airworthy Shckelton I’m not sure, there may still be one or two in South Africa.
I posted to glean any new info.
By: hampden98 - 28th October 2012 at 17:44
It’s seems an age ago now but I can remember these flying in 89.
What’s the story of it being in America, was it a trade?
By: steve64 - 28th October 2012 at 17:31
Nice to see one actually flying. Thanks for posting.
By: richw_82 - 28th October 2012 at 16:55
Just seen this… a great video. A shame WL790 doesn’t look quite like that any more.
By: Dr Strangelove - 28th October 2012 at 16:23
Good vid, if you ignore the dodgy captions 😀