Charlwood

Absolutely,

With ‘LIVE’ airframes We have to be more and more flexible in the current climate, it just requires far more effort these days when it comes to fund raising to buy the go Juice!

MJR
www.gatwick-aviaition-museum.co.uk

Shame it seems preserving any aircraft is getting harder work, what with the price of fuel and the dreaded insurance.

Any way wishing you guys and everyone else in the same boat alot of luck and keep up the good work.

Hi D747,

Yes, we are aware that some groups use heating fuel too, but it is a very false economy to use this stuff, you save approx 5 pence per litre over Regular AVTUR, but it is damaging to the aircraft fuel systems and seals. So a no go unfortunately.

MJR
www.gatwick-aviation-museum.co.uk

Hi Peter

With regards to your fuel situation I have heard off Groups using heating fuel as an alternative for Jet A1, for ground runners, is this of any use to you and is it actually a viable alternative for both running and reducing costs??

Yes, the Sea Vixen is still a runner! Small, incremetal amounts of work have been carried out on her over the past couple of years. We really need fuel for her now to continue to keep those Avon 208s blasting away though. We intend to run the Vixen a few times this year (Assuming the fuel situation can be resolved).

Nice photo’s is the Sea Vixen still able to ground run ?

HI 747,

Many thanks from GAM.

Yes there are comprehensive plans for Hunter T7 XL591. She last flew in 1997. 591 will receive the same comprehensive re-build as the lightning, begining this summer with a full repaint to EPTS colours. The general scrappy fininsh belies its very good condition, hence we have procured a very low hour engine and new jet pipe, along with over 30,000 new spares to aid our re-build. Work has already started on the electrical and hydraulic systems. We estimate it will take about 18 months to return 591 to ground run. Unfortunately, no chance of returning our single seat to run, we have to limit the number of runners, due to the costs involved, both in terms of manpower and running costs, not to mention time constraints!

MJR

www.gatwick-aviation-museum.co.uk

Yes indeed keep up the good work. What are the plans for the T7 Hunter I was looking back through my records and found this one XL591 was only flying a few years back are there any plans to get her back running again. Nearly didnt recognise the single seat Hunter a well deserved and well done paint job she now looks a lot more complete with all panels fitted any chance this one will run?

Peter,

You are, I suggest. the exception that proves the rule. Museums who expend a significant amount of time on their outdoor exhibits will reap the rewards as and when they can be placed undercover. Imagine only doing a job once! They are still a number of museums that have insufficient resource, personnel as well as cash, to be able to do this, and their airframes are deteriorating all the time. Some of the airframes under my care fall into this category, and I do my best to avoid it, but it is not easy!

Well done for doing such a good job on the airframes in your care

Bruce

On behalf of the “small team” at GAM I wish to thank all of those who have made such kind, positive remarks. Not all outside exhibit museums are doomed to see their exhibits rot quickly away, unlike some of the doom merchants who post here regularly seem to foretell. It is true that of course that they can only truly be preserved under cover. However, until then we will endeavor to hold the line ready for the day when they come inside. Yes, the Lightning is making steady, progress. Although anyone watching the attempts fit the “puzzle piece” that was the starboard flap on Saturday may have doubted it!

I second that. The effort that the team, which i understand is rather small, is great we all know how had it is to preserve the machines outside in the harsh British environment. I visited Gatwick Aviation Museum a few years back now and i must say the transformation is well recieved so too a few new additions.
I hear that the lightning is making great progress and that the team plan to run the S1 Buccaneer and one of the Sea Princes again this summer.

The team that looks after the aircraft should be highly commended for their efforts, not only looking after the individual aircraft but having them run up as well!
A definate must see next time I cross the pond!

Very nice, i’d love to get there one day, especially to see the two Whirlwinds and Shackletons

Very nice, Thank’s muchly.

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